Posted at 23:17 on 22 May, 2012 UTC
The Governor of Papua New Guinea’s National Capital District says pressure must be brought to bear on Indonesia to address the West Papua issue.
A long-time advocate of West Papuan rights, Powes Parkop says the West Papua issue remains the obstacle to good relations between Indonesia and the Pacific islands community.
He says if his Social Democratic Party is part of the next government after the June election, he will push for recognition of the long-denied right to self-determination of West Papuans.
Mr Parkop says Indonesia must allow the proper exercise of that right to proceed.
“We have a plan to work with the Indonesian government to give them assurance and, if you like, security of their investment and so on, if West Papua should choose to become a nation of independence. We want to see more political and economic integration between Papua New Guinea, West Papua and Indonesia.”
Powes Parkop
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Honorable Governor of NCD Mr. Powes Parkop have tried to open a window of opportunities for all; the Indonesian, PNG, West Papuan and others who have or may have interests in West Papua ) when he stated the ‘plan he has to work with and assure the Indonesians over their investments in West Papua‘.
I believe the governor have discussed the plan with other leaders of West Papuan independence. If not than it should be done before it is offered for the Indonesians for their possible participation in further discussions
I commend highly for the honorable governor’s unyielding courage in participating in the independence struggle of the West Papuans. He is ofcourse a ‘true human-rightist’.
Ignatius