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President Mori Meets with American Jewish Committee While Participating in Activities of Busy Opening Day of the UN General Assembly

New York (FSM Permanent Mission to the UN): September 25, 2007 - The 62^nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly officially commenced today, with a welcome breakfast hosted by the UN Secretary-General for President Emanuel Mori and other world leaders heading the delegations of their respective countries. The Secretary-General and the President of the 62^nd UNGA presented their statements following the breakfast.

Several countries presented their statements on the opening day. Adhering to tradition, Brazil was the first country to deliver its statement, followed by the United States, to a fully packed General Assembly chamber. With President George W Bush in town for the opening of the UNGA, security was very tight, necessitating certain areas of the UN compound closed to the public, causing traffic bottlenecks in Manhattan.

Despite the hectic activities of the opening day, President Mori met with the officials of the American Jewish Committee, accompanied by Secretary of Foreign Affairs Lorin S Robert, Chief of Staff Sabino Asor, Special Advisor Akillino Susaia, as well as officials of the FSM Missions in both New York and Washington DC. Every year on the margins of the annual UNGA, the AJC requests to meet with the FSM Head of Delegation or Secretary of Foreign Affairs to express appreciation for the FSM's steadfast support of Israel at the UN and other international conferences.

"It is fitting for the American Jewish Committee and the Federated States of Micronesia to come together to reaffirm the friendship between our peoples," President Mori observed, further remarking: "We in the Federated States of Micronesia feel a special affinity with the AJC, given our shared fundamental values that are deeply rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition."

President Mori noted another "common denominator" that encourages the annual get-together in NY. That common denominator is "our shared interest in the security and sovereignty of the State of Israel." The President went on to say: "Let there be no doubt about the policy of my country. Simply put, we support the right of Israel to exist in peace and dignity, and for its sovereign will as a state to be fully recognized and treated with respect."

In their response statements, the AJC President and Executive-Director expressed their sincere appreciation for the FSM's friendship and support of the State of Israel over the years at the UN. Other AJC members echoed similar sentiments.

They also complimented the President on the statement that he delivered yesterday at a high-level meeting at the UN in which he highlighted the real concerns of small and low-lying islands such as the FSM as a result of global warming. They suggested continued dialogue to identify possible areas of cooperation.

In his statement to the AJC, President Mori referred to the special relationship between the FSM and US under the Compact of Free Association, noting the Review that is to be conducted every after five years since the implementation of the Compact in 2003. The first Review will take place next year. The intention of the Review is to identify and examine the provisions of the treaty that may merit adjustment or improvement, taking into account the special needs of the FSM Government.

There was also exchange of preliminary ideas on the other areas of special needs identified by President Mori. These other areas of special needs for the FSM include renewable/alternate energy; improved or expanded telecommunication, including broadband connectivity and advanced information and communication technologies; food security through improvement in farming methods and crop production; special future assistance; and adequate system of safe or drinkable water especially in the rural areas and remote and low-lying islands.

There was concurrence among the participants in the meeting to continue the dialogue, which is needed to explore further how the issues identified by President Mori may be addressed.

In the evening of the opening day, President Mori attended a reception hosted by President and Mrs George W Bush. He was also invited to a state banquet hosted by the UN Secretary-General following the reception by the US President.