After months of delays, Pacific leaders this week completed a tour of riot stricken French Pacific territory New Caledonia, suggesting a Pacific police force could help lower the temperature.
Australian-backed Pacific police force an option to quell 'tension' in New Caledonia , Pacific leaders say
The comments came after the Fijian leader completed a three-day mission in the French territory with the Tongan and Cook Islands prime ministers on behalf of the Pacific Islands Forum , to "get a sense of what's happening on the ground" after deadly riots rocked the territory in May. The Pacific Islands delegation, including the prime ministers of Fiji, Tonga and Cook Islands with Pacific Islands Forum secretary general Baron Waqa.Speaking to the ABC after completing this week's mission, Mr Rabuka said New Caledonia was still a French territory and their tour was only to advise the Pacific leaders and the PIF on a way forward.
Paris believes that pro-independence extremists have deliberately tried to destabilise the territory to create a sense of crisis, in an attempt to force the French government to leave New Caledonia.Mr Rabuka also suggested he would be willing to personally intervene of behalf of the Kanaks in New Caledonia to "disassociate" from France, it they wanted it.
France Pacific Tour Pacific Islands Forum New Caledonia Riots
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New Caledonia election postponed for a year by France’s new prime ministerThe French Pacific territory has been hit by violent unrest between communities loyal to Paris and pro-independence Indigenous Kanaks
Read more »
Isaiya Katoa Tonga's key in Pacific Championships Test against Australian KangaroosThe Tongan rugby league team has always been brimming with power and athleticism, and young Isaiya Katoa is the halfback who can truly unleash it in tonight's Pacific Championships opener.
Read more »
Australian Women in Music Awards shine a light on women in the Australian music industryWith an aim to advance equality in the music industry, winners at this year's Australian Women in Music Awards have been celebrated in Brisbane.
Read more »
New Zealand hit by injury crisis with eight debutants in Pacific Championships squadDally M winner Jahrome Hughes in Kiwis side for two Tests while Penrith rising star Paul Alamoti will make Tonga debut
Read more »
Australia captain Isaah Yeo confident new-look Kangaroos can rebound in Pacific ChampionshipsFirst-time Kangaroos captain Isaah Yeo will lead a team featuring six debutants against a confident Tonga to begin the Pacific Championships in Brisbane.
Read more »
LIVE: Fiji Bati host Papua New Guinea in crucial Pacific Champs Bowl clashRugby league: After a tough win over Tonga, the new-look Kangaroos look to take out the Pacific Championships.
Read more »