France has agreed to grant greater autonomy to its Pacific territory of New Caledonia, stopping short of full independence sought by part of the indigenous Kanak population.
The accord follows unrest in the territory last year, when protests over proposed changes to the voting system escalated into violent clashes that left 14 people dead and caused an estimated €2 billion ($2.3 billion) in damage.
Under the agreement signed Saturday at the Elysee Palace in Paris, New Caledonia will become the “State of New Caledonia,” with its status enshrined in the French constitution. The deal introduces a new nationality status that residents can hold alongside French citizenship and leaves open the possibility of international recognition for the new entity.
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