The launch of the website is part of SBOC’s effort to improve availability and access to the office’s key activities and work programs.  It is also to inform the public about critical issues and encourage transparency and accountability.  Once fully updated, the website will contain information and reports on statistical publications (census and surveys), social and economic development, information on budget, data on overseas development assistance and reports and data relating to the implementation of the Amended Compact.

Comments pertaining to the website  can be directed to the following email: itsupport@sboc.fm

Continental Micronesia Proposes Newly Packaged Flight Schedule for Yap
Press Release #0810-17
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
August 17, 2010
 
Palikir, Pohnpei: August 17, 2010 -  Pursuant to ongoing discussions and negotiations between the FSM Government Working Group and Continental Micronesia; Francis Itimai, Secretary of the Department of Transportation, Communication & Infrastructure, confirmed on August 11, a newly packaged flight schedule which will be offered by Continental for arrivals and departures, to and from Yap.

President Mori Attends 41st Pacific IslandsForum Leaders Meeting in Vanuatu
Press Release #0810-09
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
August 9, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei: August 11, 2010 -  The opening ceremony of the 41st Pacific Island Forum Meeting (the Forum) was held on August 4, 2010, at the Independence Garden’s Grand Stand of Port Vila in Vanuatu.  The ceremony was hosted by the Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Nipake Edward Natapei Tuta Fanua’ariki.  The Heads of State and Governments of the Cook Islands, FSM, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, RMI, Tonga and Vanuatu attended the ceremony.  Ministers represented Australia and Papua New Guinea. Samoa, the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu were represented by Special Envoys.  Representatives of New Caledonia and French Polynesia were also in attendance, their respective countries currently hold an associate member status with the Forum.

WHO Opens Country Liaison Office in Palikir
Press Release #0810-16
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
August 16, 2010
 
Palikir, Pohnpei: August 16, 2010 -  The World Health Organization (WHO) opened their new Country Liaison Office (CLO), within the Department of Health and Social Affairs (DHSA) offices, in Palikir, Pohnpei, on August 10, 2010.  This new WHO Office is the first one ever established by the organization to cover the North Pacific region; it will provide services for the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.  It is also the first new CLO created by the WHO in 30 years.  On that same day, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in conjunction with the DHSA, hosted an opening ceremony for the launch of the new CLO in Palikir, by unveiling the WHO’s new plaque located at the entrance of the DHSA offices. 

National Campus Begins Fall 2010 with Freshmen Orientation
Press Release #0810-14(COM-FSM PR-0810-01)
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
August 16, 2010

National Campus, Palikir:  186 new students attended the student orientation which started on August 2, 2010, at the FSM-China Friendship Sports Center. Faculty, staff and administrators were present during the orientation and were introduced to the new students.In his welcoming remarks, COM-FSM President, Spensin James, welcomed the new students and pointed out some measures the college is putting in place to reflect the college’s current accreditation situation.
The college invited FSM Assistant Attorney General, Ms. Lorie Johnson-Asher, to speak to the new students as the keynote speaker. In her speech, she encouraged the students to explore the broad boundaries of college life and work hard on their studies to become what they want to be.  

College Job Audit Passes Stages 1 and 2
Press Release #0810-13(COM-FSM PR-0810-02)
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
August 16, 2010

COM-FSM National Campus, August 11, 2010 – The College of Micronesia-FSM received the preliminary communications relating to its ongoing Job Audit/Compensation & Benefit study on July 26, 2010.  The study is being conducted by Alan Searle of Alan Searle & Associates Limited who submitted an executive summary of the first two stages of the study to COM-FSM President, Mr. Spensin James.

Twenty Students Graduate from Kosrae Campus
Press Release #0810-15(COM-FSM PR-0710-04)
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
August 16, 2010
Kolonia, Pohnpei (COM):  August 16, 2010 -  Twenty students participated in the graduation ceremony held at COM-FSM Kosrae Campus last July 22, 2010. Regent Lyndon Cornelius conferred the certificate of achievements and degrees to the graduates who completed their studies by the fall 2009, spring 2010 and summer 2010 sessions.

The name of the graduates and their degrees are as follows:
Certificate of Achievement in Carpentry
Robert Tulensru.
Certificate of Achievement in Agriculture and Food Technology
Roland George, Norman Jonithan Jr. and Benjamin Neth.

President Mori Signs Partnership for Development Agreement with Australia
Press Release #0810-12
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
August 13, 2010
Palikir, Pohnpei: August 13, 2010 -  On August 4, 2010, while in Vanuatu, attending the 41st Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Vanuatu, President Mori signed a Partnership for Development Agreement with the Government of Australia.

FSM attends 22nd Post Forum Dialogue Partners Meeting in Vanuatu
Press Release #0810-10
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
August 11, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei: August 11, 2010 -  On August 5, 2010, the day after the opening ceremony and the plenary session of the 41st Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, the Leaders held their Retreat at the Havanah Resort at Samoa Point, in Vanuatu.  At the Retreat, the Leaders discussed, amongst other things, the following key topics: accelerating progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), promoting more effective coordination and implementation of climate change adaptation and mitigation actions, facilitating access to the Japanese Pacific Environment Community Fund, the status of the implementation of the Cairns Compact and Fisheries. The outcome statement of the retreat is summarized in the Forum Communique which can be viewed in full on the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat website at www.forumsec.org, under Press Statements. 

