A change of heart?

Kalinga Seneviratne discusses what is seen as a move by Vanuatu’s Kanak population away from securing independence in favour of what may be a South African-style compromise with Rock Wamyton, president of the FLNKS. (These are edited excerpts) PIM: When the Matignon Accord was signed in 1988, it was seen as an agreement which might pave the way for inde pendence from France in 10 years’ time. But, today, it looks like everybody is talking about a South African-style compromise.

RW: The Matignon Accord was signed for 10 years; we are now one year away from the deadline and we are now dis

cussing with all the partners of this accord, that is, the French government and RPCR, a solution for 1998. We decided two or three years ago to try and find a solution that would avoid this referendum of self-determination. In French we call it the ref erendum of ratification. Yes, I think we can compare the model we are going to settle here to the model in South Africa. It is necessary to [consider] all communities who have lived here for a long time. Kanak people are the first people of this land.

We claim our independence, we claim our sovereignty, we claim our dignity. But it is important to give a definite place for all other communities. We have changed. It’s not possible to exclude these communities. To make a new country for tomor row, we need this population. So our role is to try and convince all that they can stay here, live together.

PIM: During the last decade or so, there has been a Kanak middle class which has developed, especially in Noumea. Many of them seem to belive that Kanaks are not yet ready for inde pendence - you need to develop expertise which may take another 50 years. What is your response to these people?

RW: I don’t think there has been a big change in Kanak peo ple’s attitude to independence during this time. About 80 per cent are still for independence. We have a middle class that is emerging, but this is not a reality.

PIM: Is it that they are scared that if French subsidies stop you may not be able to survive?

RW: I think the difference [with] other countries in the Pacific, is that New Caledonia is very rich. We have nickel mines and other ore in the soil, also fish. The problem is how to manage this potential, that is, how to find finance to manage and produce the nickel, etc.

PIM: A major part of the Matignon Accord was the eco nomic rebalancing principle in the country. Do you think the FLNKS has been successful in doing that?

RW: No. I think the important thing for us is to plant in the process of rebalancing. In terms of rebalancing of the territory, it is not possible to rebalance in 10 years. The rebalancing will continue maybe for 10 years or 20 years. I think that it is a very long process. The important thing ... is that we enter into the process of rebalancing. But it is difficult to make an evaluation now, eight or nine years after the signature of the Matignon Accord. The Matignon Accord was very good for the country and the people, but 140 years too late.

PIM: RPCR argues that New Caledonia is aheady indepen dent - there’s democracy and France is always there to help out with subsidies. So why ask for independence?

RW: We are not really independent, but autonomous [which is why] we refused the proposal of the prime minister of France last year, we consider we are already autonomous. The problem is to convince all the community, including the RPCR leaders, to come with us to be independent.

PIM: What is there for France to hold on to in New Caledonia?

RW: Nickel and the economic potential of this region with its 200-mile exclusive economic zone.

PIM: If FLNKS comes to power to get the White support like in South Africa when ANC went into a coalition with the National Party for awhile, will you consider RPCR as a junior

coalition partner?

RW: Of course ... We could share power with RPCR or any other group. My goal is to lead the process from 1988 towards emancipation and sovereignty of our land. This is our vision. ■