France insists on sovereignty over Vanuatu-claimed islands

France insisted on its sovereignty over the disputed Pacific islands of Matthew and Hunter after Vanuatu sought to open a case against Paris at the International Court of Justice.

Eleonore Caroit, a junior minister at the French foreign ministry, said Paris had taken note of Vanuatu’s move over the uninhabited islands and would respond in due course. Under the rules of the UN’s top court, the case can proceed only if France agrees that international judges have jurisdiction.

“France's position is clear and firm,” Caroit said at a Pacific islands conference hosted by Palau. She said France supported dialogue and negotiation, but added that relinquishing sovereignty “was never on the table.”

Vanuatu environment minister Ralph Regenvanu said his country had submitted a request to the court because it had discussed the issue long enough. He said Vanuatu could request an advisory opinion through a majority vote in the UN General Assembly if Paris does not accept the ICJ’s jurisdiction.

Matthew and Hunter are volcanic, uninhabited islands several hundred kilometres east of the French overseas territory of New Caledonia. Vanuatu also claims them. The islands are less than one square kilometre in size but guarantee France an exclusive economic zone of 350,000 square kilometres.

Vanuatu became independent from joint British and French rule in 1980. Earlier this year, Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat accused France of colonialism over the dispute and threatened to use “all diplomatic and international legal means” if discussions broke down.

The ICJ, based in The Hague, settles disputes between countries. The court previously said Vanuatu’s application had been transmitted to France and that no action would be taken unless France consented to its jurisdiction.