President Mori Participates in Bilateral Meetings with the US, China and Korea
Press Release #0810-11
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
August 11, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei: August 11, 2010 -  During the afternoon of the 22nd Post Forum Dialogue Partners Meeting, held at Le Lagon Resort, Vanuatu, on August 6, 2010, President Mori took the opportunity to meet with counter-parts in a series of Bilateral Meetings.  Mori, accompanied by his delegation comprised of Lorin Robert, Foreign Affairs Secretary, Gillian Doone, SBOC Assistant Director, Samson Pretrick, FSM Ambassador to Fiji, and Judy Mahan, Special Assistant to the President, first met with the US Delegation, headed by Kurt Campbell, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs.  Campbell informed Mori that the US would actively seek ways to ensure FSM’s active involvement in the Guam Build-Up.  Alongside this, Campbell also offered to create military training sites in the FSM in coordination with relevant US agencies.  Mori told Campbell he was extremely pleased that the US was considering the FSM for location of military training sites, an opportunity to further strengthen the FSM’s relationship with the US.

Pacific ACP Leaders Meet in Port Vila
Press Release #0810-07
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
August 10, 2010

Port Vila, Vanuatu: August 9, 2010 – On August 3, 2010, the Leaders from the Pacific section of the African, Caribbean, Pacific (PACP) countries held their 8th summit meeting at Le Lagon Resort, in Port Vila, Vanuatu.  The PACP countries include the Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Niue, Nauru, the Republic of Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, Tuvalu, Tonga and Vanuatu. FSM was represented by Lorin Robert, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Samson Pretrick, FSM Ambassador to Fiji and Gillian Doone, Assistant Director of the Office of SBOC.  The meeting was chaired by the Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Edward Nipake Natapei.

Ambassador Akillino H. Susaia Presents Credentials to President HU Jintao
Press Release #0810-08
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
August 10, 2010

August 10, 2010 (FSM Embassy, Beijing): On July 30, 2010 at 10:00 am, His Excellency Ambassador Akillino Harris Susaia presented his credentials to His Excellency Hu Jintao, President of the People’s Republic of China in an official ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China.

After accepting the credentials, President Hu escorted Ambassador Susaia to a meeting room in the Great Hall of the People where the two had a conversation. President Hu Jintao welcomed Ambassador Susaia to China and congratulated him for his appointment and for being the first resident Ambassador of the Federated States of Micronesia to China. President Hu Jintao noted Ambassador Susaia’s prior experience as a cabinet official in the FSM National Government and said he believes this experience will be valuable to both the FSM and China. President Hu also encouraged the Ambassador to work closely with all the relevant Ministries of his Government to provide the needed coordination and assistance on how the relationship between the FSM and China can be effectively implemented and sustained.

The 7th Micronesian Games Open in Palau
Press Release #0810-01
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
August 3, 2010

Koror, Palau: August 2, 2010 -  The Opening Ceremony for the 7th Micronesian Games was held on Sunday August 1, 2010, at 5PM at the Palau Track and Field.  The ceremony showcased a parade of athletes, delegations, and game officials with their flags from ten island nations of Micronesia: the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Pohnpei, Chuuk, Kosrae, Yap, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianna Islands, Guam, Kiribati, Nauru and the host country Palau.

More than 1,000 competitors are participating in the games covering 14 sporting events.  These cover the classic sports of athletics, baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, swimming, triathlon, weightlifting, wrestling, table tennis and tennis; but also the more traditional sports of outrigger canoeing, spear-fishing and the “Micro All Around” which involves climbing coconut trees, husking coconuts, grating them and diving.

Official Designation of World Health Organization Country Liaison Office for the Republic of Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, and Republic of the Marshall Islands
Press Release #0810-05
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
August 4, 2010

(FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs) - The Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO), Dr. Shin Young-soo, will be visiting Pohnpei, FSM, from August 9th to the 11th, to formally designate the new WHO Country Liaison Office (CLO) for the Republic of Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, and Republic of the Marshall Islands.  Dr. Young-soo will be accompanied by Dr. Chen Ken, the WHO Representative for the South Pacific.

MICRONESIAN TRADE MINISTERS MEETING
Press Release #0810-06
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
August 4, 2010

President Come Together as One United Voice at 10th Micronesian Presidents' Summit
Press Release #0710-29
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
August 2, 2010

“Our countries cannot take actions in isolation; if we do, we will only be halfway effective,” said Mori in his opening remarks.  “We need to work together diligently as a group to influence and resolve the urgent challenges which we face.  Together we can build economies of scale, we can share information, we can provide for our countries.  Multilateral cooperation can allow us to expand potential markets, grow our exports and create new jobs.  That is what our people deserve and I hope this summit will help generate a healthy debate to tackle these challenges.”

President Mori Welcomes Assistant Secretary Babauta to the FSM
Press Release #0710-34
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
August 3, 2010

On July 26th, President Mori, along with Vice-President Alik, and various members of his cabinet, received and welcomed a meeting with the Assistant Secretary of the Department of Interior for Insular Affairs, Mr. Anthony M. Babauta.
Mr. Babauta is visiting the FSM for the first time in his capacity as the Assistant Secretary of the Department of Interior. The primary purpose of the visit is to undertake general discussions with the FSM leadership on the overall economic relationship between the Federated States of Micronesia and the United States of America, as well as, to discuss the ongoing process, challenges and successes, associated with compact project implementation. After Pohnpei, Mr. Babauta will also be visiting Chuuk State to undertake visits to Compact project sites. He will be accompanied by Mr. Nikolao Pula, Director of the Office of Insular Affairs, and two advisors from the Department of Interior.

