WEST PAPUAN LEADERS ARE DISAPPOINTED WITH THE RESULT OF THE PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM MEETING

Leaders of the West Papua National Coalition for Liberation were in
Cairns North Queensland to push hard for the PIF to grant West Papua
Observer Status and also for the forum to discuss many other issues
affecting West Papuan people. Meanwhile more human violations are
occurring. PIF should never fail to address the issue of West Papua.
After all PIF was established to address all the issues affecting the
Pacific community, political or otherwise. It is important that leaders
of the PIF raise these concerns in order to prevent further violence.
Turning away from it will only make it worse. Prior to the PIF meeting
they have taken part in a Civil Society Forum on Climate Change where
all these issues were discussed and linked as inseparable part of
climate change.

Vice Chairman of the West Papua National Coalition for Liberation, Dr.
Otto Ondawame stated the coalition is not happy at all about the way the
PIF treated West Papua. “This is hypocrisy; how could they concern
themselves about human right and democracy issues in other parts of the
world but ignore what is happening next door he asked? By not protesting
or even mentioning the violence in West Papua you are infect encourage
it to continue”, he said.

The PIF had clearly stated its concerns about the situation in West
Papua during its 37th forum meeting in Fiji. We would have hoped that
the PIF be consistent with its concerns because the situation is not
improving at all. “Regardless of this setback our Coalition will
continue to work for a peaceful and dignified solution to the West
Papuan issue. We will never stop until once again we become part of the
Pacific community as we were when we were member of the South Pacific
Commission from 1947 – 1962”, said Mr. Rex Rumakiek, the Secretary
General of the WPNCL.

For more information contact: Dr. John Ondawame, on 0439759026 and Rex
Rumakiek on 0414247468.


WEST PAPUA NATIONAL COALITION FOR LIBERATION
P.O. Box 1571, Port Vila, Republic of Vanuatu, ph: + 678 40808;
+61414247468; +61439759026
E-mail: morningstar@vanuatu.com.vu, awulkeweng@yahoo.com,
rexruma@hotmail.com