Front de Libération Nationale

Kanak et Socialiste

SPECIAL MSG LEADERS’ SUMMIT

26 June 2014

National Parliament 

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

COMMUNIQUE

1. The Special Leaders Summit was held in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (PNG) on 26 June 2014.  The Official Opening of the Summit was held on 25 June 2014 at the State Function Room at the National Parliament and included a traditional welcome ceremony by the Cultural Groups from Oro and Southern Highlands Provinces in PNG. The Leaders then convened their Retreat at the Airways Hotel on the morning of 26 June, 2014 followed by the Plenary at the B2 Conference Room of the National Parliament on the afternoon of 26 June, 2014. The closing ceremony was held at the Airways Hotel the same evening. 

2. The Summit was chaired by the Spokesperson of the Front de Liberation Nationale Kanak Socialiste (FLNKS), Mr Victor Tutugoro.  MSG Leaders in attendance included the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Hon. Peter O’Neill, Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Hon. Gordon Darcy Lilo, the Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Hon. Joe Natuman.  The Summit noted the apology of the Prime Minister of Fiji, Rear Admiral Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama for not being able to attend.

3. At their Retreat, Leaders considered and made decisions on the key issues submitted by the MSG Foreign Ministers Meeting (FMM) and other issues on their Agenda.  The key decisions of Leaders are summarised below.

I. FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING (FMM) REPORT

4. Leaders congratulated the FMM Chair Mme Caroline Machoro-Reignier for the report of the FMM that was held at the Airways Hotel on 25-26 June 2014.  Leaders considered and adopted the following key decisions as recommended by the FMM. 

a) Political Issues 

5. Leaders considered the FMM Report on Political issues and adopted the following key decisions.

Application for Membership

6. Leaders noted that following their adoption of a roadmap in relation to the application by West Papua National Coalition for Liberation (WPNCL) for membership in June 2013 at the 19th MSG Leaders Summit, a MSG Ministerial Mission led by Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Fiji, visited Indonesia from 11-15 January 2014 to obtain information and conduct an assessment on the application for membership submitted by the WPNCL.  

7. The Leaders thanked the Ministerial Mission for tabling the Report and further noted that Vanuatu did not participate in the Mission as Vanuatu was of the view that the Mission’s program would not allow the MSG to obtain credible information to fulfil the MSG Leaders mandate.

Decisions  

8. The Leaders:

(i) Noted and accepted the contents of the Ministerial Mission’s Report;

(ii) Agreed to invite all groups to form an inclusive and united umbrella group in consultation with Indonesia to work on submitting a fresh application;

(iii) Welcomed and noted the progress on greater autonomy in Papua and the recent announcement by the President of Indonesia to withdraw the military from West Papua;

(iv) Endorsed that the MSG and Indonesia take a more proactive approach in addressing the issue of West Papua and Papua by undertaking the initiative to conduct greater awareness on the situation in Papua and West Papua Provinces with respective to the Special Autonomy Arrangements and how this has contributed positively to the Governance of the Provinces by the local population; 

(v) Endorsed that the MSG continue to hold dialogue with Indonesia on the issue of West Papua and Papua and encourage and support the establishment of bilateral cooperation arrangements with Indonesia with specific focus on social and economic development and empowerment for the people of Papua and West Papua Provinces; 

(vi) Endorsed that MSG Members and Indonesia consider holding regular Meetings at Ministerial and Officials level to discuss (iv) and (v); 

(vii) Endorsed that MSG in consultation with Indonesia work together in addressing the development needs of the Papua and West Papua Provinces; 

(viii) Endorsed that MSG encourage the strengthening and participation of Melanesians in Indonesia in MSG Activities and Programmes; and

(ix) Endorsed that the MSG continue to support and encourage the level of Melanesian involvement in executive, management and controlling positions in private enterprises such as the Bank of Papua and at political levels.

