The president of French Polynesia, Oscar Temaru, has again expressed his wish to see French Polynesia attain its sovereignty.
Mr Temaru made the statement at the official launch of unprecedented French-sponsored talks to debate the future of France's overseas territories.
The talks were triggered by the unrest in Guadeloupe in March and are being replicated in all territories.
Mr Temaru says independence won't amount to a break, adding that journey matters but not its destination.
He says the talks getting now under way need to discuss the manner in which a people wants to organise itself, citing as examples the people of Tibet, Kanaky, Palestine and Maohi Nui.
The debates will be held over several months and are also open to contributions on a dedicated website for the so-called etats generaux.
