It is essential that the role of journalists and the media is respected as independent from the conflict.

Without a free and independent media, true democracy is unattainable.

Intimidation of journalists such as the searching of a newspaper office is an attempt at intimidating the media against a pro Tamil nationalism editorial stance.

Restrictions on foreign journalists represent a blatant violation of this right and seriously curtail the ability of the world's media to report in West Papua.

Freedom of the press is a pre-requisite for the peaceful resolution of conflict, and restricting the media from carrying out its professional activities can only lead to more suspicion and misinformation.

2005 was a year of tragedy and the targeting of journalists in the Asia-Pacific region.