9. The Leaders also acknowledged the Indonesian Government’s cooperation and support in extending the invitation to MSG to visit Indonesia to be able to dialogue and to carry out its mandate. 

b) Economic Issues

10. Leaders endorsed that the outcomes of the technical meeting of aviation industries between MSG member countries to discuss issues relating to aviation sectoral issues to be presented at a one off MSG Transport Ministers Meeting which is to be convened at an appropriate time.

d) Arts and Culture

11. Leaders considered the FMM Report on Arts and Cultural issues and adopted the following key decisions.

12. The Leaders noted that Solomon Islands will host the 6th Melanesian Arts and Culture Festival in 2018.

13. Leaders endorsed the revised resolutions of the Culture Symposium held during the 4th Melanesian Arts and Cultural Festival in 2010 in New Caledonia.

14. Leaders agreed for members to consider working towards a common language to be the Official language for the people of Melanesia.

15. Leaders urged members to complete the ratification of the Treaty on Traditional Knowledge & Expressions of Culture before the end of 2014.

d) Regional and Organizational Issues

MSG Candidate to Pacific Islands Forum (PIFS) Secretary General (SG) Post 

16. The Leaders noted that the position of the Secretary General position at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFs) will fall vacant in September 2014 and agreed that the Prime Ministers of PNG and Solomon Islands will continue to discuss the matter bilaterally regarding the submission of one candidate from among their respective candidates. 

Director General of the MSG Secretariat

17. The Leaders endorsed the reappointment of the Director General (DG) for another term and for his performance to be evaluated within the next twelve months. The Leaders further directed the Secretariat to complete the review of processes for appointments and reappointment of the DG for consideration by Leaders at their next Summit. 

II. ELECTION UPDATES IN NEW CALEDONIA AND SOLOMON ISLANDS 

a) New Caledonia

18. Leaders received an update from the FLNKS on the recent provincial elections held on 11 May 2014 in New Caledonia and noted that this process signals a new era for the FLNKS people in terms of completing the final stages of the Noumea Accord and of preparation for the referendum for self determination. And although the FLNKS had not reached the required numbers in the Congress of New Caledonia to secure the 3/5 majority to call for the referendum expected between 2014 and 2018, it has nevertheless helped change the political landscape and gained support in favour of the final transfer of powers from France.

19. The Leaders noted that the solidarity of the FLNKS during the election period has never been stronger as has been demonstrated by their capacity to gather 7 elected members in the Southern Province under the FLNKS banner resulting in a high performance of successful candidates not seen since the 1999 provincial elections. For the FLNKS, this performance augurs well for the challenging negotiations in this final term of the Noumea Accord and ahead of the referendum on self-determination.

Decision

20. Leaders expressed appreciation for the update by the Chairman of the MSG and Spokesperson on the outcome of the Provincial elections last month and reiterated their commitment to the FLNKS under the Noumea Declaration signed in June 2013.

b) Solomon Islands 

21. The Leaders considered a presentation by the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands on their preparations for the 2014 national elections which included:

i. Phase 2 of the new biometric voter registration (BVR) system;

ii. Finalisation of voter registration between 7-30 September 2014;

iii. The elections will be held in the final quarter of 2014.

22. The Leaders noted that the BVR system has contributed to the success of the voter registration in Solomon Islands. 

Decision

23. Leaders expressed appreciation to the Prime Minister for the update on their preparations for the 2014 national election.

III. ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO MSG COUNTRIES  

24. The Leaders deeply acknowledged the offer of economic, finance and technical assistance by the Prime Minister of PNG to all MSG members including opportunities for labour mobility, investment and education. 

IV. ACKNOWLEDGMENT 

25. The Chair thanked all the Leaders for their support and contributions during the Special Leaders’ Summit.  Leaders also thanked the Chair for his Leadership during the Special Summit and also extended their deep appreciation to the Government and people of Papua New Guinea for hosting a successful Special Leaders’ Summit 2014 and related meetings.  They also expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to all the Leaders and delegates.

V) DATE AND VENUE OF THE NEXT SUMMIT

26. Leaders agreed to meet in the Solomon Islands in 2015 at a date and venue yet to be determined.

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Mr. Victor Tutugoro

Chair of MSG and 

Spokesperson

Front de Libération Nationale Kanak Socialiste (FLNKS) 

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Hon. Peter O’Neill CMG MP

Prime Minister

Independent State of Papua New Guinea

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Hon. Joe Natuman MP

Prime Minister

Republic of Vanuatu

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Hon. Gordon Darcy Lilo MP

Prime Minister

Solomon Islands

Official closing dinner of MSG Silver Jubilee Anniversary celebrations, hosted by

Honourable Rimbink PATO, OBE, LLB, MP

Minister for foreign Affairs and Immigration

Ballroom 1-4, Crown Plaza Hotel

Port Moreby, Papua New Guinea

01 june 2013.

