The leader of the Socialist Kanak National Liberation Front (FLNKS), Christian Tein who is currently being held in prison in France, has addressed his fellow movement members and the Kanak people, APA reports.
APA presents the address:
"To the Great Chief of Ouetcho,
To the local leaders of the Djubea-Kapume region,
Dear political leaders, members of the Political Bureau,
Dear comrades,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I extend my deep respect and greetings to you at the opening of the long-awaited Convention of the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS). At this very moment of writing, it is essential to carefully analyze the political situation. From where I have been for the past 10 months, I observe that our representatives must understand the necessity of showing courage, resilience, determination, seriousness, and vigilance during the upcoming political phase. In order for our voice to be effectively conveyed in negotiations concerning our country's future, our trust in the representatives elected by local structures must remain unshaken.
I have shared my position with the leaders of the Political Bureau and members of the dialogue group regarding the draft political agreement prepared by the French state as a result of previous phases.
Today, I address all activists at the Convention of the Front.
When the decision was made to resume dialogue with the administrative authority, our goal was clear: to defend Kanaky’s path toward full sovereignty and independence.
In the resolution adopted at the 44th Congress of the FLNKS in Saint-Louis, the purpose of the preparatory phase is described as defining the foundations of the format, timeline, method, and content for future negotiations. The information obtained must be taken as a basis before the state, because the draft agreement proposed by French Minister Valls is not based on our proposals, but rather on granting a new status within the French Republic — essentially aiming to prolong colonialism for years to come.
Our opponents are trying to weaken us with numerous contradictory statements and meaningless lobbying. We must remain vigilant and never underestimate their ability to destabilize us at any moment!
Bilateral meetings between the FLNKS, the people suffering from colonialism, and the French state have always been the preferred format. After the illegal third referendum held on December 12, 2021, the French state and the supporters of non-independence united and took action without adhering to the previous rules. This led to a violation of France's commitment to neutrality and impartiality in previous political agreements. Therefore, a bilateral format under the supervision of the UN should be preferred.
I also propose strengthening the dialogue group and the technical team at the FLNKS convention. Difficult days lie ahead, and in order to face this challenging period, we must enhance our human resources. Political affiliation should not be the main criterion; in this struggle, everyone who has contributed should be brought to the forefront.
Our timeline must be aligned with the state's timeline, and the phases are clearly defined in the "4 Coconut Trees" resolution. The flexibility of the negotiations should not divert us from our main path. The Kanaky Agreement must be implemented by September 24, 2025 at the latest, and before the end of the 2027 presidential term, the exact date of independence must be determined. Through the shortest transition period, New Caledonia, with enhanced autonomy, should become a sovereign state. The mutual dependencies will be defined in subsequent stages through cooperation agreements.
As for the method, our strategy is guided by our vision of a sovereign country; the opposite is not open for discussion. For this reason, I have proposed strengthening and updating our public model project. Let me be clear: it is impossible to develop a strategy without clearly defined values and goals. It is evident that only serious work will yield results. Today's convention must adopt a serious method to conduct a healthy debate on the aspirations of FLNKS activists regarding a sovereign state.
Finally, as for the content, the Noumea Agreement remains the basis for future negotiations. The key elements of the Kanaky Agreement should include: the implementation of the right to self-determination, the transfer of sovereign powers, the future granting of national identity status to the citizen electorate, and the full recognition of international responsibility. The decolonization process must be fully completed. Full sovereignty is the only guarantee of lasting peace for the Kanak people.
Dear comrades, this must be the final agreement we make with our colonizers: The Kanaky Agreement is our dignity and sovereignty. It is precisely this spirit that must bring us, our people, and then our interlocutors together with respect. These efforts are a tribute to the work left by our ancestors, a sign of respect for the blood shed in the struggle, and a legacy for future generations.
I ask you all to unite around important issues today, not for the purpose of election calculations ahead of the upcoming provincial elections.
The struggle for Kanak's independence must continue to the end. We bear responsibility before our people for the commitment we have taken upon ourselves. Thank you.
Kanaky must always be a priority!"
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