1) Sir Michael Somare exhorts MSG to
include West Papua in its activities
2)
Fiji hands over leadership of MSG to FLNKS
3)
MSG leaders meeting officially opens
4) Solomon
Islands and Vanuatu praise Fiji leadership
5) MSG members cautioned not to use the ‘high moral ground on Fiji’
6) Indonesia confirms MSG Ministerial
delegation's visit
7)
Another group claims legitimacy over representation of West Papuan interests
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1) Sir Michael Somare exhorts MSG to include West Papua in its activities
By Makereta Komai, PACNEWS Editor in Noumea, New Caledonia
One of the founding fathers of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare says granting West Papuan membership of the sub-regional bloc must be done on the basis that it is a Melanesian community and not because it is a sovereign independent state.
“A not too dissimilar arrangement can be found in the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) where Taiwan and Hong Kong, regarded by many as part of China, participate in development with independent sovereign states.
“The point here is that MSG has to be inventive, said Sir Michael.
If, West Papua eventually becomes a ‘member’ of the MSG, it will serve as the venue for both Indonesia and West Papua to dialogue and regularly brief MSG countries on developments in West Papua, said the longest serving Papua New Guinea Prime Minister.
Speaking at the MSG Silver Jubilee celebration in Noumea today, Sir Michael had a few words of advice for West Papuan pro-independence activists.
“You need to learn to sit down and talk about your issues with Indonesia. Your leaders, chiefs and activists must discuss ways to find solutions to your problem. Your problem is an internal one and our countries have no right to interfere into sovereign issues of Indonesia.
“You should not bring your problem from your side to us because, like PNG, we have diplomatic relations with Indonesia and we share a common border, said the Grand Chief.
Sir Michael said during his days in government, Indonesia indicated that it was willing to understand and solve the problems in West Papua.
“Indonesia has appointed West Papuans as administrators and other leadership positions as it tries to explore ways to assimilate West Papuans into their society.
The head of the West Papua National Coalition for Liberation, Dr Otto Ondawame responded saying every attempt has been to hold dialogue with the Indonesians.
“We already tried in 2011 to talk with Indonesia, we wrote letters to start a peaceful dialogue but still nothing. The problem is not on our side but with the Indonesian government and its military, said Dr Ondawame.
Dr Ondawame said any peaceful dialogue with Indonesia must be made with a third party.
On what the MSG should do, even before it admits West Papua as a member, Sir Michael said MSG should invite West Papua to cultural events, sporting activities and technical skills exchange.
“West Papua after all has a significant Melanesian community, said Sir Michael.
MSG Leaders will consider the application for West Papua membership Friday.
SOURCE: PACNEWS
One of the founding fathers of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare says granting West Papuan membership of the sub-regional bloc must be done on the basis that it is a Melanesian community and not because it is a sovereign independent state.
“A not too dissimilar arrangement can be found in the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) where Taiwan and Hong Kong, regarded by many as part of China, participate in development with independent sovereign states.
“The point here is that MSG has to be inventive, said Sir Michael.
If, West Papua eventually becomes a ‘member’ of the MSG, it will serve as the venue for both Indonesia and West Papua to dialogue and regularly brief MSG countries on developments in West Papua, said the longest serving Papua New Guinea Prime Minister.
Speaking at the MSG Silver Jubilee celebration in Noumea today, Sir Michael had a few words of advice for West Papuan pro-independence activists.
“You need to learn to sit down and talk about your issues with Indonesia. Your leaders, chiefs and activists must discuss ways to find solutions to your problem. Your problem is an internal one and our countries have no right to interfere into sovereign issues of Indonesia.
“You should not bring your problem from your side to us because, like PNG, we have diplomatic relations with Indonesia and we share a common border, said the Grand Chief.
Sir Michael said during his days in government, Indonesia indicated that it was willing to understand and solve the problems in West Papua.
“Indonesia has appointed West Papuans as administrators and other leadership positions as it tries to explore ways to assimilate West Papuans into their society.
