The federal government is organising more flights to evacuate Australians stranded in New Caledonia following deadly riots, Foreign Minister Penny Wong has said.
Background: New Caledonia has been in the grips of deadly riots for more than a week, resulting in at least seven deaths.
The riots were sparked by France’s decision to allow French citizens who have lived in New Caledonia for more than 10 years to be eligible to vote in local elections.
The key quote: “We continue to help Australians outside of Noumea to travel to the capital, and we are making plans for additional flights onwards to Australia for tomorrow (Sunday).” — Foreign Minister Penny Wong posted on social media.
What else to know: Two Australian repatriation flights and a French-organised flight brought home 187 Australians and citizens of other nations on Friday.
Some 300 Australians registered their interest to leave with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT). Wong said the DFAT is in touch with them.
What happens next: French President Emmanuel Macron delayed the controversial voting reforms that sparked the unrest in a bid to calm tensions. He said he still planned to enact the law but only when peace had returned to New Caledonia.
Source Agencies
