20 Dec 2007

New Nauru president Stephen names cabinet

1:49 pm on 20 December 2007

Nauru's new president, Marcus Stephen, has announced his new cabinet line up after Ludwig Scotty was ousted in yesterday's vote of no confidence.

The news agency Pacnews says apart from the presidency, Mr Stephen will also be responsible for the public service, home affairs and the Nauru Phosphate Royalties Trust.

Dr Kieren Keke will assist the president and has become the foreign minister, and the minister for telecommunications and transport.

Finance and economic planning will come under Frederic Pitcher's responsibility.

Fabian Ribauw, who joined the opposition to give it the numbers to topple the Scotty government, is now the minister for commerce, industry and resources.

A former cabinet minister and lawyer, Roland Kun, is the new minister for justice, education and fisheries.

Matthew Batsiua is in charge of health.