3 Nov 2004

French Polynesian president says deal done between French socialists and Temaru

9:42 am on 3 November 2004

The French Polynesian president, Gaston Flosse, says the French Socialists have bought the votes of the pro-independence movement in his territory.

Mr Flosse says the Socialists paid for his rival Oscar Temaru's election campaign last May and in return his party will back the Socialists in the French presidential election in three years.

Mr Flosse says there has not been any money from his party towards the campaign of President Jacques Chirac.

In Paris, the head of the delegation representing the ousted Temaru-led coalition has warned of possible unrest if the assembly in Papeete is not dissolved.

Nicole Bouteau says if Mr Chirac fails to dissolve the assembly, he will be responsible for the consequences.