President Mori Addresses Climate Change and Other Key Issues at UN General Assembly

President Mori addressing the General Assembly of the United Nations on September 26, 2014

(New York, September 26, 2014): President Emanuel Mori addressed the 69^th United Nations General Assembly Friday afternoon, referencing recent world events and raising issues of importance to Micronesia and other small island developing States. In particular, he focused on the theme of climate change and again highlighted Micronesia’s proposal to the Montreal Protocol to phase down the greenhouse gases HFCs.

The President first extended his sympathies to the families of the victims of recent tragedies, including the passengers on Malaysian Airlines Flight 17, those beheaded by ISIS and victims of the Ebola epidemic and of natural disasters worldwide.

Introducing the subject of climate change, the President said, “We are all stewards of God’s Creation here on Earth. The bounties of Mother Nature are priceless.  We all bear the obligation to sustainably manage them.”

He called on major polluters to rise to the challenge and tackle climate change, and, in this regard, he expressed support for the World Bank carbon pricing initiative. He also applauded recent pledges to the Green Climate Fund, capitalization of which will be key to supporting the post-2015 development agenda.

President Mori underscored the importance of adopting an amendment to the Montreal Protocol to phase down HFCs, which Micronesia has championed for five years. He explained that reducing HFCs and other short-lived climate pollutants can reduce the rate of sea-level rise by 25%, and he pointed out that this near-term climate mitigation would give atolls around the globe a chance of survival.

He drew attention to two articles in the most recent issue of The Economist magazine, which validate Micronesia’s HFC proposal and describe the enormous potential of the Montreal Protocol to protect climate.

A portion of the President’s statement was dedicated to national action, including the National Energy Policy, the Climate Change Act, the Nation Wide Integrated Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Policy, and the Agriculture Policy. The President called on development partners to continue to support Micronesia through these existing policies and programs.

He stressed the critical importance of assistance to implement the actions outlined in the SAMOA Pathway and to fulfill the prospective Sustainable Development Goals. He also endorsed the “One-UN Approach” for country-level attention in the North Pacific. He cited telecommunications as a key area for economic and social development, noting with appreciation the support of the World Bank to install a state-of-the-art fiber optics system.

The President denounced Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing and wasteful discarding of bycatch. With respect to tuna and other marine resources, he said that Micronesia must receive fair compensation for the value of its resources. He also addressed the issues of non-communicable diseases in the Pacific and the despicable practice of human trafficking.

He called for reform of the Security Council but also expressed confidence in the United Nations to maintain international peace and security. He said Micronesia looks to the United Nations to effectively address the global security threats posed by climate change. He closed his speech by stating: “All countries must work together to protect our children’s future.”

The full text of President Mori’s statement is available for download here:

http://www.un.org/en/ga/69/meetings/gadebate/26sep/micronesia.shtml

Congress approves $5 million U.S. FAA grant for Chuuk State

FSMIS (September 28, 2014): On September 24, 2014, the Federated States of Micronesia Eighteenth Congress approved a grant in the amount of $5,000,000 from the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), extended to Chuuk State for airport rehabilitation and relocation of the airfield electrical vault. 

This grant is to fund the second phase of the Chuuk International Airport rehabilitation project. 

Section 210 (2) of Title 55 of the Code of the FSM provides that for an agreement of foreign financial assistance to be valid, it must be approved by resolution of Congress. 

Senatore Wesley Simina, commenting after the adoption of the grant, said the FSM National Government had also provided $125,000 for repair work on the terminal building, which he felt was vitally needed for Chuuk. 

Airport improvements in the FSM States have been done under grant assistances accepted by the National Government. 

FSM Finance accepts $250,000 from FSM National Fisheries Corporation

From left: Mr. Sitan, FSM R&D Secretary Henry and FSM Finance and Administration Secretary Ikosia during formal handing over of payment from NFC to FSM Finance. 

FSMIS (September 27, 2014): On September 26, 2014, Mr. Kensley Ikosia, Secretary of the Federated States of Micronesia Department of Finance and Administration, formally accepted a check of $250,000 from Mr. Peter Sitan, Executive Director of the FSM National Fisheries Corporation. 

