16 Aug 2002

Irish supporters of Papuan self determination arrested in Dublin

4:03 pm on 16 August 2002

Irish Activists were arrested in Dublin yesterday, while protesting in support of the pro independence movement for the Indonesian province of Papau, or West Papua.

The protest was outside the Dutch Embassy.

The protestors claim the Dutch government's signing this week of the New York agreement with Indonesia continues to show neglect of its obligations to Papuan people.

The West Papua Action activists say the Dutch government betrayed the Papuan people when it did not allow a free and fair independence vote following Dutch withdrawal from the region in 1962.

A controversial referedum in 1969 - the Act of Free Choice - resulted in Papua becoming an Indonesian province.

The protestors have urged a new referendum be held, so the Papuan people have a proper chance of self-determination.