ABC AUSTRALIA, 01/10/2002 10:02:34
Papuan separatists welcome Vanuatu's support
Papuan independence activists have welcomed Vanuatu's strong support for their
cause at the United Nations, and have urged other Pacific countries to add their voice
to the campaign.
Last week, Vanuatu's deputy prime minister, Serge Vohor, urged the United Nations
to place the Indonesian province of Papua back on the list of regions awaiting
decolonisation, as a first step towards independence.
Other leaders support them
Mr Vohor also announced Papuan independence activists would open up a new
representative office in Port Vila, following a traditional ceremony cementing cultural
ties between Papuans and the people of Vanuatu.
Rex Rumakiek, from the Australian-based Australia West Papua Association, says
while Vanuatu is the only Pacific country to openly support their claim, other leaders
are campaigning behind the scenes to support their cause.
01/10/2002 10:02:34 | ABC Radio Australia News
© 2001 Australian Broadcasting Corporation |
