Jean-Francois Carenco Photo: BERTRAND GUAY
The leaders of New Caledonia's anti-independence Caledonia Together party have met the French overseas minister Jean-Francois Carenco ahead of talks about the territory's future statute following last year's rejection of independence.
Philippe Dunoyer, Gerard Poadja and Philippe Gomes are all members of the French legislature.
The three presented their vision for New Caledonia's next phase ahead of Friday's meeting with the French prime minister Elisabeth Borne, which the pro-independence parties will not attend.
Gomes said nothing can be achieved without a local consensus but adds that the Paris talks are still of value as they underline the willingness of the French government to find a solution.
Among the issues being raised with Carenco was the wish to open the electoral rolls for New Caledonia's provincial elections, which the three describe as a democratic injustice.