MSG considers West Papua membership

THE Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) is considering full membership by the United Liberation Movement for West Papua.Indonesia currently has associate member status with the MSG and is strongly opposed to West Papua being granted full membership.

It is Indonesia’s view that West Papua already falls under their (Indonesian republic) representation in the MSG.

Foreign Ministers of the MSG member countries met in Port Vila last week to discuss guidelines which relate to the bid by West Papua for membership in the group.

Solomon Island’s foreign minister, Milner Tozaka, said the MSG leaders in July requested legal clarification on guidelines for membership.

“So that request has been attended to appropriately by the legal people and they have made a recommendation to be used for the foreign ministers to look at and then we will recommend it to the leaders for endorsement,” he explained.

Mr Tozaka confirmed that there won’t be a decision on the Liberation Movement’s application however he did say that they already have observer status.

MSG countries that have shown their support for the Liberation Movements full membership include Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and the FLNKS Kanaks movement.

Papua New Guinea and Fiji, have however leaned towards the Indonesian side on this issue.

Vanuatu’s Prime Minister, Charlot Salwai, said his country’s foreign policy remained firm that Vanuatu is not completely free of colonial bondage until all of Melanesia is free.

– PacNews

January 5, 2017 0

West Papua, Indonesia not discussed

Vanuatu Daily Post, By Len Garae,Dec 24, 2016

The Melanesian Spearhead Group Foreign Affairs Ministers’ Meeting at the Secretariat in Port Vila this week has not dealt with Indonesia’s Associate Membership of MSG or West Papua’s Observer Status of MSG.

The Chairman of the meeting who is the Minister of Foreign Affairs and external Trade of the Solomon Islands, Milner Tozaka said his team has reviewed the procedures to be dealt with by the Leaders early next year.

Asked what the new recommendations are the Chairman explained, “One of the important recommendations is a guideline whereby any new application for membership, will have to be forwarded firstly to the Director General (of MSG), who will be consulting the leaders for their direction as to whether to consider the application or not, and subject to their approval, then they would consider the application”.

He made it clear the meeting this week did not deal with either of the two applications.

“The (MSG) legal institution to revisit the application for membership as well as the associate membership has been done and we have not gone into considering the applications for either of them,” the Chairman explained.

Asked if the meeting has agreed that the two applications are in order, he replied, “The status quo remains the same. Nothing has changed in relation to Indonesia as an Associate Member and West Papua as an Observer”.

The Chairman said any changes would only take place after the leaders meet to consider the new criteria have been recommended by the Legal Committee to the leaders for their deliberations next year.

The current Chair said the next meeting will depend on the new Chairman of MSG in consultation with his colleagues but that it is expected to be held early next year.

While farewelling the staff of MSG Secretariat and wishing them and their families “merry Christmas” over kava and snacks at the Secretariat yesterday, the Chairman said, “Following the appointment of Ambassador (Amena) Yauvoli, a Governing body meeting was convened and hosted by Fiji in the beautiful city of Lautoka in early June this year.

“The outcome of the meeting was politically significant for MSG as members re-energised their deliberations on the agenda of membership issue and guideline.

“The outcome of this particular discussion in our meeting this week has further paved the way for our Leaders to deliberate on the issue in 2017.

December 27, 2016 0

Melanesian Spearhead Group considers West Papuan Membership

EMTV – rliosi – The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) is considering a full membership application by the United Liberation Movement for West Papua.

Indonesia currently has associate member status with the MSG and is strongly opposed to West Papua being granted full membership.

It is Indonesia’s view that West Papua already falls under their (Indonesian republic) representation in the MSG.

Foreign Ministers of the MSG member countries met yesterday evening in Port Villa to discuss guidelines which relate to the bid by West Papua for membership in the group.

Solomon Island’s foreign minister, Milner Tozaka, said the MSG leaders in July requested legal clarification on guidelines for membership.

Tozaka confirmed that there won’t be a decision on the Liberation Movement’s application however he did say that they already have observer status.

MSG countries that have shown their support for the Liberation Movements full membership include Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and the FLNKS Kanaks movement.

Papua New Guinea and Fiji, have however leaned towards the Indonesian side on this issue.

Vanuatu’s Prime Minister, Charlot Salwai, said his country’s foreign policy remained firm that Vanuatu is not completely free of colonial bondage until all of Melanesia is free.

December 24, 2016 0

MSG meetings in Vila not expected to decide on Papuan bid

A series of Melanesian Spearhead Group meetings are taking place this week in Vanuatu’s capital to look at the group’s membership guidelines.

Last month, the MSG secretariat scheduled this week’s meeting in Port Vila for leaders of its members to discuss a West Papuan bid for full membership.

