West Papua flag raised in Port Vila

The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) in partnership with the Vanuatu West Papua Association and the South Moluccas association have joined in with West Papuans around the globe to commemorate the West Papua Day, celebrated annually on 01 December at the Chiefs Nakamal compound in Port Vila.

West Papua first raised its Morning Star flag on December 1, 1961.

The celebration began with the President of Malvatumauri Council, Chief Willie Grey Plasua, making a welcome speech to the special guests and the public to witness the flag raising and commemorating the day for the people of West Papua.

A moment of silence was observed in memory of those killed in the struggle for self-determination.

Chief Plasua appealed to the churches, non-governmental organisations, the public and Melanesia to unite and stand beside West Papua’s struggle for freedom.

He assured the ULMWP delegates of his council support.

Chairman of West Papua Association and Reconciliation Committee, Pastor Alan Nafuki, said the time has come for West Papua to achieve their right to self determination and their freedom.

He said through God alone anything is possible.

Government representative and special envoy to the West Papua Movement, Lora Lini said Vanuatu, a small country with a loud voice, has been in the frontline always and will continue to advocate towards West Papua’s self determination and freedom.

She said Vanuatu understands the urgent need and the struggle for West Papuans because Vanuatu came out from such struggles from two colonial powers in 1980.

Dr Alexander Manuputty, Leader of the South Moluccas acknowledged the ULMWP role of pushing for self-determination.

He said it was time West Papua, South Moluccas and Vanuatu build mutual friendship and trust towards the principle of equal rights and the self determination of the people in West Papua and South Moluccas.

Andy Ayamiseba, a long time Vanuatu resident urged youths to take up responsibility in the struggle as the time is near for them to step down and allow active strong advocators back the West Papua movement. He encourages unity always among youths for success.

Paula Makabory, ULMWP executive member acknowledged Vanuatu for its continuous support and said the flag raising ceremony is not just an identity for West Papuans but also a stamp of the existence of West Papua in the global arena.

West Papuans want to be free from Indonesian rule and the people of Vanuatu have pledged their support to the people of West Papua.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST/PACNEWS