Litokwa Tomeing
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| Litokwa Tomeing | |
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| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office 14 January 2008 |
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| Preceded by | Kessai Note |
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| Born | 14 October 1939 Wotje Atoll, Ratak Chain, Marshall Islands |
| Political party | AKA UPP |
Litokwa Tomeing (born October 14, 1939 at Wotje Atoll) has been the President of the Marshall Islands since January 2008.
Tomeing is a traditional chief.[1] He served as Speaker of the Nitijela for eight years before defecting from the governing United Democratic Party (UDP) to the opposition in November 2007, shortly before the parliamentary election held that month.[2]
Following the parliamentary election, he was a candidate in the January 2008 presidential election for the UPP/AKA coalition.[1] He was elected as President on 7 January 2008 by Parliament, receiving 18 votes over 15 for incumbent Kessai Note.[1][3] He was sworn in, along with a Cabinet composed of 10 ministers, on 14 January by Carl Ingram, the Chief Justice of the High Court.[4]
His election was believed to herald a shift from the pro-Taiwan policy of Marshall Islands, possibly marking an end to Marshall Islands-Taiwan diplomatic relations.[2] However, in office Tomeing expressed continued support for ties with Taiwan and met with Taiwanese Vice-President Annette Lu when she visited the Marshall Islands on January 29, 2008.[5]
[edit] References
- ^ a b Giff Johnson, "Opposition Takes Control Of Marshall Islands Government", Pacific Magazine, January 7, 2008.
- ^ "Marshalls election defection raises future of Taiwan ties", AFP, November 16, 2007.
- ^ "Litokwa Tomeing becomes new Marshalls president", Radio New Zealand International, 7 January 2008.
- ^ "29th Constitutional Regular Session Inauguration of President and Cabinet Members", Office of the President web site, 18 January 2008.
- ^ "President Litokwa Tomeing welcomes Vice President Annette LU of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the Marshall Islands", Office of the President web site, 30 January 2008.
[edit] External links
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