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Turmoil delays coronation of Tonga's new monarch. 26/12/2006. ABC News Online
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Last Update: Tuesday, December 26, 2006. 12:34pm (AEDT)
Turmoil delays coronation of Tonga's new monarch
The continuing turmoil in Tonga, the Pacific's last Kingdom, will delay the coronation of the new monarch until at least 2008.
George Tupou V was proclaimed King in September following the death of his 88 year-old father Taufa'ahau Tupou IV.
His coronation was scheduled for August next year; but the Prime Minister's office in Nuku'alofa says this has now been postponed for 12 months to allow the Tongan cabinet to focus entirely on the reconstruction work in the capital.
Pro-democracy riots last month destroyed large parts of central Nuku'alofa and left seven people dead.
More than 800 have been charged with arson, theft and other crimes.
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