A ULMWP delegation, comprised of Chairman Benny Wenda and Head of EU Mission Oridek Ap, was welcomed to the European Union (EU) Parliament in Brussels today by the President of the Republic of Catalonia in exile, Carles Puigdemont.
The two self-determination leaders first came together in November 2019 at President Puigdemont’s residence near Brussels. They have pledged mutual support for their two movements. Both men are exiled from their homelands after leading mass movements for self-determination and independence referenda, and shared the stories of their respective struggles within the halls of the EU Parliament.
President Puigdemont took his place as a Member of the European Parliament following a recent decision of the European Court of Justice in his favour.
The ULMWP is looking forward to making progress within the EU Parliament and securing the support of more EU nations following the passing of the historic resolution at the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) in December.
The ACP resolution on West Papua was adopted by the foreign ministers and heads of state of 79 countries, nearly a majority of the world. The resolution called for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit West Papua and for the ‘root causes’ of the Indonesian occupation to be addressed, echoing the call made in the Leaders Communique of 18 Pacific countries in August 2019.
Chairman Wenda and President Carles Puigdemont
