Melanesian Leaders’ Summit postponed

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The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders Summit proposed to be held from 17 -21 July is postponed to another date, which is yet to be confirmed.

This was confirmed by Vanuatu’s deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Jotham Napat.

He said a new date will be confirmed once its endorsed by MSG member countries.

Meanwhile, the Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC) continues to pledge its commitment to advocate for the United Liberation Movement of West Papua (ULMWP) to become a full member the of Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG).

Last week, the PCC and other civil society partners hosted the leader of the West Papua freedom movement Benny Wenda at a prayer vigil in Suva where the Morning Star flag was raised, ahead of the 8th MSG Ministers of Arts & Culture Meeting (MACM) in Vanuatu this week.

PCC general secretary Reverend James Bhagwan said the people of the Pacific have recognised the ULMWP as the political representative of the people of West Papua.

“PCC have been flying the Morning Star flag even though it was in tatters to remind us that while our family/vuvale in Papua are oppressed, displaced, repressed and face constant attacks on their dignity and human rights, they remain hopeful for their right to be self-determining,” Revered Bhagwan said.

“You do not go alone to that MSG meeting,” he said, adding “you go with God and with us in your heart, knowing that while you await formal recognition of ULMWP as a full member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group, your Pacific Churches and Civil Society, the people of the Pacific have recognised the ULMWP as the political representative of the people of Tanah Papua,” he said.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST/RNZ PACIFIC