The government has been called on to make known its approach in addressing West Papua’s ongoing self-determination government and human rights issues the territory is faced with.
Staunch supporter of the Free West Papua campaign and National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop raised a series of questions towards the Foreign Affairs Minister in Parliament this week on the matter in light of its 60th anniversary of independence.
Parkop said PNG as the “big brother” in the region, has not made much move in addressing the plight of its fellow people on the other side of the New Guinea island.
Whilst acknowledging Prime Minister James Marape, former Foreign Affairs Minister Patrick Pruaitch and former Justice Minister and Attorney General Davis Steven for echoing the issue at various regional forums in recent years, Parkop asked if the government has plans to revise its current policy towards West Papua.
Foreign Affairs Minister Soroi Eoe in response said the matter is not only his department’s affair but a sovereignty matter thereby requires a collective government’s response which will be done so.
“I’d like to take the matter back to cabinet to deliberate and make its own position on the issue.”
He also called on Governor Parkop to put the questions raised in writing for him to make an appropriate response.