France, Aug. 18 -- Political tensions in New Caledonia have flared, as itsmain pro-independence coalition FLNKS voted against a deal that would have given the French overseas territory some sovereign powers - but no independence referendum, a key demand for activists. France's Overseas Minister Manuel Valls is now heading to the archipelago, in what will be a decisive week for its future.

New Caledonia is once again at a political turning point.

The Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS)voted on 9 August to reject outright the Bougival agreement - a French plan signed last month to give the territory its own nationality and some powers, but no new independence referendum, which had been hailed as a potential breakthrough.

Th...