TMCnet News
Tongan prince resigns as prime minister+(Japan Economic Newswire Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)SYDNEY, Feb. 13_(Kyodo) _ Tonga's Prime Minister Ulukalala Lavaka Ata has resigned, the government of the South Pacific kingdom said Monday. Labor Minister Fred Sevele, a close friend of Prince Ulukalala, has been named acting prime minister to replace the prince, son of King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV. No reason was given for the sudden resignation when it was announced by Fielakepa, minister of lands, survey and natural resources. Fielakepa said Crown Prince Tupouto'a had accepted the prime minister's resignation letter on Saturday. Ulukalala, the youngest son of the king, has also given up all his other Cabinet portfolios of communications, civil aviation, marines and ports and disasters relief. |