Macron says New Caledonia has voted to remain French in referendum

French President Emmanuel Macron attends a Defense Council at Fort de Bregancon in Bormes-les-Mimosas, France August 11, 2021. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard/Pool
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday that New Caledonia will remain French, after a majority of voters in the French overseas territory voted against independence in a third and final referendum.
"Caledonians have chosen to remain French. They decided that freely," Macron said in a televised address.
"We can't ignore that the electorate remained deeply divided over the years. (...) A period of transition is now starting," he added.