The World : New Guinea Leader Falls

Prime Minister Paias Wingti lost a no-confidence motion in Parliament and was replaced by opposition leader Rabbie Namaliu in Papau New Guinea. The lawmakers voted 58 to 50 to oust Wingti, who came to power three years ago. Namaliu, 39, becomes Papua New Guinea’s fourth prime minister since it gained independence from Australia in 1975. He took over leadership of the opposition from elder statesman Michael T. Somare, a former prime minister, last Monday. Namaliu promised a government of reconciliation, reconstruction and national unity. Wingti said he will cooperate with the Namaliu government to help bring stability to the South Pacific island state.