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FSM's Ratloilug and Samuel joins RAMSI operations

Palikir, POHNPEI (Department of Justice/FSM Information Service): February 10, 2006 - The Department of Justice has deployed members of its National Police Division to participate in the on-going Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) operations.

On February 2 2006, Investigator Kelly Samuel and Officer Andrew Ratloilug of the FSM National Police departed Pohnpei for Australia to undergo a one-month initial preparatory training after which they will depart for the Solomon Islands to participate in the on-going regional initiative, RAMSI.

The FSM Government ratified the RAMSI Agreement on January 27 2005, through Congressional Resolution No. 13-15 confirming its commitment to assist in the operation. The recent departure of Investigator Samuel and Officer Ratloilug of the FSM National Police is a testament to this commitment.

Chief of Police Pius Chotailug explains since the inception of this RAMSI, "the FSM Government had planned to participate in the operation to show its commitment to regional cooperation, solidarity and security."

The Chief added that, "the Division of National Police has wanted to participate in this regional initiative not only to offer assistance to our Pacific neighbors, but these experiences offers and establishes the valuable support services and cooperation much needed among the Pacific's law enforcement divisions and agencies."

Chief Chotailug says the deployment of Rotlailug and Samuel is FSM's first participation in a peacekeeping mission overseas and demonstrates the FSM's commitment to the actively engage in peacekeeping activities in the region.