FLNKS Leaders Support West Papua Full Membership In MSG

FLNKS Leaders Support West Papua Full Membership In MSG

By Len Garae

The delegation of the West Papua National Coalition for Liberation (WPNCL) met with the Executive of the Front de Libération Nationale Kanak et Socialiste (FLNKS) in New Caledonia on April 11 and the incoming Chairman of Melanesian Spearhead Group Victor Tutugoro welcomed them in the true Melanesian spirit.

He said, “MSG is only for Melanesia and Liberation Movements within it, the FLNKs leadership would therefore be very happy to welcome the WPNCL as a new member in our Melanesian family. We open our heart and extend our hands to receive you the lost Melanesian son to come back into rightful Melanesian family.”

Seeking full membership in MSG has been the primary objective in the WPNCL’s application. The West Papua delegation visited Noumea as a part of its official political tour in the Melanesian Region.

The delegation consisted of Dr Otto Ondawame- Vice Chairman of the WPNCL, Barak T. Sope Maautamate, the former Prime Minister of Vanuatu and adviser to the WPNCL and Nato Taiwia Efate Member of Parliament for Efate Rural.

The delegation was warmly welcomed by the FLNKS Executive when it presented to the FLNKS Executive and Victor Tutugoro the official application of the West Papua National Coalition for Liberation to become a full member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group.

The FLNKS had opposed the admittance of the Indonesian Government in 2011 to become an observer of the MSG because of the past and continued killings of Melanesians in West Papua.

The event was covered well in local mass media including radio and TV interviews.

The Senate of the Kanaky National Council of Chiefs of Kanaky in Noumea is to seal the event in a customary manner, which has its own significant meaning. “The visit to Kanaky was successful gaining broader support among political leadership of the FLNKS and people of Kanaky. On behalf of the leadership of the WPNCL and the people of West Papua, we would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation for their support,” Dr Ondawame said.

The delegation of West Papua National Coalition for Liberation will travel to Honiara on April 21, 2013 to meet the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands and other Government Officials to present the MSG official application there.

ENDS

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