PNG assures support for RI's territorial integrity
PNG assures support for RI's territorial integrity
BANGKOK (JP): Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Alwi Shihab during a meeting with his Papua New Guinea counterpart Sir John Kaputin here on Monday received assurances that the neighboring state recognizes Indonesia's territorial integrity despite the growing calls for separatism in Irian Jaya.
Meeting on the sidelines of the 33rd foreign ministers meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Alwi said he had been told by Kaputin to "ignore" expressions of support from inside Papua New Guinea for the recently held Papua People's Congress.
Indonesia is a founding member of the 10-member ASEAN while Papua New Guinea is an associate member.
"He told me to ignore individuals (from Papua New Guinea) who may support the Papua Congress," Alwi said.
"We still support the territorial integrity and unity of Indonesia," Alwi said quoting his Papua New Guinea counterpart.
During the recent Papua People's Congress held in the provincial capital of Jayapura, delegates expressed their ambition to separate from Indonesia and establish their own state.
Many have pointed to the key role of Papua New Guinea, whose people are ethnic kin to the people from Irian Jaya, in the progress of the separatist campaign.
"This was very important," Alwi said of the statement to support Indonesia's integrity.
Indonesia is also likely to get similar support when ASEAN issues its joint communique at the end of their two-day meeting on Tuesday.
Delegates have revealed that the communique will include categorical support for Indonesia's territorial integrity, with specific mention of Aceh and Irian Jaya.
ASEAN states have in the past already expressed their vocal support of Indonesia's sovereignty, however inclusion of such a statement in a formal ASEAN document would be a major boost for President Abdurrahman Wahid's government.
Later Monday evening Alwi also held bilateral talks with Filipino Foreign Minister Domingo L. Siazon.
The two discussed the repatriation of over a 1,000 Indonesians in the Philippines who wish to return to Indonesia. (mds)