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President Mori greets new U.S. Ambassador to the FSM

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): February 12, 2010 - On Friday, February 5, 2010, President Mori accepted the letters of credence for the new U.S. Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia, H.E. Peter Alan Prahar in a presentation of credentials ceremony in the President's Conference Room in Palikir. Ambassador Prahar was accompanied by his wife, Amy Kit-Ling Choi Prahar.

After the presentation of credentials, Ambassador Prahar gave his remarks that focused on the special relationship that exists between the United States and the FSM and pledged that the U.S. Embassy in Pohnpei will be "more than a bridge between our two governments; it will also be a bridge between our peoples and societies." He recognized FSM's support of the U.S. armed forces through the participation of its citizens and confirmed the United States' willingness to defend the FSM against the threats posed by transnational crime, terrorism, and illegal fishing in its 1.3 million square mile Exclusive Economic Zone. Ambassador Prahar also recognized the threat that climate change poses to the FSM, especially the low-lying atolls, and stated that climate change is a priority issue of the Obama Administration to address, and that although FSM has not contributed to the problem, it will be one of the first to suffer the major impacts of climate change.

After the Ambassador's remarks, President Mori took the podium and began by welcoming the new Ambassador and stating that today marks an important milestone in our unique and special relations, explaining that it is unique because the United States is the only country in the world that allows FSM citizens to live, work, study, and even serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. The President gave his assurances that the FSM remains committed to the overarching objectives of the amended compact. He told the crowd gathered that "We (FSM) are mindful that much more is expected and needed to be in place that can serve to create an environment needed to stimulate economic activities." The President explained that reform is being pursued in a number of key sectoral areas such as in tax policies, foreign investment, and the right-sizing of governments. He also shared his hope that the implementation of the infrastructure sector grants in all the states will provide the boost much needed in the private sector.

President Mori told Ambassador Prahar that he is sure that during the Ambassador's tenure here in the FSM, that he will learn that the FSM-US relationship is much more than the generous funding assistance that FSM receives from the US government. He explained that "the movement of our peoples and the friendship that our citizens share in the fight against terrorism has contributed to a better appreciation of the values and principles of our relationship. It is in our interest that we continue to work together as partners. Only then can the U.S. assistance and investments be well placed."

Attending the credentialing ceremony were members of the President's Cabinet, members of the Pohnpei State Government, including Acting Governor Churchill Edwards, members of the diplomatic community, and the heads of the US Federal programs that are located in Pohnpei such as the Peace Corps, Farmers Home and USRDA.

According the U.S. Embassy in Kolonia, prior to joining the U.S. Department of State, Ambassador Prahar served as a linguist in the United States Air Force from 1971-1975 with assignments in South Korea and Taiwan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Political Science. A native of Oregon, he and his wife, Amy Kit-Ling Choi Prahar, married in 1977 when both were graduate students at International Christian University in Tokyo.