24 May 2004

New Caledonia preparing to choose a territorial government and president

7:28 am on 24 May 2004

New Caledonia's territorial congress is getting ready to choose a territorial government and president.

Harold Martin of the Future Together party last week gave his inaugural speech as president of the territorial congress.

Our correspondent in Noumea, Tuo Chinula, says Mr Martin spoke of co-operation within the new congress, as it prepares to elect a territorial president.

"He hopes that everybody is going to work together within the new congress to advance some things outlined in the Noumea Accord. The president of the government of New Caledonia is going to be elected by the members of the new government. Now the new government will be elected in three weeks' time by the new territorial congress."