Disagreements on West Papua membership to MSG

4:24 pm GMT+12, 17/07/2016, Solomon Islands

Disagreements remain among leaders of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) on the issues of West Papua’s full membership even though an agreed communiqué stated that the deferral was a secretarial issue.

Since the agreed communiqué from the MSG special leaders’ summit in Honiara was announced publicly, leaders from the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Kanak National Socialist Liberation Front (FLNKS) have publicly disagreed with the outcome, saying the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) deserves full membership to the MSG.

In respective interviews with PACNEWS, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare (Solomon Islands), Prime Minister Charlot Salwai (Vanuatu), Victor Tutugoro (FLNKS), said they support the aspirations for the self-determination of the people of West Papua and the full membership of ULMWP to the MSG.

Vanuatu’s Prime Minister, Charlot Salwai, said the issue of membership, in particular the discussions of the membership of Melanesians of West Papua through the ULMWP as a full Member into the Melanesian family is a long time cry by Melanesians around the world including my country.

“Admitting ULMWP or Melanesians into the MSG should be the same basis for admitting the Kanaky through the FLNKS. Vanuatu has always believed that other Melanesians are ready to be admitted into the MSG family,”

said Prime Minister Salwai.

He said Vanuatu is adamant that being Melanesians they should not be subject to any form of criteria.

“We want meaningful dialogue and we can only do this when we are together. Vanuatu therefore 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.”

FLNKS Spokesperson, Victor Tutugoro, shared similar sentiments, saying that all Melanesians deserved similar treatment at the MSG and as leaders there is a responsibility to protect and give voice to Melanesians in West Papua.

Tutugoro said he was not pleased with the deferral, stressing that there is a great need to support ULMWP’s political recognition at the MSG, thus, it would strengthen its political aspirations at the international level such as the UN.

“We Kanaky people were granted membership in a similar struggle to our brothers and sisters in West Papua and we feel that the same should be given to West Papuans as they are rightfully Melanesians and they need our Melanesian leaders support.”

Meanwhile, Fiji’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, while speaking on behalf of the Fiji government said Fiji respects the sovereignty of the people and government of Indonesia.

“We as the MSG must always respect the sovereignty of all member or associated countries of the MSG. To do otherwise would undermine the premise of the MSG. Because only through respect of sovereignty and commitment to dialogue can we reach mutual understanding,” said Ratu Inoke.

SOURCE: PACNEWS

July 17, 2016 0

Sogavare : Saat Ini Isu Papua Adalah Isu Pasifik

Honiara, Jubi – Manasye Sogavare, Perdana Menteri Kepulauan Solomon yang juga Ketua Melanesia Spearhead Groups saat ini menjadi Ketua Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF). Di hari pertama ia menjabat sebagai Ketua PIDF, Sogavare mengundang para pemimpin negara-negara Pasifik yang hadir dalam pertemuan PIDF di Kepulauan Solomon untuk membahas masa depan Bangsa dan Rakyat Papua.

“Masalah Papua saat ini sudah menjadi masalah bukan hanya Melanesia, tapi juga Pasifik, terutama negara-negara di Mikronesia dan Polinesia. Pelanggaran Hak Asasi Manusia di Papua yang terus terjadi hingga saat ini menjadi kepedulian kami di Pasifik,”

kata Sogavare kepada Jubi, Jumat (17/7/2015) dalam satu wawancara khusus usai melakukan pertemuan dengan para pemimpin Mikronesia dan Polinesia serta kelompok masyarakat Sipil Pasifik di King Solomon Hotel, Honiara. Pertemuan ini dihadiri juga oleh pemimpin United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP).

Sogavare mengakui, ia telah berkirim surat kepada Presiden Indonesia, Joko Widodo untuk membahas masalah Papua namun permintaan dalam surat tersebut ditolak. Surat tersebut dikirim olehnya dalam kapasitasnya sebagai Ketua Melanesia Spearhead Groups.
“Saya mengirimkan surat untuk dua hal. Pertama adalah untuk membahas masalah Papua dalam kapasitas saya sebagai ketua MSG, sebab Indonesia adalah anggota assosiasi dan Papua adalah pengamat dalam MSG. Kedua adalah meminta agar Indonesia sebagai anggota assosiasi mulai membuka diri untuk membahas masalah Papua di forum MSG. Namun kedua permintaan tersebut tidak mendapatkan respon positif dari Indonesia,” ujar Sogavare.

