New Caledonia

Security forces reinforcements have been sent from France ahead of two antagonist marches scheduled to take place this Saturday in the capital Nouméa.

The French Senate endorsed a move from the French government to allow French citizens to vote at local elections provided they have been residing for at least an uninterrupted ten years.

Analysis - The French Senate on Tuesday endorsed a Constitutional review project bearing significant modifications to the local electoral rules for New Caledonia, but with amendments.

Analysis - A combination of inter-twined economic, political and socially pressing issues are taking their toll in New Caledonia.

Analysis - An "organic law" to postpone New Caledonia's provincial elections has on Monday passed the final hurdle and was endorsed by the French National Assembly.

The concept of a nickel-exporting-countries organisation, which they call "OPEN" (Organisation des Pays Exportateurs de Nickel) comes from the FLNKS-Union Calédonienne Congress caucus.

New Caledonia-based French armed forces have been recently engaging on several Pacific operational theatres.

The French government has agreed to dig into its coffers and help rescue New Caledonia's beleaguered nickel industry. But the aid is tied to a stringent reform "pact".

One of the main components of New Caledonia's pro-independence FLNKS umbrella, the Union Calédonienne (UC), says it now has suspended all discussions with two pro-French parties.

Analysis - New Caledonia's current nickel industry crisis has prompted several pro-French parties to call for a "state of economic urgency".

The French Senate on Tuesday voted by a large majority (307 in favour and 34 against) the postponement of New Caledonia's crucial provincial elections later this year.