In a letter of September 25th, Mr. Marion Henry, Chairman of the NFC Board of Directors, indicates that the money is a fifty-percent payment for an Air Freight loan extended to NFC by the FSM National Government in 1997. 

"This is the first payment ever made by the Corporation which made the Board and Management very proud of this achievement. We hope to pay off the a lance of the air freight loan within the next 12-20 months." 

The formal handing over of the check was done at Secretary Ikosia's office in Palikir. 

FSM Congress agrees on FY15 domestic revenue level of $66,886,705 projected by the President

FSMIS (September 27, 2014): The Congressional Standing Committee on Ways and Means reported to Speaker Dohsis Halbert on September 22nd its concurrence with regards the fiscal year 2015 revenue projection made available by President Manny Mori in accordance with constitutional requirement.

 "Your committee recommends using the Revenue Projection of $66,886,705 in domestic revenue as provided by the FY 2015 Budget Book, as the Committee defers to the President for domestic revenue projections for FY 15."

Congress took the recommendation of the Committee on Ways and Means and adopted a resolution on September 24th (C.R.18-216)"setting the ceiling of the total funds estimated to be available for appropriation from the general fund of the Federated States of Micronesia for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015". 

Congress may choose to amend the "ceiling level" through out the fiscal year depending on the tracking of actual revenue collection which is normally provided to Congress ten days before session by the Secretary of Finance and Administration. This tracking allows the President and Congress to consult on ways to utilize remaining funds, as they become available. 

FSM Government honored in New York by the State of Israel, American Jewish Committee, and World Jewish Congress

New York, 21 Sept 2014  -- While in New York for the 69^th session of the UN General Assembly, President Emanuel Mori took the time to join hiscolleague Presidents, Thomas Remengesau Jr of Palau and President Christopher Loeak of the Marshall Islands, in a ceremony jointly hosted by the Israeli government and the American Jewish Committee (AJC) honoring the three Presidents.  The hosts of the event, held at the impressive DonaldTrump Building overlooking the UN Headquarters, also took the opportunity to express appreciation to the three Micronesian nations for their staunch support of Israel at the UN and other international fora. 

The Israeli government was represented by its Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Ron Prosor, and the AJC by its US National Chapter President Stanley Bergman.  Also present was Ambassador Peter Rosenblatt, who was President Carter’s top negotiator during the negotiations for the future political status of the former Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands that culminated in the Compact of Free Association.  It has become a tradition for the officers of the AJC, which has had dispatched humanitarian assistance to the FSM, to meet with the FSM head of delegation at the margins of the annual UNGA.

In their appreciation remarks, Prosor and Bergman highlighted both the “courage and conviction” by which the three Micronesian nations deployed their respective votes at the UN in support of Israel.   AJC Executive Director David Harris also expressed appreciation to the Micronesian leaders for following their “conscience” and “moral compass” in supporting Israel. 

In his remarks, President Mori referred to the “special affinities” between the Micronesian and Israeli peoples, derived in large measure by their shared Judeo-Christian values and traditions, reminding that the Micronesians had come to know Israel as the Holy Land long before the consummation of formal relations between the two countries on 23 November 1988.  The President also noted with appreciation that Israel was the very first country in the large region of the Middle East, Africa, and Europe that extended diplomatic recognition to the FSM at uncertain time when the FSM first step unto the world stage as an independent state seeking expanded diplomatic recognition.

Another common denominator between the FSM and Israel that President Mori noted in his statement is the special relationship that both countries, each in its own way, have with the United States. This common denominator also offers an area of common cooperation between the three countries in what has been referred to as Triangular Partnership.

President Mori was joined at the commendation ceremony by First Lady Emma Nelson-Mori, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Lorin S Robert, FSM Permanent Representative to the UN Jane J Chigiyal, FSM Ambassador to the US Asterio R Takesy, OEEM Director Andrew R Yatilman, Deputy Permanent Representative  Jeem S Lippwe, and Deputy Chief of Mission James A Naich.