Sikap pemerintah Indonesia ini menurutnya, menunjukkan bahwa Indonesia tidak memiliki niat positif untuk menyelesaikan masalah hak asasi manusia di Papua. Meskipun pemerintah Indonesia, melalui Menteri Kordinator Politik, Hukum dan Keamanan telah mengundang beberapa Duta Besar negara-negara Pasifik, termasuk Kepulauan Solomon datang ke Papua dan menyaksikan upaya penyelesaian masalah Hak Asasi Manusia yang sedang dilakukan oleh pemerintah, MSG menurut Sogavare adalah forum yang tepat untuk membahas masalah tersebut. Karena baik Indonesia maupun rakyat Papua yang diwakili oleh ULMWP ada dalam forum tersebut.

“Saya mengapresiasi upaya yang dilakukan pemerintah Indonesia. Namun keputusan kami menerima Indonesia dan ULMWP dalam MSG adalah agar keduanya bisa mulai membahas masalah ini. Itu adalah mandat yang saya pegang sebagai ketua MSG,”

ujar Sogavare.

Sogavare juga mengaku terus menerus menerima laporan tentang pelanggaran-pelanggaran HAM yang dilakukan oleh pemerintah Indonesia kepada rakyat Papua.

“Sebelum pertemuan para pemimpin MSG dilakukan, saya menerima laporan ada 300 lebih rakyat Papua yang ditangkap karena melakukan demonstrasi memberikan dukungan kepada ULMWP. Hari ini saya juga mendapatkan laporan bahwa beberapa mahasiswa Papua di satu kota di Jawa mengalami tindakan represif bukan saja oleh aparat keamanan tapi juga oleh warga masyarakat di kota itu. Bagaimana hal ini bisa terjadi di negara demokrasi seperti Indonesia?”

ungkap Sogavare.

Fakta-fakta ini menurut Ketua PIDF ini, membuat beberapa pemimpin Pasifik menaruh perhatian khusus. Para pemimpin Pasifik, lanjutnya telah sepakat untuk membawa isu Papua ini dalam pertemuan regional Pasifik.

“Para pemimpin Pasifik bertemua hari ini atas undangan saya. Kami membahas masalah bangsa dan rakyat Papua, terutama pelanggaran Hak Asasi Manusia yang terus menerus terjadi. Ini harus dihentikan dan menjadi tanggungjawab siapapun yang menjadi warga dunia. Bangsa dan rakyat Pasifik menyadari hal ini. Di beberapa negara Pasifik isu Papua sudah menjadi perhatian generasi muda. Maka pemerintah dan masyarakat sipil harus mulai menjalankan tanggungjawabnya,”

jelas Sogavare. (*)

July 16, 2016 0

“We’re in”: ULMWP spokesman Benny Wenda says MSG membership likely

ABC.net – Updated 15 Jul 2016, 9:22am

Melanesian leaders, meeting in Honiara, have deferred a decision on whether West Papua can gain full membership of the Melanesian Spearhead Group until a special meeting in Vanuatu in September

The postponement came despite a strong push by Vanuatu and Solomon Islands, which is chairing the MSG at the moment and sponsored the West Papuan application.

Word from the MSG meeting was that negotiations were very delicate, with Fiji and PNG threatening to pull out unless the decision was put off.

However, spokesman for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, Benny Wenda, says he’s confident West Papua will be given full membership because the leaders of Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and New Caledonia are behind the move.
Richard Ewart

Source: Pacific Beat | Duration: 4min 34sec

July 15, 2016 0

SI, Vanuatu, FLNKS, ULMWP Maintain Support on West Papua

By PM Press – July 15, 2016

msg chair and west papua — MSG Chair, Prime Minister Sogavare greeted by leaders of the ULMWP for his staunch support on the issue of West Papua at the 20th MSG Leaders’ Summit in Honiara.

MSG Chair, Prime Minister Sogavare greeted by leaders of the ULMWP for his staunch support on the issue of West Papua at the 20th MSG Leaders’ Summit in Honiara.

Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Kanak National Socialist Liberation Front (FLNKS) and the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) remain resolute in their support of the aspirations for the Self-Determination of the People of West Papua and the full membership of ULMWP to the Melanesian Spearhead Group.

