The interim government's decision not to go to compulsory arbitration can only apply when contingency plans don't work.

That was the statement from the Minister of Public Service and Public Enterprises Poseci Bune in light of the decision of the 1,200 striking nurses who called off their strike yesterday.

Bune said the nurses could have continued until the end of the year because the contingency plans implemented by the Health Ministry were working very well.

He adds that the decision by the interim government to go to arbitration can only apply when all else has failed.