The Papua Council Presidium, the democratically elected body leading West Papua’s independence campaign, announced today that it will open a Presidium Support Office in Melbourne.
The role of the office will be to serve as a base for visiting Presidium officials, facilitating networking, communications and advocacy, particularly in terms of international diplomacy with Indonesia.
The move signals a significant diplomatic victory with the establishment of a formal presence for the Council in Australia, despite the present Australian Government's official stand preferring Indonesia to remain unified.
Speaking from Melbourne today, Mr. Franzalbert Joku, International Affairs Moderator for the Council said, "Not only is this event politically significant for us, it is a fitting tribute to the overwhelming reservoir of goodwill and support for the Papuan cause that so obviously exists among the people of Australia. We regard Australia as an important political constituency wielding considerable influence that could help determine the future of the Papuan people," he added.
He further added, "The office will be important in enabling us to commence a new phase of peaceful dialogue with Indonesia at an international level on the basis of mutual respect, while adhering to the principles of democracy, justice and reconciliation".
The opening of the office follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Asia Pacific Human Rights Network. As part of the agreement, the office will be initially be funded by the Network and staffed on a part-time basis by Australian volunteers.
Mr. Joku said, "It is our intention that in time, the support office will develop into an official Presidium facility headed by a qualified West Papuan appointed by the Presidium".
The West Papuan Presidium Support Office will officially open in Melbourne, next Friday, 1 June 2001.
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