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President Mori set direction for new administration

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): August 12, 2011 - At the Inauguration Celebration on July 29, President Manny Mori outlined the direction he will pursue during his second term of office.

In his Inaugural Address, the President itemized fifteen priority areas that his administration will focus on for the next four years. Among these are: progressive implementation of compact infrastructure projects, steady facilitation of private sector development, proactive engagement in climate change negotiations, reforms in government efficiency, further bolstering of long-term improvement in education and health, up-scaling of steady revenue generation, further harmonization of foreign investment regulations, etc.

Furthermore, the President appealed to "fellow citizens" to take part on an individual basis in the endeavor for all-around development by improving self-sufficiency, furthering education, embarking on business ventures and nurturing healthy life-style habits, among others.

The President also made direct appeal to the State governments to foster an open-door policy toward foreign investment, without which, according to the President, sustained economic growth would continue to be impaired.

As an important component of responsible governance, the President urged fellow leaders in the FSM to "lead by good example" and to "always do what is right, irrespective of the consequences to our own political careers".

Words of gratitude were directed to FSM citizens living abroad for their contributions to the economy through remittances and for keeping strong ties with their home country. Citizens abroad were reminded to be "good ambassadors", respecting rules and requirements of their communities.

The increased participation of Micronesians in the U.S. Armed Forces was raised with words of appreciation regarding the men and women, and their parents, in the military for their "sacrifice for world peace" - one for which some "have paid the ultimate price", according to the President.

President Mori acknowledged the presence of many Micronesian leaders and pledged that his administration will "work closely with (them) in areas of mutual interests including climate change, fisheries, environment, air transportation, trade and migration of FSM citizen".

The Joint-Inauguration Ceremony for the Executive Branch and Legislative Branch of the National Government was attended by Vice President Alik L. Alik and Mrs. Alik, Speaker Isaac V. Figir and Mrs. Figir, Members of the 17th FSM Congress, President Falcam, President Urusemal, all Governors of the FSM States, various other State leaders and their respective delegations, families and friends of the leaders, and some high raking traditional chiefs from Pohnpei and the other States. Members of the Diplomatic Corp in the FSM and Special Envoy Kikuta of Japan and Special Envoy Wang of the People's Republlic of China also witnessed the event.

Also in attendance were: President Johnson Toribiong of the Republic of Palau, President Jurelang Zedkaia of the Republic of Marshall Islands, Governor and Mrs. Fitial of the Commonwealth of Northern Marianas, Governor Calvo of the Territory of Guam, Speaker Won-Pat, Sen. Respicio, and Sen. Barnes of the Guam Legislature, Sen. English and Sen. Hee of the Hawaii State Legislature, a number of dignitaries from the region, representatives of the international agencies, as well as representatives of various foreign and local businesses.