The above MSG members are committed to advocating for West Papua and strongly adhere to the principles that are at the core of the Melanesian Spearhead Group, which is the ‘Political aspirations of self- determination of our Melanesian people.’

There is recognition that such a commitment will require bold and ethical leadership and a clear understanding of our Melanesian values.

The above members of MSG continue to condemn human rights abuses of the indigenous people of West Papua and will register our concerns at the United Nations Human Rights Council and other regional and international forums.

In so doing, they will support the Pacific Islands Forum’s Framework for Pacific Regionalism, in particular concerns expressed by the Pacific Islands leaders about reports of violence in West Papua and call on all parties to protect and uphold the human rights of all residents in West Papua.

Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and the FLNKS invite other Pacific Island Countries to do this by peaceful means and to raise the issue of human rights abuses in West Papua at the UN General Assembly in September 2016, the UN Human Rights Council meetings in Geneva in September 2016 and again in March 2017.

July 15, 2016 0

Jakarta slams Solomons and Vanuatu over human rights

6:53 pm on 27 June 2016, http://www.radionz.co.nz

Indonesia has strongly rejected statements about West Papua by Vanuatu and Solomon Islands at the UN Human Rights Council session last week.

Delegates of the two Pacific Islands’ countries accused Indonesia of failing to prevent ongoing human rights abuses against West Papuans.

But Indonesia’s delegate at the session, Michael Tene, said Vanuatu and Solomon Islands’ statements showed a lack of understanding of Papua.

He said they were politically motivated in support of separatist groups which incite public disorder and terrorist attacks against civilians and security personnel.

Indonesia as a democratic country is committed to promoting and protecting human rights, including by taking necessary steps to address the allegations of human rights violations and abuses in Papua. No one is perfect. We are always open to have dialogue on human rights issues, but we reject politicisation of these issues. We deplore the way Solomon Islands and Vanuatu have abused this council and the universal principles of the promotion and protection of human rights by supporting the cause of separatism.

Michael Tene from Indonesia’s Permanent Mission to the UN.

He has described Vanuatu and Solomon Islands as being far from perfect on protection of human rights.

He said the two countries still face serious human rights problems, have rampant corruption in all segments of society and government, human trafficking, mistreatment of children and daily abuse of women.

“It would be for the betterment of their populations if the governments of Solomon Islands and Vanuatu give attention and priority to seriously address their respective own domestic human rights shortcomings.”

Furthermore, Mustika Hanum, the third secretary at Indonesia’s Permanent Mission, expanded on her country’s concerns about domestic violence in Solomon Islands.

June 27, 2016 1

Solomon Islands and Vanuatu call for West Papuan human rights to be supported at UN Human Rights Council

FWPC – On Wednesday 22nd June the governments of the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu made historic statements at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on the deteriorating human rights situation in West Papua.
Solomons un

Solomon Islands government representative who spoke on behalf of his country, supporting the people of West Papua, at the United Nations Human Rights Council

Speaking first the Solomon Islands government representative said,

“The delegation of Solomon Islands would like to draw the attention of the Council on the human right situation in West Papua, Indonesia. We express our deep concerns on the eroding human rights situation of the indigenous Melanesian Papuans, who are the indigenous population of West Papua. As a Melanesian state, the incumbent chair of the Melanesian Spearhead Group, and designated chair of the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) would extend its solidarity to our fellow Melanesians in West Papua. We would encourage the Government of Indonesia to find peaceful and sustainable solution of the on-going conflict in West Papua through constructive engagement with the representatives of the West Papuans and respect their right as a people.

“Whilst we welcome the increased attention given by President Joko Widodo to West Papua, the violation of human rights against West Papuan remains unresolved. The Solomon Islands government receives regular reports of cases of arbitrary arrests, summary execution, torture, ill-treatment, restriction of freedom of expression, assembly and association, committed mainly by the Indonesian police.

“On 2 May 2016 alone, 2,109 people were arrested mainly indigenous Melanesian Papuans, while participating in peaceful demonstrations in several cities in West Papua and some Indonesian cities. The demonstrations were held in support of the United Liberation Movement of West Papua (ULMWP) to be recognized as a full member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), the commemoration of 1 May 1963 as Indonesia’s annexation of West Papua and to support the International Parliamentarians for West Papua (IPWP) meeting. During the arrest, some of them experienced torture and ill treatment from the Indonesian security forces.

