French President Nicolas Sarkozy has called for compromise in New Caledonia as the territory has been facing growing dissent in its decolonization process.

Sarkozy made the call in talks with local politicians in Noumea on Friday on the first day of a visit which includes him opening the Pacific Games on Saturday, Radio New Zealand International reported.

He said he was convinced that also within the pro-independence camp there is an attachment to France and a shared history.

Sarkozy said there is also disquiet over going separate ways which, he said, means there is a need for compromise.

In line with the Noumea Accord, the territory is due to hold a referendum on self-determination between 2014 and 2018, but several parties are weighing up a new deal to avoid a referendum.

And reacting to a rise in crime, Sarkozy announced that Paris will send 70 more police to New Caledonia and double the number of police vehicles.

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