The next day, a delegation from the World Jewish Congress led by Secretary-General Emeritus Michael Snyder and Rabbi Joel Meyers, paid call on President Mori to also convey appreciation for the support that the FSM has consistently and unhesitatingly given to the State of Israel and the Jewish people around the globe.  The WJC is an umbrella organization of approximately 1000 Jewish groups in about 100 countries.  While this was the first interface with WJC representatives, Rabbi Meyers said “we have gotten to know your country for its courageous support for Israel, which we appreciate deeply.

FSM and Cook Islands establish diplomatic relations

Shaking hands: Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna, left, and FSM President Manny Mori. Mr. Jeem Lippwe, Deputy Chief of Mission for the FSM Permanent Mission to the United Nations witnessing the ceremony 

September 24, 2014 (New York) – The Federated States of Micronesia and the Cook Islands today signed a joint communiqué for the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The signing ceremony, which took place at the Permanent Mission of Micronesia to the United Nations in New York, was officiated by the Federated States of Micronesia President Emanuel ‘Manny’ Mori and the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, Hon. Henry Puna.

In the ensuing discussions after the ceremony, the two leaders expressed their readiness to develop mutually beneficial bilateral relations in the political and economic areas and to address climate change and other high priorities of Pacific islands countries.

The Cook Islands becomes the sixty-ninth country with which the FSM has established diplomatic relations.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Lorin Robert, Ambassadors Ms. Jane Chigiyal and Mr. Asterio Takesy as well as Mission and Embassy staff. Deputy Permanent Representative, Mr. Jeem Lippwe acted as witness. Ms. Dallas Young witnessed for Cook Islands. 

Chuuk's Esor Eko to join CIA Board

FSMIS (June 26, 2014): On June 23, 2014, the Federated States of Micronesia Eighteenth Congress confirmed the nomination of Mr. Esor Eko to serve as a member of the Caroline Island Air Board of Directors, representing the State of Chuuk. 

 

 The FSM Congress has had some time to review Mr. Eko's background in the transportation sector after he was nominated by President Mori.

 

The approving resolution, C.R. No. 18-204, includes a statement on the nominees background which indicates that Mr. Eko "has had extensive experience working in the 'transportation' field, as he had served as a Captain of the Chuuk Cargo vessel Micro Trader, as Third and Second Officer aboard the Cargo Vessel Herkimer servicing the FSM, and as Captain aboard the FSS Palikir, the first FSM patrol boat".

 

Mr. Eko is from Ta Island in the Mortlocks region.

 

 

President Mori Focuses on Solutions at Climate Summit

President Mori, sitting, at the UN General Assembly hall. Also with him are First Lady Emma Nelson Mori, Mr. Jeem Lippew, Deputy Chief  of Mission, FSM United Nations Mission; Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Lori Robert; and FSM Ambassador to the United States, Mr. Asterio Takesy. 

(New York, September 23, 2014): On Tuesday, President Emanuel Mori participated in the United Nations Secretary-General’s Climate Summit, an event intended to mobilize international action and ambition on climate change.

President Mori focused his remarks on potential solutions and actions that can be taken immediately and produce results quickly. Specifically, he said he believed we can still prevent the most devastating impacts of climate change with innovative actions, such as using the Montreal Protocol to phase down the powerful greenhouse gases HFCs.   

Micronesia was the first to propose this action in 2009, and, since then, many other countries have expressed support for an HFC phase down. This includes Morocco, the co-sponsor of Micronesia’s proposal, as well as the United States and China. President Mori commended President Barack Obama and President Xi Jinping for agreeing to work together to phase down HFCs.

During his own Summit statement, Palau President Tommy Remengesau also endorsed reducing HFCs under the Montreal Protocol “in support of our Micronesian brothers”.

The President referenced the latest issue of The Economist magazine, which recognizes the success and enormous potential of the Montreal Protocol to protect climate. He also noted an editorial in the magazine entitled: “Paris via Montreal: The quickest way to cut greenhouse gases is to expand the Montreal protocol”.  

http://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21618781-quickest-way-cut-greenhouse-gases-expand-montreal-protocol-paris-montreal

President Mori called on other world leaders to support the HFC amendment, stating “I believe success with the Montreal Protocol in the next six months is our ticket to a successful outcome in Paris in 2015.”

