Speech
Opening Remarks
FSM-U.S. Joint Committee Meeting
Ambassador Miriam K. Hughes
February 18, 2009
Secretary of Foreign Affairs Lorin Robert, Pohnpei Governor John Ehsa, Speaker of the Pohnpei Legislature Nelson Pelep, my Diplomatic Colleagues and other Distinguished Members of the FSM National Government and other representatives from the FSM States. On our American side, I welcome Marine Colonel Jeff Arruda of the Pacific Command (PACOM), Captain Dana Ware of the Coast Guard under the Department of Homeland Security, and other members of the U.S. Armed Forces and our U.S. Government - good morning and thank you for joining us in this very important meeting.
The Compact requires consultation between our two governments regarding Title III responsibilities for security and defense, which we try to conduct annually. We recognize the enormous potential for progress that arises from communicating and reinvigorating our strong relationships, particularly during a period of global change that we are all undergoing. Significantly, Hillary Clinton embarked this week to Asia on her first trip as Secretary of State. Her gesture signals that we are placing high priority on our ties throughout the Pacific, where our partners are indispensable to our security and prosperity. The FSM is a deeply valued partner.
As you know, it took us about 18 months to coordinate this JCM owing to all of our busy schedules. We are so pleased to be able to meet today.
The United States bears a statutory responsibility to defend and protect the Federated States of Micronesia. I assure you that our U.S. Government team takes this commitment very seriously. Among a variety of U.S. agencies, the administration of Barack Obama has launched a holistic approach to govern as One Whole U.S. Government, which requires a high degree of coordination and unity of effort, including on the part of the U.S. Embassy. I can assure you that collaboration among the U.S. Department of State, the Defense Department, and the Department of Homeland Security has never been stronger.
It is thus with open minds and willing hearts, that we Americans gather today to listen carefully to our Micronesian partners. We share the same boat. Stability and security require us to make smart assessments. Existing problems can create new opportunities. The Joint Committee Meeting is a mutual opportunity to discuss any concerns we may have, as well as to strengthen our cooperation to combat threats that might endanger our citizens.
A lot of progress has taken place since the last JCM. In August 2008, the USNS Mercy Navy hospital ship glided into the Chuuk Lagoon like a dream. During a ten-day deployment, over 900 military and civilian professionals dispensed primary medical care, optometry, dental, pharmacological and physical therapy services. Seabees performed construction work.
The Mercy also dispatched teams to Pohnpei and Yap to treat their citizens. In all, over 17,000 Micronesians received medical assistance. The privilege of participating in the outstanding work of the USNS Mercy and its crew – and particularly our teamwork across the board with Micronesians - was one of the proudest moments of my tenure as America’s representative to the FSM.
In April 2008, the Transnational Crime Unit officially opened in Palikir, thanks to substantial funding and support provided by the U.S. and Australian governments and the Joint Inter-Agency Task Force-West at US Pacific Command. Transnational criminal organizations and human exploitation are becoming increasingly aggressive and widespread threats; no corner of the globe remains untouched by their activities. Thanks to the TCU, the FSM now has the tools to confront criminal cartels and collaborate with other Pacific island nations and U.S. law enforcement agencies.
Last May, the Federated States of Micronesia and the United States exchanged diplomatic notes for a Permanent Shiprider Agreement, which was a significant step forward in collective maritime security. The agreement allows FSM National Police officers to ride aboard U.S. Coast Guard vessels or aircraft and enforce FSM laws and regulations in Micronesian waters.
In October 2008, the USPACOM dispatched a Joint Task Force-Homeland Defense team to the FSM. The unit continues to conduct Subject Matter Expert Exchanges with the FSM National and State Governments in areas such as Interoperable Communications, No-notice Mass Casualty, Pandemic Influenza, and All-Hazards/Terrorism.
Last March, an Explosives Ordnance Detonation team from the Naval Command in the Marianas worked with Yap State Officials to remove a horned mine located on the sea floor near an important shipping channel. This cooperative effort ensured the deactivation and removal of the mine without incident.
The Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies continues to invite participants from the Federated States of Micronesia to attend courses at the Hawaii campus. Here, officials and emerging leaders can gather to exchange ideas, explore pressing issues, and achieve a greater understanding of the challenges that shape the security environment of the Asia-Pacific region.
And we will never forget our veterans. Without their hard work and sacrifice, this very meeting of a cross-section of free and independent people sitting here today would not have happened. I want to personally thank Governor John Ehsa and the Pohnpei State Government for designating a house that will provide the first office space for Micronesian and American veterans in the FSM. I urge the FSM Government and its four States to continue to work with the United States to assist our noble veterans.
This week marks the 65th anniversary of Operation Hailstone, which was the U.S. code name for one of the most devastating aerial attacks in history. It took place in the Truk Lagoon to liberate the Micronesian people during World War Two. Operation Hailstone marked a turning point in the naval war in the Pacific. Two days of intense fighting on February 17 and 18, 1944, sunk over 60 Japanese ships and downed 250 fighter planes, killing approximately 2,000 Japanese, 120 Chuukese, 33 U.S. pilots and 11 sailors on board the U.S. aircraft carrier Intrepid, which sustained damage.
The American and Micronesian people who perished 65 years ago forged freedom and democracy, not only for the Pacific region, but for the entire world. Out of the ruins of that horrific conflagration emerged the U.S.-FSM partnership. Now, young men and women from Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae stand side by side with young men and women from Texas, California, Illinois, Kansas and other U.S. states in Iraq, Afghanistan and a variety of U.S. military installations at home and abroad.
We must never forget those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedom of expression, our values, and our way of life. As we strengthen our capacity to cooperate through forums such as the JCM, let us dedicate this 2009 Joint Committee Meeting to them.