Embassy of the United States

Speech

New Embassy Compound Inaguration—August 26, 2009

Miriam K. Hughes
United States Ambassador to the FSM

Welcome to the New United States Embassy in the rolling heart of Pohnpei State, Federated States of Micronesia.

We thank the owners of this beautiful land.

We live in a world that is lit by sun and by lightening. So much is changing and will change. But so much endures and transcends time.

We regret that the Iso Nahnken of Nett, the Honorable Salvador Iriarte, cannot be with us today owing to illness. We send our prayers for his speedy recovery.

Distinguished Leaders
My Fellow Americans
Our Friends

What a Joy and a Privilege to Behold:

• Micronesian Traditional Leaders
• His Excellency the President of the FSM and Mrs. Emanuel Mori
• The Honorable Speaker of the FSM Congress Isaac Figir
• And other Members of the Congress
• Honorable Governors
  • Governor Wesley Simina – Chuuk
  • Governor Robert Weilbacher – Kosrae
  • Governor John Ehsa – Pohnpei
• Members of the National Cabinet
• State Legislators and Officials
• The Diplomatic Corps
• American Officials
• And So Many Other Friends from the Private and Public Sectors:

With the inauguration of this Embassy, the United States of America renews a profound commitment to the Federated States of Micronesia. I have been honored to serve at a pivotal time in the relationship between our two nations. Naturally there have been challenges. But always you have made me feel uniquely welcome in my role as a guest in your country.

In fact, every American who comes here in an official capacity - at any level and from any department or branch of the United States Government - is a Guest in Your Country. Every official visitor is obliged to keep the Embassy informed and behave with appropriate respect, objectivity and humility. From the Micronesians, I have learned so much. It is an important time to pull together.

I thank President Manny Mori for always keeping the door open to me. He told me when I arrived here two years ago, that the friendship between the FSM and the United States was “unshakeable” – those were his inimitable words - even though there would be bumps along the road.

President Mori is prescient, that is, he has especially sensitive insight. His grace and eloquence have set a high example.

It has also been a particular pleasure to work with Secretary of Foreign Affairs Lorin Robert, who is intellectually quick, open minded, flexible and remarkably good humored.

Mr. Secretary, how do you do it? Thank you for saying some words today on behalf of the FSM National Government.

Lorin Robert
Secretary, FSM Department of Foreign Affairs

I am most pleased to be here today to participate in the official dedication of the new US Embassy building here in Nett. On this special occasion, on behalf of President Mori I offer the warmest congratulations of my Government and people to the American government and people on the opening of the US chancery.

It is also with a deep sense of duty that I join you not only to bid-farewell but also to express the sincere gratitude of the FSM Government to Her Excellency Ambassador Miriam Hughes for all of her hard work for these past years that she has spent with us.

I note the message embedded in the theme chosen for this occasion: “Partners in Progress”. This is a simple but apt and reassuring message.

Our two nations are indeed partners, our partnership is, or should be based on, much more than accumulation of our performance output and reporting requirements at the end of each quarter or fiscal year.

We must re-dedicate and re-affirm ourselves to the other dimension of our partnership –which is the spirit of commitment to an ongoing or evolutionary process of addressing our collective, interests, and aspirations embodied in our Compact Treaty.

It is this sense of creative imagination, thinking outside the box, in actively and continuously improving our partnership that I am here to celebrate with all of our American friends on the joint occasion of dedicating the chancery and wishing Ambassador Hughes continued success in her future endeavors.

For the record, it should be noted out that the US Government opened its diplomatic mission in the FSM shortly after our original Compact of Free Association went into effect in 1986. It was then called a Representative Office.

In 1991, it was elevated to the status of a full-fledged Embassy, in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. In less than two decades after elevating its mission to the status of an embassy, the US Government decided to expand its chancery moving from Kolonia to Nett, in a manner or level suitable to the circumstances of the host state as well as its own needs and requirements.

The expansion of US presence here in the FSM is no accident of history. The degree by which our relationship has grown both bilaterally and multilaterally might not have been anticipated thirty, perhaps even twenty, years ago. The expansion in relations is now a matter of record.

While we in the FSM have gone beyond the stage of establishing self-government, we have entered a new phase of challenges of solidifying the economic bases of our political autonomy and capacity, if I can borrow these few words of the preamble of our Constitution, to be the “proud guardian of our islands, now and forever.”