However there will not be a leaders summit component at this week’s meetings, with the expectation that they will now meet early in the new year.

An Indonesian captures the Melanesian Spearhead Group proceedings, 20 December 2016 in Port Vila, on device. West Papuan representatives Benny Wenda and Octo Mote (MSG observers with the United Liberation Movement) in foreground. Photo: Supplied

But today in Vila, MSG senior officials met, and tomorrow the group’s foreign ministers are to meet, to discuss the findings of a constitutional committee that has reviewed MSG rules on membership.

It’s understood there won’t be a decision on the full membership application by the United Liberation Movement for West Papua this week.

Fiji prime minister Frank Bainimarama listens to a speech at the plenary session of the Melanesian Spearhead Group leaders summit in Noumea in 2013. — Fiji’s prime minister and foreign minister Frank Bainimarama is not in Vila for this week’s MSG meeting, but a leaders summit to decide on West papuan membership is expected early in the new year. Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades

In a sign of the sensitivity around the issue within the MSG, leaders have this year deferred a number of summits where West Papuan membership was a priority item.

The Sub-Committee on Legal and Institutional Issues was tasked by MSG leaders at their Honiara summit in July to clarify guidelines for observer, associate and full membership in the group.

The MSG’s five full members – Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia’s FLNKS Kanaks Movement – have been divided over whether to grant full membership to West Papuans.

The United Liberation Movement for West Papua was granted observer status in the MSG last year but its bid for full membership has been deferred pending clarity on the guidelines.

United Liberation Movement for West Papua representatives outside the Melanesian Spearhead Group secretariat, 20 December 2016. Photo: Supplied

The Liberation Movement’s leaders, including Octo Mote, Benny Wenda, Rex Rumakiek and Jacob Rumbiak are in Port Vila for this week’s meetings.

Representatives of Indonesia, which has associate member status at the MSG, are also present.

December 21, 2016 0

PM: MSG seeks wider support for West Papua

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) has include Micronesia, Polynesia, and African countries to fight against human rights violations in West Papua.

Mr Sogavare explained this in Parliament when asked by Opposition Leader, Jeremiah Manele on Thursday.

He said Papua New Guinea and Fiji have taken different stand on this issue and did not want to follow the purpose and stand of MSG.

“PNG shares the same border with Indonesia and want to take cautious and Fiji has fixed connections with Indonesia,” Mr Sogavare said.

“Therefore, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia will include the Micronesia and Polynesia countries ply non alliance group in Africa,” he said.

Furthermore, Mr Sogavare said the government will continue with the shuttle diplomacy of sending the envoy to consult and engage in Pacific countries.

“We send our envoy to talk with the leaders within our own circle and outside of Melanesia,” the MSG chair said.

Rex Horoi is the Solomon Islands’ special envoy to West Papua.

Mr Sogavare said the envoy’s term will end after his two years with MSG lapses.

However, he wants to take it up to Parliament to find ways to continue after the chair of MSG ends.

Opposition leader, Mr Manele said it’s a complex issue because it involves self-determination and human rights.

However, he said this is the first time for the government to take a proactive step on this policy.

“It’s important for Indonesia to understand our position,” Mr Manele said.

“I hope the engagement and consultation go on, can help Indonesia to understand where we are coming from,” he added.

“I guess it’s advisable for more engaging and consultative approach we continue to take on this matter, at the end of the day, not counter-productive,” he said.

Mr Manele supports the idea to continue with a policy in Parliament after the end of Mr Horoi’s term.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

December 18, 2016 0

Pacific Solomon Islands 18 Nov 2016 MSG secretariat pencils date for leaders summi

RadioNZ – The director-general of the Melanesian Spearhead Group says the secretariat has a proposed date for a leaders summit to discuss West Papuan membership.

Leaders of Melanesian Spearhead Group gather for a meeting in Noumea, June 2013. — MSG members are yet to settle on a date for their summit. Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades

Amena Yauvoli told Vanuatu media that 20 December is the proposed date for the summit in Port Vila, with the secretariat awaiting a consensus on the matter among members.

The meeting was postponed for a second time in early October, and the secretariat had since been unable to pin down a date that works for all leaders from the five full MSG members.

The five are Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and New Caledonia’s FLNKS Kanaks Movement.

They are due to deliberate on an application for full membership by the United Liberation Movement for West Papua which is opposed by Indonesia.

The Liberation Movement was granted observer status in the MSG in 2015, while Indonesia is an associate member.

In a sign of the sensitivity around the issue within the MSG, leaders have this year deferred a number of summits where West Papuan membership was a priority item.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare — Solomon Islands prime minister Manasseh Sogavare, who is the current MSG chairman, has been instrumental in advancing the West papuan membership issue. Photo: RNZI

The annual MSG leaders summit was held in Honiara in July after several late changes of venue and date.

