LEADER of Opposition Hon Matthew Wale has echoed disappointment with the Prime Minister’s statement on right to self-determination at the United Nation’s General Assembly (UNGA) recently.
Prime Minister Sogavare has recently addressed UNGA stating that Solomon Islands reaffirmed the right to self-determination as enshrined under the UN Charter.
Whilst New Caledonia and French Polynesia were highlighted, Hon Wale said it was sad that the plight of West Papua was not included.
The Opposition Leader said both the FLNKS and West Papuans are Melanesian peoples and both desire independence.
He said West Papua has been under very oppressive schematic & systematic Indonesian colonial rule, far worse than anything New Caledonia has suffered.
“We are Melanesians and we should always stand hand in hand with our brothers and sisters in West Papua,” he said in a statement today.
Mr Wale said diplomacy and geopolitics should never cloud our solidarity with our Melanesian people of West Papua.
The Opposition Leader said it was sad that the current Prime Minister who used to be a strong supporter of West Papua has changed face.
“The Prime Minister was once a strong supporter of West Papua, a very vocal leader against the human rights atrocities even at the UNGA and international forums in the past. For sure, he has been bought for 40 pieces of silver and has clearly changed face,” Mr Wale said.
Mr Wale also reiterated his call to MSG Leaders to rethink their stand on West Papua.
“The Prime Minister should have maintained Solomon Islands stand on West Papua like he used to. He is no different to Judas the Iscariot,” he said.
