Daniel Goa, a separatist politician, (L) Photo: AFP
The spokesman of New Caledonia's pro-independence FLNKS movement has called for unity ahead of an independence referendum in November.
Daniel Goa said the first objective of the campaign has to be the movement's unity in the interest of the Kanak people.
Mr Goa's call is directed mainly at a group of pro-independence supporters and nationalists, known as RIN, which is considering boycotting the referendum because it disagrees with the make-up of the restricted roll for the vote.
He said the group's rhetoric is harking back to old quarrels and only instills fear.
Mr Goa said if a united people loses it is because colonisation has turned it into a minority.
He said if a people loses because it's divided its credibility for any future combat is in doubt.
Anti-independence parties form a majority, suggesting most voters will want to stay with France.