“The Solomon Islands notes the recent outcomes of the Foreign Ministers Meeting of the Melanesian Spearhead group that was held last week in Fiji (14-17TH June 2016) where both Representatives of Indonesia and the ULMWP sat as MSG members during the deliberation. This outcome envisages to establish a safe space for constructive engagement with all parties with a view to addressing the concerns of the MSG members about the recent developments in West Papua. In this regard, the Foreign Ministers further agreed to establish a Committee of High Level Representatives of the MSG members to accompany and facilitate this constructive engagement.

“We also welcome the initiative of the MSG to work closely with the Indonesian government to visit the Melanesian Provinces of Indonesia at a later date. This important visit would allow for a clear, objective and independent view by the members of the MSG leaders and ministers.

“We strongly endorsed the final declaration of this International Parliamentarians for West Papua (IPWP) Forum which took place in London on 3 May which calls for an internationally supervised vote on the independence of West Papua. The declaration has been endorsed by cross regional parliamentarians coming from 15 UN member States.

“Journalists working on human rights are still prevented to have free and full access to do their work in West Papua. Our delegation is convinced that access of international community to West Papua, particularly to the UN Special Procedure, will provide an opportunity to improve the human rights situation. We reassure the Government of Indonesia to cooperate with the Human Rights Council by allowing the agreed visit of the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression to Indonesia which should include to West Papua.

“Finally, we encourage the Indonesian Government to facilitate the human rights fact-finding mission to West Papua that the members of the Pacific Island Forum have decided to conduct.’
vanuatu 4 un

Vanuatu government representative who spoke on behalf of his country, supporting the people of West Papua, at the United Nations Human Rights Council

“Thank you Mr President”

The Vanuatu government representative then briefed the United Nations council and said

“My delegation associates itself with the statement made by Solomon Islands.

“Vanuatu wishes to express to the Council our deepest concerns on the deteriorating human right situation in West Papua. We continue to receive increasing reports of gross human rights violations in West Papua.

“In the recent months more than a thousand of West Papuans were arrested by Indonesia police for participating in peaceful demonstrations. This contradicts the responsibility to protect and facilitate protests that advocate for political and cultural views that differ from, and even oppose, those espoused by the Government.

“Whilst we acknowledge and welcome the Report by the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom and of association, which gave example of West Papuans whose rights to freedom of assembly and of associations are restricted by the Indonesian Government, Vanuatu would like to call upon the Human Rights Council to do more.

“We call on the Council to work with Indonesia Government to allow the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression to visit West Papua to get objective and independent views of the situation on the ground in that region.

“We also call on the Government of Indonesia to allow free and full access of international journalist to West Papua and allow the human rights fact-finding mission by the Pacific Islands Forum.

“Thank you Mr. President”.

Speaking after his statement, the Solomon Islands government representative spoke about how he was positive of the Solomon Islands raising support for West Papua at the United Nations.

“Well just a few minutes ago the Solomon Islands made statement at the Human Rights Council about highlighting the continuous human rights violations in West Papua. Its really good, I really feel happy that the Solomon Islands is able to make such statements at the Council level. I think that it will give the International Community awareness of what’s going on. Not much information goes out to the International Community about whats happening so we thank the Rights body of the UN to raise the voices of our fellow human beings there that do not have a voice at the Human Rights Council.

“I’m glad as well that my college from Vanuatu made a statement in support of west Papua in highlighting the human rights issue in west Papua so its really great.”

The Vanuatu government representative also spoke of the Melanesian solidarity and support for West Papua at the United Nations.

“Thank you, we Melanesian brothers, we made statement in association with the Solomon Islands here in the Human Rights Council. We made statements on requiring the human rights considerations along what has been happening in the place of human rights in West Papua and we hope the statement which has been stated today will be groundwork for the Commissioner, the Council to take note of the human rights issues in West Papua.

“And we as Vanuatu, we stand, we support our Melanesian brothers, as the founder of Vanuatu stated that Vanuatu will not be Independent until all our Melanesian brothers get Independent. Thank you.”

June 25, 2016 0

MSG Chair Reminds Jakarta about Decolonisation

11:06 am on 25 May 2016 Radio NZ

The chairman of the Melanesian Spearhead Group has defended his criticism of Indonesia over its alleged failure to engage with the region over West Papua.

