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The Nouméa Accord of 1998 promises to grant political power to New Caledonia and its original population, the Kanaks, until the territory decides whether to remain within the French Republic or become an independent state in a referendum to be held in 2018. France will continue to control military and foreign policy, immigration, police and currency until that time, and after if the population choose to remain French.
It was the second accord following the Matignon Agreements (1988). It was signed 5 May 1998 by Lionel Jospin, and approved in a referendum in New Caledonia on 8 November, with 72% voting in favour.
Under the conditions of the Accord, which gave additional autonomy to the island, the Vice President of New Caledonia must be a pro-independence politician if the Presidency is held by an anti-independence politician.