National women’s conference in Kosrae adopts gender based resolutions
Press Release #0710-33
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
August 3, 2010

TOFOL, KOSRAE.  The 2010 Federated States of Micronesia Women Conference gathered women from across the nation in Kosrae from July 12-16, to discuss gender issues under the banner “harmonizing gender roles to make a difference” and adopted three gender based resolutions.

 FSM Embassy Launches its Official Website
 August 2, 2010, (FSM Embassy, Beijing) In efforts to further promote the FSM in China, and to keep FSM citizens at home and abroad abreast on the activities of the FSM Embassy in Beijing, the Embassy is pleased to report that it has launched its official website which can be accessed at www.fsmembassy.cn

The Embassy Website is in its early stages and will be updated periodically. It is the Embassy’s hope that this tool can be used to further bridge our two shores closer to each other and to provide necessary information to both the Chinese and FSM Nationals.

For further information, contact the FSM Embassy in Beijing at Ph: (86)1065324708 or e-mail address: embassy@fsmembassy.cn

 Ambassador Susaia Meets with China Education Association for International Exchange

Press Release #0810-02
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
August 3, 2010

 July 22, 2010 (FSM Embassy, Beijing) To further promote the bilateral relation between the Federated States of Micronesia and China, His Excellency Ambassador Akillino H. Susaia met with Mr Lin Zuoping, Deputy Secretary-General of the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE) and his staff at the New Otani Hotel to discuss possible cooperation with the FSM.

 Four FSM Students Completed Studies in China
 Press Release #0810-03
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
August 3, 2010

August 2, 2010 (FSM Embassy, Beijing) The FSM Embassy is pleased to announce that the following students Mr. Francis Anefal, Ms. Philomina Abraham, Ms. Melyda George and Ms. Cheryl Killion have completed their study in China under the terms of their scholarships provided by the Chinese Government.

 FSM Participates in 2010 Shanghai World Expo

Press Release #0810-04
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
August 3, 2010

August 2, 2010 (FSM Embassy, Beijing) Under the leadership of the Commissioner General, Mr. Marion Henry and coordination of Mr. Bermance Aldis of the Tourism Unit of the Department of Resources and Development (R&D), the Embassy is pleased to report that since the opening on May 2010 and until the scheduled conclusion on October 31, 2010, the FSM booth at the Shanghai World Expo is being manned by Mr. Michael Buchun of Yap, Mr. Petewon Betwell of Chuuk, Mr. Larry Ittu of Kosrae, and Mr. Tang Huiyong a native of China who use to work in Palikir with the Department of Economic Affairs under an FAO scheme

The overall Expo theme is “Better Cities, Better Life”. In support of the Expo theme, the Pacific Pavilion which hosts exhibitions from the FSM, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Palau, Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Marshall Islands, Nauru and Niue as well as the South Pacific Tourism Organization and the Pacific Islands Forum, has portrayed the theme “Pacific, an Inspiration for Better Cities.” The FSM, has chosen the theme of “FSM Traditional Knowledge, A Foundation for Better Cities.” The purpose of the FSM theme is to support the Pacific and Expo themes, but more importantly to select a theme that is encompassing of all that the FSM can share with the world community. Under this theme, the FSM is showcasing its traditional navigational skills, the architecture of the Nan Madol and Lelu Ruins, food preservation skills such as the Chuukese “kon”, the Pohnpei “mahr” and the Kosraen “fava”. In addition, it showcases a stable currency through the Yap stone money. Other exhibitory items being portrayed include wooden carvings and handicrafts from all four states, a canoe from Yap and pepper, coconut oil, noni tea, and other traditional products.

Missing Pohnpeian Fisherman Drifts to Shore in Palau
Press Release #0710-32
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
August 2, 2010

Koror, Palau: August 2, 2010 -  On the morning of August 1, 2010, President Mori received a phone call from Pohnpei Director of Public Safety, Lucas Carlos, informing him that a fisherman claiming to be from Pohnpei had been found on a reef a few miles out from Koror.  Carlos explained the fisherman was receiving medical care at the Belau National Hospital in Palau.  The facts revealed that Joseph Murphy Simeon, born on December 28, 1965, from Pohnpei, had encountered engine difficulties with his boat when he went out fishing one day during the first week of May 2010.  His boat drifted across the Pacific Ocean for over two months before finally landing on the Palauan reef.

Mori and his staff, met with Simeon at the hospital.  Simeon was dehydrated, sunburned and extremely emaciated.  He told the President he had survived by drinking rain water and eating birds, or the occasional fish.  Mori expressed his thankfulness that Simeon had finally been found, a miracle after so many months at sea; in parting, he personally assisted Simeon with the financial means to purchase clothing, toiletries and hotel accommodation in Palau. 

President Mori Meets Assistant Secretary Anthony Babauta of Guam
Press Release #0710-31
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
July 28, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services; July 26, 2010) – On July 26, 2010, President Emanuel Mori met in Palikir with Assistant Secretary Anthony M. Babauta from the US Department of Interior.  Mori welcomed Babauta and his delegation, and personally congratulated him in assuming the helm of the Office of Insular Area Office.  He indicated that the Secretary’s personal experience with the FSM and Micronesia region gives him an excellent insight into the challenges facing FSM  regarding the implementation of the amended Compact.  He also expressed his gratitude for the strong and successful relations between our two peoples, which began 60 years ago, and emphasized the need for a renewed partnership,  underscoring the success in the fight against terrorism and for the effective implementation of the amended Compact, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development, institutional reform, energy, and investment to develop the tourism industry and spur much productivity growth in the private sector of the economy. 

