3 Jun 2011

Self-declared republic in Tahiti marks anniversary

1:32 pm on 3 June 2011

Members of French Polynesia's self-declared Hau Pakumotu republic have gathered to mark their first anniversary in their quest for independence.

The group says it has its own constitution and is entitled to print its own identity cards.

Although the issuing of the cards has been decried by the French high commission, the Hau Pakumotu has printed IDs for more than 2,600 people so far.

The self-styled republic has named a president, 12 ministers for a 15-year-term, three senators and seven representatives.

Its leaders say they recognise neither the French Polynesian government nor its laws.

They say they now want the territory to be inscribed on the UN list of territories to be decolonised.

Last year, one of its leaders, Beky Teamo, told Tahiti's La Depeche newspaper that they formed their organisation on Whaiora marae in New Zealand.