Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Steps Aside

Sir Michael Somare, the prime minister of Papua New Guinea, stepped aside Dec. 13 while a tribunal investigates allegations he failed to file required financial statements. New Guinea's newly appointed deputy prime minister and Somare's close ally will serve as prime minister during the tribunal's investigation, meaning Somare should retain a great deal of influence over Papua New Guinea's government in the short term. This means that significant changes in the island country's policy toward China and Australia are not likely to be made any time soon.