Port Moresby Governor Powes Parkop challenged to take up Papua fight

THE PNG Social Democratic Party officials have challen-ged party leader and NCD Governor Powes Parkop to take up fight of the West Papua freedom to the floor of Parliament.

PNGSDP General Secretary David Dom said that one of the Party’s major policies leading into the 2012 general elections was to grant independence for West Papua.

Mr Dom said the NCD Governor Powes Parkop was one of the key activists leading the Melanesian Solidarity, a non government organization pushing for the West Papua freedom in the early years of the struggles on the other side of the border.

"We now challenge NCD Governor and Party leader that the days of activism is over. You now lead a small group of energetic politicians on the floor of parliament and the fight for West Papua freedom must be brought to that level."

Mr Dom said Governor Parkop should now be introducing a Private Members Bill to support the West Papua cause.

He said although, Mr Parkop will not muster the support needed from the government due to its stance that West Papua is an integral part of Indonesia, at least Governor Parkop will stick to the SDP party platform and integrity of the Party.

Mr Dom also refuted media reports that his term as the general secretary for the PNGSDP has expired and does not have the right to talk on party matters in the media.

He said party president Wesley Sanarup and Albert Wamiri have resigned from the party to contest the last general elections in 2102.