Paris talks on New Caledonia's future will 'avoid return to violence'

Carved wood topped with Kanak independence colors in Poindimie, on the east coast of New Caledonia. AFP - THEO ROUBY

Supporters and opponents of independence in New Caledonia – whose future status must be negotiated with the French government – are expected to travel to Paris next month for talks.

The meeting was announced on Monday by Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin in an interview with conservative daily Le Figaro. It comes on the back of his three-day visit to the territory to discuss its institutional future.