{"id":1004894,"date":"2023-02-24T22:42:24","date_gmt":"2023-02-24T22:42:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/asiapacificreport.nz\/?p=85277"},"modified":"2023-02-24T22:42:24","modified_gmt":"2023-02-24T22:42:24","slug":"west-papua-were-proud-fijians-today-over-rabuka-support","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/radiofree.asia\/2023\/02\/24\/west-papua-were-proud-fijians-today-over-rabuka-support\/","title":{"rendered":"West Papua: \u2018We\u2019re proud Fijians today\u2019 over Rabuka support"},"content":{"rendered":"
By Felix Chaudhary in Suva<\/em><\/p>\n “We are proud Fijians and Melanesians today” — Fiji Council of Social Services executive director Vani Catanasiga said this in the wake of news that Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has confirmed his support for West Papua\u2019s bid for full membership of the Melanesian Spearhead Group.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are overjoyed and are in celebration right now as the news is being conveyed through various social media channels to our members across the country,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is the principled and compassionate leadership we have all been waiting for and were denied in the past 16 years.<\/p>\n \u201cVinaka vakalevu Mr Rabuka — we are proud Fijians and Melanesians today.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you to the chiefs who welcomed and committed support to the case, Ratu Epenisa Cakobau and Ro Teimumu Kepa.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you to the Reverend Kolivuso of Faith Harvest Church and his congregation for hosting the West Papua Delegation last Sunday.<\/p>\n ‘Historical day’<\/strong> \u201cThis decision and announcement takes West Papua closer to their goal for self determination and freedom from oppression and abuse.\u201d<\/p>\n Catanasiga issued the statement following a meeting between United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) president Benny Wenda and Prime Minister Rabuka in Nadi on Thursday.<\/p>\n After the historic meeting, Rabuka tweeted, \u201cYes, we will support them (United Liberation Movement for West Papua) because they are Melanesians. I am more hopeful (ULMWP) gaining full MSG membership. I am not taking it for granted.<\/p>\n “The dynamics may have changed slightly but the principles are the same\u201d.<\/p>\n Yes, we will support them [United Liberation Movement for West Papua] because they are Melanesians. I am more hopeful [ULMWP gaining full MSG membership]. I am not taking it for granted. The dynamics may have changed slightly but the principles are the same. pic.twitter.com\/9J8qpAVhak<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Sitiveni Rabuka (@slrabuka) February 23, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n
\n\u201cIt is a historical day for Fiji and I\u2019m sure this will be celebrated by our kinfolk in West Papua.<\/p>\n\n