Speeches

Credentials Presentation Remarks

Ambassador Miriam K. Hughes

September 12, 2007

President Mori, Vice President Alik Alik, Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Other Distinguished Guests:

The credentials that I present today come directly from President Bush and Secretary of State Rice. On their behalf, I convey confidence in our bonds of friendship and our future path.

I am honored to represent the leaders and people of the United States of America here in the exotically beautiful and warmly welcoming Federated States of Micronesia. I congratulate President Mori on his recent election to the highest office in a strategically positioned island nation that is active on the world stage. In the short time since the FSM achieved sovereignty, you have come a very long way. We have all now entered a sensitive, new epoch – a sharp bend along a historic road. Today’s challenges require that we move forward together, bearing in mind a keen perspective.

Six years ago on this date, September 11, nineteen terrorists killed more than 3,000 innocent people. The victims came from more than 90 countries. Men driven by hatred crashed airplanes into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania. The shock and horror of this wanton destruction will never be forgotten.

As some of you may know, I am a New Yorker, born in Manhattan. The restaurant at the top of the World Trade Center was a place of elegance and a beacon of diverse human achievement. Although I could not afford to eat there, New York has something for everyone, and I used to go to a cafeteria just below that restaurant. The cafeteria offered a small bottle of California wine for $5 and one of the most splendid views in the world. The glistening New York harbor unfolded far below amidst a forest of skyscrapers, exuding energy, the fruits of human striving and the bounty that flows from economic freedom, tolerance and equal opportunity.

The scourge of terrorism that reduced the World Trade Center to a gaping pit in the ground continues to threaten the entire free world. On this solemn anniversary, we remember the innocent people who lost their lives. And we pay tribute to those who are toiling now for the cause of human life and liberty.

The brave men and women of the Federated States of Micronesia who wear the uniform of the U.S. Armed Forces are making sacrifices to build a better and safer world. Among them are a daughter of President Mori and a son of Vice President Alik Alik. We acknowledge with pride and gratitude the vital contribution of your children as well as the many other, generously numbered volunteers from the Federated States of Micronesia. We continue to remember in our prayers the families of those FSM citizens who have lost their lives in Iraq while fighting side by side with other members of the U.S. Armed Services.

President Mori, we also applaud your courageous leadership and determination to chart a bold course for your country toward balanced economic growth, job generation and unified governance that is respectful of your rich cultural traditions. The United States has shined a spotlight on the Pacific region. We are proud to be your partner. The Amended Compact of Free Association is a core vehicle that we will try to harness to better advantage. And we will seek to build other areas of cooperation that support our mutual objectives.

We expect the road ahead will be difficult and at times perilous. But this is a necessary journey and it will be fruitful if we apply ourselves carefully and skillfully, building partnership and consensus. The Micronesians, of course, are a very capable people. At UN headquarters, I repeatedly observed your delegation and noted how strategically and articulately they engaged in global diplomacy. Often we shared a coincidence of views, reflecting our historic bonds and our bedrock values. Our ties are as deep as the Pacific Ocean.

Finally, I would respectfully ask that you please count upon me, as the President’s representative, to listen carefully and do my best to collaborate to help build a secure future. America honors your sacrifices and shares your determination. Like you, we are committed to help our children and our grandchildren. We want them to inherit a peaceful, democratic world – a world that affords the opportunity to fulfill their aspirations and talents.

I look forward sincerely to working with you.