France, Aug. 13 -- The Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS), New Caledonia's main pro-independence coalition, has confirmed it will not back the controversial Bougival agreement signed last month between the French state and non-independence leaders.

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 for an outright rejection.

"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 Manuel Valls, the Bougival te...