Palikir,
Pohnpei – On Friday November 20th, the Federated States of
Micronesia hosted the annual Joint Committee Meeting with the United States of
America, commonly referred to as the JCM. The meeting was held at the Pacific Missionary
Aviation (PMA) auditorium in Kolonia with high-level attendants from both
Governments, and continues to serve as a platform for the two countries to
jointly discuss issues of importance and of common interest, specifically as it
relates to security and defense matters as prescribed in Title III of the
Amended Compact of Free-Association Treaty.
The
meeting commenced with an opening remark by T.H. Samson E. Pretrick, Deputy
Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Head of the FSM delegation
to the JCM. He welcomed all visiting delegates to the FSM and affirmed that the
defense and security arrangement between the two countries is a vital element
of the bilateral partnership between the FSM and the United States. Sincere
appreciation of the FSM for the level of security protection accorded to its
territory and people, as part of the extension of the American defense
umbrella, as highlighted. The Deputy
Secretary reflected on the recent tragic incidences in France and affirmed that
continuing collective efforts are needed to enhance the global fights against
terrorism. A moment of silence was called for to honor the victims of the
tragic event.
Fitting for the occasion, the Deputy Secretary also reflected
on FSM’s citizens’ continuing enlistment into the US Armed forces and affirmed
that the FSM continue to be proud of their service and for their sacrifices and
contributions to combating injustice and in expanding the benefits of democracy
and rule of law around the globe. A wreath-laying ceremony for participants of
the JCM was held to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Among
others, some of the issues that were discussed included efforts to improve and
strengthen maritime security, updates on the enlistment of FSM citizens into
the US Armed Forces, updates on the current works of the FSM Transnational
Crime Unit (TCU), and works on efforts to implement projects under the HA-FSM
and the Civic Construction Action Detail (CCAD) programs. For the former, the upcoming project to renovate the Pohnpei State
Correctional Facility under the HA-FSM program was discussed. Highlights
on successes of recent engagements with the US Coast Guard were reported, as well as updates on the ongoing military build-up in
Guam and the recently Pacific Partnership Mission held in the FSM last summer. As
part of the report of the Mission, Mrs. Bernolina Hedson, Nurse/Midwife of Pohnpei
State Hospital, and Mr. Benito Cantero of the FSM Department of Health and
Social Affairs also reported on respective experience and success stories of
the Mission, with affirmation of the immense contribution of the Mission to
local capacity-building. For the first time in the JCM process, the issue of
veteran’s benefits was also discussed.
With the Deputy Secretary was Acting Secretary
Clayton Lawrence of the Department of Justice, FSM Ambassador to Washington
D.C. Asterio Takesy, FSM Consul General in Guam Robert Ruecho, FSM Consul
General in Hawaii Kandhi Elieisar and other national officials. The Governor of
the State of Pohnpei, T.H. Marcelo Peterson was also in attendance along with
other state officials. Heading the US
delegation was Her Excellency Ambassador Doria Rosen and Rear Admiral Bette
Bolivar, Commander of the Joint Region Marianas and US Defense Representative
to the FSM, and other supporting delegates.
