Papuans discuss peace efforts

Papuans discuss peace efforts

JAYAPURA: A two-day peace conference will begin here on Tuesday
to seek a common understanding among Papuans in solving any
conflict in the territory peacefully.

The forum is organized by the Papua administration and the
provincial legislature in cooperation with the Institute for
Human Rights Studies and Advocacy (Elsham), a local non-
governmental organization.

At least 150 representatives from all the regencies in the
troubled province of Papua, including military leaders and
bureaucrats, will take part in the conference.

Local community and religious leaders, women's activists and
tribesmen will also attend the conference.

Elsham director Yohanis G. Bonay said on Monday that the
conference was aimed at "building mutual understanding about the
various problems arising in Papua and finding ways of overcoming
them peacefully."

It is also intended to push for all sides to declare Papua a
"Zone of Peace" and to help provide input for the local
legislature in drafting regulations that could help ensure peace
in Papua, he added. --Antara