On this occasion I also want to express our appreciation to the US Government for the high priority that it accords to our partnership. This new chancery is a concrete demonstration of our long-term partnership. And we record here our gratitude to Ambassador Hughes for her part in seeing to it that it is completed prior to the completion of her tour of duty.

Ambassador Hughes, two years ago-upon assuming your assignment as US Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia, you pledged, in your own words, “to devote my energies to fostering relationships of equality and pragmatism with our Micronesian friends and to strengthen cooperation with regional and multilateral partners and civil society representatives”.

Now, at the closing of your assignment you have every reason to be proud that you have done so much for which we are grateful.

Your patience in listening to our side of the story and willingness to think outside the box are you trademarks.

We commend you, for your compassion, be it the visit of the USS Naval Hospital Mercy. The 2nd FSM Pandemic Influenza Summit and the 2008 International Women’s Day, the visit of the Commander of U.S. Pacific Command. The US-FSM Ship Rider Agreement, the White Collar Crime Workshop, even on the eve of your departure from the FSM, you will be part of the HARRT and USAID mission to bring free medical service to the Chuukese people next week.

Let me conclude by congratulating the Government of the United States for this dedication of its new chancery. Thank you so much Ambassador Hughes for you hard work for us, I hope that your assignment in the FSM has been most rewarding and enriching.

Thank you.

Miriam K. Hughes
United States Ambassador to the FSM

Speaker Isaac Figir of Yap State has served in the FSM Congress since 1983.

He is a founding father and a great statesman of a stalwart nation. He has dedicated a lifetime of service to the defense of national interests, good governance and transparency.

Speaker Figir’s role as a vigorous, honest leader of a core branch of National Government is a key component of FSM Democracy.

I welcome to the podium the esteemed Speaker of the FSM Congress.

Isaac V. Figir
Speaker, FSM Congress

At the outset, let me pay my utmost respect to the traditional leaders of Pohnpei; please allow me to say a few words on behalf of your Congress. President Mori, Ambassador Hughes, member of the Diplomatic Corps, Governor Ehsa, Admiral Biesel, esteemed guests, ladies and gentlemen.

I first of all regret that a true friend of the FSM, Admiral French formerly Commander, Joint Region Marianas has moved on and could not be here. His successor, Admiral Biesel is here however, and we look forward to working with him in the future. Welcome to FSM Admiral Biesel.

I am very honored to be asked to give a speech on this important occasion, especially right after the Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Normally on occasions such as this, only someone important from the Foreign Affairs would speak on behalf of the government, with remarks carefully reviewed by the Department of Foreign Affairs for diplomatic niceties. Me, I am just a politician unschooled in diplomatic protocol so I apologize beforehand if I say something unintentionally offensive.

I will just say how I see this occasion from the point of view of a Micronesian who has seen a few things. There was a time long ago, when we were under something called the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. All decisions were made by an official of the US Department of the Interior in Saipan called the High Commissioner. We as Micronesians had the right to voice our needs but how those needs were dealt with was at the discretion of the Hi-Com. I grew up in that system.

Things changed, with I might add, some contribution from the institution I belong to: the Congress of Micronesia and its successor the Congress of the FSM. One day the US Embassy opened in Pohnpei. It is hard to convey after all this time the psychological impact that had on the Micronesians. Suddenly we were no longer been dictated to; suddenly we were to decide our own destiny. Overnight, the trustee had become the partner, and it was good.

So the US Embassy in the FSM is not just a building, it is a symbol, a symbol of course of the United States of America on FSM soil, but also a symbol to the FSM. It is the symbol that the Americans are no longer the trustees of our future but our equal partners under international law. We now share a special relationship with the US, closer than with any other country. This is our “Partnership for Progress” where each side contributes something. We are very grateful for the contribution of the United States of America. Our young Micronesians recognize that by volunteering to serve side by side with Americans in the U.S. Armed Forces. We know that without the Compact of Free Association we will be in an untenable position, especially in these times of economic turmoil.

But the relationship has also evolved from the TT times. I hope the days when officials of the Department of the Interior would dictate to us what they think is best for us have gone, to be replaced by this partnership of sovereign nations.

