PCRC CONDEMNS INDONESIA'S PRESIDENTIAL DEGREE CREATING THREE PROVINCES IN WEST PAPUA AS COLONIAL TACTICS OF DIVIDE AND RULE

The Pacific Concerns Resource Centre strongly condemns President Megawati's presidential decree (No.1/2003), dividing West Papua into three provinces: Western, Central and Eastern Irian Jaya provinces, against the expressed wishes of the West Papuan population.

This recent development clearly shows that Indonesia is not interested in peaceful dialogue or in implementing the Papuan Special Autonomy Law, which they had fooled the Pacific Island Forum Leaders to recognise only in 2001. They are more committed to the colonial tactics of 'divide and
rule' and of continuously provoking and inciting the West Papuans into violence. 

Motarilavoa Hilda Lini, Director of the Pacific Concerns Resource Centre, states that this proposal was made during President Habibie's term and was totally rejected by the West Papuan people, who are the rightful owners of West Papua national sovereignty. 

Ms Lini calls on the Pacific Islands Forum incoming Chairman Prime Minister Helen Clarke to urgently initiate a dialogue between the government of Indonesia and representatives of the West Papua People as to prevent further violence emanating from the shocking reaction to the issuance of this presidential degree. 

The PCRC Director also calls on the Prime Minister of Fiji as the outgoing Chairman of the Pacific Islands Forum to dialogue with the recently established Indonesia consul in Fiji on this issue. 

As we move into the United Nations Second Decade to eliminate all forms of colonialism, the Pacific Concerns Resource Centre calls on the Pacific Island Leaders to be alert at all times about the dishonesty displayed by colonial authorities in the Pacific region, where colonialism and racism
remain contemporary critical issues facing Pacific indigenous peoples. 


For more information contact Motarilavoa Hilda Lini, PCRC Director.
Phone: (679) 3304 649
Fax: (679) 3304 755 
Email: PCRC@connect.com.fj

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PACIFIC CONCERNS RESOURCE CENTRE Inc.
83 Amy Street, Toorak,
Private Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji Islands.
Telephone: (679) 3 304 649 Facsimile: (679) 3 304 755
E-mail: pcrc@connect.com.fj Website: www.pcrc.org.fj

Media Release 6 February 2003

TONGA COMMUNIQUE

The Tonga Communique is the summary outcome of the 9th Nuclear Free and Independent Pacific Conference, held in Tonga from January 18 - 24, 2003. The Conference, hosted by the Human Rights and Democracy Movement in Tonga was attended by delegates and partners from 27 countries.

Tonga Communique comprises:
. The NFIP Movement's commitment to the Peoples Charter for a Nuclear Free and Independent Pacific.
. Our call for attention to critical peoples' struggles in specific countries and regions.
. Our collective support for the elimination of all forms of colonialism in the Pacific, the protection of indigenous knowledge, national human rights campaigns, the review processes of national constitutions and the mainstreaming of youth participation in the NFIP Movement. 
. Our call to Pacific leaders.
. Our call to world leaders and nuclear powers.
. Our condemnation of continuous colonial mentality used in the 21st century by military powers against Pacific island countries and other developing countries. 
. Partners Statement.

In the spirit of our Pacific Way, Tonga Communique also calls on all
Pacific stakeholders to ensure that:

. The Nuclear Free and Independent Pacific Zone is protected as a Peace Zone. 
. The Pacific Ocean, Pacific Islands and Pacific Peoples are respected.
. Indigenous Peoples are given the right to determine the destiny of their own countries.
. Responsibility is taken in promoting and protecting our sustainable natural environments. 
. People are free from economic oppression and/or exploitation.
. Fundamental freedoms of each individual is highly regarded and respected within our collective freedom and rights.

Tonga Communique declares that our approach is a non-violent revolution to regain our peaceful Pacific and we will be alert at all times to exercise our fundamental right to self defence and protection in any conflict situation.

For more information see attached copy of Tonga Communique or visit our website [ http://www.pcrc.org.fj/ ].

PCRC contacts: Motarilavoa Hilda Lini, Director of PCRC or Peter Emberson, Assistant Director, Pacific News Bulletin.

Telephone: (679) 3 304 649
Facsimile: (679) 3 304 755
E-mail: PCRC@connect.com.fj
Website: http://www.pcrc.org.fj/