| New Caledonia |
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The Nouméa Accord of 1998 promises to grant political power to New Caledonia and its original population, the Kanaks, until the territory decides whether to remain within the French Republic or become an independent state in a referendum to be held between 2014 and 2019. France will continue to control military and foreign affairs, immigration, police and currency until that time, and after if the population choose to remain French.
It was the second accord following the accord of Matignon (1988). It was signed May 5, 1998 by Lionel Jospin. On November 8 the accord was approved by the population of New Caledonia by a referendum in which 72% of the population voted in favour.
Under the conditions of the Nouméa Accord, which gave additional autonomy to the island, the Vice President of New Caledonia must be a pro-independence politician if the Presidency is held by an anti-independence politician.[1][2]