Manasseh Sogavare, who is also Solomon Islands Prime Minister, recently claimed that Indonesia joined the MSG for the purpose of protecting its own interests, rather than discussing human rights in West Papua.

It drew a sharp rebuke from Jakarta where the Director General for Asia, Pacific and Africa, Desra Percaya, said Mr Sogavare’s claims were not based on reality.

Desra Percaya from Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Desra Percaya from Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Photo: UN

He also said Mr Sogavare’s statements violated the basic principles of sovereignty and non-interference, as contained in the MSG Establishing Agreement.

However the MSG Chair’s Special Envoy on West Papua, Rex Stephen Horoi, said the chair would like to remind Jakarta that one of the key overarching principles of the group is the principle of decolonisation of Melanesia.

“This is a fundamental principle that binds the Melanesian countries and all MSG members together,” he said.

“In this principle, MSG stands for its defense and promotion of independence as the inalienable right of indigenous peoples of Melanesia.”

Mr Sogavare also sought to remind Jakarta that the United Liberation Movement for West Papua was also a part of the MSG, with observer status.

He claimed the refusal of Indonesia’s government so far to discuss West Papua with him showcases Jakarta’s intention of not engaging in dialogue about the serious allegations of human rights issues.

The MSG chair has reiterated his offer to the Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, to discuss matters of common interest within the space provided by the MSG.

Manasseh Sogavare

Manasseh Sogavare Photo: RNZI Koroi Hawkins

May 25, 2016 0

Solomons PM Reiterates Papua Stand

7:57 am on 18 May 2016, Radio NZ

The Solomon Islands prime minister has reiterated his support for full membership of the Melanesian Spearhead Group for the United Liberation Movement of West Papua.

Manasseh Sogavare, who is also the chairman of the MSG, has returned from a visit to Port Vila where he announced his intention to support Vanuatu and push to elevate the Liberation Movement from its current observer status in the group.

He also confirmed his plan to request United Nations intervention in West Papua due to ongoing alleged human rights abuses by the Indonesian security forces

Mr Sogavare has criticised Indonesia for not taking up repeated efforts by the MSG and Pacific Islands governments to establish dialogue with Jakarta over concerns about West Papua.

United Liberation Movement for West Papua members Mama Yosepha Alomang, Edison Waromi, AndyAyamiseba and Jacob Rumbiak with the Solomon Islands prime minister Manasseh Sogavare (centre), — United Liberation Movement for West Papua members Mama Yosepha Alomang, Edison Waromi, Andy Ayamiseba and Jacob Rumbiak with the Solomon Islands prime minister Manasseh Sogavare (centre), Photo: MSG

May 18, 2016 0

Papuans concerned at Indonesian overtures to MSG

3:29 pm on 8 April 2016

The United Liberation Movement for West Papua has questioned Indonesia’s increased diplomatic overtures to Melanesian countries.

TRANSCRIPT RADIO ANZ

The United Liberation Movement for West Papua says that while Indonesia increases diplomatic links to Melanesian countries, its security forces continue to brutalise Papuans.

The Liberation Movement was last year granted observer status in the Melanesian Spearhead Group, while Indonesia was given associate member status.

However Indonesia’s Political and Security Affairs minister Luhut Pandjaitan visited Papua New Guinea and Fiji last week to lobby for greater participation by Jakarta.

Minister Luhut indicated that Jakarta was aiming to “aggressively explain” to Pacific states about the conditions in Indonesia what it has been doing in the area of human rights.

However, Indonesia’s National Human Rights Commission last month stated that in the past year more than 700 West Papuans had been persecuted through being arrested, beaten, and tortured by security forces.

The Liberation Movement’s Benny Wenda spoke to Johnny Blades, who asked him about Indonesia’s outreach and assistance packages to PNG and Fiji.

