Support within Melanesian community is very significant in the international process on the issue of West Papua.
This was one objective that the West Papuan representative in Vanuatu, Dr Otto Ondawame intended to do to ensure Melanesia as a region come up with one voice on the West Papuan cause.
“We call on Melanesian leaders to declare the problem in West Papua as a Melanesian issue and then take necessary steps to solve this longstanding issue,” said Dr. Otto Ondawame.
Ondawame who was in New Caledonia recently said mobilisation of people’s support within Melanesia is one of the priorities which is urgently needed.
Following Vanuatu’s example, a new West Papua Committee (WPCK) was established by Chiefs of Kanaky during a meeting that took place in 2010 at Emi village, Canala, which is located in the north-east of Kanaky last yea.
The primary objective of setting up this Committee was not only to raise public awareness on the issue in Kanaky but also to mobilise people’s support for the aspiration of independence of the people of West Papua.
“The leadership of the West Papua National Coalition for Liberation(WPNCL) would like to express our deep appreciation and gratitude for the understanding and commitment made by the people of Kanaky,” said Ondawame.
On January 28, 2011, Dr Otto Ondawame- Vice Chairman of the West Papua National Coalition for Liberation was invited to Kanaky to launch the establishment of the committee and it was officially launched by Vice Chairman of the Coalition during a meeting that took place in Moneo village in Ponerihouen- the north-east of Kanaky on January 29, 2011.
During the visit, the West Papuan representative was able to meet Chairman of Kanaky Human Rights League and was also interviewed by Radio Kanaky-Djido in Noumea.
Source; http://www.dailypost.vu/