PNG governor wants West Papua referendum https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/396338/png-governor-wants-west-papua-referendum 3:30 pm on 9 August 2019
The governor of Papua New Guinea's capital district wants Indonesia to allow West Papua to undertake an independence referendum. Powes Parkop, the governor of Papua New Guinea's National Capital District. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades In a statement, Powes Parkop also backed a call from Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers to raise the issue of human rights abuses in Papua at next week's Forum leaders summit. Mr Parkop said the crisis in Papua had escalated due to Pacific nations letting fear of Indonesia dictate their approach to it. He said the Melanesian Spearhead Group should also accept an application for full membership by the United Liberation Movement for West Papua. "Indonesia must realize that when it choose to restore the rights and dignity of the West Papuan people it will unleash great joy." Mr Parkop said he had delivered the same message on West Papua to PNG Prime Minister James Marape and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogovare. According to him, he planned to also deliver it to the governments of Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and the US, adding that he had requested a meeting with Indonesia's government. Jakarta says Papua's incorporation into the Indonesian is final and non-negotiable. Papuan Liberation Movement welcomes foreign ministers' call The United Liberation Movement for West Papua has welcomed a resolution by Pacific foreign ministers to push for a UN Human Rights office visit to Papua. In January, the UN Human Rights Commissioner Michelle Bachelet said Indonesia's government agreed in principle for a team from her office to visit Papua. However, Pacific Forum members are concerned that the invitation is not being honoured. Forum foreign ministers have called for the timing of the visit by to be finalised by both parties. They also seek for a resulting report on the Papua situation to be presented before the next Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in 2020. Benny Wenda, Wellington, 10 May 2017. Photo: RNZI / Koroi Hawkins The Liberation Movement's chairman, Benny Wenda, urged Pacific Forum leaders to endorse this call when they meet for their annual summit in Tuvalu next week. Mr Wenda said such a stand reflected the values at the heart of the Blue Pacific campaign to develop a region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion and prosperity where all Pacific people can lead free healthy and productive lives. Accordnig to him, Pacific civil society networks continue to provide support to Forum Leaders and Government regarding the human rights issues of West Papua.
