Forum praises French moves

Press, 11 July 1989, Page 9

Forum praises French moves

France has been praised by the South Pacific Forum for pursuing positive measures in New Caledonia. In a statement issued last evening by the annual meeting of 15 regional leaders in Kiribati, , the Forum gave warm if cautious endorsement of the plan towards an act of self-determination, one of the policies of Michel Rocard, the French Prime Minister. New Caledonia has for years been the one issue which could be guaranteed to find unanimity at Forum meetings. Mr Rocard’s announcement last year of a 10year plan towards an act of self-determination has created a change of attitude. Yesterday’s statement urged all parties in New Caledonia to continue to work for the successful implementation of last year’s Maignon accord. It noted progress made by Mr Rocard to implement the agreement. Deep sadness was expressed at the assassination of the Kanak leaders, Jean-Marie Tjiabaou and Yeiwene Yeiwene. The Forum said all people in New Caledonia should promote reconciliation and refrain from acts of violence. A likely successor to Mr Tjiabaou, Mr Rocky Wamytan, is attending the . Kiribati Forum as an observer. Mr Wamytan will meet the Australian Prime Minister, Mr Hawke, tomorrow. It is not known if he plans to meet the New Zealand Prime Minister, Mr Lange.