The head of the West Papua National Coalition for Liberation, Dr Otto Ondawame responded saying every attempt has been to hold dialogue with the Indonesians.
“We already tried in 2011 to talk with Indonesia, we wrote letters to start a peaceful dialogue but still nothing. The problem is not on our side but with the Indonesian government and its military, said Dr Ondawame.
Dr Ondawame said any peaceful dialogue with Indonesia must be made with a third party.
On what the MSG should do, even before it admits West Papua as a member, Sir Michael said MSG should invite West Papua to cultural events, sporting activities and technical skills exchange.
“West Papua after all has a significant Melanesian community, said Sir Michael.
MSG Leaders will consider the application for West Papua membership Friday.
SOURCE: PACNEWS
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http://www.islandsbusiness.com/news/new-caledonia/1558/fiji-hands-over-leadership-of-msg-to-flnks/
2) Fiji hands over leadership of MSG to FLNKS
NOUMEA, New Caledonia --- Fiji’s Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama handed over the chairmanship of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) to Victor Tutugoro of the pro-independence movement in New Caledonia, FLNKS at a ceremony in Noumea Wednesday night.
The ceremony at the Tjibaou Cultural Centre marked the opening of the two days MSG Leaders Summit and the culmination of the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the organisation.
Commodore Bainimarama said Fiji was proud of the visibility it has created for the organisation in the two years of its chairmanship.
“When Fiji assumed the MSG chairmanship just over two years ago, our focus was on chanelling the bonds of Melanesian solidarity into concrete policy developments.
“As a result of our shared vision for closer integration, MSG solidarity has never been stronger.
Some of the achievements of the MSG in the past two years include:
- Commitment to a single market and economic union to allow for free movement of goods, services, labour and capital
-Implementation of the MSG Trade Agreement with the on-going removal of tariffs for trade between MSG -MSG Skills Movement Scheme
-Regional co-operation and collaboration between law enforcement agencies to tackle transnational crimes
-Department of peacekeeping operations to assist an MSG peacekeeping unit for peacekeeping missions
-Melanesian Green Climate fund to finance regional environmental initiatives
The Fijian leader said the MSG was restructuring the Pacific landscape to better suit the needs, demands and aspirations of its people.
“Tonight we are turning over the chairmanship of the organisation that has grown stronger, that has carved out a firmer regional and international presence, which has a clearer vision and roadmap for the future, said Bainimarama.
FLNKS takes over the chairmanship of the MSG at a crucial time of its political history with France.
“They are in the midst of charting the course for their determination, decolonisation and independence. Bainimarama reiterated the support of the MSG for FLNKS and their political aspirations – which is to gain independence from France.
Hosting MSG Leaders to a cocktail after the opening ceremony, the President of New Caledonia, Harold Martin hinted the desire of the French Overseas Country to join the Melanesian bloc.
However, he qualified his statement saying the desire to be integrated into the Pacific has always been there but government will do so when it is ready.
“I’d like to take a reserved position. My predecessor, Philip Gomes was keen to join. We are ready but will be happy to join when the time is right, said President Martin.
MSG Leaders go into Retreat at Escapade Island, just off the coast of Noumea Thursday before they convene at the Secretariat of the Pacific Community headquarters on Friday for the final plenary sessions.
Amongst special guests invited to address leaders is former President of French Polynesia, Oscar Temaru.
PACNEWS understands he is Noumea to personally thank MSG Leaders for their support for the United Nations resolution to put French Polynesia on the list of decolonized states.
Also addressing MSG leaders, for the first time, is the head of the West Papua freedom movement based in Port Vila, Dr Otto Ondawame to present its case the Leaders.
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3) MSG leaders meeting officially opens
Updated 20 June 2013, 11:02 AEST
The ceremony lasted three hours and it followed a meeting between the group's Foreign ministers decided to defer a decision on a membership application by the West Papuan independence movement. In a separate development, the President of New Caledonia's National Congress, Gerard Poadja says he will not attend two official functions because of the presence of Fiji's PM Commodore Frank Bainimarama. The MSG leaders will now go into a retreat and it is expected they will make a statement late on Friday.
