PNGBLOGS

Rallying support: O'Neill and Namah this afternoon Credit: IDPNG PNG's Prime Minister Peter O'Neill says he intends to introduce legislative changes forcing PMs to retire at 72. The political crisis appears to have eased with Mr O'Neill securing the support of the governor-general, most MPs, the public service, the police and the defence force. However, his rival 75-year-old Sir Michael Somare said he's determined to be returned as prime minister. Mr O'Neill has told Pacific Beat's Bruce Hill that won't be possible when the legislative changes are in place. Late this afternoon Prime Minister O'Neill and Namah came out to meet supports again at the Parliament roundabout. Activist Noel Anjo who rallied the crowd said this was to allow O'Neill to address and update Papua New Guineans and at the same time was presented with three petitions. 1 . To name the open space at the back of National Archives "Constitutional & Parliamentary Grou

Rallying support: O'Neill and Namah this afternoon Credit: IDPNG PNG's Prime Minister Peter O'Neill says he intends to introduce legislative changes forcing PMs to retire at 72. The political crisis appears to have eased with Mr O'Neill securing the support of the governor-general, most MPs, the public service, the police and the defence force. However, his rival 75-year-old Sir Michael Somare said he's determined to be returned as prime minister. Mr O'Neill has told Pacific Beat's Bruce Hill that won't be possible when the legislative changes are in place. Late this afternoon Prime Minister O'Neill and Namah came out to meet supports again at the Parliament roundabout. Activist Noel Anjo who rallied the crowd said this was to allow O'Neill to address and update Papua New Guineans and at the same time was presented with three petitions. 1 . To name the open space at the back of National Archives "Constitutional & Parli

Somare:Losing grip with reality In Papua New Guinea Sir Michael Somare is refusing to relinquish a claim to the Prime Ministership despite the seeming unassaible position of his rival. PNG's governor-general has met Peter O'Neill and his supporters, prompting speculation the leadership crisis is closer to being resolved. In Parliament, Mr O'Neill announced that last week's suspension of Governor-General, Sir Michael Ogio had been lifted. The speaker, Geoffrey Nape said Sir Michael Ogio had written a letter apologising for swearing at ministers loyal to the former prime minister, Sir Michael Somare last week. Mr O'Neill and his supporters travelled to Government House on Monday afternoon to meet with the head of state. A box of champagne was also taken inside. Mr O'Neill said the meeting was a courtesy call to reconcile with the governor-general. Observers say Mr O'Neill has the support of a large number of the public, as well as the parliament. But Si

Somare:Losing grip with reality In Papua New Guinea Sir Michael Somare is refusing to relinquish a claim to the Prime Ministership despite the seeming unassaible position of his rival. PNG's governor-general has met Peter O'Neill and his supporters, prompting speculation the leadership crisis is closer to being resolved. In Parliament, Mr O'Neill announced that last week's suspension of Governor-General, Sir Michael Ogio had been lifted. The speaker, Geoffrey Nape said Sir Michael Ogio had written a letter apologising for swearing at ministers loyal to the former prime minister, Sir Michael Somare last week. Mr O'Neill and his supporters travelled to Government House on Monday afternoon to meet with the head of state. A box of champagne was also taken inside. Mr O'Neill said the meeting was a courtesy call to reconcile with the governor-general. Observers say Mr O'Neill has the support of a large number of the public, as well as the parliament.

Namah and O'Neill sworn in as Legitimate Government Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio has recognised Peter O'Neill as the legitimate Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea. In a surprising twist of events today, Sir Michael wrote a letter to O'Neill, which was read to Parlaiment today, saying how apologetic he was.  He said both sides must reconcile as soon as possible for the good of the country. Following that, the O'Neill Cabinet quickly lifted its suspension of Sir Michael as Governor-General.  O'Neill and his Cabinet are now at Government House meeting with Sir Michael. Chief Secretary Manasupe Zurenuoc says he recognises Peter O'Neill as the legitimate prime minister of Papua New Guinea and not Sir Michael Somare.  Zurenuoc, who has met both O'Neill and Sir Michael, said while the Supreme Court has restored Sir Michael as prime minister, he did not have the numbers to rule. "We accept the fact that the Supreme Court has restored Sir Michael Soma