‘You know that you are not alone’

Becoming a member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) would mean having our Melanesian family’s support in our fight for self-determination.

This statement by the United Liberation Movement for West Papua chairman, Benny Wenda, follows the announcement by MSG chair and PNG Prime Minister Peter O’Neill that West Papua’s request for full membership has now been progressed to the Secretariat.

“West Papua is entitled to join the Melanesian family,” Wenda tells this newsroom in an exclusive interview.

“For 50 years we have been separated from our brothers and sisters across Melanesia.

“This is a sign of reunion with our family.”

Wenda says the progress in their request is a positive sign for the people of West Papua.

“You know that you are not alone.”

Meanwhile, NCD Governor Powes Parkop, who has been vocal about the plight of the people of West Papua, says they have been erased from our mind, sight, consciousness and our moral and political radar for too long.

“It is a big dent on our moral and political standing. It’s about time we live up to higher standards and take on this moral, political and humanitarian issue,” adds Governor Parkop.

“By lowering our standards to ignore West Papua, we lower our standards everywhere!”

On the other hand, Indonesia has warned MSG members against meddling in other countries’ affairs.

On Tuesday, chief of the Indonesian delegation to the meeting, Desra Percaya, said: “We remind member states (of their obligation) to continue to implement the mandate in accordance with the principles of forming MSG, including refraining from meddling in other countries’ businesses much less than their sovereignty.”

(United Liberation Movement for West Papua chairman, Benny Wenda)

Author: 
Carmella Gware