BENNY WENDA: The bilateral agreements like trade, yes that’s up to the Papua New Guineans and Fijians but from my point of view, this is like a bridge, like Indonesia is using this as a good bridge to convince the Papua New Guineans and Fijians. But one of the things that I always argue [is] why now? Why now, but before never? When we become a member of the MSG, observer status, and they’re trying to use that issue to engage more with Melanesians and Pacific countries while they’re killing our people and they’re more campaigning for their investments, business and things and they’re trying to trade. But all the while killing Melanesian people and that is undermining what Indonesia does to pretend they’re good guys. But I’m not criticise what Indonesia has contributed to the Fijians for the cyclone [Winston]. But on the other hand, using this issue… trying to pressurise, look, we’re giving you money but don’t talk about West Papua. We don’t know, that’s under the carpet, but that’s my view. The West Papua issue is a Melanesian issue, it’s nothing to do with Indonesia. And the fact that Minister Luhut [once said] that we don’t need you, you go where you come from, that is what he already stated. And this dates back to 1960s, one of the generals called Ali Murtopo, said Papuans, we don’t need you, if you need island go to the Pacific or go to the moon or go to America. It’s repeated again. And so that’s why my argument is that Indonesia is not really interested in the people of Melanesia’s suffering under their colony. So they just need our resources. So in fact all the resources they are using to kill us and trying to be good guys. So that’s not make us a setback but give us confidence, more to convince our brothers and sisters in Melanesia that West Papua issue is a Melanesia issue and a Pacific issue, and we are the Pacific family.

JOHNNY BLADES: It seems in the Indonesian media that minister Luhut is claiming PNG and Fiji are going to support their bid to become full members of the MSG, do you know?

BW: I’m not sure at the moment, because that is just trying to claim, trying to convince the PNG and Fiji governments. But I’m sure that ordinary people in PNG and Fiji are really supportive, one hundred percent, of west Papuan full membership and that’s from before, until today. That’s why I’m really confident that West Papua issue is still there. But I don’t know about Minister Luhut’s claim. But that depends on whether PNG and Fiji want to support that or not, that’s up to the two governments. But MSG stands for the Melanesian peoples, it’s nothing to do with Indonesia. And MSG on principle, Indonesia has no right to stand in the way of what decision must be made by Melanesians for Melanesian people.

JB: This claim that the people in Jakarta keep making, about having 11 million Melanesians within the republic, including Maluku, North Maluku and East Nusa Tenggara, do you believe that people in those provinces – even if they have Melanesian stock – do they identify as being Melanesians?

BW: Look, this makes me laugh. They have never campaigned for… they never think about their identity as Melanesia. They more look the Indonesia. They feel they are Indonesia, so I have never seen those islands, those two or three provinces that you mention campaign for membership in the Melanesian family. No, they are more Indonesian, they claim, nothing to do with the Melanesians. They are more happy with Indonesia rather than Melanesia. So when we become part of the MSG, then Indonesia [started thinking] okay let’s use some of the outer islands. They may have Melanesians but they never campaigned for membership because they never feel they are Melanesian. That’s from beginning until today.

April 8, 2016 1

Sogavare pushes for West Papua at Forum

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has emerged as a leading advocate for regional representation for West Papuans Photo: RNZI Koroi Hawkins

Radio NZ – The government’s special envoy on West Papua Matthew Wale says the Solomon Islands is supporting the United Liberation Movement of West Papua’s application for observer status at the Forum.

The ULMWP was granted observer status in the Melanesian Spearhead Group at the regional organisation’s recent leaders summit in Honiara.

Mr Wale says Solomon Islands will also urge Forum leaders to support a resolution calling for the UN Human Rights Commissioner to conduct an assessment on the human rights situation in West Papua.

The Solomon Islands also wants a resolution calling for West Papua to be included on the UN’s decolonisation list.

Mr Wale says the leaders have a moral obligation to deal with the issues responsibly given public opinion and the amount of information about the situation in the Indonesian region.
Manasseh Sogavare

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has emerged as a leading advocate for regional representation for West Papuans Photo: RNZI Koroi Hawkins

However other Pacific Islands government, notably those of Melanesian powerhouses Papua New Guinea and Fiji appear reluctant to engage on West Papua at the Forum level to any great extent.

The situation in the Indonesian region is one of the five agenda items at the Pacific Islands Forum leaders summit in Port Moresby and there have been calls for a fact-finding mission to the province.

However PNG’s Foreign Minister Rimbink says his country will not do anything to endanger the good relationship it has with Indonesia when it comes to West Papua.

Mr Pato says he acknowledges the call for a forum mission and it will be discussed but PNG is looking at other methods.

“Our strongest recommendation will be to work alongside Indonesia. Indonesia has just been made an associate member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group which is a sub-regional body and that is a starting point, and should there be some issues we will be looking to work through that and work together with Indonesia.”

The plenary meetings at the 2015 Forum summit have been marked by protesters outside the venue calling for more action in West Papua.

September 10, 2015 0