France and Libya
p. 43 · Read in the full issue
LIBYA’S “intrusion” into the Pacific has raised alarm in most parts of the region, following reports of Libyan involvement in New Caledonia and grow ing diplomatic and cultural links with Vanuatu. Since then the Libyan connec tion has broadened to include links with supporters of the Organisa Papua Mer deka (OPM) movement in Irian Jaya.
These activities have been a cause for con cern not so much for their scale but for their potential to destabilise the region.
It is France, however, that is assuming a major role in regional security problems.
France maintains its nuclear testing pro gram at Mururoa Atoll, despite blanket condemnation on the basis that it is main taining an “independent nuclear deter rent”. France maintains a regional naval force of three frigates, three minor surface combatants, amphibious support ships and five Falcon Gardian maritime recon naissance aircraft as part of its Pacific Na val Command (ALPACI). This force of around 1400 men is supported by two Inter Service overseas commands; one at
New Caledonia and the other in French Polynesia.
The 5000-strong force in New Cale donia is made up of a regular component of one marine infantry regiment, four in fantry companies and an air transport unit equipped with C-160 aircraft and Al ouette 111 helicopters. Additional forces have been deployed as the political situa tion demands.
The force at Polynesia numbers around 5400 and is made up of one marine and one Foreign Legion regiment, plus an air transport unit equipped with Caravelle and Twin Otter aircraft and Super Puma and Alouette 111 helicopters.
The crisis in New Caledonia, however, remains the major issue within the region.
The prime difficulty in any transition to independence rests in the fact that the in digenous kanaks make up only 43 per cent of the population. The political situation has become increasingly polarised and the potential for civil unrest remains high, de spite the presence of more than 8000 French security forces.
Major Peter Young is The Australian newspaper’s special Defence writer.