West Papua
West Papuans would take MSG observer status
The West Papuan group applying to join the regional agency, the Melanesian Spearhead Group, says it would accept observer status but wants full membership.
Students arrested at fundraising rally in Papua
14 members of a student group have been arrested by police in the Papuan town of Abepura, as they raised funds for a probe into the shooting deaths of fellow students last year.
MSG decision highlights Melanesian identity crisis
This week's Melanesian Spearhead Group leaders summit in Honiara looms as a test of Melanesian identity and solidarity. Audio
West Papua leader still doesn't know why he's blocked from US
The West Papuan independence leader, Benny Wenda, says he has still not heard why he was blocked from travelling to the United States a month ago.
West Papua leader confident of Vanuatu backing
The secretary general of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua says he is confident in Vanuatu's support, despite the change in government.
MSG foreign ministers meet in Honiara
Foreign ministers of Melanesian Spearhead Group member countries are meeting in Honiara today and tomorrow ahead of the leaders summit later this week.
West Papua movement in final push towards MSG
The United Liberation Movement for West Papua is planning its final push ahead of this week's vote on whether to admit West Papua to the Melanesian Spearhead Group. Audio
West Papua plans final push for MSG membership
The United Liberation Movement for West Papua is planning its final push ahead of this week's vote on whether to admit West Papua into the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
Hundreds join Solomon Islands West Papua rally
About 200 people gathered at a rally in the Solomon Islands capital, Honiara, this afternoon calling on the government to support full membership for West Papua in the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
Question over promotion of Indonesia within MSG
There are questions over the Solomon Islands government's announcement about exploring greater representation of Indonesia in the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
Solomons against full West Papua MSG membership
The Solomon Islands Government says it will not back the United Liberation Movement for West Papua as a full member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group. Audio
Dutch journo attests to huge West Papuan support for MSG bid
A Dutch journalist who has been travelling in Indonesia's Papua region says the depth of local support for a West Papuan application to join the Melanesian Spearhead Group is huge. Audio
Samoa looks into supporting West Papua
Samoa says it will be looking into supporting a West Papua request for membership in the Pacific Islands Forum.
Fiji restates support for Jakarta in Papua MSG issue
Fiji's prime minister, Frank Bainimarama, says Fiji will stand with Indonesia on the issue of West Papua, which wants to join the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
More signals from Jakarta about opening up Papua
There are further signs from Indonesia's government that it is willing to open up access to the Papua region.
Academic says future shape of MSG hinges on West Papua
A Solomon Islands academic says the unity of the Melanesian Spearhead Group hinges on how its leaders vote on West Papuan membership in its upcoming meeting.
Papuan civilian allegedly shot at by drunk soldier
A civilian has been hospitalised in Indonesia's Papua province after he was allegedly shot at by a drunk soldier.
Jakarta hopeful Vanuatu change will end Papuan MSG bid
Indonesia says it's quietly hopeful the change of government in Vanuatu will signal the defeat of West Papua's bid to join the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
Papuans will continue to suffer - activist
An activist in the West Papuan town of Merauke says Indonesia will continue its "plunder" of the province whether or not it the transmigration policy stays.
Papuan activist doubts President's promise on migration
A pro-independence activist in Papua says he doesn't believe the Indonesian President, who promised to stop the controversial policy of transmigration.
