Papua New Guinea Dismisses Biden's Cannibalism Remark as "Loose Talk
Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister dismisses President Biden's suggestion of cannibalism regarding his uncle's disappearance during World War II as "loose talk," emphasizing the enduring strength of the bilateral relationship.
se" talk that misrepresents the US leader's sentiment towards the country.
Speaking in an interview following Biden's controversial remarks, Marape emphasized the enduring strength of the bilateral relationship, characterizing Biden's statement as a fleeting lapse rather than a reflection of his overall attitude towards Papua New Guinea.
Biden's comment, made last week, suggested that his uncle, Ambrose Finnegan, who went missing over the Pacific nation during the war, might have fallen victim to cannibals due to the region's historical association with such practices.
However, US defense records indicate that Finnegan's plane was downed over the ocean under unclear circumstances, with no evidence to support the cannibalism theory.
Marape highlighted that in his multiple encounters with Biden, the US president had consistently expressed warmth and respect towards Papua New Guinea, never alluding to such stereotypes.
The Prime Minister underscored Papua New Guinea's efforts to combat outdated perceptions and focus on more significant aspects of the relationship, urging Biden and his administration to prioritize efforts to clear unexploded ordnance leftover from World War II, which continues to pose a danger to communities in remote areas.
Marape's call for action resonates with ongoing efforts, as evidenced by joint bomb disposal missions involving Australia and the United States, which have already resulted in the destruction of significant quantities of wartime munitions on Papua New Guinea's islands.
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