Tensions mount in New Caledonia ahead of the 20th anniversary of the M

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Updated May 30, 2008 14:46:51

RAUnionists and police clashed in the centre of Noumea Thursday during a protest organized by the Socialist Union for Kanak and Exploited Workers.Stones were thrown and police used tear gas to control the situation. Four policemen and one union member were reportedly injured, police made one arrest. The Union had called for a general strike and wanted to protest against what it considers are restrictions on the right to protest. The demonstration was organized to coincide with the visit of France's junior minister for overseas territories, Yves Jego. The clash also happened as France's former Prime Minister Michel Rocard was visiting New Caledonia. He has returned to the Territory to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Matignon Agreement he facilitated.


Presenter: Sandrine Ducrot
Speaker:Michel Rocard, France's Prime Minister between 1988 and 1991

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