Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders have endorsed a high-level mission to New Caledonia.
This is in response to the request from New Caledonia to support a long-lasting resolution to the ongoing political situation.
Prime Minister of Cook Islands and PIF Forum Chair Mark Brown said “New Caledonia is a PIF Member and we have a responsibility to take care of our family in a time of need. We wish to support the de-escalation of violence and promote understanding and dialogue between all parties. Our objective is to help all parties resolve this situation as peacefully and expeditiously as possible.”
The ongoing violence in New Caledonia is of grave concern to the Forum Family. A Forum Ministerial Committee provides a regionally-led, contextualised and neutral approach to the impasse in New Caledonia. Forum Leaders recognise that any regional support to New Caledonia on this matter will require the agreement of the French Government. The Pacific Islands Forum has requested the support of the French Government and will work closely with officials to confirm the arrangements for the mission.
The Forum Ministerial Committee (FMC) will be led by the Prime Ministers of Cook Islands, Fiji and Tonga, who comprise the current Forum Troika. The FMC will ensure that the mission is facilitated in an objective and comprehensive manner
“It is the collective expectation of Forum Leaders that the mission takes place in August and a report from the mission be presented to Leaders for their consideration and further discussion at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Tonga on 26-30 August”, said Forum Chair Mark Brown.
