RNZI: The Governor of Papua New Guinea’s national capital has called for the government to review its policy on West Papua.
The newspaper The National reported that Powes Parkop wants PNG to push for a legitimate independence referendum for West Papuans
He said this was needed because 1969’s so-called Act of Free Choice referendum, through which West Papua was incorporated into Indonesia, was fraudulent.
Mr Parkop’s comment came amid escalating conflict between the West Papua Liberation Army and Indonesian security forces.
The Liberation Army this month massacred at least 16 Indonesian road workers in the Highlands.
Mr Parkop said the crisis would only be solved by a properly supervised and legally conducted referendum in accordance with international law.
PNG’s government supports Indonesian sovereignty over West Papua.
But the governor said conflict would continue unless West Papuans’ unquenchable desire for legitimate self-determination is met.
– Radio NZ International
