The French President has questioned the French Polynesian government's decolonisation plans.
Speaking in a television interview, Francois Hollande questioned why there was a wish for separation, given that the French state is present.
Mr Hollande says when he met the French Polynesian president, Oscar Temaru, the first question was how the French state could help with the budget in view of Tahiti's economic decline.
Mr Hollande says Mr Temaru has not raised the decolonisation issue with him.
He says in dealing with French Polynesia he is foremost concerned with the financial situation.
Mr Temaru is due to return to New York this month to continue lobbying for the territory to be re-inscribed on the UN decolonisation list.
The list includes among others New Caledonia, American Samoa, Guam and Tokelau.
