The Troika Mission Terms of Reference (TOF) has been finalized by the French Special Envoy and officials from New Caledonia, according to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. He mentioned in an interview that the TOF has been sent to Paris for approval and is set to be presented later today at the retreat in Vava’u, Tonga.
In a related development, members of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) convened on Tuesday evening to discuss and formulate a unified approach for the upcoming Pacific Island Forum leaders’ meeting, which is anticipated to occur today at the retreat.
Fiji’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, represented the country at this meeting.
MSG chair and Vanuatu Prime Minister, Charlot Salwai, addressed ongoing concerns regarding the welfare and interests of Melanesians in West Papua and other provinces in Indonesia. He emphasized the need for the Secretariat to maintain communication with Indonesian authorities to facilitate opportunities for MSG leaders to engage with the Indonesian President as soon as possible.
The meeting’s agenda focused on issues that would be raised at the Pacific Island Forum, with some concerns being specific to the MSG.
Salwai also noted that the unrest in New Caledonia remains a significant issue for the MSG. He highlighted that no other group within the Pacific Island Forum has invested as much time and resources into this matter as the MSG has. He stated that the MSG should continue to lead this issue, as the Kanaks, who are the indigenous people and non-self-governing inhabitants of New Caledonia, are MSG members.
He underscored the importance of pursuing the MSG Leaders Dialogue with the Indonesian President as a critical initiative.