In Honiara, leaders deferred their decision on the Liberation Movement’s application for full membership, saying adequate membership criteria had to be developed first.

Vanuatu’s prime minister Charlot Salwai subsequently explained that since last year MSG membership criteria had been developed which did not reflect the group’s founding principles.

Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and the FLNKS are understood to support the Liberation Movement for full membership, with PNG and Fiji inclining towards Jakarta’s stand on the matter.

PNG Foreign Minister Rimbink Pato (right) talking to his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi. Photo: Supplied

Amid frustrations with the availability of all members, reports have surfaced that the MSG could make a decision on Papuan membership if three of the five full members were present.

Meanwhile, according to Mr Yauvoli, as well as the membership matter, MSG leaders are required to meet in order to approve the secretariat’s 2017 budget.

The secretariat has struggled with a lack of resourcing in recent years, with some full members not paying their full fee commitments.

November 18, 2016 0

Full West Papua membership expected by December

Radio NZ – There are plans afoot to ensure West Papua gets full membership of the Melanesian Spearhead Group by the end of the year.

That’s according to a long-time campaigner for West Papua and Vanuatu churchman Pastor Alan Nafuki.

He received a briefing from the MSG’s chair and Solomon Islands prime minister Manasseh Sogavare last week as a leaders summit was deferred for the second time.

There’s been disagreement among Melanesian leaders over a full seat at the table for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua.

Pastor Nafuki told Sally Round a summit is now set for early December and full membership for West Papuans will be like Christmas cake for all Melanesian countries.

Transcript

West Papuans demonstrate support for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua's bid to be a full member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group. — West Papuans demonstrate support for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua’s bid to be a full member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group. Photo: Tabloid Jubi

PASTOR ALAN NAFUKI: It has been decided next time around when the summit convenes its meeting during the month of December this year, there are other alternatives to make, to make sure that the West Papua issue, West Papua bid to become a full member of MSG will be granted by December. Regardless of if all the Melanesian countries do not get together, that would not stop the granting of the West Papuans full membership of the MSG.

SALLY ROUND: Mr Sogavare had some kind of plan for this?

AN: Leaders of government, they have their own plans but I would speak on behalf of civil society within the Melanesian countries like New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands and civil society in Papua New Guinea and also in Fiji, that we’ve been fighting for many, many years now. We are looking forward to the summit that is being organised, planned for December this year.

SR: At your meeting with Mr Sogavare last week were any of the avenues discussed about how, without certain countries attending…

AN: He only briefed us that the meeting was scheduled for December and things should be OK by December because even if majority were present, the meeting would continue to boost West Papua into the membership of MSG. To my understanding what the prime minister of Solomon Islands was saying, I think it was obvious and it was good. I think I am satisfied with what he has said and I am very pleased. I think some of the government people, they are trying to revisit the MSG constitution and see what options they can take best to accommodate the West Papuans. The Vanuatu government asked the chiefs of Vanuatu and churches in Vanuatu if we are all 100 percent supporting, so you could not deny anything from our side. It would only look at other countries. But we are looking forward and we made sure that our … the prime minister of Solomon Islands and Vanuatu really understood our voice (inaudible). 100 percent of our people are supporting the West Papuans to come in the membership of the MSG and also for the self determination and of course independence. We have been fighting for this for many, many years. This will be a relief for me. It will be another achievement that is going to be a part of Christmas cake for all Melanesian countries.

October 19, 2016 0

Pacific West Papua 14 Jul 2016 Decision looms on West Papua’s MSG bid

Radio NZ – The leaders of the Melanesian Spearhead Group are expected to announce whether or not West Papua will gain full membership this afternoon.

An organisation representing West Papua independence groups, the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, was last year granted observer status within the MSG.

But Indonesia, which considers the movement a separatist group with no legitimacy, was also granted associate status.

Jakarta has this year warned Melanesian leaders to “think carefully” about any decision about West Papuan membership, and has put great effort into lobbying ahead of today’s summit.

Vanuatu, a key advocate for West Papua, is pushing for the movement to gain full membership, which is supported by Solomon Islands and New Caledonia’s FLNKS movement.

But Papua New Guinea and Fiji have expressed their support for Indonesia’s sovereignty over West Papua, and are unlikely to support the country’s removal from the MSG, which Vanuatu is pushing for.

The announcement has been brought forward to this afternoon as Fiji’s prime minister, Frank Bainimarama, has to leave Honiara later today.
Church calls for consideration

The Catholic Church in Papua New Guinea said MSG leaders should consider West Papua’s application.

