Papua New Guinea's former prime minister Peter O'Neill has apologised to the late Sir Michael Somare for any grief caused by their political differences.
PNG's founding prime minister died almost two weeks ago of pancreatic cancer at the age of 84.
Sir Michael Somare (centre, red tie) is congratulated by Peter O'Neill and other MPs on his last attendance in the Papua New Guinea parliament, 4 April 2017. Photo: Supplied
A series of haus krais, or mourning events, are being held in Port Moresby for representatives of all PNG's provinces to progressively come and pay respects to Sir Michael.
At the Southern Highlands haus krai, O'Neill spoke about the political crisis almost ten years ago when he replaced the Grand Chief as prime minister.
"I know we've had our own differences, and if I had caused some grief and pain to the Somare family, or himself, we apologise for it. We say sorry," O'Neill said.
The 2011-12 political and constitutional impasse occurred when Somare was removed from office in a series of parliamentary moves by O'Neill and other MPs whose actions were subsequently ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
It has been described as PNG's most serious constitutional crisis since independence.
The Ialibu-Pangia MP, who was replaced as prime minister by James Marape almost two years ago, described his differences with Sir Michael as purely political.
"Politics is not easy. We are all dictated by numbers on the floor (of parliament). That's what we have practiced as a country for the past 45, 46 years. And it will continue to do so."
O'Neill praised Somare's guidance of generations of political leaders in PNG through providing a Melanesian style of leadership which was unique.
"Many of us who are in politics today, we have served in his cabinet, we have served in his government in various capacities."
At the haus krai, O'Neill expressed condolences to the Somare family and the people of Sir Michael's home province, East Sepik.
"Thank you for giving this unique man to our nation. He was the right man at the right place at the right time in the history of our country."