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FSM Government meets with U.S. on Humanitarian Assistance - FSM (HAFSM)

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): July 7, 2003 - The officials of the FSM Government and the U.S. Government held a meeting on June 26, 2003, at the Pwohmaria Beach Resort to discuss the Humanitarian Assistance - FSM (HAFSM).

The HA-FSM is the replacement of the Civic Action Team as part of the changes under the amended compact signed on 14 May 2003.

In attendance from the FSM side were Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Secretary of Health, Education & Social Affairs, Secretary of Justice, Governor Ansito Walter, Governor Rensley Sigrah, Directors from Budget, Planning and Infrastructure Offices in the States. Designated representative from all the relevant Departments at the National Level were also in attendance.

In attendance from the U.S. side was Ambassador Larry Dinger, CDR Diane Watabayashi, LTC Frank Jordano, Maj Lana Laurino, Mr. Ron Winfrey, Master Chief Don Lynch, and staff from the U.S. Embassy and the Pohnpei CAT.

The meeting provided both sides the opportunity to discuss in detail the procedure and funding requirement for the new program.