27 Aug 2004

French Polynesia administrative council set up

8:28 am on 27 August 2004

It's reported that France's highest administrative body has issued a decree to set up a High Council in French Polynesia.

The Tahitipresse news agency reports the council will rule on how best to split up administrative responsibilities for the territory, between Paris and Papeete.

The vice president Jacqui Drollet, says the new body will have a mainly advisory role.

Mr Drollet says the council will have between three and five members chosen for their professional abilities and not their political inclinations.

The council's budget will be linked to the government's general secretariat.