travel news review


8 July '98
The French government has voted in favour of the Noumea Accord which provides for New Caledonia's eventual independence from France. The Accord was signed in May by the Prime Minister Lionel Jospin, in Noumea. New Caledonia has been under French rule for more than 140 years and for the first time France is officially recognising the New Caledonia Kanak people. France expects an independence referendum will be held in New Caledonia in 15 to 20 years. As part of the new accord, visas for Australian citizens travelling to New Caledonia will no longer be required.