QUESTIONS TO PRESIDENT MORI FROM HIGHER ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM STUDENTS
Press Release #0710-30
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
July 28, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei: July 29, 2010 -  “How do I become President?” asked one of the 60 students from the Higher Achievement Program (HAP) of Pohnpei, to President Mori on July 23, during an impromptu gathering in Palikir.  “The most important thing you can do is obtain a good education and be a good person; that is the only way you can become a President,” said Mori.  “And then you have to have sakau, money and pigs,” he joked.  The children laughed, but understood the message of what lies ahead.HAP is a 6 week summer program run by Xavier High School (XHS) staff and volunteers at Pohnpei Catholic School.  HAP takes the top two students going into 8th grade from each elementary school in Pohnpei and aims to put students ahead in their classes to prepare them to take the XHS entrance exam at the end of their 8th grade year, in hopes that some of the students will attend XHS.  

5 Year Amended Compact Review is Under Way
Press Release #0710-28
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
July 29, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei: July 29, 2010 -  On July 23, 2010, the Compact Review Committee (the “CRC”), headed by Fabian Nimea, Director of the Office of SBOC, gave an informal presentation to President Mori, Vice President Alik, and all Cabinet members, regarding the status of the 5-Year Compact Review. 

Press Release #0710-20
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
July 15, 2010

 Palikir, Pohnpei: July 16, 2010 -  On July 13, after a brief visit in Chuuk, Deputy Secretary General Liu Xiao Jie of the People’s Government of Guangdong Province, PRC, and his delegation, were welcomed to the FSM Capitol by President Mori.

Mori thanked Jie and his delegation for their visit.  He explained that the FSM had the potential for small scale industries, but primarily needs to focus on the development of its tourism.  Mori underlined that in order to be able to welcome tourists, the FSM needs to strengthen its infrastructure; he expressed his hope that Guangdong Province will be able to assist the FSM in such matters.

National Government Releases Chuuk CIP Funds to Moch Municipality
Press Release #0710-25
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
July 20, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei: July 23, 2010 -  On July 22, the National Department of Finance (the “Department of Finance”), as a result of a Presidential Order issued by President Mori back in January 2010, approved the wire transfer of  $37,481 to Moch Municipality in Chuuk.  Moch is the first of 27 Chuuk municipalities who will be receiving funds directly from the National Government, as part of an attempt to ensure proper disbursement of the remaining balance of Compact I Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Funds owed to these municipalities. 

Kosrae on the World Environment Map
Press Release #0710-26
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
July 23, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei (UNDP,  by  Mari Moertvedt): July 23, 2010 -   “The project is very simple and easily replicable in other islands. It just needs a management who strongly believes in sustainable development,” says Maria Stephens, who as the logistic coordinator in the Kosrae Recycling Project, was recently nominated for the “Energy Globe World Award” in Rwanda.

Master Navigator “Mau” Piailug Dies on July 12, 2010
Press Release #0710-27
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
July 23, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei: July 23, 2010 -  Master Navigator Piailug died on July 12, 2010, at 6:30pm on his home island of Satawal, Yap State; he was 78 years old.  Mau Piailug’s passion was ocean seafaring and way-finding; he inspired and taught his own people and many other Pacific Islanders his talents, skills and knowledge in the art of ocean voyaging. 

Telecommunications Team from The World Bank Visits FSM and Meets with President Mori
Press Release #0710-23
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
July 20, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei: July 20, 2010 -  On the morning of July 16, 2010, President Mori met with two representatives from The World Bank: Natasha Beschorner, Senior ICT Policy Specialist, and Douglas Webb, Telecommunications Regulatory Specialist.  During this meeting Mori emphasized to The World Bank telecommunications team that his Administration’s two key priorities in telecommunications are: (i) the need to open up competition, and (ii) the need to connect Chuuk, Kosrae and Yap, to the submarine fiber-optic cable for internet connection.

NORMA Executive Director Dies on July 7, 2010
Press Release #0710-24
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
July 20, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei: July 20, 2010 -  Bernard Thoulag, Executive Director of the National Oceanic Resource Management Authority (NORMA), died unexpectedly on July 7, 2010.  Thoulag had arrived in PNG on that same day to attend the Sixth Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries (FFA) Committee Ministerial Meeting.

Thoulag, the son of Joseph and Teila Hasedal, was born on March 27, 1951, on the island of Mogmog in Ulithi Atoll, an outer island of Yap State.  He attended Xavier High School (XHS) in Chuuk, graduated in 1970, and then attended Chaminade University of Hawaii.  Upon graduating from university, Thoulag returned to Ulithi to teach at the Outer Island High School, where he later became the first Micronesian Principal.  In 1985, he began his career with the FSM National Government, as a Foreign Service Officer of the FSM Department of External Affairs.

Medical College Approved for Chuuk
Press Release #0710-22 
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
July 16, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei (NDOE): July 16, 2010 - On July 10, 2010, Education Secretary Casiano Shoniber endorsed the charter document for the creation of “The New Tokyo Medical College” (the “Medical College”) in the FSM.  The Medical College is set to be headquartered on Weno, Chuuk State, with extensions in all four FSM States.  The first charter class will start on January 24, 2011, at the Pohnpei extension; negotiations regarding the Pohnpei campus location are currently under way. 

