The office of the German president, Roman Herzog, has formally moved to Berlin, the first federal agency to relocate from Bonn.

The parliament, the Chancellor, Gerhard Schroeder, and most government ministers are due to return to the pre-war capital next September, although Mr Schroeder will begin holding cabinet meetings in Berlin from next week.

The move to Berlin -- which was restored as Germany's capital in 1991 following reunification -- has been delayed by arguments over building plans and cost.