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West Papua coalition disappointed over observer application rejection

West Papua National Coalition for Liberation (WPNCL) Press Statement - June 2, 2008

Port Vila, Vanuatu – West Papua National Coalition for Liberation expressed disappointment that its application to become observer of the Melanesian Spearhead Group was not granted. The Coalition was encouraged by the initiative taken by Vanuatu's Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade on behalf of the Vanuatu Government by putting the case on the agenda. But, obviously the final decision on the matter rests with the Heads of Governments of the MSG.

The Secretary General of WPNCL Mr. Rex Rumakiek, stated that Vanuatu Government decision to apply for West Papuan Observer status was promised during the West Papuan Leader Summit held recently in Port Vila from 30th March-10th April 2008. It was a follow up from the previous submission made by the West Papuan People's Representative Office in Port Vila, Vanuatu. The move was consistent with the basic principle of Melanesian countries taking a collective responsibility for matters affecting the security and well being of its people.

It was for this reason FLNKS was accorded observes status and not the Colonial government. On the same premise we cannot contemplate the Colonial government of Indonesia or its institutions representing West Papua in the MSG. The news about not being granted observer status would re-enforce determination by the 29 member organisations of the Coalition to work even harder Mr. Rumakiek said.

He further stated that the statement by Prime Minister Michael Somare differentiating between the Matignon Accord and FLNKS as qualification for West Papua to seek membership with MSG is misleading. The MSG was founded before the Matignon Accord and based on the basic aim of finding a solution to FLNKS demand for self determination and independence. It was the political stand by Vanuatu supported by the MSG on the Kanaky issue by applying to the UNGA for re-inscription that brought about the Matignon Accord; not the other way around. Mr. Rumakiek stated that West Papua is fully qualified to be an observer of MSG if the leaders really based their decision on the original objectives of the MSG.

For further information please contact,

Rex Rumakiek, Secretary General
Phone: +679 9344436
Email: rexruma@hotmail.com or

Dr. Otto Ondawame, Vice Chairman on
Phone: +678 45144
Email: awulkeweng@yahoo.com or

Mr. Andy Ayamiseba, Vanuatu Representative
Phone: +678 40808
Email: morningstar@vanuatu.com.vu West Papua National Coalition for Liberation (WPNCL)

WPNCL Secretariat, c/o: WPPRO, P.O. Box 1571,
Port Vila, Republic of Vanuatu

See also:

West Papua Links

Indonesia News Digest

Statements/press releases on West Papua