30 Oct 2006

French Polynesia's President due to meet striking unionists tomorrow

5:34 am on 30 October 2006

The French Polynesian president, Oscar Temaru, is now expected to meet the leader of a group of striking unionists, Ronald Terorotua, tomorrow afternoon.

The strikers, who are being supported by former GIP intervention force members and opposition Aia Api Party activists, ended illegal roadblocks last week to occupy government buildings, but were evicted by French riot police.

They have been demanding a lowering of the cost of living, compensation for the former GIP members, Mr Temaru's resignation, fresh elections and the departure of the French high commissioner for using the riot police to end their blockades.

Mr Terorotua earlier said a meeting would be held yesterday but the presidency says it will now go ahead tomorrow.

The Aia Api activists have denounced Mr Temaru for failing to deliver on his promise to help settle their demands for the return of land taken after the demise of the Tahitian royalty.