Added: Dec 17, 2011

From: salfordianthe

Duration: 1:37

The South Pacific island nation of Papua New Guinea has two men claiming to be prime minister in a political stand-off. The two leaders each say they are in power, with both arguing that they have the support of different police chiefs and governor generals. The power struggle is unprecedented for the island, which is rich in mineral resources such as oil, gold and copper, and crops like coffee and cocoa. Sir Michael Somare, who is 76 and was elected prime minister in 2002, went to Singapore earlier this year for medical treatment. When he returned to Papua New Guinea his position had been taken by rival politician Peter O'Neill. The island's Supreme Court ruled that Sir Michael Somare was illegally removed as leader, but politicians loyal to Mr O'Neill have passed legislation recognising him as prime minister. The battle between the two rivals escalated on Tuesday, when politicians backing Mr O'Neill stormed the governor general's gates. Sir Michael Somare said on Wednesday that his cabinet had been sworn in by the governor general, Sir Michael Ogio, who is the Queen's representative of the Commonwealth country. He said he did not need to be sworn in as he was already prime minister. But a majority of the country's 109 politicians later voted to suspend Sir Michael Ogio and replace him temporarily with Speaker Jeffery Nape. Mr Nape then swore in Mr O'Neill as prime minister, but Sir Michael Somare dismissed Sir Michael Ogio's suspension as corrupt. Mr O'Neill's political supporters have occupied parliament since Monday. Both men claiming to be prime minister have chosen police chiefs who are now attempting to maintain law and order as the stand-off continues. Sir Michael Somare has based himself at a beach hotel, where he has set up a Cabinet made up mostly of ministers from his previous government. Australian foreign minister Kevin Rudd said the leadership battle had put the former Australian colony into unchartered waters. Australia and Papua New Guinea share an important trade relationship. Australia is Papua New Guinea's top export market, as well as its top source of imports. Papua New Guinea relies on Australia for fuel, food, cars and foreign aid. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall are due to visit Papua New Guinea next year as part of a tour to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Channel: News

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