PNG News Updates - PNG prime minister Somare suspended

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PNG prime minister Somare suspended

Melbourne Age - March 25, 2011

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Port Moresby – Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare has been suspended from office for two weeks after being found guilty of 13 charges of misconduct.

A three-man tribunal handed down the decision yesterday to a packed courtroom that for two weeks had heard the case regarding the PM's failure to lodge financial returns, dating as far back as 20 years ago.

Tribunal chairman Roger Gyles and Sir Bruce Roberts ruled two to one in favour of suspension, while Sir Robin Auld wanted Sir Michael to be dismissed from office. "There was no serious culpability warranting dismal," Mr Gyles said. "The Prime Minister is suspended from office without pay from and including April 4 for 14 days."