Front de Libération Nationale Kanake et Socialiste (FLNKS) delegation expressed disappointment over French national anthem being played during the ceremonial opening to welcome Kanak’s presence at the National Museum on Wednesday.
Head of delegation Victor Tuturogo revealed this during the handing over of MSG chairmanship to Solomon Islands Prime Minister (PM) Manasseh Sogavare at the Heritage Park Conference Centre yesterday.
At the welcome ceremony the Kanakis were welcomed with the French National Anthem, which is not reflective of their pride and identity as Melanesians. Hence it does not go down well with them to be welcomed by a foreign anthem, which they struggle to gain independence from.
FLNKS leader’s statement was conveyed by his translator in English indicating feeling of insult and also a strong message to MSG countries not to repeat the same mistake.
In his final remarks after handing over of the chairmanship to Sogavare, Tuturogo concluded by reminding the leaders of their disapproval to use the French national anthem to represent them in any ceremonial gathering.
By AATAI JOHN
