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A high-level Pacific delegation will visit New Caledonia ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders (PIF) meeting in Tonga on August 26. PIF Chair and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown confirmed that the three-member delegation, approved by French President Emmanuel Macron, will assess the situation in New Caledonia in coordination with France.
Tongan Prime Minister Huakavameliku is unlikely to attend because he is responsible for preparing for the leaders’ meeting, and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Menele is likely to serve in his place. Brown and Fijian Prime Minister Sitiweni Rabuka will accompany him.
The visit, aimed at addressing recent violence and promoting dialogue between forum members and the French territory of New Caledonia, was timed by the three Pacific Islands Forum members who oversaw the visit.
New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters stressed the need for a peaceful resolution to New Caledonia’s problems, noting that economic stability was also crucial. He hinted that more delegations to New Caledonia might be sent in the future to support long-term peace efforts.
Meanwhile, the French High Commission said a curfew imposed in New Caledonia following the outbreak of violent unrest on May 13 has been extended until August 19.
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