The President’s full statement is available hereunder.   

http://statements.unmeetings.org/media2/4627995/micronesia.pdf

President Mori attends Small Islands Developing States international conference, Samoa

Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
September, 2014

H.E. President Emanuel (Manny) Mori attended the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) held in Apia, Samoa from September 1-4, 2014.   The conference garnered more than 3, 000 participants from members of the United Nations, representatives from the Governments, Private Sector, Civil Society and relevant stakeholders for a four (4) days meeting.  It was the biggest U.N conference held in the Pacific. The theme of this year’s conference is the Sustainable Development of SIDS through Genuine and Durable Partnership, which produced an outcome document, titled ‘SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway and adopted during the closing plenary in Samoa.

In his remarks, H.E. President Mori emphasized the importance of the conference to the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the designation of 2014 as the International Year of the SIDS to highlight their challenges and resilience. He further indicated the importance of partnership to achieve sustainable development. He called on our partners to help us make this happen through new, additional, and predictable funding. He urged our partners to help us build our human resource capacity and also to transfer SIDS-appropriate technology to help build our resiliency to climate change. For Micronesia, we are determined to reduce our dependency on fossil power generation 50% by the year 2020 replaced by renewable energy. President Mori concluded his remark by wishing the Spirit of friendship, cooperation, and the genuine and durable partnership enshrined in the SAMOA Pathway guide us all as we move forward throughout this Conference and beyond. 

In the margins of the SIDS conference, President Mori participated in various side meetings and activities, including the signing of the Treaty establishing the Micronesian Trade and Economic Community (MTEC) with Palau and the Marshall Islands.  The President had also attended the Global Island Partnership (GLISPA) side event and, highlighted the FSM’s support to the Micronesia Challenge.

A number of documents were signed at the margin of the SIDS Conference: the National Indicative Program under 11^th European Development Fund (EDF) for the period 2014-2020;a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Spanish Government on common interests and cooperation in the areas of climate change, renewable energies, fisheries, ocean protection, natural disasters, educational and cultural exchanges and others; and the SIDS Dock.

 The President was accompanied by First Lady Emma, Secretaries Lorin Robert, Marion Henry, April Skilling, Director Andrew Yatilman, Ambassador Jane Chigiyal and other key officials of the FSM Government and representatives of Civil Society.  

September 24, 2014 update on Weno Road Project

FSMIS (September 24, 2014): The FSM Program Management Unit (PMU) Office, responsible for overseeing the implementation of infrastructure development projects pertinent to the Compact of Free Association between the FSM and the United States, came out with a recent update on the status of the Weno road project, in response to inquiries from the Public Information Office. 

The road project was put on hold almost a year ago after the PMU decided to terminate construction contract with the Pacific International Inc. (PII) on November 7, 2013.

 In his September 23rd email message, Mr. Bruce Howell from the PMU states that the construction contract for the continuation of the project "has gone through a number of revisions" when reviewed by the FSM Department of Justice (DOJ).

"We received the final version with DOJ signature yesterday (September 22nd).  The contract is in finance now awaiting assignment of a contract number.  Once this is complete, I will send to GPPC for signature.  I hope we can do this today or tomorrow.  Once GPPC signs they will have 10 days to provide their performance and payment bonds and insurance certificates.  Once we receive these, the PMU will issue a written notice to proceed.  The contract performance period will commence 10 days from the date of the notice to proceed."  

Mr. Howell goes on to indicate that, "If GPPC signs tomorrow they have until Oct 5 to submit bonds.  Say PMU issues notice to proceed by Oct 7th.  Contract period starts on Oct 17th.  GPPC should start their mobilization almost immediately.  By mid November they should be doing productive work on the ground".

The PMU awarded the completion of the Weno road project to the Saipan-based contractor, GPPC, Inc., on April 9, 2014.