France has announced a comprehensive agreement granting greater autonomy to the troubled French overseas territory of New Caledonia, the Associated Press reported, quoted by BTA.
The agreement, hailed by President Emmanuel Macron as historic, still needs final approval by the French parliament and approval by a referendum in New Caledonia. It envisages the creation of a "Caledonian state" within the French Republic, enshrined in the French constitution, as well as the creation of a "Caledonian nationality" along with French nationality.
French Prime Minister François Bayrou said the deal was of "historical dimensions," France 24 television reported.
President Macron, Prime Minister Bayrou and Overseas Territories Minister Manuel Valls were meeting at the Elysee Palace with officials from New Caledonia to try to reach an agreement to grant greater autonomy to the French Pacific territory.
A controversial bill proposed last year by President Emmanuel Macron to amend the constitution to change the overseas territory's electoral rolls has raised concerns about the marginalization of indigenous voters. Riots in the French archipelago following the bill left at least 13 people dead and many injured.
The agreement will help us "get out of the spiral of violence," said Emmanuel Thibaut, a lawmaker from the indigenous Kanak people who are fighting for greater independence for New Caledonia.
Local parliamentarian Nicolas Metzdorf, who supports Paris's continued control of the overseas territory, described it as a compromise born of dialogue, and the creation of a "Caledonian nationality" as a "real concession".
A special congress is expected to be held to finalize the next steps, which could include greater sovereignty for New Caledonia in matters of international relations, security and justice, according to excerpts of the document presented by New Caledonia's public broadcaster.
The agreement could eventually allow New Caledonia to change its name, flag and anthem.