POLITICS: Genocide In Papua - Indonesian Military Accused Of Rape and Torture, page 1

A team of Australian researchers from the University of Sydney have released the "Genocide in Papua" report, which accuses the Indonesian military of systematic violence against the indigenous population. Eyewitness accounts are contained report on Indonesian Military involvement in torture and rape along with arson. Professor Rees from the University's Centre for Peace and Conflict stated that as Australia is a signatory to the convention on Genocide, the country has a legal obligation to make the wide public know what is going on.

www.abc.net.au

The report warns that the survival of the indigenous people of Papua is threatened if the concerns it raises are not addressed.

"The Government wishes to solve the issue in Papua in a peaceful, just and dignified manner by emphasising dialogue and a persuasive approach," Dr Yudhoyono told Parliament.

Resolving the issue rested on "the consistent implementation of the special autonomy as a just, comprehensive and dignified solution," he said.

He said no foreign "interference" would be accepted.

"The issue in Papua is our own domestic issue. We decline foreign interference in settling that issue."

Papuans have complained they do not get a fair share of the province's rich natural resources.

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In a co incidental move US congree last month passed a bill calling for unfettered access to investigate how Jakarta gained control of Papua. Congress also highlighted human rights abuses which provoked criticism from Indonesian authorities in Jakarta.

While this is true, nothing has changed, this has been going on for a long time and I wonder at the timing of all this now. Up to now Australia has been very cautious not to provoke Indonesia and has said on many occasions that is not our business.

Australia has many immigrants from Papua, especially in my own tropical home town where these people live very poorly in our elite white society. They are a gentle race of people and very family orientated. It is terrible that these abuses are going on but unfortunately Australia does not have a good track record in Papua and New Guinea because of big business destroying crop and setting up large mines that strip the countryside. Some attitudes off Australians are that you shoot first and ask questions later. A mentality of expendability and these people having less rights than us is prevelant.

Once again I feel this issue is over natural resources and who controls them.

[edit on 18-8-2005 by Mayet]