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)