PIF to send delegation to New Caledonia

SUVA, July 23 (Xinhua) — Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders have endorsed a high-level mission to New Caledonia to investigate the current political crisis in the French overseas territory.
PIF Chair Mark Brown said New Caledonia is a member of the forum and its members have a responsibility to take care of this family in a time of need, reported Fiji Broadcasting Corporation on Tuesday.
Supporting the de-escalation of violence and promoting understanding and dialogue between all parties in New Caledonia, members of the forum want to help all parties resolve this situation as peacefully and expeditiously as possible, said the chair.
The ongoing violence in New Caledonia, which has resulted in hundreds of casualties, is of grave concern to the forum. It has requested the support of the French government and will work closely with officials to confirm the arrangements for the mission, said the chair. ■