The Troika Mission Terms of Reference (TOF) has been finalized by the French Special Envoy and officials from New Caledonia, and it will be presented at the Pacific Island Forum Leaders Retreat, according to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
In comments to this publication, Mr. Rabuka mentioned that the TOF was sent to Paris for approval and is set to be introduced later today at the retreat taking place in Vava’u, Tonga.
Additionally, members of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) convened on Tuesday evening to discuss and establish common strategies for the forthcoming Pacific Island Forum leaders meeting, which is also expected to occur today at the retreat.
Fiji’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, represented the nation during this meeting. MSG chair and Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai emphasized the ongoing concerns regarding the welfare and interests of Melanesians in West Papua and other Papuan provinces within Indonesia.
Mr. Salwai noted that the Secretariat should maintain communication with pertinent Indonesian authorities to facilitate opportunities for all MSG leaders to meet with the Indonesian President at the earliest opportunity. He indicated that the meeting’s agenda covered issues slated for discussion at the Pacific Island Forum, with some issues being exclusive to the MSG.
He also expressed concern over the unrest in New Caledonia, stating, “No other grouping in the PIF has invested so much time, effort, and resources on this issue than the MSG.” Mr. Salwai emphasized that the MSG must remain proactive on this matter since the indigenous Kanaks, who are part of the MSG, are the affected population in this non-self-governing territory.
He underscored the importance of pursuing the MSG Leaders Dialogue with the President of Indonesia as a significant project.