Gérald Darmanin has ended his two-day visit to New Caledonia saying his door remained open, but that a controversial Constitutional review scheduled in the next few months was still on track.
Clashes between pro-independence protesters, police as three French ministers visit New Caledonia pina.com.fj - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from pina.com.fj Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The crowd - an estimated 2000 according to organisers, 500 according to police - had been called to voice their opposition to a French-planned constitutional amendment process.
Analysis - Gérald Darmanin has confirmed he will visit New Caledonia on 20 February, as the French Pacific entity is facing pressing issues on economic and political levels.
The French minister plans to travel to Noumea "mid-February", but it depends on whether protracted talks between local politicians on the territory's political future are showing signs of progress.