Presenter: Geraldine Coutts
Australia Network's Pacific correspondent Sean Dorney
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4) Solomon Islands and Vanuatu praise Fiji leadership
17:09 Today
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama speaking at the handover last night
Taken from/By: FBC News
Report by: Roland Koroi in Noumea
Report by: Roland Koroi in Noumea
Leaders of the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu have commended the work of Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama as chair of the Melanesian Spearhead Group in the last two years.
Speaking to FBC News in Noumea last night, both leaders said they were happy with the progress of the MSG under Fiji’s leadership.
Roland Koroi reports.
“It was nothing but praise for Fiji by neighboring countries following the official handover of the chairmanship of the MSG last night. FBC News spoke to Solomon Islands Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo who said Fiji’s leadership was exemplary, highlighting Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama’s stand in as far as Australia and New Zealand is concerned.”
“Lilo told FBC News he was glad that as chair of the MSG, Prime Minister Bainimarama was more focused on more pressing issues that would move the MSG countries forward, instead of dwelling on the stance taken by its trans-tasman neighbors.”
“He also highlighted that under the chairmanship of Bainimarama, trade between MSG countries continue to grow with the removal of tariff on many goods opening the door for many more opportunities.”
“Lilo also praised the decision to have the skills movement initiated between MSG countries. He says as a direct result of this, many of their people are now looking forward to getting employed overseas, which will not just benefit their people, but the people of the whole Melanesian group.”
“He went on to say that Fiji has now set the platform for the FLNKS but is confident that through the support of all MSG countries, incoming chair Victor Tutugoro will succeed in his tenure.”
“Vanuatu Deputy Prime Minister Edward Natapei also shared the same sentiments, saying that he was looking forward to more trading opportunities between Fiji and Vanuatu.”
“As it stands Kava dominates Vanuatu’s exports to Fiji, but with the removal of tariffs and with the progress of the MSG Trade Agreement, Natapei is confident that Fiji and Vanuatu will be able to take full advantage and explore more trading opportunities.”
“MSG leaders have gone for their retreat today which is closed to the media, but a statement is expected later today.”
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5) MSG members cautioned not to use the ‘high moral ground on Fiji’
By Makereta Komai, PACNEWS Editor in Noumea, New Caledonia
Papua New Guinea’s Grand Chief, Sir Michael Somare has cautioned the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) not to use the ‘high moral ground’ to justify its criticism of Fiji’s slow return to democratic rule.
“Although pious principles are noble, they are very often void of the reality on the ground. MSG needs to be pragmatic in its approach to Fiji, said Sir Michael.
Sir Michael has been a strong supporter of the efforts in Fiji to progress towards democracy.
He admitted the situations in Fiji and West Papua will continue to test MSG solidarity as a group.
“It is not a secret that regional decisions and approaches to Fiji have caused polarization of views in the Pacific Islands Forum.
“Even within our MSG grouping, I can sense a tenuous unity of purpose in Fiji. There is a real risk of a chasm developing between MSG members if we are not careful, said Sir Michael.
He said Fiji requires the MSG’s understanding and support.
“Time should not be the essence for Fiji to return to elective government. But ensuring Fiji develops a strong culture of enduring democracy with robust democratic institutions, is.
“Melanesian values of dialogue and patience, although protracted in process, has the greatest potential to bring about the change we want in Fiji, said PNG’s Grand chief.
This, he said is in stark contrast to the ‘condescending tactics and heavy handed punitive actions advocated by some countries on Fiji.’
“I would suggest that the changing geo-political situation in the region is a result of this, said Sir Michael.
Fiji held the chairmanship of the MSG for two years before it handed it to the FLNKS of New Caledonia last night.
