Oslo  - Petroleum and Energy Minister Aslaug Haga, leader of the Centre Party that is part of Norway's red-green government, said Friday she would not seek re-election to parliament and would stand down as party leader in 2009.

Haga, 48, made the announcement at a party conference, adding that she did not rule out serving as a cabinet member if the Centre Party remains in government.

The Centre Party leader took over the key portfolio as oil and energy minister in September and said she had considered not to stand for re-election since last year.

"I have carried out a historic project in the Centre Party by getting the Centre Party back into government," Haga told reporters after her speech.

Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg of the Labour Party included the Centre Party and the Socialist Left Party in his coalition government formed 2005.

Haga said there were plenty of qualified candidates ready to take over, but was not drawn on any names.

A future party leader needed "a lot of renewable energy" and to be willing to make compromises, Haga said, adding she wanted more time for music and other interests.

Haga was named party leader 2003 and was elected to parliament in 2001. She served as culture minister 1999-2000. (dpa)