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1) NZ accused of lack of leadership over West Papua
Updated about 1 hour ago
A New Zealand opposition MP Catherine Delahunty says the New Zealand government is showing a lack of leadership and credibility over West Papua.
The Foreign Minister Murray McCully says he does not support a fact-finding mission to the Indonesian region by the Pacific Islands Forum.
The situation in West Papua is one of the five big issues on the Forum agenda and there have been calls from both NGOs and West Papuans for a mission to look into allegations of human rights abuses in the Indonesian province.
However Mr McCully says he does not back the calls.
“I haven't seen a role for a fact-finding mission but I think a healthy discussion about this matter amongst leaders will be useful and I think that Papua New Guinea and the chair will bring a good sense of balance and judgement to that discussion."
Ms Delahunty says the Pacific Islands Forum is the ideal venue to support an investigation into what she describes as the worst human rights abuses in the region.
The Green MP says more talk isn't going to stop West Papuans dying, or finally give them freedom and independence.
She says there is support around the Pacific for independence for West Papua and an international fact-finding mission is seen as the first step.
She says New Zealand's stance is shameful and embarrassing.
March for recognition
West Papuans living on the border between Papua New Guinea and Indonesia have staged a demonstration march appealing to Pacific leaders gathered in Port Moresby for recognition of their rights to self-determination.
About 400 West Papuans from Tabubil and Kiunga in PNG's Western Province gathered at the Kiunga Police station on Monday for the procession around Kiunga.
The Co-ordinator of the West Papua Interest Association, Ronald Waromi, says the people of West Papua are hoping Pacific leaders can afford them the same recognition they have given to others such as Tahiti and the Kanaks of New Caledonia.
"West Papua is the part of Pacific therefore in this opportunity we bring our plea to all Pacific Island leaders those who will gather in Port Moresby to see that West Papua is a part of the Pacific so they must support West Papua right for self determination."
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http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/94447
2) Pacific way
Source:
The National, Wednesday September 9th, 2015
By MALUM NALU
Pacific Islands Forum chairman and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O’Neill last night highlighted the need for greater “regionalism” within the region.
He made the call at the Taurama Aquatic and Indoor Centre in Port Moresby when opening the 46th Pacific Island Forum, which featured a lavish dinner, and local entertainment for the visitors.
Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Secretary-General Dame Meg Taylor gave an emotional address about the forum being staged in her homeland, while outgoing chairman and Palau President Tommy Remengesau Jr spoke about achievements during his term and the Pacific vision for the future.
“As our nations face challenges of an uncertain global economy, and as we face challenges imposed by climate change, our region needs to activate Pacific regionalism, which is becoming more important,” O’Neill told a full house of Pacific leaders, Government representatives, diplomats and private sector representatives.
“We have to work together to face these challenges - as community, as family, and as nations - because our future progress lies in our solidarity.
“We are a diverse region of large and small nations, but at the same time we are all equal in the Pacific community.
“It is indeed our collective differences, our diversity, that gives us much of our strength.
“Each member of the Pacific Island Forum brings unique perspectives and capabilities to our table.
“But, as we all know, only knowledge and the best intentions strengthen our capacity to communicate with each other.
“We must improve the way we connect at many levels across our vast ocean. That is why for this year’s forum we have chosen the theme, Strengthening Connections to Enhance Pacific Regionalism.
“Certainly we are getting better at connecting between our countries at the government levels, at community levels, and at cultural levels.” O’Neill said this was demonstrated at the recent Pacific Games in Port Moresby.
“We have recently demonstrated that at our hosting, two months ago, of the 15thh Pacific Games here in Port Moresby, where we came together in the spirit of community which was alive and displayed as nations competed and new friendships were formed.”
Pacific Islands Forum chairman and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O’Neill last night highlighted the need for greater “regionalism” within the region.
He made the call at the Taurama Aquatic and Indoor Centre in Port Moresby when opening the 46th Pacific Island Forum, which featured a lavish dinner, and local entertainment for the visitors.
Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Secretary-General Dame Meg Taylor gave an emotional address about the forum being staged in her homeland, while outgoing chairman and Palau President Tommy Remengesau Jr spoke about achievements during his term and the Pacific vision for the future.
“As our nations face challenges of an uncertain global economy, and as we face challenges imposed by climate change, our region needs to activate Pacific regionalism, which is becoming more important,” O’Neill told a full house of Pacific leaders, Government representatives, diplomats and private sector representatives.
“We have to work together to face these challenges - as community, as family, and as nations - because our future progress lies in our solidarity.
“We are a diverse region of large and small nations, but at the same time we are all equal in the Pacific community.
“It is indeed our collective differences, our diversity, that gives us much of our strength.
“Each member of the Pacific Island Forum brings unique perspectives and capabilities to our table.
“But, as we all know, only knowledge and the best intentions strengthen our capacity to communicate with each other.
“We must improve the way we connect at many levels across our vast ocean. That is why for this year’s forum we have chosen the theme, Strengthening Connections to Enhance Pacific Regionalism.
“Certainly we are getting better at connecting between our countries at the government levels, at community levels, and at cultural levels.” O’Neill said this was demonstrated at the recent Pacific Games in Port Moresby.
“We have recently demonstrated that at our hosting, two months ago, of the 15thh Pacific Games here in Port Moresby, where we came together in the spirit of community which was alive and displayed as nations competed and new friendships were formed.”
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3) Trans-Papuan road to be constructed
Updated at 12:24 pm today
Officials in Indonesia's Papua province have indicated that around US$70 million is being made available for an initial phase of the construction of the Trans Papua road.
The road, for which planning has been at the conceptual phase for years, would link a number of regions and hubs in Papua, including Sorong, Manokwari, Nabire, Enarotali, Korowai and Merauke.
It will be around 4,325 kilometres long.
Tabloid Jubi reports that the road has become a major priority for Papua and West Papua provinces, according to the Head of the Roads and Bridges in Papua, Oesman Marbun.
Mr Marbun says that construction of the road must contend with rugged, mountainous, and heavily forested terrain but that engineers would figure out the most direct paths.
He conceded the most fundamental problem for the planned highway was securing consent for construction where customary land rights must be adhered to.
Mr Marbun said local government would therefore play a role in addressing related issues, in order for the road to proceed.
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