Pasifik.News, Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai says the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) has failed the people of West Papua.
Charlot SalwaiThe MSG last night deferred a decision on awarding full membership to the United Liberation Movement of West Papua (ULMWP) until a new meeting can be held in September.
The delay is meant to allow the MSG Secretariat to further develop its membership criteria.
“Vanuatu gravely regrets the deferral of the admission of ULMWP on the matter of criteria, a clear sign that officials and the secretariat fell short in carrying out their duties consistent with the fundamental founding principles of this eminent organisation for Melanesians,” said Prime Minister Salwai.
Vanuatu led the push to have the ULMWP’s status upgraded, despite stiff opposition from Indonesia which said such a move would undermine its national sovereignty.
“Vanuatu has always believed that other Melanesians are ready to be admitted into the MSG family,” says Mr Salwai. “Vanuatu is adamant that being Melanesians, they should not be subject to any form of criteria.”
The Prime Minister has offered to host Melanesian leaders in September to ensure the issue is finally tackled.
Reports of crackdown
Meantime, there have been widespread reports of West Papuans being arrested by Indonesian security forces as they gathered in anticipation of the MSG decision.
ULMWP Secretary General, Octovianus Mote, says 348 people were arrested for simply preparing to celebrate the outcome.
“Most of these West Papuans are youth and they just want to express their freedom and right to association…but many were arrested,” he says.
He said most arrests took place in Timika, Jayapura, Merauke, Nabire, and Yahukimo.
Posted: August 15, 2015 | Author: bobmakin | Filed under: The Daily Digest
From the United Liberation Movement for West Papua yesterday …
ULMWP welcomes recommendation to make West Papua top regional Forum leaders agenda
The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) has today welcomed the recommendation set by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat’s Special Sub-Committee on Regionalism (SSCR) and the Forum Officials Committee for West Papua to be one of the top priority issues of the regional agenda.
ULMWP Secretary General, Octovianus Mote, attributed the increasing awareness on the state of West Papua to growing ground swell of people solidarity movements in the Pacific, reflected by the media coverage of the issue, and the three submissions from various solidarity groups around the region advocating the peaceful resolution of the struggles of the people of West Papua.
“The Forum Officials Committee which considered the issue of West Papua yesterday we understand has taken a decision to endorse West Papua as one of the five top regional issues that will be considered by forum leaders next month in PNG during the leaders’ summit,” said Mote.
“In the words of the current Secretary General, Dame Meg Taylor, the forum has a history and regional role in assisting territories achieve self-determination, and we are certain our leaders will act on our plea to address the growing human rights abuse in West Papua by establishing a fact finding mission, and supporting the call by Vanuatu for the UN to appoint a special envoy to West Papua,” added Mote.
Mr Mote also welcomed the decision by the Solomon Islands Government to appoint a Special Envoy on West Papua and seek West Papua’s admission to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.
“On behalf of the ULMWP, I extend our deepest gratitude to the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, Manasseh Sogavare, and the solidarity movement in the Solomon Islands…I would also like to thank other solidarity movement partners in the Pacific for their continued support for standing up for the people of West Papua.”
He said he is confident in Prime Minister Sogavare as the current chairman of the Melanesian Spearhead Group, and that under his leadership, he will steer a peaceful path for West Papua. ULMWP respectfully urges Pacific Island leaders to join with PM Sogavare to steer a peaceful path for West Papua.
By PMC Editor – July 14, 2016, By Sir Michael Somare
Sir Michael Somare … “Our decisions made at the MSG Leaders’ Summit over these next two days will embed values in future generations of Melanesian people who will regard our solidarity with admiration if we make the right decisions regarding decolonisation and self-determination.” Image: Malumnalu.blogspot
The four Melanesian prime ministers of Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Fiji will come together in Honiara, Solomon Islands today as chairman Manasseh Sogavare hosts the 23rd Melanesian Spearhead Group Special Leader’s Summit.
Decolonisation and independence of Melanesian countries are processes of liberation close to my heart. The Noumea Accord, for instance, symbolises the pursuit of self-reliance and autonomy synonymous with the rights and freedoms available to all peoples of this century.
In practice the accord provides for technical assistance, training programmes for the Kanaky people still residing under French sovereign rule.
Such arrangements already provide a legal and practical framework for the indigenous people of New Caledonia to fully exercise their right to self–determination, even as they long for independence.
Our decisions made at the MSG Leaders’ Summit over these next two days will embed values in future generations of Melanesian people who will regard our solidarity with admiration if we make the right decisions regarding decolonisation and self-determination.
From today we will tell our own story, the story of our constitutional and universal right to exercise the freedoms given to us at independence in each of our countries.
Today we can, by consensus, trigger the process for greater self-determination to be enjoyed by West Papuans.
‘Founding Father’
As a “Founding Father” I am encouraged by the progress made already on the key issue of West Papua’s full membership to the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
I am inspired that the MSG senior officials, ministers and leaders will have maintained consensus despite some complex and sensitive diplomatic, economic, social, and political issues.
Genuine and inclusive consultation among all MSG member states and one territory in considering the future path to decolonisation and self-determination for West Papua is critical now more than ever before.
