The French Prime Minister is set to hoist the Kanak flag when he visits New Caledonia this weekend.
That follows a vote by the territorial Congress yesterday, which overwhelming endorsed the adoption of the emblem of the indigenous Kanak independence movement, alongside the retention of the French national flag.
The visit by Francois Fillon comes after he chaired follow-up talks last month on the 1998 Noumea Accord, which provides steps towards independence for the territory.
Our correspondent Patrick Decloitre says the Congress is keen to present a united front to the Prime Minister.
But he says debate amongst the people continues.
"You have those who say that to have the FLNKS pro-independence flag being recognised on the side of the French flag is reminiscent of very dark times in New Caledonia, over 20 years ago when New Caledonia was on the verge of civil war."
Patrick Decloitre says some people favour the creation of a new flag, which would help forge a notion of common destiny for New Caledonia.
