25 Jan 2011

New French high commissioner takes office in Tahiti

2:29 pm on 25 January 2011

The new French high commissioner to French Polynesia, Richard Didier, who has been meeting Tahiti leaders, says his first task is to restore hope and to deal with the daily problems of the people.

Speaking on arrival in Papeete, Mr Didier says he will try to help the territory get out of its economic and political crisis.

He says traditions are at risk because of the financial crisis and the political instability everybody knows.

Mr Didier says his job also involves helping to put in place electoral reforms which are scheduled to be approved by Paris this year.