16 Dec 2005

Papuan groups to form a united coalition

3:36 pm on 16 December 2005

There are hopes that a coalition to be established in the Indonesian province of Papua will lead to a united self determination movement.

Spokesman Rex Rumakiek, says the West Papuan National Coalition for Liberation will be an umbrella organisation involving all stakeholders, including militant groups such as the OPM, political groups and NGOs.

He says a key motivation is the desire to ensure that such groups do not work against each other as sometimes currently happens.

He says the members have set national unity and co-ordination of a natonal liberation programme as the only way forward for the province, which has been pushing for independence for more than 40 years.

Mr Rumakiek says a Secretariat would be set up as soon as possible to prepare the framework for this National Coalition.