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President Mori advocates FSM membership in the International Renewable Energy Agency

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): January 24, 2012 - A resolution submitted to Congress on January 19 seeks for approval of FSM's membership in the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), an international organization based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, with 149 signatories and 85 members.

According to the organization's website, www.irena.org, the mission for IRENA is to "promote the widespread and increased adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy", the website states.

In his letter to Speaker Isaac V. Figir, President Manny Mori underscores some potential benefits for FSM if membership in IRENA is accorded.

The President notes that IRENA will play a strong role in the development of renewable energy and eventually become "the leading international center of excellence" for such resource.

"FSM can also benefit from IRENA's promotion and sharing of information including those on best renewable energy practices, assistance in setting and guiding policies, transferring of technologies, capacity building through trainings and available scholarships, etc", the President states.

President Mori concludes his letter by saying that membership in IRENA "will contribute immensely to the on-going development efforts of the Nation".

IRENA's website indicates that eight (8) Oceania countries have obtained membership status including Australia, Fiji, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Samoa, and Tonga.