This article is from the source 'rtcom' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.rt.com/newsline/425705-france-macron-visit-caledonia/

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
France’s Macron visits New Caledonia ahead of independence referendum France’s Macron visits New Caledonia ahead of independence referendum
(35 minutes later)
President Emmanuel Macron starts Thursday a symbolic visit to New Caledonia as the French territory in the South Pacific is getting ready to vote on its independence. The visit comes just six months ahead of a self-determination referendum in which voters will answer the question: “Do you want New Caledonia to gain full sovereignty and become independent?” Based on electoral results and recent polls, the people are likely to vote to remain in France, observers say. Macron will hand the Caledonian government the document that stated the archipelago became a French possession in 1853, AP reports. The president will also attend Saturday ceremonies marking the 30th anniversary of when Kanak tribesmen took French police hostage on Ouvea island. Four gendarmes and 19 hostage-takers died. President Emmanuel Macron begins a symbolic visit to New Caledonia on Thursday, as the French territory in the South Pacific prepares ready to vote on its independence. The visit comes just six months ahead of a self-determination referendum in which voters will answer the question: “Do you want New Caledonia to gain full sovereignty and become independent?” Based on electoral results and recent polls, the people are likely to vote to remain with France, observers say. Macron will hand the Caledonian government the document that established the archipelago as a French possession in 1853, AP reports. On Saturday, the president will also attend ceremonies marking the 30th anniversary of a police hostage-taking by Kanak tribesmen on Ouvea Island. Four gendarmes and 19 hostage-takers died in the incident.