WPNCL
[WEST PAPUA NATIONAL COALITION FOR LIBERATION]
Secretariat, c/o: WPPRO, P.O. Box 1571, Port Vila, Republic of Vanuatu,
Ph.: + 678 40808 or 60651, E-mail: [email protected];
[email protected]; [email protected]
Date: 18 June 2009
PR-No.7 /2009.
PRESS STATEMENT
West Papuan leaders call for dialogue with Indonesia
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. Electronic addresses are
as given above.
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