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The OPM was not involved in the recent shooting in Papua

West Papua National Coalition for Liberation Press Release - January 26, 2010

Baseless accusations have always been directed towards the OPM/TPN when any killings or shootings happened around the mining area. The recent shooting on Mile 60 on 24th January 2010 was not exceptional case.

In the past few years, the Indonesian military and Freeport security forces always accused Kelly Kwalik as masterminding behind those killings and shootings. Consequently, he became main target and finally he was killed on 16th December 2009. On the other account, nine freedom fighters were arrested and sentenced to many years in Jakarta without having any fair trail. Today, the same accusation is directed towards the OPM.

"The OPM has categorically rejected any involvement in this shooting. The shooting does not help much the process of peaceful dialogue in West Papua. On contrary, this type of crime will only hamper the peaceful dialogue that has been in a good progress", said Dr. Otto Ondawame, leader of the OPM and Vice Chairman of the WPNCL.

The OPM and its TPN have publicly declared their full support for peaceful dialogue. The late General Kelly Kwalik as Supreme Commander of the West Papuan National Liberation Army and member of the WPNCL gave his full endorsement to the initiative of the peaceful dialogue. His firm stand was well known.

One remaining question is who take responsible for the recent shooting?

The answer to this question is not easy to find. However, it has been well recorded that OPM has at lot enemies. Peace lovers too have at lot enemies. These anti-peace groups do not want to bring a lasting peace in West Papua because they have an enormous fear that any achievement of peace in the territory means a big loose for them. Orchestrated shooting of such nature that we witnessed in the recent case is a provocative activity aiming to underestimate peaceful dialogue, which is actively promoted by criminals who hates peaceful dialogue between the Government of Indonesia and Leaders of West Papua.

"We call upon all peace lovers where you are that please you do not influenced by this type of baseless accusation or the recent shooting but please maintain your firm support to the peaceful dialogue that is currently in a good progress. We know there will be many challenges and road to peace in West Papua will be long but we must be certain that finally the victory will always be our side", said Ondawame.

For future information, please contact: +678 5616733 (John Ondawame) and +61414247468 (Rex Rumakiek)

West Papua National Coalition for Liberation
Secretariat
c/o: WPPRO, P.O. Box 1571
Port Vila, Republic of Vanuatu,
+ 678 5540090 or +678 7751659, E-mail: rexruma@hotmail.com;
awulkeweng@yahoo.com; morningstar@vanuatu.com.vu

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