So I am very happy to take part in this dedication of this new US Embassy building. The spacious grounds, the pleasant architecture and the state-of-the art equipment seem to me to point to a better and more harmonious relationship with our old partner. We look forward to working closely with the US Embassy on matters of mutual concerns in a spirit of true cooperation and friendship.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the person who captained this Embassy for the last few years and has overseen its completion, Ambassador Miriam K. Hughes. She has done much for her country and ours. Ambassador Hughes has always been forthright, pointing out our problems and weaknesses but also tirelessly working to assist us to overcome them. She has also shown great understanding of the needs and the thought processes of Micronesians. Most of all she has shown an admirable understanding of what our sovereignty as a country means to us.

So it is sad that we have to say goodbye to this great friend of the FSM. Ambassador Hughes, we thank you and wish you good luck with your further endeavors. You have made a strong impression of your government in the FSM. I personally have always appreciated our working relationship and the strong bond of trust that has developed between us. You will be missed. Farewell and bon voyage.

Thank you very much.

Miriam K. Hughes
United States Ambassador to the FSM

Governor John Ehsa of Pohnpei State has repeatedly reminded me that he served way back in the U.S. Trusteeship Administration.

But he stays young. Not a single white hair.

Seriously, this energetic and resilient leader counts upon a unique bedrock of knowledge, including about we Americans. From this foundation, he has looked for every avenue to advance his people’s needs creatively and to help meet the challenges of the times we face.

Governor Ehsa is a friend and a highly esteemed colleague. I call upon the Honorable Governor of Pohnpei State.

John Ehsa
Governor, Pohnpei State

Mwohnsapwakoa
Isohkoa
Likend, Nahnalek oh Nahnkenieikoa

Excellencies
Distinguished Guests
Members of the Clergy
Ladies and Gentlemen

Let me begin by taking this opportunity to commend and congratulate Her Excellency Ambassador Hughes and the Government of the Unites States for the successful completion of this new US Embassy compound in Pohnpei State. The occasion this afternoon represents strong testimony of the commitment and the long friendly relationship between the Unites States and the FSM that was started over 60 years ago. Pohnpei is deeply honored and proud to serve as the venue for the US Embassy compound in the FSM.

In 1947, the United States entered into the last phase of its territorial policy “Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands” under which islands in Micronesia, except Guam, were placed under the custody and administration of the United States by the United Nations. Under the Trusteeship stewardship, the United States was mandated to foster the development of political institutions and promote economic, social and educational advancement of the people of Micronesia. The islands were also given the opportunity to exercise self-determination with respect to their future political status in accordance with the decolonization policies of the United Nations.

During the initial period of the U.S. Administration very little was done to promote development in the islands. In the 1960s and 1970s, the United States started to provide several hundred million dollars annually for development assistance to the islands and finally offered the islanders U.S. Citizenship and entry opportunity into the American political family as unincorporated territories. Concerned that direct U.S. political affiliation will undermine our culture and our aspirations for national sovereignty and full self-government, our leaders proposed “Free Association”.

The FSM entered into Compact of Free Association relationship with the United States in 1987 following UN-observed plebiscites in 1983. Under this relationship, the United States agreed to continue economic assistance to the FSM and the FSM agreed to delegate defense responsibilities to the United States.

During the period of Free Association with the United States, political and economic developments in the FSM have accelerated dramatically. The FSM has successfully established itself as a member of the United Nations and other key regional and multi-lateral institutions. Constitutional democracies have been successfully established at the national and state levels throughout the FSM. Basic public infrastructure such as publicly-available healthcare and universal free primary education are being provided to the people of the FSM.

Now, Pohnpei, the FSM, and the U.S. are facing new challenges, and the inauguration of this new Embassy Compound is a key symbol of the continuing importance of the deep relationship between the United States and the FSM. This Embassy will stand here for more than 100 years, and it will serve as an enduring symbol of our commitment to work together to promote the ideals of freedom, democracy, and self-determination throughout the Twenty-First Century.

