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FSM Signs Implementing Agreement on Article X of the Amended Compact

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): June 29, 2009 - On Tuesday, June 22, 2009, Hon. Secretary Lorin Robert of the FSM Department of Foreign Affairs, signed the Implementing Agreement on Article X between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia. As witness to this signing was Mr. William Douglas, Charge d' Affaires of the Embassy of the United States of America, Mr. Bart Deemer, USAID Field Representative, Mr. Kevin Clark, FEMA Representative, Mrs. Jane Chigiyal, Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and members of the FSM Disaster Task Force.

In Secretary Robert's remarks, he stated that the signing of the Implementing Agreement will bring into force the last subsidiary agreement of the Amended Compact. He had hoped that the signing of the agreement could have moved faster, but the delay was necessary to ensure that the provisions in the Implementing Agreement of Article X can be practically implemented.

In conclusion, Secretary Robert emphasized how the new disaster relief and reconstruction arrangement requires the concerted effort and cooperation of the national and state governments in order to be successful.

For further information on this press release, please contact the FSM Department of Foreign Affairs, Subdivision of American Affairs at (691) 320-2613.