Pacific

Cautious response in French Polynesia to Sarkozy's promise of financial relief

14:33 pm on 6 February 2012

There has been a cautious response in French Polynesia to the televised weekend address by the French President.

Nicolas Sarkozy promised financial relief and moves to tackle contentious aspects of a shared history.

Walter Zweifel reports.

"Nicolas Sarkozy has vowed to loosen the secrecy surrounding the trial of the late pro-independence leader Pouvanaa a Oopa and will expand eligibility criteria for those seeking compensation for poor health because of the nuclear weapons tests. However, the Moruroa e tatou veterans are wary, saying only three months ago the French defence minister rejected all claims. The Socialists in France say Mr Sarkozy has finally awoken to the problems in Tahiti while claiming to have paid close attention to them. Mr Sarkozy's party associate and former president, Gaston Tong Sang, has hailed the presidential speech, saying he has the right words in tough times."