11 Oct 2016

Full West Papua membership expected by December

From , 6:04 am on 11 October 2016

There are plans afoot to ensure West Papua gets full membership of the Melanesian Spearhead Group by the end of the year.

That's according to a long-time campaigner for West Papua and Vanuatu churchman Pastor Alan Nafuki.

He received a briefing from the MSG's chair and Solomon Islands prime minister Manasseh Sogavare last week as a leaders summit was deferred for the second time.

There's been disagreement among Melanesian leaders over a full seat at the table for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua.

Pastor Nafuki told Sally Round a summit is now set for early December and full membership for West Papuans will be like Christmas cake for all Melanesian countries.

West Papuans demonstrate support for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua's bid to be a full member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group.

West Papuans demonstrate support for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua's bid to be a full member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group. Photo: Tabloid Jubi