The United Liberation Movement for West Papua has submitted its formal application to join the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
The United Liberation Movement for West Papua converges on the Melanesian Spearhead Group secretariat. Photo: CC BY-SA 3.0 Dan McGarry
Representatives of the ULM have converged on the Vanuatu capital, Port Vila, to submit their membership application to the MSG.
They were joined in a march to the secretariat headquarters to present the application by members of the Malvatumauri, Vanuatu's national council of chiefs.
The ULM was formed late last year at a major summit of West Papuan representative groups hosted by the Vanuatu government.
The group expects a decision on the application could be made by the MSG Leaders at their annual summit in June, in Honiara.