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