Government `in absolute control'

PORT MORESBY - The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Sir Julius Chan, said yesterday his government was in "absolute control" of the South Pacific nation and that, the rebel army chief who demanded his resignation had stood down. Sir Julius told a news conference that a police investigation was under way into Brigadier-General Jerry Singirok's action, which, he said, was "gross insubordination and bordering on treason".