MEDIA STATEMENT
Press Contact Email: [email protected]
Press Contact Number: +61420289540
22nd January, 2016
The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) welcomes the democratic elections in the Republic of Vanuatu, our fellow Melanesian nation which has throughout history shown inspiring and resolute support for West Papuan self-determination and Independence.
Speaking today, ULMWP Spokesperson, Benny Wenda said “We West Papuans always closely follow the lives of our brothers and sisters across Melanesia and we are glad that our Melanesian people in Vanuatu continue to exercise their democratic rights peacefully in their own Independent country. We fully support the democratic rights of our Melanesian family and such processes set an example to the rest of the world; including Indonesia which has still not implemented democracy in occupied West Papua as we Melanesian West Papuans have not yet had the freedom to exercise of our fundamental right to self-determination.”
Benny Wenda went on to say, “Vanuatu has always set a noble and shining example in its’ true Melanesian solidarity and support for West Papua’s freedom. We look forward to continuing to work with Vanuatu and the other Melanesian nations in liberating our country from colonialism as they did. We have full confidence in the people of Vanuatu to elect the right government for their nation and for all Melanesia and so we welcome whomever is elected.”
While the Indonesian government last month attacked the efforts of the Republic of Vanuatu in encouraging Melanesian people to reunite, ULWMP would like to give its’ sincere thanks and respect to our Melanesian brothers and sisters in Vanuatu for doing so. We are proud to be part of the Melanesian family and are certain that one day we will all celebrate our freedom together as Melanesian people.
May God bless the Republic of Vanuatu and all of Melanesia.
Ends//
Benny Wenda
Spokesperson for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP)
Email: [email protected]