Churches call for united Pacific voice REGIONAL leaders must speak out firmly and act justly on climate change, independence in West Papua and the issue of asylum seekers during their annual forum this week. Pacific Conference of Churches General Secretary, Reverend Francois Pihaatae, (broadcast journalists PEE-AH-TIE) said yesterday (Tuesday, September 3) that these were pressing issues for the people. “Tuvalu and Kiribati, the Carteret Islands in Papua New Guinea and 34 Fijian villages are under immediate threat from rising sea levels yet nobody in the developing world seems to take notice,” Rev Pihaatae said. “We encourage regional leaders to make a firm commitment towards addressing climate change at their Majuro summit. They should be encouraged to address the issue with Australia which has consistently refused to be part of the Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gas emissions.” Rev Pihaatae said Australia could no longer be part of regional for a (editors: correct, plural of forum) yet shun its responsibilities as a significant contributor to climate change. Regional leaders meet in Majuro, the Federated States of Micronesia this week for the Pacific Islands Forum. The PCC also called for a firm decision on self-determination in West Papua as a three-boat flotilla approached the Indonesian-occupied territory. “Early this year in Honiara the Pacific churches called on regional governments to support self-determination for the people of West Papua and we reiterate that call today,” Rev Pihaatae said. “Australian Foreign Minister Senator Bob Carr has claimed that the issue is not being discussed at a global level. The Pacific leaders must give their West Papuan brothers and sisters justice. They must be allowed to determine their future in a free and fair manner.” Rev Pihaatae said the Forum must speak with a united voice on the matter. The PCC also reminded leaders that Papua New Guinea churches had called for the involvement of the people and faith-based organizations in discussions on the resettlement and processing of refugees. “The PNG churches have made their position known and have called for a meeting with their government,” Rev Pihaatae said. “As a leading regional group the Forum members have a duty to discuss this issue and find a clear position which ensures justice and dignity for the asylum seekers as well as the Pacific people.” He said leaders must not feel threatened by the influence of Australia and New Zealand. “If they want to be part of the Forum, Australia and New Zealand must listen with genuine concern to the Pacific voices and act accordingly,” Rev Pihaatae said. “They must not use the region as a dumping ground for refugees or their emissions.” For further details: Reverend Francois Pihaatae, General Secretary T 679-3311277 M 679-9292184 e [email protected] Or Netani Rika, PCC Communications, 4 Thurston Street, Suva, Fiji T 679-3311277 M 679-9990439 e [email protected] or netrika66@gmail Skype: fjjourno
Posted on: Tue, 03 Sep 2013 03:54:56 +0000