24 Aug 2007

New Caledonia's new government distributes portfolios

5:08 pm on 24 August 2007

The new government of New Caledonia has divided up the portfolios among its 11 members.

The negotiations has been very intense and were suspended on Thursday because no agreement could be reached.

The president, Harold Martin from the Future Together Party, is now also in charge of mining and revenue.

The other anti-independence party, the Rassemblement-UMP, obtained economy, communication and industrial relations, and sports.

The re-elected vice-president, Dewe Gorode of the pro-independence FLNKS movement, will continue to be in charge of women's affairs, culture and customs.

The three other pro-independence members will take over the portfolios of education, training and transports.

This government marks a new era in the political life of New Caledonia as it was formed after the reconciliation of the two anti-independence parties under the pressure of the French government.