France won't force N. Caledonia voting reform after riots: Macron

AFP
·1-min read
Macron said the state of emergency would be lifted once the blockades were withdrawn (Ludovic MARIN)
Macron said the state of emergency would be lifted once the blockades were withdrawn (Ludovic MARIN)

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday vowed not to force through a planned voting reform in the Pacific territory of New Caledonia that sparked deadly riots, saying more talks were needed.

"I have pledged that this reform will not be forced through in the current context," Macron told reporters in New Caledonia. "We will allow some weeks to allow a calming of tensions and resumption of dialogue to find a broad accord" among all parties, he added.

Macron said he would review the situation again within a month.

Indigenous Kanaks on the archipelago had objected that the reform diluted their voting influence and favoured newcomers to the territory.

In a call in particular to Kanak representatives, he said all politicians needed to call "explicitly" for the lifting of the blockades put up in the "hours and days to come".

"Once these are withdrawn and this is confirmed the state of emergency will be lifted," he said.

He said a mediation mission would be put in place to play an "impartial role" in resuming dialogue and finding a broad agreement between all the parties.

Macron said he was confident the parties involved could reach an accord in the "weeks and months to come".

More than a week of looting, arson and clashes have left six people dead and hundreds injured.

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