France's newly appointed Prime Minister Edouard Philippe poses prior to taking part in the evening news broadcast of French TV channel TF1. Photo: AFP
The French prime minister Edouard Philippe says he will be in New Caledonia on November 5th - the day after the referendum on independence.
Mr Philippe said he wants to meet all political forces to discuss with them their analysis of the result and to raise the conditions for the time after.
Mr Philippe will be accompanied by the overseas minister Annick Girardin who this week said she had proposed a meeting of the signatories to the Noumea Accord soon after the vote.
He said the referendum is not only the end of a 30-year process of engagement but also the start for New Caledonia on the path chosen in 1988.
He said France must help New Caledonia's political forces to build this future.
While polls show an overwhelming rejection of independence, Mr Philippe says he doesn't trust results proclaimed in advance.
Mr Philippe last visited New Caledonia in December and in March he chaired a meeting of the signatories to the Noumea Accord.