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WPNCL repeats its call for an end to violence and for peaceful dialogue
West Papua National Coalition for Liberation Statement - September 15, 2009
West Papuan people are hopeful that the re-elected President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will fulfil his election promise to resolve the West Papuan issue. A promise, he did not fulfil in his fist term in office.
Stakeholders even pre-empt any Presidential initiative by proposing that the issue be resolved through peaceful dialogue. Leaders in the country are queuing in Jakarta with much anticipation. They even dare to hope that SBY will actually deliver despite his past failure. Members of the independence movement who are part of the WPNCL however, proposed that any genuine and credible negotiation must be facilitated through International mediation.
Meanwhile violence and suppression of activism continued. Individuals had been routinely picked up for interrogation because of mere suspicion. The latest to be detained is Mr. Jonah Wenda an activist of WPNCL who is also the Spokesperson for the Military Council of the Independence movement.
The Secretary General of WPNCL, Mr. Rex Rumakiek viewed this as a serious challenge by Jakarta to the peace efforts promoted by the Coalition. Mr. Jonah Wenda was instrumental in making sure that the Military Council remains committed to the peaceful efforts promoted by WPNCL and Stakeholders of West Papua in general.
It is a clear indication that Jakarta never wanted peace in West Papua. The removal of the Red Cross from West Papua recently gave the Military and its Militias a free hand to commit more violence in the Territory. What is happening in West Papua up until now is a very clear policy of Colonial occupation and subjugation. WPNCL will do every thing to expose it in the free world Mr. Rumakiek said.
Mr. Rex Rumakiek appeals to the Australian government, New Zealand government and the other members of the Pacific Islands Forum to call on Indonesia to stop the violence; stop the intimidation and detention of human rights and peace activists.
He also calls on President Elect, Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to order a moratorium on Military activity in West Papua and take immediate steps to dialogue with West Papuan leaders to resolve this Decades long issue.
Mr. Rumakiek stated that development should not be held hostage because of ultra pseudo nationalism. How could people who are already traumatised for years participate in development when they live in fear all the time? He further calls on the President Elect to conclude his first term in office and show his good will by releasing Political Prisoners in West Papua.
For more details, contact Rex Rumakiek, the Secretary General on +61 414247468 or the Vice Chairman of WPNCL, Dr. John Ondawame on +678 439759026 or Vanuatu Mission, Mr. Andy Ayamiseba on + 678 40808 or 60651.
For human rights issues in general please contact Ms. Paula Makabory, the International Representative of Papua Institute of Human Rights Study and Advocacy on, +61 402547517.
West Papua National Coalition for Liberation Secretariat, c/o: WPPRO, P.O. Box 1571, Port Vila, Republic of Vanuatu, Phone: + 678 40808 or 60651. +61 414247468, +678 439759026, E-mails: rexruma@hotmail.com; awulkeweng@yahoo.com; morningstar@vanuatu.com.vu
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