PNG leader Somare resigns: report
SYDNEY — Papua New Guinea's veteran leader Michael Somare is resigning the prime ministership due to ill health, a report said Tuesday, citing his son.The 75-year-old underwent heart surgery earlier this…
SYDNEY — Papua New Guinea's veteran leader Michael Somare is resigning the prime ministership due to ill health, a report said Tuesday, citing his son.The 75-year-old underwent heart surgery earlier this year in a Singapore hospital and his son Arthur told a press conference in the capital Port Moresby he would not return to politics, state broadcaster ABC said.The son was cited as saying Sir Michael had made the decision to permanently step down from the premiership, although the prime minister's office was unable to confirm this to AFP.Somare has dominated Papua New Guinea's fractious political scene for decades and his reported retirement after more than 40 years in parliament is the end of an era in the impoverished Pacific island nation.He stepped aside in April for a two-week suspension from office after being found guilty of financial misconduct dating back 20 years, but later extended the leave for medical reasons.Somare's deputy Sam Abal was promoted to acting prime minister. Copyright © 2011 AFP. All rights reserved. More »
last modification 2011-06-28 09:15:33
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