Vanuatu Daily Post
Chief wants Vanuatu to withdraw if MSG invites Indonesia
By Thompson Marango
Chief Fandanumata (Centre) with the Vanuatu flag and West Papuan Morning Star flag at Fatumaru Bay where the West Papuan
sympathisers gathered for the protest
Outspoken Chief and member of the Oceania Decolonising Committee (ODC), Chief David Richard Fandanumata has expressed
disappointment over Indonesia being offered observer status in the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) saying Vanuatu
should withdraw its membership.
Chief Fandanumata was supposed to make the statement during a planned peaceful demonstration organised by the Oceania
Decolonising Committee (ODC) against Indonesia’s application for observer’s statue in the Melanesian Spear Head Group
Tuesday this week but was cancelled.
“Speaking on behalf of the chiefs, I call on the leaders the elected MPs, Ministers and Prime Minister especially to
withdraw the membership of Vanuatu to the MSG if Fiji and or other members wish to entertain Indonesia in any ways, big
or small,” he said.
He said although the message concerning the issue of West Papua has been loud and clear since the beginning from Late
Fr. Walter Lini leaders have strayed from Vanuatu’s original stand for West Papua.
The outspoken chief said it is now up to the leaders to do their part by convincing other members of the Melanesian
neighbours that it is wrong in all elevations to entertain Indonesia.
“If Fiji and maybe another member of MSG have decided and still decide to continue to entertain Indonesia, what shall
our leaders especially the Prime Minister do?” he said.
According to Chief Fandanumata, they were forced to send back protestors and stop those planning on coming from rural
areas after they were informed that the police have not received any application in order to allow a peaceful
demonstration.
Chief Fandanumata said the protest was meant to be a peaceful one through main town to the MSG Secretariat at
Independence Park where he was suppose to present a short speech.
ENDS