France, Aug. 13 -- New Caledonia's main pro-independence coalition, the Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS), has rejected the Bougival agreement - a French plan signed last month to give the territory its own nationality and some powers, but no new independence referendum.

At a press conference in Noumea on Wednesday, Dominique Fochi, secretary-general of the Caledonian Union and a senior figure within the FLNKS, said the movement's extraordinary congress had voted on Saturday to reject the deal outright.

"The FLNKS formally rejects the Bougival draft agreement because it is incompatible with the foundations and achievements of our struggle," Mr Fochi declared.

Signed on 12 July under the guidance of Overseas Minister Man...