French, right, and Kanak flags. Photo: AFP/Clotilde Richalet
In New Caledonia the leaders of several independence and nationalist parties have released a joint letter calling on the international community to support their efforts "to put an end to the recolonisation of Kanaky-New Caledonia" by France.
The letter dated 25 October is signed by five political groupings including the largest pro-independence Kanak party Union Caledonie.
It has been released ahead of a planned visit to New Caledonia next month by France's overseas minister Gerald Darmanin but also ahead of the Pacific Islands Leaders' summit which is taking place in the Cook Islands in less than two weeks.
The letter outlines concerns in three key areas, the disputed third independence referendum which was boycotted by pro-independence indigenous voters, a proposal to open up restricted electoral rolls in the territory and the announcement of an increased military presence in New Caledonia.
RNZ Pacific Editor, Koroi Hawkins speaks with Islands Business correspondent, Nic Maclellan who has been following developments in the French Territory.
