New Caledonia's main anti-independence coalition, the Loyalists, has urged Paris to become proactive to avoid a third referendum on independence from France.
Although the pro-French Loyalists won last Sunday's second referendum with just over 53 percent, they are adamant that they don't want to comply with the provisions of the Noumea Accord and hold another vote.
The Accord provides for three referendums between 2018 and 2022, and the pro-independence FLNKS confirmed on Thursday that it would invoke the third and final plebiscite.
New Caledonia anti-independence supporters Photo: FB The Loyalists
An FLNKS spokesman said his side now had the wind in its sails after increasing its share of the vote by three percent over two years.
A third of the members of the Congress is needed to trigger the referendum which can be done in April at the earliest.
The president of the Southern Province Sonia Backes said it was France's responsibility to do everything to stop such a vote.
The French president Emmanuel Macron said in his televised post-referendum address to New Caledonians on Sunday that he would honour a choice to have a third referendum.
Backes said talks are now needed involving all sides.
Another member of the Loyalists Virginie Ruffenach said Sunday's victory confirmed the will of a large majority to remain French.
The French overseas minister Sebastien Lecornu, who is due in Noumea for a three-week stay, said all options are on the table.
In an interview with Les Nouvelles Caledoniennes, he has not acknowledged that there will be a third referendum as desired by the FLNKS.
Six anti-independence parties join forces for referendum Photo: supplied FB