PARIS (AP) — The French Pacific territory of New Caledonia is shortening the nighttime curfew and reopening its international airport, which has been closed to commercial flights for more than a month due to deadly violence that devastated the archipelago where pro-independence Indigenous Kanaks wants to break with France.
La Tontouta Airport connecting Capital of New Caledonia, Nouméato Sydney, Tokyo, Singapore and other Pacific hubs will reopen on Monday, the territory’s high commissioner announced in a statement on Sunday.
The nighttime curfew is also being shortened by two hours, with its start being postponed from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, due to “the improvement of the situation and to facilitate the gradual return to normal life”, said the high commissioner .
violence that exploded on May 13 The controversial electoral reforms led to nine deaths, including two police officers, and widespread destruction of stores, businesses and homes. Tourists stranded by the airport closure were evacuated on military flights.
With France now plunged into a frenzied campaign for early parliamentary electionsFrench President Emmanuel Macron suspended reforms this would have changed voting rights in New Caledonia. The revolt led France, on May 15, to impose a state of emergency in the archipelago and rush reinforcements to the police who have been overwhelmed by armed clashes, looting and arson.
Both sides of New Caledonia’s bitter divide – the indigenous Kanaks who want independence and those loyal to France – have erected barricades, either to revolt against the authorities or to protect homes and property. Pro-independence protesters erected barricades of charred vehicles and other debris, turning parts of Nouméa into no-go zones.
