French Polynesia's president, Oscar Temaru, has upheld his support for the Socialist candidate for the French presidency, Francois Hollande, despite his objection to French Polynesia's ambition to become independent.
The issue was raised after France's ruling UMP challenged Mr Hollande to clarify his position.
The pro-independence Tavini Huiraartira Party has issued a statement, saying there was no surprise in Mr Hollande's stance.
Speaking after a party congress, Mr Temaru said Mr Hollande could not be in favour of French Polynesia's decolonisation because he would then also have to be for New Caledonia's independence.
Mr Temaru says France wants to hold on to its overseas territories because of their resources.
It also released the text of their 2004 partnership agreement in which Mr Hollande affirmed the Socialist Party's support for Tavini's decolonisation agenda in line with the relevant UN resolutions.
