6 Feb 2005

Police break up New Caledonian roadblock

9:33 pm on 6 February 2005

Security forces in New Caledonia have broken up a

blockade by a Kanak group which stopped access to the

construction site of the Goro nickel project.

The police arrested two leaders of the Rhebu Nuu

group, Rapahel Mapou and Andre Vama.

Dozens of people had set up roadblocks last week,

accusing the site operators, Inco of Canada, of not

respecting the environment.

Customary chiefs and the territorial administration

had condemned the action.

Inco plans to invest nearly two billion US dollars in

the Goro nickel mine and plant, making it the region's

most significant project.