New Caledonia today commemorates the 20th anniversary of the fatal hostage drama on Ouvea.
On April 22nd 1988, four French policemen were killed by Kanak separatists which led to a two-week hostage drama during which 19 Kanaks and two French soldiers were killed.
A ceremony in Fayaoue has been organised to mark the tenth anniversary of the reconciliation sought between the police and the Ouvea residents.
On this day in 1998, a first ecumenical service was held in memory of all who died in the violence.
The Ouvea violence was followed by top-level talks between the territory's rival camps and culminated a few weeks later when the Matignon Accords were signed.
