Stories by Patrick Decloitre

One of the main components of New Caledonia's pro-independence FLNKS umbrella, the Union Calédonienne (UC), says it now has suspended all discussions with two pro-French parties.

A round-up of news in brief from around the French Pacific region, including the world's longest cruise stoppping in both Tahiti and Moorea islands.

Analysis - New Caledonia's current nickel industry crisis has prompted several pro-French parties to call for a "state of economic urgency".

The French Senate on Tuesday voted by a large majority (307 in favour and 34 against) the postponement of New Caledonia's crucial provincial elections later this year.

Gérald Darmanin has ended his two-day visit to New Caledonia saying his door remained open, but that a controversial Constitutional review scheduled in the next few months was still on track.

A round-up of news in brief from around the French Pacific region, including hunters in New Caledonia's Island province now requiring to apply for a hunting permit.

The crowd - an estimated 2000 according to organisers, 500 according to police - had been called to voice their opposition to a French-planned constitutional amendment process.

Explainer - The draft Constitutional amendment has begun its legislative journey with a first step in the French Senate, where the proposed text is now scheduled to be debated in the Upper House.

A curfew has been imposed at the weekend in the village of Yaté after renewed land-related clashes between rival communities have left two dead and four seriously injured.

A new kind of multi-purpose undersea cable, referred to as "SMART", is scheduled to connect New Caledonia (landing on Lifou Island, Loyalty Islands group) and Port Vila by 2026.

A round-up of news in brief from the French Pacific region, including Nouméa's sharks monitored by ultra-light aircraft.

In the small community of Boulouparis (centre of New Caledonia's main island), a "special" hotel is generating curiosity, sometimes indignation on the social networks.

Analysis - Gérald Darmanin has confirmed he will visit New Caledonia on 20 February, as the French Pacific entity is facing pressing issues on economic and political levels. Audio

Both French Polynesia and New Caledonia are still struggling with the high number of cases of domestic violence against women.

Glencore announced on Monday it has decided to put its Koniambo nickel mining operation in New Caledonia in "care and maintenance" status after accumulating huge losses over the past ten years.

Guévenoux, 47, regarded as close to French President Emmanuel Macron, as an MP for Macron's Renaissance party, is a member of the Law Commission within the French National Assembly.

The one-hour documentary focuses on daily life in one of PNG capital's slums, where most essential services have collapsed and lawlessness and crime seem to be the only remaining rules.

A round-up of news in brief from the French Pacific region, including a strike by employees of the only petrol retail company in Wallis and Futuna causing all service stations to run dry.

A round-up of news in brief from the French Pacific region, including a new drug that has already become a major issue in the US believed to be arriving soon to the Pacific.

French Polynesia is set to host as many as five of the recently-announced trans-Pacific Google undersea cables, President Moetai Brotherson has confirmed.

A round-up of news in brief from the French Pacific region, including French President Macron's strong Indo-Pacific vision, and a massive dog sterilisation campaign is underway in Tahiti.

The French minister plans to travel to Noumea "mid-February", but it depends on whether protracted talks between local politicians on the territory's political future are showing signs of progress.

A judicial enquiry has been launched in French Polynesia to determine whether some members of the Parliament can be held responsible for racist hate speech.

The endorsement comes as part of preparations to a French government Bill, currently being drafted and to be tabled soon in the French Parliament (in the shape of an "organic law"), to effectively…

A round-up of news in brief from the French Pacific region, including scientists preparing to release genetically-modified mosquitoes.