France hails 'progress' on appeasing protest-hit New Caledonia
An uneasy calm has returned to New Caledonia after the deployment of hundreds of French security forces to shut down violent protests on the Pacific island territory sparked by opposition to a controversial Constitutional reform. While the international airport remains closed to commercial traffic, Australia and New Zealand began evacuating nationals on government planes.
“A return to calm continues on the whole territory,” wrote the French state representative in New Caledonia, Louis Le Franc, in a statement published Tuesday, announcing the deployment of additional security forces.
Six people have been killed in violence sparked by protesters angry about a constitutional reform that would change who can participate in local elections, which pro-Independence leaders say will dilute the indigenous Kanak voice.
Rioting and looting have shuttered businesses, and road barricades have restricted access to food and medical care.
President Emmanuel Macron noted “progress” towards re-establishing law and order, after a defence council Monday night, where he decided to send the army to protect public buildings.
Stranded tourists
Australia and New Zealand announced the first evacuation flights for tourists blocked by the unrest, as the main international airport is closed to commercial traffic at least until Thursday.
More than 3,000 people thought to have been stranded in New Caledonia.
They also refuse to consider suspending the reform, as demanded by the pro-Independence parties that have been involved in the protests.
(with newswires)
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