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28^th SP Forum Cook Islands Sept. 15 to 22, 1997

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): June 17, 1997 - Preparations are underway for the scheduled 28^th South Pacific Forum in the Cook Islands from September 15^th to the 22^nd, 1997.

President Jacob Nena on June 9, 1997 extended an invitation to Kosrae Governor Moses Mackwelung to join the FSM delegation to the meeting but regretted that due to financial constraints, as in previous cases, the National Government is unable to absorb the costs of Mackwelung's participation.

The FSM delegation to be headed by President Nena will include First lady Lerina, Ambassador Alik and Mrs. Alik, Secretary Asterio Takesy, Assistant Lorin Robert both from the Department of External Affairs.

It is anticipated that the 28^th Forum meeting agenda will include discussions on recommendations on economic reform issues resulting from the Forum Economic Minister's meeting in Cairns, Australia, scheduled for July 11, 1997. FSM Delegation will be headed by President's nominee as Secretary of the Department of Resources and Development, Sebastian Anefal with his nominee as FSM Ambassador to Fiji, Alik Alik. The nominations of Alik Alik and Takesy are pending confirmation of Congress.

The selection of a new Secretary-General to replace Iremia Tabai whose term will be ending next year is also expected to be on the agenda as well as sustainable development issues, political and security issues, institutional and the host for the next South pacific Forum.

To date, Western Samoa has indicated that its current ambassador to the United Nations, Ambassador Slade, will be a candidate to fill the Forum Secretary-general post, according to Deputy Assistant Secretary, Department of External Affairs Kandhi Elieiser.