Papua New Guinea's Petroleum and Energy Minister, Sir Moi Avei, has been sworn in as deputy prime minister following a year-long delay in appointing someone to the post.
The PNG Government has lacked a deputy prime minister since Prime Minister, Sir Michael Somare, sacked Moses Maladina in May last year.
The Australian Associated Press says Sir Michael faced a court challenge over the delay last month, prompting him to promise that a replacement would soon be appointed.
The challenge was brought by Morobe Governor Luther Wenge, who last month won a Supreme Court case overturning the legal immunities of Australian Police in PNG.
