1) Somare says MSG must serve the region
2) RI to campaign on Papua progress in regional forum
3) Papua New Guinea and Indonesia
sign new Air Services
4) PNG, Indonesia pledge closer ties
5) PNG PM to visit Indonesia, West Papua Membership Deter Efforts at MSG
6) If Papua Become a Member MSG,Indonesia as Observer Status Revoked
7) Send Delegation to Indonesia Forum MSG
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1) Somare says MSG must serve the region
By Nic Maclellan in Noumea, New Caledonia
As a guest of honour at this week’s summit of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare praised the MSG as a “vibrant and successful” organisation.
In a wide-ranging speech at the Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre in Noumea, the former Papua New Guinea Prime Minister spoke of the founding of the MSG and future challenges facing the organisation.
Somare called on MSG member states to employ their size and strength to the service of the region: “An MSG without the Pacific is the weaker, just as a Pacific without the MSG is the poorer.”
The five members of the MSG include the largest states of the islands region, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu together with the Front de Liberation Nationale Kanak et Socialiste (FLNKS), the coalition of parties calling for independence in New Caledonia.
Somare’s speech was part of events to mark the 25th anniversary of the Spearhead Group, which was founded in March 1988. Following anniversary ceremonies in each Melanesian capital from the start of the year, the FLNKS is currently hosting the 19th MSG summit in New Caledonia’s capital.
The MSG was conceived by former Melanesian prime ministers Paias Wingti of Papua New Guinea, Ezekial Alebua of Solomon Islands and Walter Lini of Vanuatu. The FLNKS joined in 1991, followed by Fiji in 1996.
As a signatory to the founding MSG Agreement, Somare was invited to this week’s summit as a guest of honour, together with Vanuatu MP Ham Lini, representing the family of the late Vanuatu leader.
Addressing the challenges of globalisation, the importance of MSG’s growing trade links and the importance of culture and identity, Somare’s speech focussed on the MSG’s role in support of self-determination in New Caledonia and West Papua.
Support for Kanaks
As the FLNKS independence movement takes over as MSG Chair for the next two years, Somare stated: “Political and security concerns, namely decolonisation of New Caledonia and cessation of nuclear testing on Moruroa, were the main reasons MSG was formed.”
“New Caledonia’s re-inscription as a non-self-governing territory within the purview if the UN Committee of 24 is largely due to the change in approach and the concerted efforts of the MSG,” he added. “It is also arguable that the Noumea Accord would not have come about without the deliberate international campaign mounted by the MSG countries in support of New Caledonia’s right to self-determination.”
Somare paid tribute to past FLNKS leaders who carried the issue of self-determination onto the international stage: the late Yann Celene Uregei, Jean-Marie Tjibaou, Yeiwene Yeiwene “and the young Kanaks of Ouvea who paid the ultimate price for championing justice and emancipation of the Kanak people.”
Calling for good governance across Melanesia, Somare stated that the current political situation in Fiji continues to test MSG solidarity, “with a real risk of a chasm developing between MSG members if we are not careful.”
However he argued that “Melanesian values of dialogue and patience, although protracted in process, has the greatest potential to bring about the changes we want in Fiji.” He criticised “the effects that condescending tactics and heavy handed punitive actions advocated by some have had on Fiji.”
Questions over West Papua
In his address, Somare also addressed the contentious issue of West Papua, which has been a major focus of this week’s summit.
The FLNKS has invited a five-person delegation from the West Papua National Coalition for Liberation (WPNCL) to attend the summit. WPNCL Vice President John Otto Ondawame and Secretary-General Rex Rumakiek have been lobbying in support of their bid for MSG membership, after a formal application was lodged with the MSG Secretariat in March.
Other West Papuan activists, led by Jacob Rumbiak, are also in the New Caledonian capital, while the government of Indonesia has sent a large delegation to press its case.
In his speech, Somare acknowledged “there is strong and growing support among the MSG peoples for West Papua’s membership to MSG and West Papua’s aspirations to self-determination.”
“For me personally, I believe that MSG should actively make representations to Indonesia to address human rights abuses in West Papua,” he said. “MSG must also involve West Papua in some of MSG’s cultural events, sporting activities and technical skills exchanges.”
