Sarkozy traveled to Martinique and Guadeloupe as the islands recover from violent strikes that crippled the economy and shuttered schools and businesses earlier this year.

Sarkozy did not say when a referendum might be held, but said he would meet soon with appointed officials.

"Martinicans will be free to choose in their heart and conscience the road they would like to take," he said. "The debate is not about independence, but rather of a fair autonomous status. Martinique is French and will remain so."

Appointed officials in Martinique said last week that they would favor a change in status.

Martinique and Guadeloupe last presented the issue to voters in December 2003, and the majority rejected reforms that would have created one local legislature with more power.

Earlier this year, union leaders in both islands organized violent strikes that lasted more than a month to demand higher wages and lower prices. Business leaders eventually signed agreements to enforce those changes.

The protests were partly driven by resentment among Afro-Caribbean islanders toward the bekes, a minority group descendent of slaveholders that controls most of the economy.

Sarkozy said Thursday that he cannot defend the current status of the overseas territories.

"To defend the status quo would be incomprehensible," he said. "The status quo means perpetuating a system that is unfair, obscure and biased."

Local legislator Alfred Almont urged people to vote and decide the island's future.

"The president has said that he understands our people," Almont said. "I am delighted because it is time to give answers to the questions posed."

Sarkozy traveled Friday from Martinique to Guadeloupe, where he was expected to meet with workers and appointed leaders.

Members of Guadeloupe's strike-organizing Collective Against Exploitation union have refused to meet with Sarkozy.