FED:PNG PM not seriously ill, he tells radio

AAP General News (Australia)
04-12-2011
FED:PNG PM not seriously ill, he tells radio

(Eds: reissuing, correcting `Commission' to `Corporation'



By Eoin Blackwell

SYDNEY, April 12 AAP - Papua New Guinea's suspended prime minister, Michael Somare,
has called PNG's national broadcaster to dispel media reports he is seriously ill.

Sir Michael is in Singapore to undergo minor surgery and celebrate his 75th birthday,
and expects to resume the prime ministership on April 19.

On Tuesday The Australian newspaper reported Sir Michael was seriously ill, with his
family flying to Singapore to be at his side as he underwent surgery for what was understood
to be a longstanding heart condition.

But Sir Michael called the National Broadcasting Corporation just before 1500 AEST
to say he was undergoing only minor surgery.

"He said that he's there for his normal medical check-up," National Broadcasting Corporation
journalist Gregory Moses told AAP.

"He goes there for the check up every quarter.

"His family, his grandchildren are also there because of his 75th birthday, which is
today ... he said it was nothing serious."

Mr Moses said he thought Sir Michael sounded normal over the phone.

The PM will be admitted to hospital tomorrow and said he was confident he would be
out by next week.

Sir Michael vacated the office of prime minister on April 4 after being found guilty
by a specially convened court of failing to correctly fill out and lodge financial returns
spanning back 20 years.

He was sentenced to a two-week suspension from office.

During the trial the PM suffered breathing problems and had to use a puffer.

His deputy, Sam Abal, is serving as prime minister in his absence.

Sir Michael's spokeswoman, his daughter Betha Somare, could not be reached for comment.

AAP eb/dep

KEYWORD: PNG SOMARE (REISSUING)

� 2011 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.