However he re-iterated the sensitivities of the West Papua issue for his nation, which has the only land border in the region. Somare’s successor as PNG Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, is absent from the summit, leading a large delegation of ministers, officials and business leaders to Indonesia – a potent symbol of the growing importance of PNG’s neighbour.
Fiji’s leader Voreqe Bainimarama has also been building links with Indonesia, as part of expanding links with developing nations after Fiji joined the Non-Aligned Movement in 2011 and was appointed as chair of the G77 plus China in the United Nations this year.
Earlier this week Fiji foreign mInister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola lobbied MSG foreign ministers to defer action on MSG membership for West Papua until an MSG mission could travel to Jakarta and Jayapura later this year.
Awaiting a decision on Friday from MSG leaders on the WPNCL bid, Somare said: “we have to be inventive” to find a solution. He stated: “Should the MSG leaders decide on granting West Papua membership, in one form or another, it should only be done on the basis that it is a Melanesian community and not because MSG countries recognise West Papua as a sovereign state.”
During question time, Somare engaged with West Papuan activists in the audience. A Kanak participant stood before him bearing the West Papuan Morning Star flag, challenging MSG leaders on their failure to halt Indonesian human rights abuses in West Papua.
In response to questions, Somare said: “The only way to solve the problem of self-determination is to sit down and talk with the Indonesians…the Papuans must be prepared to sit down and talk.”
From the audience, WPNCL delegation leader Ondawame questioned whether the roadblock to dialogue lay with the West Papuan nationalist movement. Ondawame argued that the Indonesian military were blocking the road to dialogue, and that ongoing human rights abuses by the Indonesian armed forces were the source of the current impasse.
Speaking to Islands Business after the event, the summit’s other guest of honour Ham Lini echoed Sir Michael’s call for dialogue with Jakarta. The former Vanuatu Prime Minister stated: “Maybe both Indonesia can be an observer state in the MSG and maybe the West Papuans can be a member of the MSG, it will help so we can raise the issues together and talk about it.”
Lini noted: “One of the purposes that the MSG was established was to help the brothers be independent. What’s happening in New Caledonia this week I believe is something to bring forward Kanaky to independence and also the West Papuans.”
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http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/06/20/ri-campaign-papua-progress-regional-forum.html
2) RI to campaign on Papua progress in regional forum
Bagus BT Saragih, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | National | Thu, June 20 2013, 7:31 AM
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3) Papua New Guinea and Indonesia sign new Air Services
Updated
Solomon Islands and Fiji stand to benefit from a new Air Services agreement signed by Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.
The new agreement follows PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill's visit to Jakarta this week.
President of the PNG Chamber of Commerce and Industry, John Leahy, has told Radio Australia'sPacific Beat the proposed new direct air-link will not only benefit people from PNG and Indonesia.
"The idea is that they would utilise the 737 aircraft and travel from Nadi through Honiara, Moresby and then on to Bali," he said.
"There could potentially be opportunities for passengers to come from the other Pacific Islands as well through Port Moresby and onto Bali."
The booming oil and gas sectors along the Indonesia-PNG border were also discussed during prime minister O'Neill's visit to Jakarta.
"There could be pipelines that could be used and the product could be shipped via Papua New Guinea rather than another pipeline having to be built on the Indonesian side," Mr Leahy said.
"Those discussions are going on and the governments are committed to cooperative arrangements to facilitate the private sector to be able to facilitate things in that sort of cooperative way."
Around 80 PNG business people accompanied prime minister O'Neill on the trip.
This was the first state visit to Indonesia by a PNG leader and the first major business mission in more than 20 years.
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4) PNG, Indonesia pledge closer ties
- AAP
- June 21, 2013
Both nations signed 11 memoranda of understanding following discussions between Mr O'Neill and Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
The agreements cover a range of commercial, education and travel arrangements, as well as an extradition treaty recently approved by PNG's cabinet.
"These agreements pave the way for easier access by citizens of our two countries to engage in mutually gainful and beneficial activities in both countries," Mr O'Neill told a business forum in Jakarta on Tuesday.