One Million Dollar Grant Transferred from China to FSM Trust Fund
Press Release #0710-21
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
July 16, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei: July 16, 2010 -  On July 16, Charge D’Affaires of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Qin Jian, and Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Lorin Robert, executed a Hand-Over Certificate confirming that $1 Million had been transferred by the Government of the People’s Republic of China to the FSM (non-Compact) Trust Fund in June 2010.

Press Release #0610-26
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
June 21, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei: June 18, 2010.  On June 18, 2010, President Mori met with Phil Bowen, Executive Director of Asia Development Bank (ADB), and Sally Pedersen, ADB Specialist. Mori expressed to Bowen, the FSM Government’s gratitude for the renewed relationship between FSM and ADB.  Mori then brought attention to FSM’s interest in receiving expert advice from ADB for investments in both the public and private sector. 

Team Kosrae Wins National Law Day Debateat the FSM Supreme Court
Press Release #0710-18
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
July 13, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei: July 13, 2010 -  On July 12, 2010, in honor of the 2010 National Law Day, the four 2010 FSM State Champion High School Debate Teams, took their seats at the FSM Supreme Court to debate for and against the following proposition: “BE IT RESOLVED that in the best interest of securing the greatest possible benefit for the people of the FSM from the natural resources within the FSM Exclusive Economic Zone, all foreign fishing, and all fishing by entities in which non FSM citizens own greater than a 49% interest, shall be prohibited by law."

Bank of FSM Pays Annual Dividend to National Government
Press Release #0710-08
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
July 15, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei: July 15, 2010 -   On June 30, 2010, the Bank of FSM issued a check in the amount of $197,511.44 to the FSM National Government, representing the Bank’s 2010 Annual Dividend payment to National Government, principal shareholder of the Bank of FSM.

Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency Members Agree on Priorities for Management and Control of Fishing
Press Release #0710-19 (Forum Fisheries Agency) 
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
July 15, 2010
 
Madang, Papua New Guinea: July 15, 2010 -  The Sixth Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries (FFA) Committee Ministerial Meeting, which took place on July 7-8 in PNG, agreed on several strategic priorities for management and control of fishing.  Australia, the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of Marshall Islands, New Zealand, Niue, the Republic of Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, the Kingdom of Tonga and Tuvalu were represented at Ministerial level; FSM and three other members were represented by Senior Officials, at the meeting.

New Public Law Creates Insurance Board and Another Covers College Scholarships for Qualified High School Valedictorians
Press Release #0710-15
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
July 8, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei: July 8, 2010 -  On June 29, 2010, Congressional Acts No. 16-38 and 16-40 were signed into law by President Mori.  Congressional Act No. 16-38, becoming Public Law No. 16-38, separates the functions of the Insurance Board from the Banking Board; pursuant to this law, the banking and insurance industries will be clearly regulated separately.  President Mori will be appointing three members to the newly-created Insurance Board. 

FSM Meets the June 30th Single Audit Deadline Again
Press Release #0710-16 (FSM National Public Auditor #: 2010-06)
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
July 12, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei (Office of the FSM National Public Auditor): July 12, 2010 -  The Office of the National Public Auditor announces the FSM met the June 30th Single Audit deadline again for the fiscal year 2009. The FSM single audit reports were uploaded to the US Audit Clearinghouse prior to the deadline, of June 30th Midnight ET (Eastern Time) or Washington D.C. time. Compliance with the U.S. Single Audit Act is a requirement of the Compact of Free Association (Compact). The Compact requires the annual audits as a   condition for receiving funds under US Federal grant programs. The audit fees are funded by both the FSM and the US.

Unqualified Opinion on Audit Report for the FSM National Government
Press Release #0710-14
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
July 12, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei: July 12, 2010 -  The FSM National Government joins the Pohnpei, Kosrae and Yap State Governments in obtaining an unqualified audit report for Fiscal Year 2009. 

Audit of Solid Waste Management of Pohnpei State Released
Press Release #0710-17 (FSM National Public Auditor)
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
July 12, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei (Office of the FSM National Public Auditor): July 12, 2010 -  The Office of the National Public Auditor (ONPA) and the Pohnpei State Office of the Public Auditor announce the release of Audit Report No. 2010-08 entitled Audit of Solid Waste Management of Pohnpei State.  The audit was conducted as part of a project facilitated by the Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI) that included audits of solid waste management practices of ten participating member nations.

Communication Technology to Assist Livelihoods of Pacific Communities
Press Release #0710-13 (Department of Transport, Communication & Infrastructure)
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
July 7, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei (Department of Transport, Communication & Infrastructure): July 7, 2010 -  Making ICT affordable and more accessible to Pacific communities, especially those living in rural communities, isolated areas and outer islands, was a key message at the recent Pacific Regional Information and Communication Technology (ICT) meetings in Tonga.  Chief executive officers, directors and senior government officials from 20 Pacific countries and territories met in Tonga from June 16-17, followed by the Ministers’ Meeting on June 18th.

Two Million US Dollars of Revenue Reported by the Department of Finance
Press Release #0710-09
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
July 7, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei: July 7, 2010 -  A report issued by the FSM Department of Finance and Administration (the “Department of Finance”) indicates that for the period from 2005, to May 25, 2010, a total of approximately U.S. $2,000,000.00 of corporate income taxes has been collected by the Department of Finance from 14 Major Corporations registered with the FSM Registrar. 