The Archbishop of Port Moresby, Sir John Ribat, says the movement should be allowed full membership because of its representation of the indigenous Papuans, who are Melanesian.

He said human rights concerns in West Papua need to be discussed within the framework of the MSG, and Indonesia should be involved with them too, but as an observer.

October 17, 2016 0

Anggota Parlemen Kep. Solomon : Indonesia bukan Melanesia

Kantor Parlemen Nasional Kepulauan Solomon - SIBC

Jayapura, Jubi – Kepulauan Solomon menegaskan kembali sikapnya terhadap isu Papua dan Melanesia, terkait status United Liberation Movement for West Papua di Melanesia Spearhead Groups (MSG)

“Indonesia bukan Melanesia dan ULMWP adalah perwakilan sah rakyat dan bangsa Papua di Melanesia,” kata Derrick Manuari kepada Jubi melalui sambungan telepon, Kamis (13/10/2016).

Manuari, anggota parlemen Kepulauan Solomon yang mewakili Solidaritas Kepulauan Solomon untuk Papua Barat menjelaskan pertimbangan soal kemelanesiaan itulah yang menjadi alasan Kepulauan Solomon dan Vanuatu serta Front Pembebasan Kanak (FLNKS) memutuskan untuk menerima ULMWP sebagai anggota MSG pada bulan Desember nanti.

Sekalipun Fiji dan Papua Nugini (PNG), dua negara terbesar di MSG tidak menghadiri pertemuan anggota MSG pada Desember nanti, tiga anggota ini telah menentukan sikap mereka.

Manuari menambahkan, sikap tiga anggota ini diputuskan setelah melakukan lobi intens dengan beberapa negara Pasifik seperti Tokelau, Nauru, Tonga dan Marshall Islands.

“Tentu saja akan ada protes dari anggota lain. Fiji dan PNG punya hubungan yang sangat dekat dengan Indonesia. Namun solidaritas Melanesia seharusnya mendukung bangsa Papua Barat daripada mempromosikan Indonesia di Melanesia,”

jelas Manuari.

Lanjutnya, meskipun Fiji dan PNG tidak mendukung keputusan yang diambil tiga anggota penuh lainnya, MSG akan berdiri pada prinsip pendirian MSG, yaitu mempromosikan solidaritas Melanesia di kawasan.

“Kembali kami tegaskan, Indonesia bukan Melanesia dan ULMWP adalah perwakilan sah bangsa dan rakyat Papua yang adalah bangsa dan rakyat Melanesia,” tegas Manuari.

Indonesia, lanjutnya, selalu melakukan protes terhadap apa saja yang dilakukan bangsa-bangsa di Melanesia dan Pasifik yang berkaitan dengan Papua baik dalam forum MSG maupun Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). Sikap Indonesia ini, menurutnya bukanlah sikap yang biasa ditunjukkan oleh bangsa Melanesia.

“Posisi Solomon jelas dalam hal ini. Kami tidak bisa terus menerus menggunakan alasan teknis soal keanggotaan untuk menghalangi hak bangsa dan rakyat Melanesia lainnya untuk terlibat dalam solidaritas Melanesia dan MSG. Karena disitulah prinsip dasar MSG diletakkan oleh para pendiri,”

kata Manuari. (*)

October 13, 2016 0

lans afoot for West Papuan membership by year end

Radion NZ – A Vanuatu churchman says there are plans underway to ensure West Papua will be granted full membership of the Melanesian Spearhead Group before Christmas.

A Vanuatu churchman says there are plans underway to ensure West Papua will be granted full membership of the Melanesian Spearhead Group before Christmas.
The Melanesian Spearhead Group Secretariat in Port Vila, Vanuatu

The Melanesian Spearhead Group Secretariat in Port Vila, Vanuatu Photo: RNZI / Jamie Tahana

Summit meetings of the regional body have been deferred twice this year amid apparent disagreement among leaders over the issue.

The Chairman of the Vanuatu Free West Papua Association, Pastor Alan Nafuki, said he received a briefing on the situation from the MSG’s chair and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare last week.

Pastor Nafuki said he’d been told the summit would now go ahead in early December whether or not all countries attend.

He said full membership for West Papua would be a great achievement and like Christmas cake for all Melanesian countries.

“I am satisfied with what he said and I am very pleased. I think some of the government people they are trying to revisit the MSG constitution and see what option they can take best to accommodate the West Papuans.”

Pastor Nafuki said he’d made sure the prime ministers of Vanuatu and Solomon Islands understood that the people of Vanuatu were 100 percent behind membership for West Papuans.

October 10, 2016 1