I would like to extend my sincerest personal appreciation to Ambassador Miriam K. Hughes for her commitment to the FSM and Pohnpei State. The severe economic situation both world-wide and particularly in the FSM has created unusual challenges for Pohnpei in its attempts to implement the Amended Compact and jump-start our economy. But no matter what challenges or difficulties Pohnpei has faced, Ambassador Hughes has always been a ray of light in the darkness, ready to help when nobody else was willing to extend a helping hand. Ambassador Hughes, I can think of no better symbol of the U.S commitment to help the people of Pohnpei than the actions you have taken as U.S Ambassador to the FSM, the friendships you have made, and the legacy you will leave behind. You will be sorely missed by all of us, and I hope that you will return to Pohnpei often.

Miriam K. Hughes
United States Ambassador to the FSM

We have various distinguished U.S. visitors here today from Washington, California, Honolulu, and Guam.

All together, including those who are also based in the FSM, they represent a rich constellation of good will, service, resources and expertise.

An exceptional variety of U.S. Government Departments and Agencies participate in the life of this small nation. They invigorate a special relationship.

Let me take this opportunity to recognize some of them, in alphabetical order:

• Agency for International Development - Bart Deemer – takes the lead on Disaster Mitigation and Management
• Agriculture, Rural Development - Sue Ladner, California State Office
• Agriculture, Natural Resources and Conservation Service – Gibson Santos (two American soil specialists)
• Department of Defense Commander of Naval Forces Marianas Rear Admiral Douglass Biesel and his aides Mr. Roy Tsutsui and Lt. Commander Ned Selander
• Federal Aviation Administration represented by Dr. Mao Peng of Lyon Associates (completing airport improvement construction projects in record time in all four states) California Regional Administrator Bill Wythycombe sent regards
• FEMA (DHS) Kevin Clark, Oakland, CA
• Manila, Our Embassy Security & Maintenance Support Staff
• National Weather Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Edward Young-Hawaii ; Eden Skilling
• Peace Corps Kevin Carley
• State Department Director Alcy Frelick – Office of Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Island Affairs; Jay Hicks, Managing Director of OBO; Mike Bradecamp of EAP Executive Office

Others have sent notes and ask to be remembered for their service to the U.S. and the FSM

• Coast Guard (DHS) Captain Thomas Sparks
• Postal Service Leo Tudela/Randy Sobol (lack travel funds)
• Transportation Security Administration Kirk Skinner
• Hawaii: Senator Kalani English has sent a signed and sealed declaration from the Hawaii State Legislature, which reads in part: “The United States is committed across-the-board to generous and transparent partnership with the Federated States of Micronesia. The new Embassy serves as a platform and headquarters for the work of some thirty United States Government agencies.”
• Interior – Are not present today, but they remain important because they bear the complex responsibility for implementing Compact Sector Grants and monitoring other Federal Programs. Our former DOI Employee Vic Hobson, who worked diligently and pragmatically, has retired after completing more than 50 years of federal government service. Others from the Office of Insular Affairs are in Honolulu preparing for the forthcoming JEMCO meeting.

At this time, nearly five years into the Amended Compact, I believe experience has shown that we need to base development specialists on the ground here in Pohnpei. In the Embassy, we would welcome their expertise and operational collaboration. We can cohere. We can streamline procedures and decentralize some of our aid administration, dealing more directly on a day-to-day basis with both the national government and the states.

This is our next big challenge and it must not wait too long because we have a Compact mandate to benefit the Micronesian people. As President Obama would say, “The status quo is not sustainable.”

I have had the immense privilege of representing the White House here, including both Presidents Bush and Obama. The culmination is to open a fantastic Embassy, which serves as a platform for our values, policies and interagency activities. This is a high point along that long and occasionally bumpy road that constitutes a foreign policy continuum. As our bilateral relationship continues to mature, it is important to strengthen the authority of the Ambassador, whoever she or he may be. Ad hoc arrangements risk sending mixed messages. On the other hand, a clear and predictable chain of communication reinforces relations between two sovereign nations.

One of our many distinguished American guests here today played a significant role in diplomatic empowerment. He launched and completed efforts to build this new embassy compound. His leadership made this historic accomplishment possible.

Jay Hicks of the Office of Building Operations in the State Department is the first one who would say, “Ambassador, I was just doing my job.”

He is a modest public servant. So let me say it up front: Jay Hicks made this building possible. He waged a singular bureaucratic campaign on behalf of our post without ego or puffery.

He heard about our need for a new Embassy after he joined the State Department in 2003. But no money was available. Fortunately, the FSM is not what we would call a high-threat post. But that factor can also make construction resources scarce for us.

