Photo: Wali Wahetra
France's new Minister for Overseas Territories Jean Francois Carenco was told to 'find a Solution' to the impasse in New Caledonia.
Carenco started his visit at the assembly of the Loyalty island region, to the west of the mainland.
He was greeted in local Kanak customary way, after which the party made its way to the site of the Easo Cliffs, a favoured tourist destination.
Congress member Wali Wahetra said the minister's speech mentioned a right to sovereignty as it is written in the French Constitution.
"It was pretty positive, but that is the goal of the meeting. He talked about the right to auto-determination which I greatly appreciated.
"He also said that it's a right that is inscribed in the consitution, that stays, that will continue to stay and will come.
"Mr Carenco said in his speech that President Macron told him to "find the solution".
Wali Wahetra also said Carenco discussed that New Caledonia had signs of identity and signs of sovereignty but also the right of referendum.
She said that the pro-independence parties are not planning another referendum
"We needed a dialogue, because the anti-independence parties are still holding onto the referendum date of July which has been proposed by Mr Lecornu.
"However, we are not on this calender at all and we absolutely do not want another referendum among France."
Carenco said a vote will happen once everyone is ready, noting there has been no dialogue for two years to advance matters.
On Wednesday September 14, the Minister will meet with the President of the New Caledonian government Louis Mapou's party the National Union for Independence and the FLNKS..
He is currently touring all three provinces of New Caledonia, to meet each pro-independence camp..
