1 Feb 2012

PNG's Somare says he is ready to go to jail over legitimacy claim

1:24 pm on 1 February 2012

Papua New Guinea's veteran politician, Sir Michael Somare, says he is prepared to go to jail for what he knows is the right thing.

This comes amid a protracted power struggle as PNG is awaiting a further court ruling on the legitimacy of the Peter O'Neill-led administration.

Sir Michael maintains to be the legitimate prime minister based on last December's Supreme Court decision.

He has told the newspaper, The National, that Mr O'Neill and his deputy themselves should come to his residence and hand him an arrest warrant.

He also says the government of Peter O'Neill should drop what he calls the charade and uphold the constitution by restoring Sir Michael to power.

Meanwhile, Colonel Yaura Sasa, who led last week's failed mutiny, has been released on bail.

Col Sasa is not allowed to leave the capital, Port Moresby, and he is required to report every Wednesday at the National Court.