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Transportation Mission Dispatched to Chuuk and Yap

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): October 29, 2009 - A Mission has been dispatched from the FSM National Government to the States of Chuuk and Yap by President Manny Mori on October 25, 2009, that consists of Secretary Francis Itimai of the FSM Department of Transportation, Communication & Infrastructure, and two of his staffs; Principal Surveyor Mathias Mangmog, who is also the Acting Secretary of the Division of Marine Transportation, and Port Engineer Leo Lokopwe, the Assistant Principal Surveyor and in his current position as the Transportation System Development Branch Manager.

The first intention of this Mission is to meet with state counterparts on transportation issues and find ways to move forward on issues that include issuance of pilot licenses, re-validation or issuance of new licenses as required by FSM Code 19 for ships' Officers, and to discuss the vessels insurance scheme.

The second intention is to survey and inspect the M/V Hapilmogol 1 in Yap and M/V Chief Mailo in Chuuk and provide a full report to the President and to the Government of the People's Republic of China through the diplomatic channels on defects and needs for repair and dry-docking of both vessels.

The third part of the Mission is to discuss other pertinent matters which relate to projects administered under TC&I for the States.

The Mission will also be making visual inspection of the on-going airport project, the ARFF.

More information on this Mission will be made available once the trip report is made available.