France, July 31 -- The main pro-independence party in New Caledonia has rejected a French government plan for the future of the Pacific territory, calling for fresh talks and warning that its demands are being ignored.

On Thursday, the Caledonian Union (UC) said it would not support the draft agreement signed on 12 July in Bougival, near Paris.

The deal proposed creating a "State of New Caledonia" that would remain part of France but have new powers written into the French Constitution.

The plan came after 10 days of talks between the French government, pro-independence groups and loyalist leaders who want to stay part of France.

Although the agreement was presented as a possible compromise, it still needed support from political move...