MOSCOW. Jan 12 (Interfax) - The Russian embassy to Indonesia has issued a travel alert for the island state of Papua New Guinea due to political instability and unrest.
"Anti-governmental disturbances have broken out in the independent state of Papua New Guinea. Given the domestic political destabilization, we recommend that Russian citizens abstain from visiting this country until the situation is resolved," the embassy said.
The unrest in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea, started on January 10, when the police and army went on strike to protest against salary cuts. Hundreds of looters took to the street to rob and set fire to stores. Several people were killed.
Troops and police from other provinces were rushed to Port Moresby to restore order.
Papua New Guinea declared a state of emergency. Six members of parliament resigned and urged Prime Minister James Marape to act likewise, as he was unable to maintain order in the country.
Papua New Guinea is located in the southwest of the Pacific. It occupies the eastern part of New Guinea Island and several islands nearby. The country is famous for its lavish flora and fauna, beaches, and coral reefs.