11 Nov 2002

Cook Islands Opposition leader, Dr Terepai Maoate, joins coalition government

12:16 pm on 11 November 2002

The Opposition leader in the Cook islands, Dr Terepai Maoate, has announced that he is accepting an offer to join the coalition government.

The news came after the sacking of the Cabinet Minister, Norman George, who had his ministerial appointment terminated for the second time in just over 18 months.

The two main political parties, the Cook Islands Party and the Democratic Party are now to join forces to form a new government.

It is the fifth coaltion arrangement since the 1999 general election.

Two independents are also said to be supporting the new government.