Overview

• At a Nouméa press conference on July 18, FLNKS leaders insisted the Bougival text represents a negotiable project rather than a definitive agreement
• Emmanuel Tjibaou said the draft will be reviewed by FLNKS movements and discussed at a political bureau meeting before the broader August 2 congress
• The proposal envisions a sui generis New Caledonian state with immediate transfer of foreign-relations powers, potential further devolution, international recognition and dual French-Caledonian nationality
• Roch Wamytan described the Bougival negotiations as “horribly difficult” and warned that the draft remains “not quite balanced”
• Police protection has been deployed after signatories received death threats as internal debates intensify