The French Prime Minister, Francois Fillon, has told New Caledonia that France will not reduce its budget for the territory in the near future.
Mr Fillon made the announcement during his three-day visit to New Caledonia at the weekend.
Our correspondent, Patrick Decloitre, reports Mr Fillon as saying his government is committed to supporting New Caledonia financially, whether or not the people choose to become independent from France.
"Whatever its choices would be in the near future, especially starting from 2014, when there is a window opening for a possible referendum on self-determination, and he's been making it quite clear that whatever the solution, France would not reduce its budget for New Caledonia over the next few years."
Patrick Decloitre.
