Vanautu Prime Minister Promises Backing for Papuan Membership of Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG)

PORT VILA (VANUATU) - Vanuatu’s new Prime Minister says his government will push for Indonesia’s Papua region to be granted full membership at the Melanesian Spearhead Group.

Moana Carcasses Kalosil says increased support for West Papuan self-determination will be flagged in a statement he is about to deliver to the nation announcing his government’s action plan in its first 100 days in office.

“It’s about time to recognise that the West Papua struggle, someone has to do something about it. We cannot just close our eyes and deny, say that there is nothing happening over there, because there are many human rights issues happening over there. We want West Papua to be a full member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group - this is something that we’re going to lobby for.”

Moana Carcasses Kalosil says his government will terminate the agreement between the previous government and Indonesia under which Vanuatu receives Indonesian police and military assistance.

He says a unit specially focussing on West Papua will be established in the Department of Foreign Affairs. [RNZI]