France, Aug. 21 -- The visit to New Caledonia of the French Overseas Miniser Manuel Valls has thrown the spotlight back on the Bougival accord, a deal seen by many as the best hope for political stability after last year's deadly unrest.

Valls began a high-stakes trip to New Caledonia on Wednesday, urging local leaders to embrace the Bougival agreement on the Pacific territory's future, even as divisions with the main pro-independence movement remain stark.

Addressing the customary Senate in Noumea, Valls called the accord "a historic opportunity" and insisted there was "no credible alternative".

Signed in July after 10 days of negotiations in France, the Bougival agreement outlines the creation of a New Caledonian state with its own n...