by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer
The French Ambassador to the Pacific has stated that President Emmanuel Macron has not yet considered a letter from the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) seeking approval for a high-level Pacific mission to New Caledonia.
Véronique Roger-Lacan mentioned that due to the Paris Olympics commencing this week, it may be challenging to ensure adequate security measures in time.
Leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum have given their endorsement for a high-level mission to New Caledonia.
Mark Brown, the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands and chair of PIF, emphasized the Forum’s obligation to support their counterparts in New Caledonia during this difficult period.
He expressed the Forum’s desire to facilitate peaceful dialogue to de-escalate the ongoing violence in New Caledonia and assist all parties in resolving the situation swiftly and peacefully.
In an official statement, the Forum Secretariat acknowledged that any regional assistance to New Caledonia would necessitate approval from the French government.
The Pacific Islands Forum has formally requested the French government’s support and is collaborating with officials to finalize the details of the mission.
The proposed plan involves sending a Forum Ministerial Committee consisting of leaders from the Cook Islands, Fiji, and Tonga to New Caledonia.
However, Roger Lacan raised concerns about the security implications of hosting three Pacific leaders amidst the crisis in New Caledonia.
Reports from franceinfo highlighted statements by Kanak politicians in France, Senator Robert Xowie and newly-elected MP at the National Assembly Emmanuel Tjibaou, underscoring the importance of resuming discussions between the state and political factions to address the civil unrest in New Caledonia.
Xowie emphasized the necessity of engaging in dialogue to rebuild the country, while Tjibaou warned of the risk of a humanitarian crisis if the economic challenges are not addressed promptly.
Tjibaou, the first pro-independence New Caledonian Kanak politician to win a seat since 1986, also called for a clear stance from the state regarding the proposed electoral law reform bill, which was put on hold by Macron following the dissolution of the French National Assembly and subsequent snap elections.
