Belgian political deadlock ends

Flemish Christian Democrat Yves Leterme yesterday took over as Belgian prime minister to end nine months of deadlock, although tension between French- and Dutch-speakers are expected to resurface soon.

The royal palace said in a statement that King Albert had accepted the resignation of interim Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt and appointed Leterme.

Leterme, former premier of Dutch-speaking Flanders, will head a five-party government after Dutch- and French-speaking parties ended post-election squabbling over devolution that had prompted speculation the 177-year-old-country could break apart.