A former Papua New Guinea prime minister has warned the Solomon Islands prime minister, Manasseh Sogavare, to butt out of PNG politics after publicly backing Sir Michael Somare to win in forthcoming elections.
Sir Mekere Morauta says he was shocked by Mr Sogavare's interference in PNG politics during a stopover in Port Moresby.
He says he finds it extraordinary that Mr Sogavare wants to see Sir Michael returned as prime minister following the elections starting in a month.
Sir Mekere says Mr Sogavare needs to understand that as the prime minister of a neighbouring country, it is his job to work with whoever is elected PNG prime minister.
