The wind of change is here making it impossible for Melanesian leaders to ignore the significant growing support for West Papua, says Benny Wenda the spokesperson of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP).
Wenda, who left the country yesterday told the media during ULMWP final press conference at the Heritage Park Conference centre that West Papua is a matter for the Melanesian and will always a regional issue for the pacific.
“Today we will raise the morning star flag to mark this historical moment of political recognition, with the Melanesian family firmly behind us to take our message to the world,” Wenda stressed.
Wenda also said that the people of Melanesia have made their struggle for self-determination a cause for everyone.
“I would like to thank our pacific family, especially our Melanesian people, the solidarity groups, civil society groups young people, university student movement, churches, women groups, traditional chiefs, parliamentarians, political leaders and the media who stood with us to get this recognition,” Wenda stated.
He further extended his acknowledgement to the people of West Papua, the migrant population and the churches for their overwhelming support through petitions despite the risks of doing so.
“Your signatures to support our petition clearly speak the volume of support,”Wenda added.
By AATAI JOHN
