O’Neill, who has been prime minister for seven years, has handed the leadership to Sir Julius Chan. Chan, 79, is a former prime minister of Papua New Guinea, having served in the top job from 1980 to 1982, as the country’s second ever prime minister, and then again from 1994 to 1997. His second term as prime minister was controversial for his handling of the Bougainville civil war. “I have worked with Peter on three different portfolios, as the minister of immigration, as the treasurer, as prime minister. My simple message to Peter O’Neill, and I look forward to passing this on soon personally, is thank you.

Source: The Guardian May 26, 2019 04:20 UTC