ULMWP condemns France colonial policies

UNITED LIBERATION MOVEMENT FOR WEST PAPUA - ULMWP

International Secretariat Headquarters: Winston Churchill Street, 1571 Port Vila, Republic of Vanuatu.

Secretariat of the Home Affairs Coordination Headquarters in West Papua: Jln. Mapilema, No. 11 Wamena Kabupaten Jayawijaya - West Papua.

Email: ulmwp@protonmail.com, Mobile Phone: +62-85244442502

16th May 2024

No.007/SKSI - 03/A-7/ULMWP/EC-1/V/2024

ULMWP Stands in Solidarity with FLNKS in the struggle for Self-Determination Against Paris’s Constitutional Deprivation of Kanaky Sovereignty

Dear Esteemed Leaders of FLNKS,

Warm West Papua Greetings to you!

Waaa… Waa… Waa…

In solidarity with your noble cause, the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP)e xtends its unwavering support to you during these challenging times as New Caledonia Kanaky courageously opposes Paris's constitutional bill that has been passed through the National Assembly to unfreeze the electoral roll for local people.

During this state of emergency, security tension and loss of lives of Kanak as reported, the ULMWP condemns France colonial policies. We support the FLNKS position in opposing the French colonial project.

Like West Papua, since the US-brokered deal between the Netherlands and Indonesia without any consultation with indigenous people of West Papua in early 1960s, and later hand-picked a handful of local

Papuan leaders to vote under duress in the so-called ‘act of free choice’, we understand the significant impact of the vote in Paris's National Assembly means to the local indigenous people. We recognize the importance of the people power and acknowledge the paramount importance of unity and resilience amidst forthcoming challenges.

Moreover, we underscore the significance of solidarity within the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). Your tireless pursuit of self-determination for Kanaky people sets a profound example for West Papua. We believe Kanaky’s independence sets a powerful precedent for not only West Papua but remaining non-self-governing territories in our blue Pacific of the unfinished decolonisation agenda.

Collaboration and mutual support between FLNKS and ULMWP not only fortify our individual movements but also exemplify the unity and determination of Melanesian populace in the pursuit of sovereignty and justice.

Comrades, during the 2nd ULMWP Summit convened in Port Vila, August 2023, we underwent a leadership transition. Mr Manase Tabuni assumed the role of Executive President, Mr Octovianus Mote as Vice President, and I, Markus Haluk, as Executive Secretary. The Executive President and Executive Secretary are based in West Papua, while the Executive Vice President oversees diplomatic endeavours abroad. We persist in our efforts to organise and mobilise our people effectively. As the Executive Secretary, I am designated point of contact for internal ULMWP communications.

We remain resolute in our pledge to mutually bolster each other's aspirations for independence across various domestic and regional platforms. Our aim is to reaffirm the enduring bonds of solidarity and camaraderie between the Kanak and West Papuan liberation movements in the foreseeable future, as we continue to uphold the profound ties between our two political entities, rooted in a shared Melanesian heritage and a united struggle against colonialism.

While Kanaky's journey unfolds under French administration and ours under Indonesian governance, it is imperative to acknowledge that the process of decolonization persists for both of us. Despite encountering numerous challenges and setbacks along the way, our determination remains unyielding. Comrades, as you persist in your mobilization efforts, rest assured that you are not alone.

Together, we advance towards a future where the voices of indigenous peoples resonate, are honored, and are cherished. We look forward to drawing continued strength from our mutual collaboration as we strive for a brighter tomorrow.

In solidarity,

Kindly Regards

Markus Haluk

ULMWP Executive Secretary

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