REPRESENTATIVE FALEOMAVAEGA'S VISIT HIGHLIGHTS COMPACT

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KOLONIA 000029 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR H EAP/ANP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OREP PGOV PREL EAID FM SUBJECT: REPRESENTATIVE FALEOMAVAEGA'S VISIT HIGHLIGHTS COMPACT ISSUES REF: A.) STATE 17694; B.) KOLONIA 28 ¶1. (U) Summary. Congressman Eni Faleomavaega came to Pohnpei March 3 to lead the election observation mission during national and state elections. Congressman Faleomavaega remained on the island an additional six days and met with a number of national, state and traditional leaders. During one briefing with the Ambassador, the Congressman indicated that Compact issues dominated his discussions with local officials. End Summary. ¶2. (U) National and state elections in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) took place on March 3 (ref B). The East-West Center conducted an election observation mission and Congressman Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, Representative of American Samoa, served as Head of Delegation. ¶3. (U) After the day of his arrival Embassy officers saw very little of the Congressman. Rep. Faleomavaega followed most of the extensive schedule prepared by post, but he and the Micronesians apparently preferred to meet on their own, perhaps to encourage a more open dialogue. During the week, in addition to visiting polling stations and attending receptions, the Congressman met with FSM President Emanuel Mori, Pohnpei State Governor John Ehsa, Cabinet Secretaries, national and state legislators, and officials associated with the Compact. MEETING WITH AMBASSADOR HUGHES ¶4. (SBU) Rep. Faleomavaega discussed his early impressions when he met with Ambassador Hughes on March 4, the second day of his visit. The Congressman noted that President Mori raised a number of issues regarding the Compact's implementation by the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) and the Joint Economic Management Committee (JEMCO). Apparently, the President believes OIA's criticism of the FSM's efforts implies that his government is corrupt and incompetent. The Congressman then advised President Mori, "Don't be so polite." When a problem exists the President must forcefully state his case to the upper levels of the U.S. executive branch, to President Obama or Secretary Clinton. Otherwise, the problems will fester and remain unresolved. The Congressman also wondered whether Compact administration more properly lies with USAID rather than Interior. ¶5. (SBU) Ambassador Hughes noted there are difficulties in fostering development in a far-flung island environment that is an emerging state of capacity. She agreed that there was room for improvement. She noted that the upcoming five-year Compact review might give the FSM a forum to air its grievances, and that the JEMCO members were open to discussion. ¶6. (SBU) Rep. Faleomavaega opined that the FSM lacks the ability to build its own infrastructure and create an educated professional class. Once the Compact expires (in the year 2024) he doubts the FSM has enough qualified people to run the country. He said he told President Mori that the FSM needs a whole "nucleus" of professionals, including health care providers. The FSM can not afford modern hospitals throughout the islands, so the Congressman believes resources should be concentrated on preventive health care. ¶7. (SBU) Rep. Faleomavaega seemed well aware of tensions between the national government and the states. The Congressman suggested President Mori could improve the relationship by talking to the state governors more often. However, regardless of the problems the states may have with the country's federalist structure, it is the national government that must take the lead in setting national policy. He urged President Mori to be more forceful in asserting the national government's prerogatives. ¶8. (SBU) Finally, the Congressman expressed his views on veterans services in the FSM. Many FSM citizens serve in the U.S. military, and Rep. Faleomavaega informed the Ambassador that he would act as an advocate on behalf of Micronesian active duty personnel. The Congressman also believes Veterans Affairs should transfer benefits files for Micronesians from Pittsburgh to the regional office in Hawaii to provide better service. CONGRESSMAN FALEOMAVAEGA PARTICIPATES IN MILITARY FUNERAL ¶9. (U) On February 19, a 19 year old soldier with Micronesian and American citizenship, SPC Cwislyn Walter, was killed in an auto accident in Kuwait. The family brought her remains back to Pohnpei for burial on March 5. Major General Vern Miyagi of Pacific Command led a contingent of Guam National Guardsmen who KOLONIA 00000029 002 OF 002 served as pallbearers and performed full military honors at SPC Walter's funeral. ¶10. (U) Rep. Faleomavaega played an important role in expressing the USG's appreciation and condolences to the family. He accompanied Ambassador Hughes out on the airport tarmac when Guardsmen transferred the casket from a C-17 to a waiting Embassy vehicle. He made sure that SPC Walter's parents rode to the memorial service in comfort by offering them seats in his van. He spoke at the memorial service and attended the burial the next day. [Note: additional reporting on the funeral will be provided septel. End note] CONCLUSION ¶11. (SBU) Rep. Faleomavaega is a true "rock star" for the Micronesians. As soon as his trip was announced, local officials and private citizens alike inundated post with requests to see the Congressman. While his schedule was booked solid for the entire week, post's lack of attendance at the Congressman's meetings precludes a full accounting of his activities. However, based on his meeting with Ambassador Hughes and on other discussions throughout his week-long stay, it's apparent that the Congressman heard a number of complaints regarding Compact implementation. Rep. Faleomavaega urged President Mori to assert the FSM's position more forcefully, both as a way to resolve the country's problems with the Compact and reinforce the national government's influence with the states. ¶12. (U) The text of this cable was cleared by Congressman Faleomavaega's staff. HUGHESMK