The first president of Vanuatu, Ati George Sokomanu, has condemned comments by the Australian prime minister, Tony Abott, that he would clamp down on West Papuan activists.
The newspaper, The Australian, reports Mr Abbott as saying in Bali that people seeking to grandstand against Indonesia are not welcome in Australia.
Mr Sokomanu says Mr Abbott needs to explain such a statement to Pacific leaders.
He says Australia can deal with immigration issues through the courts but it has an obligation to speak up on human rights issues.
"Australia being one of our closest neighbours, including New Zealand, I think for the sake of the people of West Papua, with their rights, I think Australia with New Zealand should look more in supporting their views and do whatever they can to help these people to achieve their independence."
A former Vanuatu president Ati George Sokomanu is also a member of the Vanuatu Free West Papua Association.
