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West Papuan leaders call for dialogue with Indonesia
West Papua National Coalition for Liberation Press Statement - June 18, 2009
Leaders of the West Papua National Coalition for Liberation [WPNCL] call on Indonesia for peaceful dialogue as the only viable conflict resolution to the West Papuan issue.
They made this call after a major Workshop held by the Coalition in Vanimo, Sandaun Province, Papua New Guinea. This meeting is a follow up from the Leaders Summit held in Vanuatu in April 2008. The Workshop was hosted by the former Governor of Sandaun Province, Mr. John Tekwie and his Community.
Representatives from member organizations who took part in the workshop held between 4 and 8 June 2009 have returned home very much encouraged and hopeful about the results. The Secretary General of the Coalition, Mr. Rex Rumakiek has acknowledged the success to the overwhelming support by the hosting community and the determination of the members of the Coalition. The workshop had achieved the objectives whilst it was designed to achieve Mr. Rumakiek said.
Mr. Rumakiek summed up the achievements as being, the finalization of Bylaws to strengthen unity in the struggle and to govern activities, control actions and the direction of the coalition. This is important because the Coalition is a forum for cooperation between West Papuan resistance organizations. Secondly, the design and endorsement of a Program or Road Map to, achieve West Papuan peoples aspiration. Short term and medium action plans would be designed and acted upon accordingly.
The Coalition also renewed its call on the leaders of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSD) and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) that would have their meetings soon to grant West Papua observer status. On Indonesia the coalition is waiting for a response from the President on its earlier request for negotiation. This off course will depend on who will become the next President of the Republic of Indonesia Mr. Rumakiek said.
Mr. Rex Rumakiek further appeal to the International community to approach the complex issues in West Papua with objectivity and understanding. Please do not divide our people. As a people and a nation we very much valued our unity within which we could resolve our problems. It is because of this we will continue to consult and where necessary reconcile within our communities to take pride by being part of this national coalition. We have chosen the word liberation for this coalition because it is relevant to the nature of our struggle. Because, by liberation we are not only freeing ourselves from Colonial occupation, but also from dehumanizing Colonial values. We are absolutely determined to use peaceful means and every available avenue to achieve our People's aspiration Mr. Rumakiek said.
For more information please direct your queries to Mr. Rex Rumakiek on +61 414247468 or the Vice Chairman, Dr. John Ondowame on +61 439759026 or the Vanuatu Mission, Mr. Andy Ayamiseba on +678 7740808.
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