Secretary-General of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Octovianus Mote has been refused entry to Papua New Guinea and says no reason was given.

The Asia Pacific Report [2] says Mote advised he was not presented with any written explanation and was told ‘it was an order from the top’.

He stressed he was not deported and although he is seeking clarification for being denied entry (as he has been to PNG many times without a problem), he says he was treated very respectfully as a wantok by PNG’s immigration and he accepts their decision.

Mote is the second leader of the ULMWP to be turned away from PNG.

Mote was invited by the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu governments to attend the African, Carribean, and Pacific Group of States (ACP) summit held in Port Moresby.

“I was invited to assist both delegations with various resolutions they planned to table at the African Caribbean Pacific meeting of the European Union, which is being held in Port Morseby,” Mote said.

He added he was thankful to the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) countries for their ongoing support of West Papua.

“I look forward to the forthcoming MSG Leaders’ Summit to clarify all matters relating to ULMWP’s application for full membership.

“I wish to extend my gratitude to the people of Papua New Guinea for their ongoing support. I look forward to a clearer and better understanding of Papua New Guinea’s position on West Papua.”

Critics however say that Fiji and Papua New Guinea are more supportive of Indonesia’s position on West Papua. The Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Kanaky members of the MSG support the Papuans as well as Tonga's Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva.

Tonga's Prime Minister Hon. 'Akilisi Pohiva was in London on 4 May in support of the ULMWP and was reported to have “offered his country’s full support for the ongoing struggle of the people of West Papua.” He also pointed out that the United Nations was responsible to ensure human rights were upheld in West Papua and how he would continue to push for it.

No immediate comment was received from the PNG government.