SOURCE: PACNEWS
Papua New Guinea’s Grand Chief, Sir Michael Somare has cautioned the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) not to use the ‘high moral ground’ to justify its criticism of Fiji’s slow return to democratic rule.
“Although pious principles are noble, they are very often void of the reality on the ground. MSG needs to be pragmatic in its approach to Fiji, said Sir Michael.
Sir Michael has been a strong supporter of the efforts in Fiji to progress towards democracy.
He admitted the situations in Fiji and West Papua will continue to test MSG solidarity as a group.
“It is not a secret that regional decisions and approaches to Fiji have caused polarization of views in the Pacific Islands Forum.
“Even within our MSG grouping, I can sense a tenuous unity of purpose in Fiji. There is a real risk of a chasm developing between MSG members if we are not careful, said Sir Michael.
He said Fiji requires the MSG’s understanding and support.
“Time should not be the essence for Fiji to return to elective government. But ensuring Fiji develops a strong culture of enduring democracy with robust democratic institutions, is.
“Melanesian values of dialogue and patience, although protracted in process, has the greatest potential to bring about the change we want in Fiji, said PNG’s Grand chief.
This, he said is in stark contrast to the ‘condescending tactics and heavy handed punitive actions advocated by some countries on Fiji.’
“I would suggest that the changing geo-political situation in the region is a result of this, said Sir Michael.
Fiji held the chairmanship of the MSG for two years before it handed it to the FLNKS of New Caledonia last night.
SOURCE: PACNEWS
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6) Indonesia confirms MSG Ministerial delegation's visit
The Indonesian government has invited foreign ministers from Melanesian nations grouped under the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG)to Jakarta to receive briefings on development in Papua and West Papua provinces, a move that could be seen as a campaign to obtain international support for the country’s sovereignty over its easternmost region.
Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Djoko Su-yanto said that an invitation for the event had been sent to Fijian Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.
“It is true that I met the Fijian prime minister in Fiji on June 3. The topics we discussed touched mainly on bilateral relations between our two countries. At the meeting, I also extended an invitation to foreign ministers of MSG member states to come to Indonesia,” Djoko told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.
The MSG consists of Fiji, Papua New Guinea (PNG), the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, as well as the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS), a pro-independence group from French-ruled New Caledonia.
“We invite these foreign ministers to visit Indonesia to observe Indonesia’s development in general, which also includes the government’s policy on the acceleration of development in Papua and West Papua,” Djoko said.
He denied, however, that the invitations were aimed at countering Papuan pro-independence activists’ efforts to win support from the international community.
The senior minister said that President Susilo Bambang Yudho-yono had endorsed the plan.
Last month, the Indonesian government was angered by a move by the Free West Papua movement to open an office in Oxford, UK. Oxford Mayor Mohammed Abbasi, Oxford’s member of parliament, Andrew Smith, and former mayor Elise Benjamin were among those present at the ceremony to inaugurate the office.
Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry summoned British Ambassador to Indonesia Mark Canning and filed a diplomatic protest against the British government for the incident.
Free West Papua leader Benny Wenda is on Indonesia’s list of fugitives, but the British government decided to drop him from its wanted list despite a red notice from the Indonesian authorities.
Benny’s group has been active in many countries, particularly Australia and New Zealand, as well as the Melanesian states. He has highlighted several issues, including alleged human rights violations by the Indonesian authorities against Papuans.
Melanesian leaders have repeatedly voiced their support for Papuan self-determination.
On Monday, however, PNG Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, who led a delegation of government officials and business leaders on a three-day visit to Jakarta, said that Papua was an integral part of Indonesia.
O’Neill merely added that he was “happy to have been asked by the Indonesian government to help manage issues” in Papua and West Papua.
SOURCE: THE JAKARTA POST/PACNEWS
Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Djoko Su-yanto said that an invitation for the event had been sent to Fijian Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.
“It is true that I met the Fijian prime minister in Fiji on June 3. The topics we discussed touched mainly on bilateral relations between our two countries. At the meeting, I also extended an invitation to foreign ministers of MSG member states to come to Indonesia,” Djoko told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.