NDOE Staff Undergoes Intensive Training on Project Reporting
Press Release #0710-12 (National Department of Education – Wehns Billen)
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
July 7, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei (National Department of Education): July 7, 2010 -  On July 5, 2010, at the NDOE Office, in the Kolonia Amcres Building, seven NDOE staff members attended a Project Reporting Training Session, conducted by Dr. Kyaw Soe of Pacific Resource in Education and Learning (PREL). Dr. Soe was awarded the contract to provide training on a basic project reporting format that could give the staff  guidelines for the preparation of their reports on the NDOE major program activities, including the National School Accreditation System.

Kosrean Students Going Robotics
Press Release #0710-11 (National Department of Education, by Kevin Walsh)
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
July 7, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei (National Department of Education): July 7, 2010 -  High School students in Kosrae have been enjoying the opportunity to build and operate their own robots in an extra-curricular activity organized by the Department of Education.

State Departments of Education Publish Books In State Languages for Kindergartners and First Graders

Press Release #0610-36
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
July 5, 2010

Kosrae, FSM: July 5, 2010.  In the Fall of 2010, the kinder and first grade classrooms of all public schools in the FSM will receive their first sets of hardback bilingual alphabet books, written in both their State language and English.  After a 12 month process of designing, translating, financing and publishing, the books are being shipped from the printing company based in Hong Kong directly to each State Department of Education (DOE) in the FSM.These school books, available in Chuukese, Pohnpeian, Kosraean, Yapese, Satawalese, Woleaian and Ulithian, are the result of team-work between the State DOEs and volunteers from Island Research and Education Initiative (IREI), a non-profit organization based in Pohnpei.  IREI volunteers provided most of the art and design work, while the State DOEs called upon their state language experts to do the translation work and used their respective sector education grants to pay for the printing and shipping costs.

Conference on Domestic Violence in Chuuk Supported by the US National District Attorneys Association

Press Release #0710-10 (Media Release No. 29-2010 Embassy of the USA Kolonia)
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
July 6, 2010

Kolonia, Pohnpei (US Embassy): July 6, 2010 -  On June 24-26, the U.S. National District Attorneys Association (NDAA) conducted a conference titled “Domestic Violence and its Impact on our Community” at the Truk Stop Hotel in Weno, Chuuk. Sponsored by the Chuuk State Attorney General’s Office through the U.S. Compact of Free Association, the three-day training included participants from Chuuk State Departments of Public Safety, Health, Legal Services, the religious sector, Chuuk Women’s Council, and other interested community groups.


FSM Teachers Get a Boost in Teaching Math and WritingAt Micronesia Teachers’ Education Conference 2010
Press Release #0610-35
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
July 5, 2010

Kosrae, FSM: July 5, 2010.  From June 28th to July 2nd, over a hundred teachers from across the FSM met in Kosrae to attend the Micronesia Teachers’ Educations Conference (the “Conference”).  The Conference focused on providing teacher training to bridge the gaps found in teaching writing, geometry and problem solving to students in K-12.  On the first day of the conference, Spencin James, President of the College of Micronesia-FSM (COM), and Jimmy Hicks, COM Director of Research and Planning, explained that the entrance test results of students applying for COM, the COMET, showed particular weaknesses in writing and math.  These same weaknesses were spotlighted in the results from the FSM National Standardized Tests for Students (NST) and the National Standardized Tests for Teachers. 

PMU Launches Bidding Process for Three New Schools in Pohnpei

Press Release #0610-32
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
June 25, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei: June 25, 2010.  On June 24, 2010, the FSM Program Management Unit (PMU) held a pre-bidding meeting with 8 local construction companies, 2 local insurance companies, representatives from Pohnpei State Government, and the Principals from the Nett, Saladak and Sapwalap schools.  The Project range is from $1 to $5 Million.  PMU presented their bidding instructions for the construction of one new school in each of these municipalities.

New JICA Volunteers Dispatched to the Federated States of Micronesia

Press Release #0710-03
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
July 2, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei (JICA): July 2, 2010.  JICA Micronesia has welcomed four new members of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) and one Senior Volunteer (SV) into the Federated States of Micronesia, mainly for Kosrae, Pohnpei and Yap.

COM-FSM Receives Desktop Computers from US Department of Agriculture 

Press Release #0710-04 (COM-FSM #0710-01)
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
July 2, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei (COM-FSM): July 2, 2010.  The United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Recourses Conservation Services (USDA NCRS), in cooperation with the United States Embassy in the FSM, donated desktop computers to COM-FSM National Campus Agriculture Division on July 1, 2010.

SOIL SURVEYS OF MAJOR ISLANDS OF F.S.M. COMPLETED BY USDA-NRCS

Press Release #0710-05
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
July 2, 2010

Kolonia, Pohnpei (US Embassy): July 2, 2010.  The United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) completed separate soil surveys for the major islands in all four states of the Federated States of Micronesia. Donated to the people and national and state governments of the FSM by the United States of America, the work to complete the soil surveys cost in excess of $400,000.

2010 FSM National Law Day

Press Release #0710-06
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
July 2, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Supreme Court): July 2, 2010.  The FSM National Law Day is one of the FSM Supreme Court’s annually sponsored programs that features high school students representing the states of Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei and Yap in debates on issues of national significance. 

FSM Association of Chief State School Officers Finds Solutions to Remedy Audit’s Non-Compliance Findings
Press Release #0610-34
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
June 29, 2010

Kosrae, FSM: June 29, 2010.   The FSM Association of Chief State School Officers (FACSSO) met twice during the 2010 Micronesia Teachers Education Conference being held in Kosrae from June 29 to July 2, to discuss the job and management audit of the State Departments of Education (DOE) and the FSM National DOE.

