I hereby make this official announcement on behalf of the Sovereign State of Solomon Islands on the application by the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) for Membership of the Melanesia Spearhead Group (MSG).
The Cabinet, in exercising its decision-making mandate on behalf of the people of Solomon Islands, agreed that:
- Solomon Islands Government will vote to bring the ULMWP into the MSG on Observer Status.
- Solomon Islands Government will encourage MSG to continue to explore avenues for Indonesia in its interest to be an Associated Member within the guidelines approved by Leaders in 2012.
- Solomon Islands Government will engage with all MSG stakeholders in communicating the above positions.
The above mentioned positions had been made in light of the need to enhance Melanesian solidarity, values, continuity and maintain good neighbourliness.
Geopolitics and international commerce aside, these resolutions are founded on Christian principles which form the bedrock of our National Constitution. They also recognise the need to create international space for Melanesians seeking the inalienable rights and freedoms they sought to achieve through peaceful co-existence.
Hon Manasseh. D. Sogavare MP
Papua Merdeka News 