O’Neill asked to begin dialogue on independence

THE West Papuan community in Papua New Guinea is calling on Prime Minister Peter O’Neill as the new chairman of the Melanesian Spearhead Group to start dialogue on independence for West Papua.
PNG Melanesian Good Governance Organisation’s Steven Andambo, Fred Mambrasha, and activist Philip Kepan said issues about West Papua should not be ignored by the MSG.
They thanked O’Neill for allowing the leader of the United Liberation Movement of West Papua, Benny Wenda, to attend the MSG meeting in Port Moresby.
Wenda was previously banned from entering the country.
Kepan said they were going through the process of being a full member of the MSG, and self-determination.
“Our brothers and sisters are suffering on the other side of the border,” Kepan said.
“They are trying to fight for their independence. We are Melanesian by blood, spirit, tradition, custom and everything.
“We should not be fighting to be included in the MSG meeting.
“While we are talking now, West Papua is on the brink of destruction and extinction.
“We do not want this to happen anymore. We want full membership of the MSG.”