PM reassures Vanuatu support to the struggle of Kanaks

Prime Minister Charlot Salwai has re-affirmed the support of the Government and people of Vanuatu to the cause of their Melanesian brothers and sisters of Kanaky.

Mr Salwai made the comment when he received a high level delegation of the independent movement of the French territory of New Caledonia, the FLNKS led by their spokesperson, Victor Tutugoro in his office today.

He said Vanuatu will continue to raise the issue of independence of Kanaky in regional and international organisations.

Mr Salwai said that the issue of independence of Kanaks is currently absent within their Melanesian organisation of Melanesian Spearhead Group but it is only with the leaders and not their people.

He said the issue of the independence of Melanesian people is rooted in the minds of the people of Melanesia.

The Prime Minister also congratulated the leaders of the FLNKS for their ground works towards then self-determination of the Kanaks.

Mr Tutugoro and the members of his delegation also briefed Mr Salwai on the current political situation in Kanaky.

The FLNKS delegation also met with Deputy Prime Minister, Joe Natuman, former Prime Minister, Barak Sope, former president of the Republic of Vanuatu, Kalkot Mataskelekele and one of the former Minister of Internal Affairs, Pastor John Sethy Regenvanu.

They will also meet with Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs and other leaders.

The purpose of their visit is to gather information on how Vanuatu achieved its independence from Britain and France in 1980.