FSM Delegation Attends Pacific Regional Workshop on Aid Effectiveness

Press Release #0710-07
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
July 2, 2010

Suva, Fiji (FSM Embassy): July 2, 2010 -  A delegation from FSM, comprising of Mr. Kandhi Elieisar, Assistant Secretary, FSM Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Gillian Doone, Assistant Director, Office of SBOC and Mr. Samson Pretrick, Ambassador, FSM Embassy in Suva, attended the Pacific Regional Workshop on Aid Effectiveness (PRWAE) in Nadi, Fiji from June 21-23. 

Amato Elymore Dies on June 20, 2010
Press Release #0610-30
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
June 25, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei : June 25, 2010.  On June 23, 2010, family members, friends and colleagues gathered at the Elymore residence to pay tribute to Amato Elymore who passed away in his sleep at Pohnpei State Hospital on June 20, 2010.

FSM Agencies Come Together to Apply for Grant for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention
Press Release #0610-29
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
June 24, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei : June 22, 2010.  For one week, from June 14-18, representatives of the following programs and departments: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Program (SAMH), Department of Public Health, Department of Public Safety, State Epidemiological Outcomes Workgroup (SEOW) and National Advisory Council for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, came from across the Nation to Pohnpei, to work together for the application of a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

FSM Banking and Insurance Board Holds First Quarter Meeting
Press Release #0610-31
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
June 24, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei : June 24, 2010.  Under the leadership of President Mori’s Administration, the FSM Banking and Insurance Board (the “Board”) held its 1st quarter meeting which began in Yap on June 10 and ended in Chuuk on June 17, 2010.  The Board held discussions and organized public education sessions with the leadership and other stakeholders on the legal and regulatory framework for insurance and banking businesses; as well as undertook supervisory activities during the visits. The Board, comprising of Chairman Narruhn, Reed Oliver, and Joseph Habuchmai visited the States with two Commissioners and a legal counsel from the FSM Department of Justice.

ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK SPONSORS CHUUK COMMUNITY CONSULTATION PROGRAM
Press Release #0610-23
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
June 24, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei: June 24, 2010.  The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the FSM government,  have been working together to develop community consultation programs in Chuuk as a result of a Technical Assistance Agreement entered into late in 2008, to support Public Sector Reform in Chuuk. 

Geneva, Switzerland, June 21, 2010 – For the fourth year in a row, the small island state of Micronesia (FSM) has taken the lead to combat climate change by fighting to phase down the production and use of HFCs under the Montreal Protocol ozone treaty.  Phasing down these super greenhouse gases could lead to over 200 billion tonnes of CO2-equivalent in mitigation by 2050, according to calculations by Dr. Guus Velders of The Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency based on a paper published last year in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (see graph). 

COLLEGE PUTS ON “AGRICULTURE IS MORE THAN FARMING” 2010
Press Release #0610-27 (COM: #0610-04)
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
June 22, 2010
Kolonia, Pohnpei (College of Micronesia): June 22, 2010.  The College’s Instructional Affairs department in collaboration with the Cooperative Research and Extension department, just completed a 5-day Agriculture summer program with the theme “Agriculture is More Than Farming.”

President Mori Meets Ambassador-designate Robert Kawaii of New Zealand
Press Release #0610-16
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
June 15, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei: June 14, 2010 – On the morning of June 14, 2010, President Mori met with Ambassador-designate Robert Kaiwai of New Zealand to officially receive Kaiwai’s letters of credence. 
A letter of credence is an official letter sent by one head of state to another head of state that formally grants diplomatic accreditation to a named individual to be their ambassador in the country of the head of state receiving the letter. The ceremony was attended by Ambassadors Shoji Sato of Japan, Weidong Zhang of the People’s Republic of China, Susan Cox of Australia, and William Douglass, Deputy Chief of Mission of the US Embassy, as well as members of the Cabinet.

AMBASSADOR YOGENDRA KUMAR ACCREDITED AS AMBASSADOR OF INDIA TO THE FSM
Press Release #0610-20
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
June 16, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei: June 16, 2010.  Following the accreditation ceremony of Ambassador Kaiwai of New Zealand to the FSM, another accreditation ceremony was held in the afternoon of June 14, 2010, during which Ambassador Yogendra Kumar of India presented his Letter of Credence to President Mori.

Kumar praised FSM’s achievements in political stability with established democratic traditions.  He noted that “in this era of globalization, FSM has been able to preserve its unique cultural heritage, which is a testimony to the wisdom of its leaders.”  Kumar also emphasized India’s admiration of FSM’s leadership role at the international level in highlighting the dangers of climate change in the region.

CHINA AGREES TO PAY FOR MAINTENANCE OF YAP VESSEL
Press Release #0610-24
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
June 17, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei: June 17, 2010.  Ambassador Weidong Zhang of the Chinese Embassy and Lorin Robert, FSM Secretary of Foreign Affairs, signed today a letter agreement stipulating that the Chinese Government will provide maintenance to the Yap cargo-passenger vessel donated by the People’s Republic of China.

U.S. ARMY WELCOMES 29 NEW MICRONESIAN SOLDIERS
Press Release #0610-25
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
June 18, 2010

Kolonia, Pohnpei (US Embassy): June 18, 2010.  On June 17, twenty-nine F.S.M. citizens (22 from Pohnpei, seven from Kosrae) took the oath of enlistment into the United States Army at the U.S. Embassy in Pohnpei.

