New Caledonia pro-independence party concerned over military base deal
Updated
![Australian and French defence ministers Joel Fitzgibbon and Herve Morin met in Canberra yesterday. [AFP]](http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/img/news/base/aus_fitzgibbonmorin_afp_170908.jpg?<BR> "Australian and French defence ministers Joel Fitzgibbon and Herve Morin met in Canberra yesterday. [AFP]")
Australian and French defence ministers Joel Fitzgibbon and Herve Morin met in Canberra yesterday. [AFP]
The main Kanak pro-independence political party in New Caledonia has expressed concern over an agreement being brokered between France and Australia regarding the use of the French military base there.
Under the deal to be signed later this year Australia will be able to use France's military base in New Caledonia.
The agreement will also allow for Australian support of French naval forces in the area.
France's defence minister, Herve Morin, says he hopes the deal will strengthen relations between the two countries and help maintain stability in the Pacific region.
However, the FLNKS says the people of New Caledonia are likely to be undermined by the new arrangements.
