1 Oct 2009

Gomes to report to UN about New Caledonia decolonisation

4:12 pm on 1 October 2009

The New Caledonian president, Philippe Gomes, will address the United Nations Decolonisation Committee in New York next week, marking the first time since 2000 that the head of the territorial executive has addresses the body.

Mr Gomes is to present an update of the situation, adding that he is to express the view of the territory and its institutions and not that of a party.

The elected members of the pro-independence FLNKS movement will be part of the territory's delegation and at the same time have a separate FLNKS team.

The FLNKS has regularly attended the decolonisation talks.

The 1998 Noumea accord on greater autonomy provides for a referendum on self-determination between 2014 and 2018.

There is a strong body of opinion in Noumea for a new deal to avoid a vote as it is widely believed that a majority will vote against independence from France.