Honourable James MARAPE, minister for finance (standing in on behalf of Hon. Rimbink PATO)

Honourable Governor Powes PARKOP, Governor of National Capital District

Honourable Delilah GORE member for Sohe

Heads of diplomatic corps

Honourable Secretary for foreign affairs, Mr Bill DIHM

Distinguished guests

Excellencies

Ladies and gentlemen

             Once again, I woud like thank you very much for inviting me as Chief Guest for the Papua New Guinea Melanesia Week. It is truly an honour and privilege.

             I wish to thank the organizing committee, the government and people of PNG for the warm and friendly hospitality accorded to us, members of EPG since our arrival to Port Moresby. We are truly grateful.

             I believe, that it is only fitting that MSG EPG have finished its five weeks consultations in PNG parallel to the PNG melanesia week, as this is where our organization, the MSG was formed during the informal meeting at Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province in 1986.

             On behalf of the Kanak people in New Caledonia and on behalf of the FLNKS (Front de libération kanak socialiste), our liberation movement which represents the Melanesian people still colonized under French rule, I wish to thank the MSG and especially PNG for its continued support to our struggle. We are forever grateful to you all.

             Actually the MSG voice in the United Nations and international fora has enabled the voice of our Kanaky people to be heard. This is a pure example of our MSG solidarity, with the great potential and achievements, we can conquer.

             The MSG leaders summit in two weeks’time is very important for the people of Kanaky. We will take the huge responsability as the incoming Chair of our organization.

             It is timely and fitting because this wille give us, the FLNKS, the opportunity to demonstrate our leadership capability in this sub-regional organization, noting also that the 2014 general elections in New Caledonia is a vital period that will determine the future of the Kanaky. By the same token, the FLNKS is encouraged by the process the MSG is taking in recognizing the issues over West Papua.

             I wish to stress to you all, that the FLNKS will take on this responsability with humility, respect and confidence to lead our sub-regional organization in a prosperous, peacefull and happy future.

             I wish to add, as well, that the main agendas that we have pursued on : security, trade, climate change, economic social and cultural intitiatives will be accorded the dedication and hard word under the FLNKS leadership. It is obvious that the condition of success is your support.

             In addition, in all our collaboration, we must not forget OUR PEOPLE. They want to participate in the MSG process. And we must ensure that their voices are heard. This is to ensure the MSG remains relevant to its people.

             The future prospects for MSG looks promising. And what would be needed, is robust leadership. Let us all continue to work together to achieve the aspirations and dreams of our people and bettering their livelihoods.

God bless us all

God bless Melanesia

Thank you very much

Merci beaucoup

Tankiu tru

Tankiu tumas

Oleti

Traduction des grandes idées sur l’engagement de la présidence du GFLM par le FLNKS.

« le sommet du GFLM dans deux semaines est très important pour le peuple kanak. Nous allons prendre l’immense responsabilité  d’assumer la présidence de notre organisation. Cela tombe à point nommé et de façon pertinente car ce sera l’occasion de démontrer notre aptitude au leadership dans cette organisation subrégionale. Notons aussi que les élections générales de 2014 en NC constitueront  une période cruciale qui sera déterminante pour le future de la Kanaky… » .. Le FLNKS assumera sa responsabilité, on en prend l’engagement devant vous, avec humilité, respect et confiance pour conduire notre organisation subrégionale vers un avenir prospère, paisible et heureux »…  « Par ailleurs concernant les grandes problématiques qui nous occupent que sont : la sécurité, le commerce, les changements climatiques, les initiatives économiques, sociales et culturelles, elles feront l’objet d’une attention constante et d’une implication de travail permanente sous la présidence du FLNKS. Mais pour cela le FLNKS a besoin de votre aide pour que le succès soit au rendez vous ».. Enfin n’oublions pas notre peuple qui souhaite participer au processus, leur voix doit être entendue, cela permettra d’assurer que le GFLM demeure quelque chose de particulièrement utile (et nécessaire) pour notre peuple »