Tkatchenko said in a statement on Friday that he "stood aside" after consulting with Prime Minister James Marape, who would assume the portfolio.
"I want to make sure the recent events do not interfere with the official visits and summits we are going to have with all the World Leaders in the coming weeks," Tkatchenko said
"I also want to ensure the truth of this matter is cleared and the misinformation and lies are corrected," he added.
