NOUMEA, May 27, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - The state of emergency in New Caledonia, which has been hit by deadly rioting, will be lifted at 1800 GMT Monday, the French presidency said, adding 480 gendarmes were being sent to the French Pacific territory as reinforcements.

The state of emergency will be lifted to allow for meetings with the pro-independence FLNKS party, it added in a press statement.