7 Aug 2003

Prince calls for restoration of Kingdom of Tahiti

5:05 pm on 7 August 2003

A case is before the highest court of France seeking the restoration of the Kingdom of Tahiti.

The Tahitian man who holds the title Prince Royal of Tahaa, Tauatomo Mairau, has lodged his case over the legality of the French Polynesian government, led by Gaston Flosse.

He claims that the territory's autonomy status is illegal and the administration has to step down.

"My main demand is having the hope that one day the kingdom will be established and that the resignation of Gaston Flosse those are the goals."

The Prince Royal has lodged separate cases in Papeete to reclaim Moruroa and Fangataufa atolls used by France to test its nuclear weapons.

He has also claimed Tetiaroa atoll and the land on which the townhall of Pirae has been built.