Jakarta, IO – The National Liberation Army of West Papua-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM), through its Australia-based spokesperson Akoubou Amatus Douw, asked the United Nations to intervene as a mediator in the complex negotiations between the governments of New Zealand, Indonesia and TPNPB-OPM which affected the resolution of the hostage taking situation in Papua, reported CNN Indonesia, Monday (27/2).
“We just want everyone to know, please save his life. We respect universal human rights principles (as enshrined) in the UN Charter,” said Akoubou.
OPM has demanded independence for West Papua as one of the preconditions for the release of Captain Phillips Marthen who was kidnapped in Nduga, Papua, by the armed separatist group nearly a month ago. In addition, they also asked Australia and New Zealand to stop arms exports to Indonesia.
Read: Papua armed criminal group sets condition for hostage pilot release
The New Zealand government previously objected to the potential use of force by Indonesian military to free the pilot. Wellington has urged Jakarta to prioritize negotiations. Government representatives from Indonesia and New Zealand are reportedly in Timika, Papua, to work out a peaceful resolution to the hostage taking crisis. (un)