Ionatana Ionatana

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The Rt Hon Ionatana Ionatana CVO, OBE (1938? - December 8, 2000), was a political figure from the Pacific nation of Tuvalu. He was Prime Minister of Tuvalu from April 27, 1999, to December 8, 2000.

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[edit] Background

Ionatana served in the country's Parliament from Tuvalu's independence in 1978 until his death. He held many portfolios during his political career, including government secretary, Minister of Education, and Minister of Works and Communications. Ionatana was somewhat noted for his republican leanings.

[edit] Prime Minister of Tuvalu

In 1999 Ionatana succeeded Bikenibeu Paeniu as Prime Minister of Tuvalu. Among the prominent issues of his perod of office, he oversaw Tuvalu's entry into the United Nations on September 5, 2000.

[edit] Death

In the year 2000, as Prime Minister, Ionatana died in office, the first time this had occurred since Tuvalu became independent.


Preceded by
Bikenibeu Paeniu
Prime Minister of Tuvalu
1999–2000
Succeeded by
Lagitupu Tuilimu (acting)

[edit] See Also