22 Feb 2008

High-level meeting involving Papuan political leaders being planned in Vanuatu

11:45 am on 22 February 2008

A high-level meeting involving Papuan political leaders from Indonesia's Papua region is being planned in Vanuatu.

While the meeting is yet to receive endorsement from the government, Vanuatu's Free West Papua Association has gained support from several MPs.

Vanuatu's Opposition has called on all members of parliament to contribute financially towards the Papua meeting.

The Association's spokesman, Andy Ayamiseba, says they are keeping a low profile while planning the meeting in case Indonesia's government finds out and blocks Papuans leaving the region to attend it.