A person, recognized as Philip Mehrtens, the New Zealand pilot who is claimed to be held hostage by a pro-independence group, stands among the many separatist fighters in Indonesia’s Papua area. (Image: Reuters)
PNG separatist kidnapped Phillip Mehrtens in 2023 and demanded that Indonesia recognise Papuan independence in return for the New Zealander’s launch.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters on Monday referred to as for the discharge of a Kiwi pilot kidnapped a 12 months in the past by Papua separatists in Indonesia.
New Zealander Phillip Mehrtens was working for Indonesian airline Susi Air when he was snatched by rebels at Nduga airport on February 7 final 12 months.
Mehrtens was offering very important air hyperlinks and provides to distant communities on the time of his abduction, the New Zealand authorities stated.
“We strongly urge those holding Phillip to release him immediately and without harm. His continued detention serves the interests of no one,” Peters stated in an announcement.
“We know that just before Christmas Phillip was able to contact some friends and family to assure them that he is alive and well, however we are still concerned at the length of time he has been held.”
Peters stated that New Zealand authorities companies have been working extensively with Indonesian authorities over the past 12 months to safe Mehrtens’ launch.
“There can never be any justification for hostage taking,” Peters added.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade officers have additionally been supporting Mehrtens’ household.
“They have requested privacy and I’d ask that their wishes are respected,” Peters stated.
New Zealand’s earlier Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, who was changed following basic elections final October, had beforehand referred to as for Mehrtens’ launch in August, six months after the New Zealander was kidnapped.
The rebels who kidnapped Mehrtens are from the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) rebel group.
They had beforehand demanded that Indonesia recognise Papuan independence in return for the New Zealander’s launch.
According to the Indonesian military, armed separatists ambushed troopers trying to find Mehrtens in April, killing at the very least one.
Papua is a former Dutch colony that declared itself unbiased in 1961. But neighbouring Indonesia took management two years later, promising an independence referendum.
A subsequent vote in favour of remaining a part of Indonesia was broadly thought-about a sham.
(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is printed from a syndicated news company feed – AFP)
Shankhyaneel SarkarShankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers worldwide affairs, the place he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has o…Read More
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