---

UNDP Resident Representative Visits the FSM

Palikir, POHNPEI (Department of Foreign Affairs): September 1, 2006 - Dr. Dictus visited with nine-member delegation comprised of UN specialist in various fields ranging from macro economics to human rights and disaster management. The Resident Representative for the newly established United Nations High Commissioners Office on Human Rights based in Suva, Mr. Paulo David, also accompanied Mr. Dictus as a member of the visiting delegation.

During the visit, Dr. Dictus called on President Urusemal and met with officials from the National Government as well as donor partners through the respective embassies. The UN specialists carried out consultations with the line departments and non-government organizations, also met with the banking institutions.

The outcome of the visit produced a draft Aide Memoire on possible areas of technical assistance and cooperation. Areas identified include the promotion of good governance and economic growth through small business development, tourism, export development, financial service expansion, and assistant toward the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. Issues such as environment, disaster management, and human rights were also addressed.

AS UN Resident Coordinator for the Pacific, Dr. Dictus also discussed the establishment of a UN Office in the FSM. According to Mr. Dictus, the UN's decision to put an Office in the FSM is a response to requests made by the FSM Government and other Northern Pacific countries through the respective Missions at the United Nations. The UN Office will be put in place before the end of the year.