We can strengthen the Melanesian Spearhead Group and our region, which includes West Papua, by ensuring that Melanesian leaders in Honiara approve the United Liberation Movement for West Papua’s application for full membership to the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
We are one people spread over many continents and oceans, separated by the sea and mountain ranges in diverse sovereign jurisdictions.
Our ancestors roamed freely over our shared land and sea for centuries prior to colonial and Christian interventions.
We must hold onto that spirit of a vast community that underpins our modern efforts within diplomacy and international cooperation and dialogue.
Political upheaval
All MSG member states and one territory have experienced some level of political upheaval and civil conflict requiring decisive political and economic reform and declarations for peaceful transitions to occur.
The export of mineral resources and agricultural commodities remains a key source of revenue for all states and one territory at the MSG.
So it is essential that we endeavor to sustain political stability in order to buttress economic and environmental sustainability for the good of all Melanesian people.
But our sub-region can only prosper when all political, economic, socio-cultural and environmental issues are considered in the same light according to the needs of all of our people.
Our growth potential relies on our diplomatic and official relationships, our ties and our linkages to the rest of the world. But as a group of ethnically linked people we have always relied on talking, exchange and cultural participation.
We are Melanesians after all. That is what makes us distinct.
We bring those distinct features to every forum but this week at the Melanesian Spearhead Group Special Leaders’ Summit we have a unique opportunity yet again to decide on our own future with integrity as self-governing and independent members of a powerful sub-regional bloc.
More than ever that sub-region needs to include West Papua as an integral part and, as an equally participating member.
Rt Hon Grand Chief Sir Michael T Somare
Port Moresby
Posted: Thursday, July 14, 2016 8:00 am, Compiled by Godwin Ligo
The Spokesperson of the Front de Libération Nationale Kanak et Socialiste (FLNKS) in Kanaky, Victor Tutugoro, yesterday morning re-affirmed his strong support for West Papua to become full member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) during the Honiara MSG Leaders’ Summit.
The FLNKS Spokesperson stated this when meeting the Chairman of Vanuatu Free West Papua Association, Pastor Alan Nafuki.
Nafuki assured the FLNKS of Vanuatu’s stand by the churches, the chiefs and the population for the political freedom of the Melanesian people of West Papua and said the Association has already sent its three representatives to Honiara to observe the MSG Leaders Summit.
Mr Tutugoro went in the same flight of Air Niugini yesterday morning with Vanuatu Prime Minister, Charlot Salwai, to attend the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders’ Summit in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
The Kanaky leader arrived in Port Vila last Sunday night from Noumea.
On Monday he met the Vanuatu Prime Minister and on Tuesday paid courtesy calls on State Ministers including Agriculture.
Mr. Tutugoro also took the opportunity to visit the Lycee Louis Antoine de Bouganville and Vanuatu Institute of Technology.
Both Vanuatu learning institutions receive funding assistance from the Northern Province of New Caledonia following Tropical Cyclone Pam in 2015.
On Tuesday evening a special kava ceremony was organized, a gesture of appreciation to the FLNKS Spokesperson Victor Tutugoro, by the Vanuatu Institute of Technology.
The FLNKS did not sign the Communique following the visit of MSG Leaders in West Papua and Indonesia after the Summit that was held in Kanaky.
Melanesian leaders have deferred making a decision about elevating the diplomatic status of the West Papua independence movement until September.
Vanuatu pushed hard for the United Liberation Movement of West Papua (ULMWP) to be given full membership of regional economic body, the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG).
Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai told the MSG summit in Honiara that Melanesia should stand as one.
But that was always going to be a challenge with Fiji and Papua New Guinea worried about the impact on the sovereignty of Indonesia. The West Papua region is part of Indonesian territory.
“Simply put, the ULMWP is no more than a separatist group that has no place in the MSG’s future,” says Indonesia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Desra Percaya.
With Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama leaving the summit early and PNG Prime Minister Peter O’Neill missing it completely to focus on political troubles at home, it became clear a breakthrough would not be reached.
Senior Indonesian diplomat Sade Bimantara took to Twitter to declare the issue dead.
But Victor Yeimo from the West Papua National Committee says the deferral will simply give leaders more time to consider the criteria for membership.
“Our application was postponed to the next special summit before September. That will be done in Vanuatu,” he said. “The reasons for delays are due to the definition of ‘new members’, that has not formulated properly to ensure ULMWP’s application will be accepted.”
Mr Yeimo thanked Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands for their vocal support and hopes it will create new momentum leading up to September.
West Papua says it wants more interaction with members of the Melanesian Spearhead Group, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and New Caledonia.
The intention was relayed yesterday to the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Manasseh Sogavare in Honiara by the visiting General Secretary of the United Liberation Movement of West Papua, Octovinius Mote.
Mr Mote told Prime Minister Sogavare that West Papua would like to see more contacts in sports, especially in soccer with their Melanesian brothers in PNG, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, and New Caledonia.
He said West Papua would be interested in joining the Melanesian Cup soccer competition.
