No clear policy on West Papuans: Abal
By HARLYNE JOKU
PAPUA New Guinea has no clear policy on how to deal with the West Papuan people now seeking refuge in the country, Foreign Affairs, Immigrations and Trade Minister Sam Abal told Parliament last week.
But he said they were welcome to stay in PNG.
Mr Abal said if the West Papuans prefer to be resettled in another country, then it is up to the UNHCR (United Nations High Commission for Refugees) to make the decision.
He urged UNHCR to talk to the West Papuans and decide whether they should be resettled in a third country.
He said those now residing in Port Moresby have the right to apply for citizenship in PNG.
Mr Abal, however, said some West Papuans had a mixed feeling about applying for citizenship because they have lived in PNG for more than 30 years and have not been made certain of their status, whether they can become permissive residents or PNG citizens and have the same rights as Papua New Guineans.
He said this was because the Government did not have any clear policy on refugees and was not sure how to resettle them, and where.
He said PNG recognised the West Papuans as citizens of Indonesia and it was the responsibility of Indonesia to return them home.
Mr Abal said PNG needed to cooperate with Indonesia to take care of the West Papuans so they do not cause problems on the PNG side of the border.
Mr Abal was responding to questions raised by NCD Governor Powes Parkop regarding the future of the West Papuans who are pushing for resettlement in a third country.
Mr Parkop was referring to the group whom he had ordered to be evicted from Apex oval to the PNG Trust premises at Rainbow Village, Gerehu.
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