6 Nov 2018

French PM calls Paris meeting with New Caledonian leaders

10:30 am on 6 November 2018

The French prime minister, Edouard Philippe, has called a meeting of New Caledonia's signatories to the Noumea Accord in Paris next month.

In a televised address in Noumea, Mr Philippe said the talks, also involving the overseas minister, would discuss the aftermath of Sunday's referendum on independence from France.

French PM Edouard Philippe arrives at French High Commission in Noumea, accompanied by the overseas minister Brigitte Girardin and the High Commissioner to New Caledonia Thierry Lataste.

French PM Edouard Philippe arrives at French High Commission in Noumea, accompanied by the overseas minister Annick Girardin and the High Commissioner to New Caledonia Thierry Lataste. Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Walter Zweifel

He hailed the referendum process as a success for democracy, noting that the result, which was for New Caledonia to stay French, is not contested by anyone.

Mr Philippe noted that in the campaign, the focus was on institutional questions while economic and social challenges came second although they are part of the Noumea Accord.

He delivered his speech after a whirlwind series of meetings with leaders of all parties represented in the Congress before flying back to Paris.

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