In New Caledonia
approximately 56% of electors have voted to remain as a French colony and say 'No' to independence, and The French PM ponders New Caledonia referendum outcome.
The French prime minister Edouard Philippe has begun talks in Noumea with New Caledonian leaders after yesterday's referendum rejected independence from France.
Mr Philippe arrived from Vietnam this morning - an hour after the 56 percent no-vote was officially confirmed.
Edouard Phillipe is faced with a referendum result that defied predictions of a landslide for the anti-independence movement.
Taking into account the victory of the anti-independence camp, he has to acknowledge the surge in support for the pro-independence Kanaks.
They insist on the constitutionally guaranteed additional referendums by 2022, in the hope of completing New Caledonia's decolonisation.
Mr Phillipe will fly to Kone this afternoon to meet Kanak leaders before wrapping up his one-day stay.
Despite, yesterday's result, the Pro- independence movement has seen an increase in the number of people who have voted 'for' independence since, the 30+ 'yes' vote in the 90s.