Canberra, The Australian and New Zealand governments announced Tuesday they have received clearance to send planes to New Caledonia to pick up travelers stranded after unrest shut down the international airport.
Australia is deploying two planes on Tuesday to evacuate some of the 300 of its citizens who have registered for assistance in the French Pacific territory.
Australia has spent the last four days pressing France to grant permission, The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported.
The first of “a series” of proposed flights will also leave New Zealand and bring about 50 people home, the New Zealand government said.
The unrest began last week after lawmakers in Paris voted through changes that will allow more French residents to vote in local elections, a move indigenous leaders say will dilute the political influence of native people.
Four civilians – including at least three indigenous Kanak residents – have been killed in riots along with two police officers.
France has flown in 1,050 extra p
olice to boost security in the territory, with a further 600 reinforcements to arrive “in the coming hours”, France’s High Commission in New Caledonia said on Tuesday.
The French High Commission in New Caledonia say French gendarmes trying to take back control of the 60km (37 mile) road between Noumea and La Tontouta international have “neutralized” 76 roadblocks and are now clearing debris such as burnt-out vehicles.
Source: Qatar News Agency
