Polynesian politician: 'France trying in every possible way to prevent us from gaining independence'

France is trying in every possible way to prevent the overseas territories from gaining independence, the representative of Tāvini Huiraʻatira, a pro-independence political party in French Polynesia, Heinui Le Caill, said at a press conference, Report informs.

According to Le Caill, the decolonization of French Polynesia has been going on for 40 years.

“We have seen many deaths over the years. During this period France tried to destroy our national consciousness and native language,” he said.

Le Caill also emphasized that for complete colonization, France tried to apply the French model of society in these territories.

“Throughout history, France has tested nuclear weapons on our territory about 200 times. They sacrificed us to protect themselves,” the politician added.

The international conference “Neo-colonialism: violation of human rights and injustice”, organized by the Baku Initiative Group (BIG), opens in Baku on October 20.

Representatives from 14 countries and regions, including the overseas territories of France and Corsica, will take part in it.

The Baku Initiative Group (BIG) was created on July 6, 2023, in Baku by participants in the Complete Elimination of Colonialism conference within the framework of the ministerial meeting of the Coordination Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement chaired by the Republic of Azerbaijan.

BIG supports the struggle for the freedom of peoples in various regions of the world still suffering from colonization in the 21st century.