11 Oct 2005

Lift uncertainty over nickel project in north of New Caledonia, says French senator

11:36 am on 11 October 2005

A French senator has called for all parties concerned to lift the uncertainty surrounding New Caledonia's nickel project planned for the territory's north.

Henri Torre of the ruling UMP Party made the call after returning to Paris from a tour aimed at assessing the New Caledonian projects.

Mr Torre has described the French state's role as sufficient in the Falconbridge project in the North and the Goro project in the south.

The senate commission says that what it calls an irrevocable decision to build the Falconbridge project needs to be taken by the start of next year.

The northern project involves the company, SMSP, and is aimed at balancing the territory's economy to help develop the mainly Kanak north.