12 Nov 2018

Paris talks uncertain for New Caledonia's FLNKS

6:44 am on 12 November 2018

New Caledonia's pro-independence FLNKS movement is yet to decide whether it will attend next month's planned talks in Paris on the territory's future.

French prime minister Edouard Philippe flanked by overseas minister Annick Girardin and the High Commissioner to New Caledonia Thierry Lataste

French prime minister Edouard Philippe flanked by overseas minister Annick Girardin and the High Commissioner to New Caledonia Thierry Lataste Photo: RNZ Walter Zweifel

A week ago, the French prime minister Edouard Philippe invited the signatories to the Noumea Accord for discussions of the referendum result after a majority of 56 percent of voters rejected independence.

At a news conference in Noumea, the FLNKS leaders said they will discuss with their base if they should join the Paris talks.

The FLNKS has also restated its intention to call for another referendum within two years under the terms of the Noumea Accord.

Such a vote can only be called by the Congress formed after next May's provincial elections.

It will need at least a third of its 54 members to do so.

The victorious anti-independence side is opposed to holding another vote so soon.

This month's independence referendum in New Caledonia was the third such vote in the Pacific this century, with Tokelau both in 2006 and 2007 opting for continued administration by New Zealand.

In June, Bougainville will vote whether to declare independence from Papua New Guinea.

Ballot box used for New Caledonia's independence referendum

Ballot box used for New Caledonia's independence referendum Photo: RNZ Walter Zweifel

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