Mr Mote said as a start, West Papua would also like to send young West Papuans to study at the Solomon Islands National University in Honiara and in educational institutions in Vanuatu.
He added at a later date, students from West Papua could also be sent to study in PNG and Fiji.
Mr Mote is leading a three-member delegation of the ULMOWP to observe the Pacific Islands Development Forum Summit which begins in Honiara tomorrow (July 12).
Indonesian province of West Papua is hopeful to see their full membership plea in the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), advance during this 4th Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) summit hosted in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
Speaking to the media yesterday spokesperson for the United Liberation Movement for West Paupua (ULMWP) Benny Wenda said they are optimistic to see the struggle of their people advance to the next level, within the MSG.
He said their ongoing campaign and struggle for support from the Melanesian countries and the pacific will help them advance their membership status in the MSG, which is fundamental to their wish to become an independent state.
ULMWP acquired their observer status in MSG last year during the MSG meeting held in Honiara, thus they are hopeful to see their status in this sub-regional organisation advanced to full membership.
Wenda stressed their struggle is not for them but for the future generation of West Papua, who will be free from brutality and bloodshed continued to be suffered on the hands of the Indonesian military.
The Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare has told a visiting United Liberation Movement of West Papua delegation that opening up membership of the Melanesian Spearhead Group is an idea to be discussed in Honiara at the MSG Leaders’ Summit beginning July 14.
Mr Sogavare made the comment after the General Secretary of the United Liberation Movement of West Papua, Octovinius Mote, wanted to know if new applications for membership of the MSG would be discussed by the Summit.
He instructed officials of the MSG Secretariat to put together the pre-requisites such as rules and guidelines, applicants must understand when applying for membership of the Melanesian Block of which he is Chair.
He added the MSG leaders will have the opportunity to meet Mr Mote and his delegates in Honiara, adding further that Fiji’s support of West Papuans’ struggle for self-rule speaks a lot.
And he said the support for self-rule for the ULMWP by the five MSG members, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and New Caledonia is from the heart.
Meanwhile, the idea of an open up MSG membership could mean International and Regional groups and States that are outside the MSG Block could apply for Full and Associate membership while others could apply for Observer Status if the MSG Leaders’ Summit sanctions it.
United Liberation Movement of West Papua which now holds the Observer status with the MSG is applying for full membership while its ruler, Indonesia, is an Associate member.
Indonesia has warned Melanesian leaders they risk undermining trade and unity if they get “hijacked” by the “negative propaganda” of the West Papua independence movement.
Leaders will gather in Honiara this week to consider giving the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) full membership of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG).
Solomon Islands Prime Minister
PM Manasseh Sogavare
The move is being strongly backed by Solomons Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare who believes it would force Indonesia to talk more openly about the region’s future.
“Indonesia leaves the MSG no alternatives on bringing the West Papuan issues on the table for discussion, except to elevate the status of West Papua from observer status to full membership, so that the MSG leaders can be able to discuss the West Papuan issues more strategically,” he said in May.
That position is supported by renowned West Papuan religious leader Benny Giay.
“Papuans don’t trust Indonesians and Indonesians don’t trust Papuans. That’s why we need a third party to moderate,” he told Pasifik News.
But Indonesia says elevating the ULMWP would threaten regional stability.
Sade Bimantara
Sade Bimantara
“The ULMWP’s continuing disruptive and destructive practices in the MSG process are dangerous for its unity and integrity,” says Sade Bimantara from Indonesia’s Embassy in Canberra.
In a strongly worded opinion piece, Mr Bimantara insisted the ULMWP doesn’t represent people who actually live in the region.
“It was created to represent the voices of overseas Papuans, who may still have Indonesian citizenship and many who have renounced their citizenship. The Movement does not represent the almost four million residents of Papua and West Papua provinces of Indonesia,” he wrote.
He says Melanesian leaders need to be careful about supporting a group that has a “lone agenda of taking territories away from a sovereign country”.
That message is likely to resonate with Fiji and Papua New Guinea, which have growing ties with Indonesia.
“We respect the integrity and sovereignty of Indonesia under international laws,” said Fiji’s Foreign Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola.
The situation in the Indonesian province of West Papua is similar to East Timor just before independence, a West Papuan activist has announced at a protest in Darwin.
A group of about 60 people have erected a temporary hut embassy outside Parliament House, calling for West Papuan independence from Indonesia.
Jacob Rumbiak, who said he was now in self-imposed exile after spending 10 years as a political prisoner, said the situation in West Papua had worsened recently.
“In April, Indonesia caught 447 of the student movement,” he said.
“Last month, after Indonesian president [Joko Widodo] released five political prisoners, they caught another 500 of the student movement.
“Also, they killed three people, including one secondary student.”
A Darwin Aboriginal elder taking part in the protest said Indigenous people there are being subjected to rights abuses.
Larrakia woman June Mills said the hut embassy was about giving a voice to the voiceless and she called on governments around the world to intervene in the West Papua situation.
“We have laws in this country that protect indigenous rights and children’s rights … if the Government isn’t going to stand up and do the right thing, well the people of Australia are going to,” Ms Mills said.
Papua Merdeka News 