19 Oct 2018

New Caledonia separatists 'confident' as referendum nears

9:16 am on 19 October 2018

New Caledonia's pro-independence politicians say they are confident just two weeks out from the referendum on full sovereignty.

Speaking at a panel discussion in Noumea, they said independence won't be a jump into the void as the territory has been preparing for independence from France for 30 years.

The FLNKS flag

Photo: RNZI/ Johnny Blades

Paul Neaoutyine, who is the leader of the Palika Party, says people should not be afraid of full sovereignty as New Caledonia is already a quasi-independent country.

Polls suggest a majority will reject independence but Mr Neaoutyine says the right to self-determination is in the Noumea Accord, the French constitution and New Caledonia is on the UN decolonisation list.

The pro-independence FLNKS movement has also restated that in case of a defeat on November 4th, the Noumea Accord provides for two more referendums by 2022.

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Photo: rnz

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