Solomon Islands envoy welcomes PIF leaders decision on West Papua

The Solomon Islands Special Envoy on West Papua, Mathew Wale, has welcomed the decision by Pacific Islands Forum Leaders to make a request to Indonesia, for fact finding mission on human rights.

Prime Minister Peter O'Neil who is now Chairman of the P-I-F for the next twelve months will be consulting with the Indonesian Government on this request.

Mr. Wale says the leaders' decision on West Papua is historical, because it will drive the agenda forward.

Mr. Wale says two outcomes are expected, and they are either Indonesia refuses the request outright, or it agrees to begin the difficult process that includes terms and conditions for the fact finding mission.

Indonesia is an important Post Forum Dialogue partner to the P-I-F, and Mr. Wale, says he hopes the Forum can persuade it to come to the table to begin dialogue to address the terms of reference for a fact finding mission. 

The Leaders' communique specifically highlights concerns about the human rights situation in Papua province. Secretary General of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua Octavianus Mote says, people of Papua and civil societies have long cried for this recognition, and the move gives them some comfort and hope that all Pacific leaders want all parties to protect and uphold human rights and put an end to atrocities.