free association

In his plan, a “Yes” result would lead to a vote on the options, which would include statehood, becoming an independent nation, or another arrangement known as free association.

UN rights chief Volker Turk "renews his call on security forces to desist from unnecessary force and to uphold the rights to free association and peaceful assembly," it said.

New Zealand has what is known as a "free association" relationship with the Cook Islands, and helps the latter with defence and foreign affairs.

One possible next step is a free association - something like the US currently has with Pacific states the Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Palau.

He has called for a "free association agreement" with the US covering trade and defence which would give Greenland independence but hand the US responsibility for security.