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U.S. Congressman from American Samoa Visits FSM

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): March 12, 2009 - U.S. Congressman, the Honorable Eni F.H. Faleomavaega from the territory of American Samoa paid a visit to the FSM on March 3, 2009 and stayed for a week. The primary reason for his visit was as a member of the East-West Center Observation Mission to observe the FSM Congressional two-year election and the state elections in Chuuk State. Congressman Faleomavaega joined Dr. Stivini Halapua and a team from the EAST-WEST Center to tour several polling places in Pohnpei State and observe the voting conditions of the polls on March 3, 2009; Election Day. A reception was held for Congressman Faleomavaega that night at the Cliff Rainbow Hotel where a traditional sakau ceremony was held, followed by remarks from Pohnpei State Governor, the Honorable John Esha, FSM Congressman, the Honorable Fredrico Primo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, the Honorable Lorin Robert, and finally Congressman Faleomavaega. The audio portion of Congressman Faleomavaega's remarks will be posted to the fsmpio website later this week for people to listen.

During his visit, Congressman Faleomavaega also held courtesy calls with Governor Ehsa, President Mori and members of the Cabinet, Speaker Figir and members of the 15^th FSM Congress, FSM Supreme Court Chief Justice, the Honorable Andon Amariach, Pohnpei State Speaker Nelson Philip and members of the Pohnpei State Legislature, and the US Ambassador to FSM. Congressman Faleomavaega also attended and spoke at the funeral mass of the Late PFC Cwislyn K. Walter, who was an FSM citizen in the US military, and attended the burial service on Friday, March 6^th.

Congressman Faleomavaega's social program included a dinner reception by the Samoan community in Pohnpei, a visit to the Nan Madol ruins , and other cultural sites in Pohnpei. He was accompanied by his Congressional Professional Staff, Mr. David Richmond, and left Pohnpei on Monday, March 9^th to fly back to Washington D.C. where he is a member of the US Congress and sits on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the House Committee on Natural Resources. Under the Committee of Foreign Affairs, Congressman Faleomavaega holds the Chairmanship of the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment and has broad oversight and jurisdiction over U.S. Foreign policy.