20 Jul 2006

France names new prefect for Wallis and Futuna

3:03 pm on 20 July 2006

France has named a new prefect for its Pacific territory of Wallis and Futuna.

It has appointed Richard Didier to replace Xavier de Furst who is returning to France.

Under Mr de Furst's auspices, France last year briefly backed an attempt to install a new king in Wallis.

However, after an armed rebellion by the king's supporters, the original arrangement was restored.