Political crisis deepens in Papua New Guinea
- 12 years ago
Parliament in Papua New Guinea, centre of a deepening political crisis ahead of next year's elections in the resource-rich nation.
When Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare was overseas receiving medical treatment, political rival Peter O'Neill seized power.
After Somare was reinstated on Wednesday by the Governor-General - ruling that O'Neill had toppled him illegally - O'Neill recommended the Governor-General be sacked.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) PETER O'NEILL SAYING:
"We recommend for his immediate suspension to the parliament today. Thank you."
The O'Neill-dominated parliament appointed a new Governor-General, and O'Neill was again sworn in as leader of the island nation.
The deadlock continues, in a country where both the police and the army are heavily armed, and a breakdown in the security forces could be disastrous.
Nick Rowlands, Reuters.
When Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare was overseas receiving medical treatment, political rival Peter O'Neill seized power.
After Somare was reinstated on Wednesday by the Governor-General - ruling that O'Neill had toppled him illegally - O'Neill recommended the Governor-General be sacked.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) PETER O'NEILL SAYING:
"We recommend for his immediate suspension to the parliament today. Thank you."
The O'Neill-dominated parliament appointed a new Governor-General, and O'Neill was again sworn in as leader of the island nation.
The deadlock continues, in a country where both the police and the army are heavily armed, and a breakdown in the security forces could be disastrous.
Nick Rowlands, Reuters.