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The French prime minister's foreign affairs adviser, Serge Degallaix, said July 2 that France was interested in participating in the Australian-led security team being sent to the restive Solomon Islands. Degallaix made the comments following a meeting in Paris with the ambassadors of Australia and New Zealand. However, Canberra has reacted with caution to the request, suggesting Paris contribute funds rather than troops.
France still maintains two territories in the Pacific -- New Caledonia and French Polynesia -- and is concerned by Australia's new assertiveness in the Pacific. France still considers the area within its sphere of influence. Sources in the French Foreign Ministry say Paris has a two-pronged plan to gain admittance to the security contingent -- diplomatic pressure or, if necessary, a show of military force to reinforce France's claimed role in the region.
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