24 Aug 2004

New Caledonia's Kanak senate chooses new president

1:22 pm on 24 August 2004

The Kanak customary senate in New Caledonia has a new president following its weekend congress.

Paul Jewine from the island of Marehas taken over from Gabriel Poadae although it was the turn of the Nengone area to provide the senate president.

The position is to rotate among the territory's eight Kanak areas and Mare was reportedly not due to provide the new president.

Mr Jewine told the Nouvelles Caledoniennes that they are working on creating a Kanak language academy in a bid to preserve the Melanesian languages.

He says land issues remain important, adding that they are yet to meet the new government formed after the elections in May.