"Our relationship must move to the next level of enhanced economic cooperation and joint business initiatives that can build an environment of opportunity for our two peoples."
PNG's extradition treaty with Indonesia is likely to bring to the fore the long standing issue of Indonesian fugitive Djoko Tjandra, who is reported to be living in PNG after receiving citizenship in June 2012 under the name Joe Chan.
Djoko fled Indonesia in 2009, one day before the nation's Supreme Court convicted him in absentia for misusing government bailout funds meant for the now defunct Bank of Bali.
At a press conference to announce his trip to Indonesia, Mr O'Neill said government officials from both sides had discussed the issue on a ministerial level in the past.
"If the president and the Indonesian officials bring up the issue, now the extradition issues are going to be signed by both countries, we will process any of those issues including that particular case," Mr O'Neill said.
Mr O'Neill and his wife Linda Babao lead a 140 strong delegation of business leaders and government officials to Jakarta on Sunday.
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A google translate of article in Suarapapua. Be-aware google translate can be a bit erratic.
Original bahasa at
5) PNG PM to visit Indonesia, West Papua Membership Deter Efforts at MSG
Published On Thursday, June 20, 2013 By Oktovianus Pogau. Under: NATIONAL EDITORS CHOICE. Tags: Human Rights Activists, MSG summit, WPCNL
Papua New Guinea (PNG), which is directly adjacent to West Papua (Photo: Ist)
PAPUAN, Jakarta - State Visit of Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea (PNG), Peter Charles O'neil and his entourage to Jakarta, on June 17, 2013 and has resulted in 11 areas of cooperation with the Indonesian government, represented by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY ).
The 11 areas of cooperation agreed upon include, trade, border arrangements, diplomatic training, extradition, air transport, gas management, sports, tourism, natural resource management, education, and capicity building.
PNG Foreign Minister, Rumbink Pato, who was supposed to attend the High Level Conference Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG summit) in Noumea, New Kalaedonia, also reportedly accompanied O'neil in a working visit to Jakarta.
Tabloid Jubi reporter, covering Victor Mambor MSG summit in Noumea, New Caledonia, also ensures that Pato Rumbink not attend the forum, which was attended four Foreign Ministers Melanesian family, plus representatives of the National Liberation Front Schools (FLNKS).
Some activists in Papua assess the state visit of the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs PNG Jakarta to coincide with the MSG summit in Noumea, Kalaedonia, as Indonesia's efforts to impede West Papua membership in MSG.
"Why is the Prime Minister of PNG state visit to Jakarta with his entourage to coincide with the summit dilangsukannya MSG. Anyone can certainly conclude, that the Indonesian government's efforts to thwart the efforts of West Papua as a member of MSG, "said Dorus Wakum, human rights activists in Jayapura, Papua.
According Wakum, PNG national interests are important, but more important is a known MSG forum attended by Melanesian countries which felt allied and kinship.
"I represent the people of Papua, which also had clumps Melanesia PNG deplored the attitude of the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of PNG which ignores the MSG summit. Of course this should receive attention from MSG member countries the other, "he said.
In line with Wakum, Elias Petege, activists National Papua Solidarity (BREATH) in Jakarta assess the PNG Prime Minister's state visit to Jakarta is an effort to weaken diplomacy West Papua National Coalition for Liberation (WPNCL) who is seeking the status of Papua keanggota at MSG.
"Indeed PNG concerned about the situation of human rights violations in Papua, but cooperates with Indonesia on the other hand would weaken their concern," said Petege to suarapapua.com, this afternoon, in Jakarta.
Just a note, MSG summit held in Noumea, New Kalaedonia, since 18 - June 21, 2013 was attended by representatives of Fiji, Solomon Kepulauaan, Vantuatu, and representatives of the National Liberation Front Schools (FLNKS).
West Papua, which is represented by WPNCL also formally invited to attend the event, including the possibility of a member of his future.
Oktovianus POGAU
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A google translate of article in Suarapapua. Be-aware google translate can be a bit erratic.
