STORY: :: May 23, 2024
:: France's Macron pushes for dialogue after New Caledonia riots over election reform
:: Noumea, New Caledonia
:: Emmanuel Macron / French President
:"I personally believe that the state of emergency should not be extended. Because, as I told you, I deeply believe that dialogue is necessary. But I appeal to the responsibility of all the leaders who are here today, because it (the state of emergency) will only be lifted if everyone, in their own responsibility, calls for the roadblocks to be lifted."
"In the coming hours and days, massive new operations will be scheduled where necessary, and republican order in its entirety will be re-established because there is no other choice."
Macron's comments came during a meeting with political and business leaders in the New Caledonia capital Noumea.
The unrest in the French overseas territory has killed six people and left a trail of looted shops as well as torched cars and businesses since riots began more than a week ago.
With the island under a state of emergency, Macron said additional security totalling 3,000 personnel would remain, even during the Paris Olympics if required.
