Somare suspended

Angoram MP and Public Enterprises Minister Arthur Somare (right) was yesterday suspended from office by a leadership tribunal hearing allegations of official misconduct against him, The National reports.

 The three-member tribunal is chaired by Justice Salatiel Lenalia. Somare's suspension was in accordance with section 27(2) of the Organic Law on Duties and Responsibilities of Leadership.

 It also consolidated the provision of section 28 of the Organic Law that a leader, once referred to a tribunal, is automatically suspended from office. The tribunal will, on Thursday, rule on applications for an adjournment until Aug 16 to give both parties time to prepare themselves. – Nationalpic by AURI EVA