“As Long As Needed...” Macron Vows French Troops In New Caledonia, Says Peace & Calm “Top Priority”

French President Emmanuel Macron visited riot-hit New Caledonia and said troops sent to battle the deadly unrest there “will stay as long as necessary”. Macron's visit came after six people were killed in riots that began last week and left a trail of looted shops, torched cars and businesses. Macron held talks with the pro-independence President of the Government of New Caledonia Louis Mapou and the President of Congress Roch Wamytan. Macron called the riots "totally unprecedented movement of insurrection," adding that "no one saw it coming with this level of organisation and violence." Experts say Macron visiting the riot-hit region for talks just weeks before key European elections shows the stakes are high.