Solomon Islands Govt Supports WPNCL Full Membership of MSG

The Government of Solomon Islands Supports WPNCL Full Membership of MSG

24th April 2013

During the meeting with Prime Minister of Solomon Island, Rt.Hon.Gordon Darcy Lilo MP on 24th April. It becomes apparent that the government of Solomon Islands will support to put West Papua on the agenda for the next MSG meeting in Noumea in June this year and Full Membership of the WPNCL to MSG.

West Papuan delegation consisted of Dr. Otto Ondawame, Vice Chairman of the WPNCL, Mr.Rex Rumakiek-Secretary General of the WPNCL and Mr. Andy Ayamiseba, Head WPNCL Mission to Vanuatu. But Mr. Barak T Sope Maautamate, the former Prime Minister of Vanuatu and adviser to the WPNCl could not come this time for technical reasons.

In his opening remarks, Dr Ondawame express his sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Government and people of Solomon Islands for their endless support given to the aspiration of Independence of the people of West Papua. And also their support for full membership of WPNCL in the MSG.

On 25th April, the delegation met Speaker of the Parliament, Sir Allen Kemakeza. The speaker expressed his full support for the plight of the people of West Papua and committed to raising the issue in the Solomon Islands Parliament. At the meting, the delegation asked for Solomon Islands Parliament to support the call for “West Papua becomes Melanesian issue”.

Prime Minister Of The Solomon Islands Assured Wpncl Of Support For MSG Membeship. Rt. Hon. Prime Minister. Gordon Dalcy Lilo met a delegation from the West Papua National Coalition for Liberation on 24 April 3013. The leaders of WPNCL were in the country to seek Solomon Islands support for their application to become member of the MSG. The delegation is consisted of Dr. John Otto Ondawame, Vice Chairman, Mr. Rex Rumakiek, Secretary General and Mr. Andy Ayamiseba, Head of WPNCL Mission to Vanuatu. Two other members of the delegation, Ms. Paula Makabory, human rights activist and Mr. Barak T. Sope Maautamate, former Prime Minister and adviser to WPNCL could not join the delegation due to technical problems. The delegation was, accompanied by Mr. Ian Ronnie, President of Solomons for West Papua Group.

PM Lilo assured the visiting Papuan leaders of his support for West Papua to become a member of the MSG. He further stated that he will request the inclusion of West Papua on the agenda of next MSG summit in Noumea. PM. LIlo ALSO stressed the need for Melanesian countries to assist fellow Melanesians of West Papua to achieve their right of self-determination peacefully. He reiterated the fact that the West Papuan struggle has taken 50 yeas; it is time to resolve it he said.

On behalf of WPNCL and the people of West Papua Dr. John Otto Ondawame stated, “I would like to express our gratitude and sincere appreciation to you and the people of the Solomon Islands for your continuing support to our struggle for self-determination and independence.” Dr. Ondawame also stated that being a member with the support of MSG is crucial for WPNCL efforts to take the issue back to the United Nations.

PM Lilo agreed that the UN solution should be the ultimate agenda because self-determination for West Papua as stipulated in 1969 is incomplete. The International community must be made aware of this fact.

Mr. Andy Ayamiseba added that the so-called act of free choice of 1969 was fraudulent. Even the UN Under Secretary General Mr. Narashiman admitted that it was a whitewash. The UN only took note of the result as, “being organized by Indonesia according to its own system of dialogue.”

Mr. Rex Rumakiek informed the Hon. Prime Minister that WPNCL campaign is a continuation of OPM activities for many years linking with the other Indigenous struggles in the region for self-determination. MSG supported the re-inscription of Kanaky with the UN Decolonization Committee. Currently they are supporting Tahiti Nui as well for re-inscription. We hope we will be the next he said.

Mr. Ian Ronnie, the President of Solomons for West Papua Group informed the Prime Minister of the work of the group to raise awareness about the West Papua issue and call for support. They will continue to consolidate Solomon Islands people’s support for West Papua.

Hon. Lilo responded that there is indeed a need to spread the information about the issue far and wide. Let people know what the government is trying to do on this very important issue for Melanesia and what the civil society could do as well.

On 27 April the WPNCL delegation made a courtesy call on Sir Allen Kemakeza, Speaker of the Parliament. He pledged his personal support and told the Papuan leaders about a proposal for MSG Eminent persons to visit West Papua. This will be at the Parliamentarian level but for the political level leave it to the governments to lead on finding a just solution.

ENDS

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