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New US Ambassador Hughes Presents Credentials to FSM

Palikir, POHNPEI (FSM Information Services): September 12, 2007 - On September 11, 2007, United States Ambassador Miriam Hughes, officially presented to President Manny Mori, her credentials as the U.S. representative to the Federated States of Micronesia.

Ambassador Hughes succeeds former Ambassador Suzanne Hale who left the FSM in August to return to Washington D.C.

In a brief statement delivered during the credential ceremony, Ambassador Hughes congratulated President Mori on his recent election to the highest office in, what the Ambassador termed, "a strategically positioned island nation that is active on the world stage". Ambassador Hughes stated that, "In the short term since FSM achieved sovereignty, you have come a long way. We have all now entered a sensitive, new epoch - a sharp bend along a historic road. Today's challenges required that we move forward together, bearing in mind a keen perspective". Ambassador Hughes applauded the new administration's courageous leadership and determination toward "balanced economic growth, job creation and unified governance that is respectful of your rich cultural traditions. She indicated that the US has shined a spotlight on the Pacific region that unified governance that is respectful of rich cultural traditions. The amended compact of free association is a core vehicle that we will try to harness to better advantage and we will seek to build many other areas of cooperation that support our mutual objective. Ambassador Hughes gave special mention to the brave men and women of the FSM in the US Military Forces. "Among them are a daughter of President Mori and a son of Vice President Alik. We acknowledged with pride and gratitude the vital contribution of your children as well as others who have lost their lives while fighting side by side with other members of the U.S. Armed Services. America honors your sacrifices and shares your determination", she stated.

President Mori accepted Ambassador Hughes' Letters of Credence and welcomed her to the FSM. President Mori highlighted the FSM-US historical and unique relationship during the TTPI, the Compact of Free Association and today with the amended compact. "We have had our fair share of challenges and road bumps along the way. These challenges are what make our efforts worthwhile and bind us together to work collaboratively toward common goals. FSM and the United States of America aspire to the same values and principles of peace, security and the right to development and I look forward to working closely with you on these areas of mutual interests in the years to come."

President Mori concluded by assuring Ambassador Hughes that the FSM Government will, during your tenure, accord all necessary support and cooperation in order to make your stay in the FSM both rewarding and enjoyable.

Ambassador Hughes is originally from Manhattan, New York, with legal residence in Florida. Prior to being posted in the FSM, she was formerly the Deputy US Representative to the United Nations Economic and Social Council. She earned her bachelors degree from Colombia University and her Masters degree from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. She has one daughter.

Witnesses at the credential ceremony included, Vice President Alik Alik, Chief Justice Andon L. Amaraich, Pohnpei State Governor's Representative Estephan Santiago, members of the Diplomatic Corp and Consulars, members of the President's Cabinet and other officials from the national government.