J.Kalani English
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U.S. Inaugurates New Embassy Compound

U.S. Department of State
Embassy of the United States
Kolonia • FSM

MEDIA RELEASE
August 28, 2009

On August 26, the United States Embassy held its New Embassy Compound Inauguration in Nett, Pohnpei. The ceremony celebrated the facility completion, a two-year project which broke ground in May 2007.

U.S. Ambassador Miriam Hughes said the construction and inauguration of the beautiful, new diplomatic headquarters renews a profound commitment to a vital bilateral relationship. The Honorable Doahkasa, Nahnmwarki of Pingelap, welcomed this achievement on behalf of Micronesian Traditional Leadership. Renditions of the U.S. and FSM National Anthems were performed by Nan Mahnd Church band Pwihno. Speeches followed by FSM Foreign Affairs Secretary Lorin Robert, Speaker of the Congress Isaac V. Figir, Pohnpei State Governor John Ehsa, and U.S. Department of State Overseas Building Operations Managing Director Jay Hicks, who launched and completed efforts to build the new Embassy compound. Assembly of God Church Reverend Trudy R. Jackson concluded the ceremony with a benediction.

Representing Pohnpei traditional leadership were The Honorable Isipahu, Nahnmwarki of Madolenihmw, The Honorable Sahngoro, Nahnmwarki of U, The Honorable Doahkasa, Nahnmwarki of Pingelap, and Representative Wainer Louis, on behalf of the Nahnmwarki of Sapwuahfik.

Attending the ceremony on behalf of the FSM National Government Executive Branch were His Excellency President Emanuel Mori and First Lady Emma Nelson Mori, Department of Foreign Affairs Deputy Secretary Jane Chigiyal, Department of Health and Social Affairs Secretary Vita Akapito Skilling, Department of Transportation, Communication and Infrastructure Secretary Francis I. Itimai, Department of Education Secretary Casiano Shoniber, Postmaster General Midion G. Neth, and Civil Aviation, Transportation, Communication and Infrastructure (TC&I) Assistant Secretary Waynold K. Yamaguchi.

Representatives from FSM National Congress included Senator Frederico O. Primo, Senator Dion G. Neth, Senator Peter Sitan, Senator Paliknoa K. Welly, Chief Legal Counsel Lam Dang, and Chief Clerk Liwiana Ramon.

At the state level, attendees included Kosrae State Governor Robert Weilbacher, Chuuk State Governor Wesley Simina, and Pohnpei State Lieutenant Governor Churchill Edward. Leading the State Legislatures of the FSM were Pohnpei State Speaker Nelson A. Pelep, Kosrae State Speaker Lyndon H. Jackson, and Chuuk State House of Representatives Speaker Florencio Singkoro Harper. From Pohnpei State Legislature, attendees were Senator Wincener David, Senator Salter Loyola, Senator Robert Nakasone, Senator Magdalena A. Walter, Senator Nihlis I. Ernest, and Senator Stevick Edwin.

Attending from Pohnpei State Supreme Court was Chief Justice Benjamin Rodriquez. Kosrae Chief Justice Aliksa Aliksa also attended.

Representing the Diplomatic Corps were Her Excellency Australian Ambassador Susan Cox and staff, His Excellency Chinese Ambassador Zhang Weidong and staff, and officials from the Japanese Embassy.

Ambassador Hughes described the Embassy as a platform for the integration of services by a rich constellation of U.S. Government agencies. An array of United States Government departments and agencies were present, including: Commander of Naval Forces Marianas Rear Admiral Douglass Biesel; Director Alcy Frelick of the State Department Office of Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Island Affairs; U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Representative Bart Deemer; Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Representative Kevin Clark; USDA Rural Development California Representative Sue Ladner; USDA Natural Resources and Conservation Services Pacific Islands Area Soil Specialist Dr. Kevin Robotham; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service Deputy Director Edward Young; Lyon Associate Representative for the Federal Aviation Administration Dr. Mao Peng; and Department of State East Asia Pacific Post Management Officer Mike Bradecamp.

Complimenting these U.S. Government officials were several Pohnpei-based U.S. Government agency officials from the Peace Corps, USDA/RD and USDA/NRCS.

Although he was unable to attend the inauguration, Hawaii Senator Kalani English sent a declaration from the Hawaii State Legislature that reaffirmed America's commitment to a transparent partnership with the FSM. The declaration identified the new Embassy as a hub for United States Government agencies.

In her remarks as Master of Ceremonies, Ambassador Hughes explained that now is a pivotal period in U.S.-FSM relations and it is an "important time to pull together." As a vital bilateral relationship continues to mature, she emphasized it is important to strengthen the authority of the Ambassador as the coordinator of U.S. interagency activities. She said, "A clear and predictable chain of communication reinforces relations between two sovereign nations."

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Original Press Release: http://kolonia.usembassy.gov/2009-07.html

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OUR DISTRICTHawaii 6th District