Sope's history lesson
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Vanuatu’s former Roving Ambassador and former Prime Minister, Barak Sope, has disputed claims that the late Sir Michael Somare was a supporter of West Papua.
Sope says it is important that original political leaders including PNG former Prime Minister, Sir Julius Chan, former Commander of the PNG Kumul Force, Commander Ted Diro who led his army to crush the Santo Rebellion, and former Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka—who are still alive today—know that their contributions towards peace and freedom in the Pacific are recognised and respected.
He says while Sir Michael was in Opposition, he did not agree to send PNG troops to Vanuatu to quell the Santo Rebellion.