The MSG consists of Fiji, Papua New Guinea (PNG), the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, as well as the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS), a pro-independence group from French-ruled New Caledonia.
“We invite these foreign ministers to visit Indonesia to observe Indonesia’s development in general, which also includes the government’s policy on the acceleration of development in Papua and West Papua,” Djoko said.
He denied, however, that the invitations were aimed at countering Papuan pro-independence activists’ efforts to win support from the international community.
The senior minister said that President Susilo Bambang Yudho-yono had endorsed the plan.
Last month, the Indonesian government was angered by a move by the Free West Papua movement to open an office in Oxford, UK. Oxford Mayor Mohammed Abbasi, Oxford’s member of parliament, Andrew Smith, and former mayor Elise Benjamin were among those present at the ceremony to inaugurate the office.
Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry summoned British Ambassador to Indonesia Mark Canning and filed a diplomatic protest against the British government for the incident.
Free West Papua leader Benny Wenda is on Indonesia’s list of fugitives, but the British government decided to drop him from its wanted list despite a red notice from the Indonesian authorities.
Benny’s group has been active in many countries, particularly Australia and New Zealand, as well as the Melanesian states. He has highlighted several issues, including alleged human rights violations by the Indonesian authorities against Papuans.
Melanesian leaders have repeatedly voiced their support for Papuan self-determination.
On Monday, however, PNG Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, who led a delegation of government officials and business leaders on a three-day visit to Jakarta, said that Papua was an integral part of Indonesia.
O’Neill merely added that he was “happy to have been asked by the Indonesian government to help manage issues” in Papua and West Papua.
SOURCE: THE JAKARTA POST/PACNEWS
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http://www.islandsbusiness.com/news/new-caledonia/1559/another-group-claims-legitimacy-over-representatio/
7) Another group claims legitimacy over representation of West Papuan interests
NOUMEA, New Caledonia ---- Another group has emerged claiming to legitimately represent the people of West Papua are lobbying for recognition at the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders Summit, currently underway in Noumea.
Jacob Rumbiak, who is responsible for foreign affairs for the Federal Republic of West Papua, says his group represents the majority on West Papua.
“Our national congress was voted in by 2.5 million people, so we have the legitimate right to call ourselves the representatives of the people of West Papua
“We have the majority. If we talk about independence, then we must rely on the voice of the majority. The group in Vanuatu does not have any majority support on the ground in West Papua, Rumbiak told PACNEWS here in Noumea.
Rumbiak welcomed the resolution of MSG foreign affairs minister to send a ministerial delegation to Jakarta and Jayapura before the end of the year to investigate first hand human rights abuses in the province. The group will also try and determine who is the legitimate representative for the people of West Papua.
A senior adviser on Papua affairs to the Indonesian Government, Ambassador Michael Menufandu confirmed to PACNEWS the Central Government in Jakarta has endorsed the proposed MSG ministerial delegation.
He said Indonesia is ready to receive the MSG ministerial group, at a time convenient to the Leaders.
“It may be as early as July or August around the time of our independence. The dates will depend on the timing indicated by MSG Leaders, said Ambassador Menufandu.
Central Government, he said, will allow the MSG group to meet with political, social, cultural leaders, local governments including victims of the so-called human rights abuses, said Menufandu.
The senior West Papuan Government official said the Port Vila based pro-West Papua independence group does not represent the struggles of people within the Indonesian province.
“We have to live in West Papua and fight from within. The government and provincial governments are made up of indigenous West Papuans who are trying to develop the province. The cases of human rights violations are not an everyday occurrence, said Menufandu.
He said there is a misrepresentation of the true situation on the ground by social media.
‘The representatives in Vanuatu are in exile and not familiar with the true situation in West Papua today, said the West Papuan senior official.
The application for membership of the West Papua National Coalition for Liberation is likely to be brought up by Vanuatu Prime Minister, Moana Carcasses at the Leaders Retreat today.
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