Clinton urges autonomy not independence for W Papua

AFP

HILLARY CLINTON HAS TOLD INDONESIA that the United States wants autonomy for Papua but made it clear it does not support independence.

Clinton rattled nerves in Indonesia last year by voicing concern over human rights and yesterday praised the Indonesian government even as she urged more efforts to resolve the long-running conflict.

"We believe strongly that dialogue between Papuan representatives and the Indonesian government would help address concerns the Papuans have and assist in resolving conflicts peacefully," Clinton said in Jakarta.

Clinton urged implementation of Indonesia's 2001 declaration of autonomy for the troubled region. Local activists charge that the autonomy has never been carried out and that their rights have not improved.

"We think that there has been an enormous amount of good work done by the Indonesian government and we're going to continue to work with them and raise issues as that becomes necessary," she said.

Human rights groups have accused Indonesian authorities of arbitrary arrests and attacks on civilians in Papua, which is shut off to foreign media.

Comments

[Jerominah Mugau]

Why would their concern be ignored?

If you don't want to loose them for good then just give them an autonomy.

That might make sense.

Just a thought.