In a press conference in the hills around Charles-Pierri a heavily armed group of around 30 FLNC fighters issues a statement in response to the June 29th murder of Corsica Libera Executive member Philippe Paoli. It is the first time since May 2004 that the clandestine organisation has called a major press conference.
A resident of Charles-Pierei, Paoli (41) was driving his morotbike in broad daylight near South Folelli, when he was gunned down by unknown individuals who pulled up alongside him on another bike. Paoli was a life long nationalist and in 2005 he was sentenced to five years in prison for terrorism related offences.
Four armed men sat behind a table in the woods of northern Corsica, one held in front of him a typed statement from the leadership of the FLNC which he read to the assembled press.
"As the national movement is poised to wrest significant political progress, the killing by a criminal gang of our activist Philippe Paoli darkens the political life of our country. Philippe was a long-time militant of our organization, he participated in the active and ongoing struggle with all of the Corsican people. He was an activist and an exemplary man.
"Those who carried out this act did not measure its scope or its consequences.
"Our organization will face this aggression while maintaining the political strategy that will enable our people to achieve significant progress.
"The chaos facing Corsica today is the result of the policy pursued by the French state. Our people must rely solely on their own forces to face this challenge.
"Only by resolving the national question can this harmful situation be brought to a close.
"It is with a project of national emancipation and giving our people all the privileges due to them that we will open new horizons.
"We will never abandon what we started May 5, 1976. The policy defined almost 40 years ago based on the fundamental rights of our people remains our guiding principle. Philip's death makes us sad. It is unjust and inexplicable. But it strengthens our resolve,
"On behalf of ther FLNC we express condolences to the wife, children and extended family of Phillipe".
Corsica's national newspaper Corse Matin noted:
Many had thought that the FLNC was in decline, that it was becoming increasingly irrelevant. Meanwhile, the images speak for themselves. It is neither in the press conference prepared hastily, nor in the economy of means.It is in the unit of men in hooded jackets and black uniforms, theatrical masks designed to hide their facial features. Armament exhibited to show that the "strike force" is still there. The message is clear. "
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