A former Vanuatu prime minister says praise heaped on the late Sir Michael Somare as a supporter of political freedom in the region is misplaced.
Barak Sope s comments strike a contrasting tone to the many regional tributes since the passing of Papua New Guinea s founding father in February.
Pacific Leaders: front row Victor Tutugoro, Sir Michael Somare, Oscar Temaru
Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
Sope said he was saddened by Sir Michael s death. But he doesn t agree with Vanuatu s Bob Loughman-led government when it praised PNG s first prime minister as a supporter of political freedom for Vanuatu, West Papua and also the formation of the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
Former Vanuatu PM disputes Somare legacy as Melanesian decolonisation champion rnz.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from rnz.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.