Original bahasa at
http://suarapapua.com/2013/06/jika-papua-jadi-anggota-msg-status-indonesia-sebagai-pengamat-dicabut/
6) If Papua Become a Member MSG, Indonesia as Observer Status Revoked
Published On Thursday, June 20, 2013 By Oktovianus Pogau. Under: NATIONAL EDITORS CHOICE. Tags: Human Rights Activists, WPCNL
Six Papuan representatives in MSG summit. From left to right, John Otto Ondawame, Barak Sope, Paula Makabory, Rumakiek Rex, and Andy Ayamiseba (Photo: Ist)
PAPUAN, Jakarta - If member states Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) received a proposal represented West Papua West Papua National Coalition for Liberation (WPNCL) became a full member of MSG, then certainly Indonesia's status as an observer (observe) will come out by itself.
"It's like that ever happened in the state New Caledonia, when the National Liberation Front Kanaky (FLNKS) is accepted as a member of MSG. When it's on its own status as an observer state in the New Caledonia forum MSG repealed, "said Cyprian Bunai, student activists in Jakarta, Wednesday (21/06/2013).
Therefore, further Bunai, then do not be surprised if the Indonesian government with all its efforts, even using their own indigenous people to conduct covert lobbying MSG summit forum WPNCL to thwart efforts to become a full member of MSG.
"It also provoke political (divide et impera) who played the Indonesian government to divide the people of Papua. See, they are sent to Noumea, New Caledonia, to represent Indonesia at MSG forums are all indigenous people, "said Bunai.
Bunai also gave appreciation to the five diplomats Papua, namely Otto Ondawame, Rex Rumakiek, Paula Makabori, Andy Ayamsieba, and one other person, and the former prime minister of Vanuatu, Barack Sope WPNCL acting as advisors to attend the MSG summit which took place from 18-21 June 2013.
As written Tabloid Jubi online, while the Indonesian representative of Papua invited to attend and be an observer in the MSG summit was Michael Manufandu, Nick Messet, and Albert Yoku.
Other sources also mention, attended also represent the Indonesian Environment Minister Baltazar Kambuaya as team leader, with members of the Governor of Papua Luke Enembe, West Papua Governor Abraham Ataruri Province, and former Transportation Minister Freddy Numberi.
However, Tabloid Jubi reporter, who was covering the Victor Mambor in Noumea, New Caledonia, ensuring that the Environment Minister, the Governor of Papua and West Papua, and the former Minister of Transport did not attend the forum, which was attended by representatives of Fiji, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, and representatives FLNKS.
Oktovianus POGAU
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A google translate of article in Bintang Papua. Be-aware google translate can be a bit erratic.
Original bahasa at
Wednesday, June 19, 2013 23:13
7) Send Delegation to Indonesia Forum MSG
Jayapura - The Indonesian government presence in the forum Melanesian Sparehead Group (MSG) by sending a delegation of the Papuan people under the leadership of Frans Alberth and Nick Messet Yoku, a strategic political move to stop the influx of Papua as a member of MSG.
It was said by analyst of International Law, University of Social Politics of Paradise, Marinus Yaung, told Bintang Papua on Wednesday (19/6) yesterday in Jayapura.
But he said this would lead to political action potentials horizontal conflict extraordinary in Papua. Because it is part of the political devite et empire, and this certainly has sown the seeds of sectarian conflict in Papua.
He explained philosopher Thomas Hobbes once said that politics is controlled by the majority will always create a political system that disadvantage minority with Humo philosopher models Ommini Lupus or the wolf man is another man. And this is happening and very dangerous.
"The Politics of Thomas Hobbes is happening today in the midst of the people of Papua and conditions will not help to change the future direction of Papua into a much better," he told.
He explained that the policy of the central government would in any policy form, will not solve the problems in Papua. But that does not mean problems can not be solved Papua. Can be solved as long as the central government must listen to what Papuans ask. Do not always assume Jakarta know everything about Papua. Because who knew exactly the problem and how the solution is Papua Papuans themselves.
According to him, during Jakarta still has a deaf ear to the voice of the people of Papua, Papua during the same problems will still exist and are increasingly complex and increasingly dangerous to national integration. (Nls/achi/l03)
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