PNG's deputy PM dumped in reshuffle

PNG's deputy PM dumped in reshuffle

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Deputy Prime Minister Allan Marat was one of
two ministers dropped from Papua New Guinea's Cabinet on
Wednesday in a reshuffle.

Prime Minister Michael Somare said the changes were aimed at
strengthening the ruling coalition ahead of an important
parliamentary vote. Marat was dropped after he was dismissed as
the head of a party in the coalition.

Parliament is considering ambitious constitutional changes,
which would better protect the government from frequent no-
confidence votes. Labor Minister Peter Yama, who had opposed the
changes, was also fired.

Former fisheries minister Andrew Baing has been appointed
deputy prime minister, Paul Tiensten took over the trade
ministry, formerly held by the deputy prime minister, and Tom
Tomiape was appointed as minister of labor. -- AFP