Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Nauru President teams up with Opposition and names new Cabinet

Posted at 22:51 on 11 June, 2012 UTC

Nauru’s Parliament will meet from today but with five new ministers drawn from the Opposition after President Sprent Dabwido dumped his Cabinet.

Back in government after a seven month absence are Dr Kieren Keke, who returns as Foreign Minister, while former President, Marcus Stephen, is the new Minister of Commerce, Industry and Environment.

The Finance Minister, replacing David Adeang, is Roland Kun.

The other newcomers to Cabinet are Dominic Tabuna and Riddell Akua.

President Dabwido says he could no longer work with the dumped ministers but local sources have suggested he moved to stall a possible vote of no confidence.

Mr Dabwido says his government had made no progress on his desire for constitutional amendments to bring political stability to Nauru.

He says constitutional reform is critical for the island and includes an additional MP to avoid hung parliaments, the Speaker appointed from outside parliament and a code of conduct for MPs.