I haven't retired yet - Somare

Sir Michael, 75, was "retired" by his family in June over fears for his health – he has had three heart operations since April – and his ability to run the country.

They announced his resignation without consulting the veteran politician, who they said was in intensive care and too ill to discuss his future at the time. Since then, parliament voted to declare the position vacant and appoint a replacement, former finance minister Peter O'Neill. But Sir Michael, who had been in parliament for more than 40 years and has served more than 17 years as prime minister, has issued a defiant statement, saying he is willing and able to complete his term and that there had "never been any vacancy in the position of prime minister".

"Let me be clear. I am ready, willing and able to complete my term as the only legally elected prime minister of Papua New Guinea," he said. His son, Arthur, said Sir Michael would return to Papua New Guinea at the weekend from Singapore, where he has been receiving treatment, and appear in parliament next week. But Arthur Somare said he hoped his father would announce his retirement from politics soon.

Mr O'Neill has dismissed Sir Michael's claims on the leadership. "In so far as government is concerned, parliament has spoken overwhelmingly against [Sir Michael's] government and elected a new government," he said. Under PNG law, if a member of parliament misses three consecutive sittings they can be dismissed.  

-The Telegraph

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