Melanesia group to expand Pacific influence
31 March 2011
BY ELENOA BASELALA
PNG's FOREIGN MINISTER, Don Polye, in Suva for Melanesian Spearhead Group talks, says it’s important that Fiji remains fully involved in regional trade and economic discussions despite its political scrap with Australia and New Zealand.
Mr Polye says from what he sees in Fiji, people are happy, tourism is thriving and investment is growing.
He believes excluding Fiji from discussions around trade frameworks is counter-productive in efforts for growth.
“PNG cannot be influenced by Australia or New Zealand or any other countries,” he said. “Melanesian people, we make decisions based on our own values and traditions and its the councils that influence that decision making.”
Mr Polye also said that larger Pacific economies like PNG and Fiji should negotiate agreements with the European Union.
He said the MSG meeting discussed issues that will promote the influence of the five-nation bloc in the Pacific region.
Apart from trade and investment, the leaders also discussed labour mobility as well as strengthening traditions, cultures and values through social activities, including a revival of the Melanesian Games.
Sources: The Fiji Times and Radio New Zealand International
West Papuan is a controversial issue. PNG is an independent state and no country can influence its national interest. PNG has close ties with Indonesia and has to calculate its cost-benefit weightings.
Posted by: Francis Hualupmomi | 31 March 2011 at 04:48 PM
Paul - The poetry sounds philosophical but true...
I agree with you, Arthur, no PNG MPs have the balls to support West Papua issues on the floor of the House.
They are all scared s--tless of a highly populous and powerful next door neighbour with big guns.
Posted by: Reginald Renagi | 31 March 2011 at 02:58 PM
A Modern Spearhead Leader
I am the very model of modern Spearhead leader,
I've knowledge of the law and all things nat-ur-rally similar,
I use the local customs that I'm very much familiar,
And making sure I've utilized all matters not dissimilar,
My ability to lead is surely very much reptilian,
Considering that the stories of my wealth is now about a billion.
My views and my opinions are a source of local wonderment,
For those that cannot credit how I manipulate my Par-liament.
So learn a lesson from the master of maintain-a-ability,
Who leads the country with a whiff of indefensible ability,
I’m sure you’ll understand my total inexpressibility,
Not to gloat to all my friends of my-y clear survivability.
I’m known through far and wide for my absolute depiction,
For being able to escape from any clearly proved convi –ic-iction,
So why oh why do any still hold any re-es-eservation?
There now seems no one who can cause my long sought out ev-i-iction.
I doff my hat to Sir William Gilbert. The cadence is very hard to achieve.
Posted by: Paul Oates | 31 March 2011 at 11:49 AM
When will the PM or Polye stand up and declare for Melanesian people in West Papua?
Ironically there are Timorese at the current MSG meeting, Kanaks from a French Colony, yet no West Papuans.
Shame on the silent leaders of PNG.
Posted by: Arthur Williams | 31 March 2011 at 06:19 AM