The Prime Minister of Solomon Islands says the Melanesian Spearhead Group is to approach Indonesia over its concerns about the situation in the Papua region.
The MSG is made up of Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Fiji, and Vanuatu in particular has been strongly supportive of the aspirations for self-determination of the indigenous Melanesian people in Papua.
The region has seen a recent upsurge in violence and NGOs have voiced concerns at the continued abuse of human rights by the Indonesian security forces.
Dr Derek Sikua says an MSG team will travel to both Papua and Jakarta.
"The Melanesian Spearhead Group and especially the current chair, which is Vanuatu, as well as Papua New Guinea, would be making a visit to Papua and a visit to the government of Indonesia, to talk with them and see a way through."
Dr Derek Sikua, the Solomon Prime Minister
