PNG assures support for RI's territorial integrity<\/p>\n
BANGKOK (JP): Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Alwi
\nShihab during a meeting with his Papua New Guinea counterpart Sir
\nJohn Kaputin here on Monday received assurances that the
\nneighboring state recognizes Indonesia's territorial integrity
\ndespite the growing calls for separatism in Irian Jaya.<\/p>\n
Meeting on the sidelines of the 33rd foreign ministers meeting
\nof the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Alwi said
\nhe had been told by Kaputin to \"ignore\" expressions of support
\nfrom inside Papua New Guinea for the recently held Papua People's
\nCongress.<\/p>\n
Indonesia is a founding member of the 10-member ASEAN while
\nPapua New Guinea is an associate member.<\/p>\n
\"He told me to ignore individuals (from Papua New Guinea) who
\nmay support the Papua Congress,\" Alwi said.<\/p>\n
\"We still support the territorial integrity and unity of
\nIndonesia,\" Alwi said quoting his Papua New Guinea counterpart.<\/p>\n
During the recent Papua People's Congress held in the
\nprovincial capital of Jayapura, delegates expressed their
\nambition to separate from Indonesia and establish their own
\nstate.<\/p>\n
Many have pointed to the key role of Papua New Guinea, whose
\npeople are ethnic kin to the people from Irian Jaya, in the
\nprogress of the separatist campaign.<\/p>\n
\"This was very important,\" Alwi said of the statement to
\nsupport Indonesia's integrity.<\/p>\n
Indonesia is also likely to get similar support when ASEAN
\nissues its joint communique at the end of their two-day meeting
\non Tuesday.<\/p>\n
Delegates have revealed that the communique will include
\ncategorical support for Indonesia's territorial integrity, with
\nspecific mention of Aceh and Irian Jaya.<\/p>\n
ASEAN states have in the past already expressed their vocal
\nsupport of Indonesia's sovereignty, however inclusion of such a
\nstatement in a formal ASEAN document would be a major boost for
\nPresident Abdurrahman Wahid's government.<\/p>\n
Later Monday evening Alwi also held bilateral talks with
\nFilipino Foreign Minister Domingo L. Siazon.<\/p>\n
The two discussed the repatriation of over a 1,000 Indonesians
\nin the Philippines who wish to return to Indonesia. (mds)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/png-assures-support-for-ris-territorial-integrity-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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