PNG Opposition officially supports a Free West Papua
April 16, 2014
Mr. Belden Namah leader of the opposition in PNG
We are extremely happy to report some wonderful and historic news from Papua New Guinea (PNG).
On Monday, the leader of PNG’s opposition, Mr. Belden Namah showed his full support for a Free West Papua in a media statement. Mr. Namah, who is from Vanimo, in the border region of PNG has always been a long time sympathizer with his West Papuan brothers and sisters but today true history was made as Mr. Namah released a press statement calling for a Free West Papua.
He said:
“West Papua has found itself under Indonesian rule. Indonesians are Asians and have no connection with the Melanesians. Indonesia cannot make a legitimate claim to the West Papuan People and the West Papuan Land, irrespective of what history holds between them and the Dutch. The people of West Papua are being butchered like animals by Indonesian security forces for rejecting Indonesian rule.
Papua New Guinea has a moral obligation to raise the plight of West Papuans and their struggle for independence with the Indonesians and before international bodies and forums.”
Free West Papua Campaign statement of thanks
On behalf of the Free West Papua Campaign and the people of West Papua, we would like to extend our warmest thanks to Mr. Namah for this wonderful and brave statement.
This is a truly hist
oric moment for the people of Papua New Guinea and West Papua and we hope that from now onwards, the international spotlight will begin to turn towards New Guinea. Mr. Namah has become an essential voice for the people of West Papua and we are fully grateful for all his support.
Further support
In addition to his recent media statement, Radio New Zealand also reported on further statements made by Mr. Namah in relation to Indonesia’s border incursions. Mr Namah says Indonesian military have established their presence at various points in PNG including Vanimo.
“On some occasions, if not most of the occasions, they go and burn down houses. They threaten PNG citizens with guns whether for shielding OPMs or for whatever reason. So our people on the border, they live in fear all of the time. Papua New Guinea (government) should come out and make an open statement. Because, if we do not make a clear cut decision on the issue of West Papua, this problem is still going to exist.”
Take Action
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Ask your political representative to join the International Parliamentarians for West Papua (IPWP) and call for the UN to recognise West Papua’s right to independence.