Jay Hicks advocated for a new type, non-standard embassy building that would cost less than conventional models. He called upon design and construction expertise from within his own talented staff. He pushed Diplomatic Security to support an innovative security package. He got other offices in Washington to reprogram funds. He lobbied the U.S. Congress.

Jay, behold what you and your team have accomplished – on-time and on-budget. We don’t need to be the American Embassy in London, Rome or Paris. We are in an exquisite country in the Pacific. Washington has come through for us, including the Executive Office of the Bureau of East Asia and Pacific Affairs and our Overseas Building Office in the form of Jay Hicks. This is leadership. Please come up and let us hear from you.

Jay Hicks
Managing Director, Overseas Building Operations, U.S. Department of State

Good Afternoon Ambassador Hughes, President Mori, Traditional Leaders, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.

On behalf of the Director of Secretary Clinton and the Bureau of Overseas Building Operations, I want to thank you all for joining us today to celebrate the dedication of the New Embassy of the United States of America in Micronesia.

The new embassy is a symbol of United States' commitment to a permanent and robust presence in Micronesia and the strength of our bilateral relationship. The facility provides about 6000 square feet of thoroughly modern office space for our American and Micronesian employees. This project, and its sister project in Palau, have helped set a new standard for our smaller, yet vital missions world wide. At just over $10 million dollars, these new embassies have achieved Departmental standards for security, functionality, fire protection, and life-safety. The embassy has moved from what was a residence to a purpose-built diplomatic facility appropriate to the strong relationship our two great nations enjoy.

This project, the first of its kind, required a leap of faith on the part of many people. We could not have done this without the exceptional collaboration and support we received from the embassy to include former Ambassador Hale, Ambassador Hughes and embassy staff past and present.

I must also recognize the tremendous support we received from the Micronesian government and the various Micronesian contractors who were actively involved in the project who provided labor, skilled technicians, and raw materials. We could not have accomplished with without you and we are grateful.

On behalf of Secretary Clinton and the Bureau of Overseas Building Operations, I again want to thank the government of Micronesia for its cooperation, and all the employees from the embassy who have worked so hard to make this new embassy a reality.

Thank you and Congratulations!

Miriam K. Hughes
United States Ambassador to the FSM

Thanks to Jay and to the efforts of many others, we have established a dignified and secure compound in Pohnpei from which to re-energize a close and abiding relationship.

The entire U.S. Embassy staff and our contract guards all pulled together to uproot themselves, readjust, and make this move come true. They are a generous, loyal and competent team – the best I have ever worked with. Come up front all of you. I want you to see the team who work so hard inside. Within the U.S. Embassy, Americans and Micronesians (one Philippines) work together seamlessly and tirelessly. They have gone the extra mile – not occasionally – but day after day after day, knitting together a mission and fulfilling America’s highest diplomatic objective. The mission is to promote partnerships for peace, prosperity and stability across-the-board.

Please know that I leave the FSM with nostalgia and gratitude. Thank you for enabling me to witness history, to work with such distinguished leaders, and to make friendships at the national level, across the breadth of all four states, and among our excellent diplomatic corps.

The Amended Compact, along with its budgetary assistance, is a complex instrument to digest. But the Compact is not an end in itself. Development depends on more than just the dollars we spend.

Development depends on good governance, public-private partnerships, dependable legal frameworks, a level playing field in practice for business, and the creation of other conditions that favor the growth of opportunities for your children and your grandchildren here in the FSM. The true sign of our success is whether we are Partners in building such capacity.

Thank you for allowing me to collaborate in such a challenging process at a time of transformation, which is still a work in progress. It has been a privilege to participate in even a small part of this. It is an important time to understand one another and to work together. I have been blessed.

To cut the ribbon, I would like to invite: A Representative of the Pohnpei Traditional Leaders; His Excellency President Mori; the Honorable Speaker Figir; Governor Ehsa; and Mr. Jay Hicks. Afterward, we will proceed with the benediction by Reverend Trudy Jackson.

Please stay to enjoy refreshments and the lovely landscaped grounds, which reflect many volunteer contributions. May this gracious setting serve as a seat for ever closer collaboration, coordination and productive relationships. In the best sense, diplomacy is a collective endeavor and a great adventure.