13 Nov 2008

France professes neutrality in Wallis chiefly rivalry

2:38 pm on 13 November 2008

France says it is neutral in the rivalry between the clans in Wallis where moves are still afoot by some clans to enthrone another king.

The French junior minister in charge of overseas territories, Yves Jego, says reconciliation would be useful to advance.

Mr Jego, who is on his first visit to the territory, says he won't be giving any lessons as he respects the island's customs.

He has met the king, Kapeliele Faupala, and is scheduled to also meet the clans opposed to the king .

Three years ago, they failed to dislodge the then king despite the tacit approval by France for a change.

The current king has told the visiting minister that as there is only one France, there is only one king.

Although France is a republic, it recognises the three kingdoms of Wallis and Futuna within its jurisdiction.