The United Liberation Movement for West Papua is planning its final push ahead of this week's vote on whether to admit West Papua into the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
West Papuan independence activist Benny Wenda. Photo: Supplied
The MSG leaders' summit will be held in Solomon Islands this week, where a decision will be made on whether to accept West Papua as a member.
West Papua's bid was rejected for lack of a unified movement at last year's summit, which led to the formation of the United Liberation Movement and the submission of another application.
The group's spokesperson, Benny Wenda, says he is confident the group will be admitted this time round, and will spend this week lobbying the MSG countries.
"At the moment we've already had a meeting here and some of the ministers are coming next week, so we hope that this is very historic and we're trying to use many channels to try and convince that West Papua is Melanesia."
Benny Wenda says while West Papua is seeking full membership, it will accept observer or associate status.
