Fiji and the Solomons - why not West Papua?

Indonesia Human Rights Committee

Box 68-419,

Auckland

28 October, 2000

MEDIA RELEASE: South Pacific Forum - concern for Fiji and the Solomons - why not West Papua?

The Prime Minister should support her colleagues from Vanuatu and Nauru who will be asking for the West Papua to be given observer status at the next South Pacific Forum.

"Helen Clark has gone off to the South Pacific Forum calling for a "new way" and saying that the Forum should not turn a blind eye when the principles of the organisation are violated.

The only reason that West Papua will not be represented at the Forum is that the people were denied their rights to a fair act of self-determination in the 1960s."

"Now that the people of West Papua have united in a West Papuan Council and are urgently seeking regional support - where does New Zealand stand?"

"In West Papua conflict as escalating as the Indonesian government has toughened its stance on the the hoisting of the West Papua " Morning Star" flag and further bloodshed is feared."

"We are have been asked by West Papuan leader and OPM representative John Ondawame to to uphold West Papuan rights, to give support to Vanuatu and Nauru, and to offer to help with mediation and peaceful dialogue between Indonesia and the independence movement in West Papua."

After East Timor, New Zealand cannot just stand aside and watch tragedy unfold."

For further information: Maire Leadbeater - 09-376-9098 (cell 025-436-957)

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