Melanesian Spearhead Group Secretariat
Excelling together towards a progressive and prosperous Melanesia
MSG Secretariat and FLNKS discuss progresss of 2020 Work Programme Implementation
Officials from the MSG Secretariat and FLNKS during the online virtual meeting on Thursday 18 June 2020.
19 June 2020
The MSG Secretariat conducted a successful virtual meeting with the Front de Libération Nationale Kanak et Socialiste (FLNKS) on Thursday 18 June 2020. The meeting was formally opened by the Acting Director General Mr George Hoa’au and facilitated by Mr. Ilan Kiloe, Programme Manager for Political & Security Affairs.
In his opening remarks the Acting DG emphasised on the common objectives of the MSG to support the Independence struggle of the People of Kanaky through the FLNKS – a Member of the MSG. He then expressed appreciation to the FLNKS delegation for agreeing to meet with the Secretariat and for their ongoing commitment to the MSG.
The purpose of the meeting amongst other issues, was to consider updates on the implementation of the 2020 FLNKS Work Programme and activities. In particular, it provided updates on the preparation towards the 2nd UN sanctioned Referendum in accordance with the Noumea Accord 1998.
The FLNKS delegation was represented by Mr. Mikael Forrest, Permanent Secretary; Mr. Jean Creugnet, 1st Vice President of New Caledonia Congress; and Mr Charles Wea, Advisor to Congress.
The Programme Manager for Political and Security Affairs, Mr Kiloe, stated that the affairs of FLNKS remained an integral part of the programme in the MSG Secretariat
Mr. Kiloe provided an update on the implementation of 2020 FLNKS Work Programme particularly on the meeting of the Special Committee on Decolonisation (C24) in February 2020, and the Melanesian Spearhead Group Observer Group (MSGOG) to the Vanuatu Election in March 2020. The FLNKS had also contributed to the discussions.
Mr Kiloe, further noted the importance of the need for the MSG Secretariat to further strengthen its partnership with the Congress of New Caledonia through the MSG – Congress Partnership Agreement. It covers a number of agreed activities including Melanesian Parliamentary Cooperation.
The FLNKS delegation provided a brief update on preparations towards the 2020 Referendum, and the role that MSG plays in supporting the aspiration of the people of Kanaky.
Speaking in support, the Acting Director General, Mr George Hoa’au, reiterated the MSG Secretariat’s commitment to support FLNKS in advancing their aspiration for Independence through the current decolonisation process in New Caledonia as provided for in the Noumea Accord 1998.
Last week the Acting Director General, presented a podcast in support of the FLNKS and the Kanaky people to show solidarity and support and to coincide with the international solidarity week for Non-Self-Governing Territories (NSGTs) on the UN decolonisation list.
The 2nd referendum of independence for the people of Kanaky in New Caledonia is scheduled to be held later this year.