SUARA BAPTIS DI TANAH PAPUA

Nirua receiving cheque of Vt1.8 millionas Vanuatu's contribution towards the MSG Secretariat

Prime Minister Edward Natapei decided not to discuss the West Papua issue during the recent Pacific Forum meeting because he had to get the mandate from other Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) members, particularly PNG before Vanuatu can embark further on the decolonisation issue.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joe Natuman stated this when he was handing over Vanuatu’s contribution of Vt1.8 million to the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat this week.

Natuman said although Parliament has passed a motion on West Papua, it is up to the government to assist West Papua in its fight to gain independence.

He said Prime Minister Natapei has to get the mandate from the MSG partners particularly with PNG first before the country can embark on any decision.

“PNG shares a boarder with Indonesia and this makes it a serious issue.

“Which is why the Prime Minister decided not to discuss West Papua issue during the recent Pacific Forum meeting.

“If there is anything to do with decolonisation issue, the mandate has to come from the MSG before we can embark on supporting the decolonisation process,” he said.

The minister stated this during the handing over of the Vanuatu Government’s contribution to highlight the original purpose behind the setting up of the MSG.

“MSG was established for one purpose and that was to spearhead the independence of New Caledonia and push for the re-enlisting of New Caledonia on the UN decolonisation list.

“With Vanuatu and UN assistance, an agreement with France was established leading to the Noumea Accord.

“By 2014, Noumea should declare whether they want independence through a referendum,” the Foreign Affairs Minister said.

Meanwhile, Vanuatu’s contribution of Vt1.8 million was received at the MSG Secretariat by officer in charge, Jean-Pierre Nirua, who thanked the minister for Vanuatu’s contribution.

“The operation of the Secretariat depends entirely on the contribution of member countries and the Vanuatu government did the most honourable thing of paying up its contribution which will assist in the operation of the Secretariat here in the Capital,” Nirua said.

Nirua was stepping in on behalf of the MSG Director General Rima Ravusiro who was away.

In response Natuman said the delay in the MSG meeting should not be seen as an obstacle for paying up the country’s contribution.

He stressed that development partners want to see principles of good governance and rule of law being adhered to and the Secretariat must uphold these principles.
- Esther Tinning
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