16 Nov 2012

Vanuatu Christian Council wants Indonesia's MSG status reviewed by new government

4:10 pm on 16 November 2012

The Vanuatu Christian Council says if Edward Natapei becomes the new prime minister it will ask him to review the decision to allow Indonesia observer status at the Melanesian Spearhead Group.

Vanuatu's newly elected MPs will attempt to form a government at their first sitting next week.

Two groups are claiming majority support - one led by the caretaker Prime Minister Sato Kilman, the other by Edward Natapei.

The VCC Chairman Bishop James Ligo, says the council will be discussing the West Papua situation at its Annual General Meeting next week and says when Sato Kilman decided to strengthen ties with Indonesia, he ignored the wishes of the public.

"If Natapei gets into power then we would definitely negotiate for a dialogue with the government to revisit the government's decision on Indonesia as observer on the MSG and we will continue to pursue our cry to make sure that our government stands for West Papua to become independent."

Bishop Ligo says the Vanuatu public still treasures the West Papuan cause for self-determination.