Referendum 'hardly conceivable' right now: Pauline Marois
France to take neutral policy on Quebec independence
The Canadian Press
Posted: Oct 16, 2012 6:45 AM ET
Last Updated: Oct 16, 2012 12:31 PM ET
Pauline Marois' party holds a minority status in the National Assembly. (CBC)
Quebec Premier Pauline Marois told a radio network in France Tuesday that a referendum on sovereignty is hardly conceivable right now.
She told listeners that her Parti Québécois government holds minority status in the National Assembly and faces two federalist opposition parties.
Marois also stressed that Quebec will continue to defend its interests.
The newly-elected PQ premier met with French President Francois Hollande Monday and is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault Tuesday.
During their conversation Monday, Hollande said France would return to its traditionally neutral policy on Quebec independence.
That policy, which was introduced in France in the 1970s, had been temporarily interrupted under the pro-Canadian-unity era of Nicolas Sarkozy.
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