This three-ring billiard game between New Caledonia, Azerbaijan and France is coming to an end…
Last April, a cooperation agreement between New Caledonia and Azerbaijan was signed by an elected representative, Omayra Naisseline (pro-independence). She signed the document on behalf of Congress President Roch Wamytan, who is also her uncle.
Most of the elected representatives contested the agreement, which was neither approved nor even discussed by the congress. The story was widely reported in the New Caledonian press, as well as in mainland France. Numerous personalities denounced Azerbaijan’s interference in French affairs.
A commission of inquiry…
The Azerbaijani dictatorship is using its links with Caledonian independence fighters to put pressure on France. The dictatorship is in conflict with France over the Armenian-populated Nagorno-Karabakh region.
Last July, Veylma Falaeo was elected head of Congress, replacing Roch Wamytan. On October 15, she declared that the agreement with Baku was worthless.
This confirms the analysis of the French state, which had declared it illegal.
Virginie Ruffenach, an anti-independence politician, has called for a commission of inquiry to be set up as soon as possible. In particular, she wants to know if there have been any money transfers between Azerbaijan and the independentists.
Veylma Falaeo is not a separatist. Her party, Éveil océanien, is in favor of Caledonia becoming a state associated with France.
Photo: on the left, former pro-independence congress president Roch Wamytan. On the right, Veylma Falaeo, the president elected for one year.
