by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer
Leaders of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) are urging France to permit a collaborative United Nations-MSG initiative to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the political climate in New Caledonia and suggest potential resolutions for the ongoing crisis.
Representatives from the member countries of the sub-regional alliance – including Fiji, FLNKS, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu – gathered in Tokyo during the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) to specifically address the situation in New Caledonia.
Among those present were notable figures such as Rabuka from Fiji, James Marape from Papua New Guinea, Jeremiah Manele from Solomon Islands, and Charlot Salwai from Vanuatu.
In their joint Tokyo Statement, they voiced their apprehensions regarding the current delicate security conditions and strongly objected to the perceived militarization of the French territory since May 13.
The leaders pointed out that the recent approval by the French National Assembly of the constitutional amendment to revise the electoral register for the provincial elections in New Caledonia was the catalyst for the subsequent turmoil.
They are calling on France to authorize a UN-MSG collaborative mission to visit New Caledonia, conduct a thorough assessment of the political and socioeconomic landscape, and suggest constructive approaches to effectively address the situation on the island.
Furthermore, they have agreed to include discussions on the New Caledonia crisis at the upcoming 53rd Pacific Islands Forum leaders summit (PIFLM53) next month and have proposed that at least one MSG representative be part of the Forum delegation visiting New Caledonia.