14 Dec 2011

In Papua New Guinea the Somare camp reports its Cabinet line up sworn in

1:35 pm on 14 December 2011

The Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, the Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, says his cabinet has today been sworn in at Government House by Governor General Sir Michael Ogio.

In a statement Sir Michael says that despite the events of the last couple of days he's confident that commonsense will prevail.

He says in compliance with the Supreme Court order a gazettal is in place recognising him as the legitimate Prime Minister.

Sir Michael says it is important that PNG has another 36 years, and more, of stability by recognising and respecting the different arms of government; the judiciary, the legislature and the executive.

He says the country will be facing elections soon and the people of PNG can then play their role in electing MPs to once again represent their interests in Parliament.

Sir Michael says for now his government will ensure that good decisions taken in the absence of a legitimate government are carried forward and other changes that need to take place are implemented before we move in to the election period.