Following an invocation by First Sergeant Frank Semens (Retired), Guam Detachment Recruiting Commander First Sergeant Yong Fox and Portland Battalion Command Sergeant Major Kenneth Crow provided opening remarks. In his own remarks, U.S. Ambassador to the F.S.M. Peter A. Prahar, himself a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, said, “When we put on the uniform, we come to realize that we have joined something greater than ourselves: an organization with a mission and an ethic that will embrace you, give you purpose and direction, and keep you going in good times and bad.”  F.S.M. Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Lorin Robert then told the enlistees that “… [t]his is your day. This is your day of personal victory, celebrating your achievement, well deserved, as a source of pride for you and your family.”

Creation of Committee to Educate the Public Regarding Upcoming Referendum
Press Release #0610-14
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
June 16, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei: June 16, 2010 -  In March 2011, the citizens of FSM will not only be voting for new members of Congress, they will also have the opportunity to vote on two key amendments to the FSM Constitution: Amendment No.1 allowing for dual citizenship, and Amendment No. 2 providing that all members of Congress shall be elected for a 4 year term. 

200K GRANT FOR YAP SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED FARMERS
Press Release #0610-19 (COM #0610-03)
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
June 16, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei: June 16, 2010.  The College of Micronesia-FSM has been selected to receive an award in the amount of $200,000 for the project: Small Farm Outreach and Technical Assistance Program for Socially Disadvantaged Outer Island Population in Yap.

FORMER U.S. SOLDIER REMEMBERED IN KOSRAE
Press Release #0610-17
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
June 15, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei: June 14, 2010 – On May 22, the remains of the late U.S. Army Sergeant Leilani Mongkeya arrived at Kosrae International Airport in Kosrae aboard Continental flight CO957. SGT Mongkeya medically retired from the U.S. Military in March 2009. Mogkeya died on May 7 in El Paso, Texas.

That same day the family and friends of the late-sergeant escorted her remains to the Mongkeya Residence in Tofol, Kosrae, where a funeral was held in her honor. U.S. Embassy Management Officer JoEllen Gorg provided remarks, while the U.S. Military Honor Guard presented the flag to SGT Mogkeya’s father, Shrew Mongkeya.

CHINESE ACROBATIC PERFORMANCES ATTRACTED THOUSANDS
Press Release #0610-18
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
June 15, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei: June 16, 2010.  Thousands gathered at the China-FSM Friendship Sports Center at the COM National Campus on June 8 and 9, to attend the performances of the internationally renowned Chinese Chongqing Acrobatic Art Troupe.  Themed as "China Impression Across the Pacific", 12 young acrobats performed martial arts, top technology acts, strength performances, jar tricks, and jujitsu, as well as a circus comedy named "snatch the chair" accompanied by traditional Chinese music.  The incredible stunts won thundering applauses and left the audience gasping and cheering for more.

U.S. PROMOTES EFFECTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION IN PACIFIC
Press Release #0610-22
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
June 16, 2010

Kolonia, Pohnpei (U.S. Embassy): June 16, 2010.  On June 15-17, government legal experts and environmental specialists from the FSM are attending a three day workshop in Koror, Palau, to build capacity for environmental protection and natural resource management. The workshop is funded by the U.S. Embassy through its Regional Environment Office for the Pacific and facilitated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), with assistance from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Oceania Office.

POHNPEI MEETING of PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM TRADE MINISTERS ADVANCES PACER PLUS
Press Release #0610-21
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
June 16, 2010

by Misa Telefoni Retzlaff, Samoan Deputy Prime Minister; Simon Crean, Australian Minister for Trade; and Murray McCully, New Zealand Minister for Foreign Affairs

We are greatly encouraged by the decisions adopted at the Pacific Islands Forum Trade Ministers’ Meeting held in Pohnpei, FSM, on April 29, which we had the honor to participate in.  These decisions will help ensure that the negotiations for a new regional trade and economic agreement, known as PACER Plus, will lead to lasting benefits for Forum Island countries

Signing Ceremony for Technical & Economic Cooperation Agreement between FSM & China
Press Release #0610-03
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
June 7, 2010

A grant aid of Twenty Million Renminbi Yuan (RMB 20,000,000 Yuan) from the Government of the People’s Republic of China to the Government of the FSM, for economic and technical cooperation, was approved on May 26, 2010.  An official signing ceremony was held on that date at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Palikir, the Agreement was executed by Lorin Robert, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Ambassador Zhang of the People’s Republic of China.

This Agreement came as a result of President Mori’s discussions with President Hu Jintao, when they met at the opening ceremony of the Shanghai World Expo in May 2010.  President Hu Jintao proposed the grant with a view to further develop friendship and cooperation with the government of FSM.

EMERGENCY REPAIRS FOR FSS INDEPENDENCE APPROVED AND SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING FOR FY2010 BUDGET PASSES
Press Release #0610-15
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
June 11, 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei: June 11, 2010 – On June 4, 2010, President Mori signed into law Congressional Act No. 16-37 authorizing the appropriation of $78,000 from the FSM General Fund for FY2010, for payment of the urgently needed repair work of FSS Independence.  A recent survey made by maritime surveyor BAE Systems Australia Defense Pty Ltd., revealed that almost all compartments of the boat are affected by extensive corrosion. 

SENIOR POLICE OFFICER AND DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ATTORNEY ATTEND ANNUAL SECURITY CONFERENCE
Press Release #0610-10
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
June 10, 2010

Suva, FIJI: June 7, 2010 - During the first week of June, the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat hosted an annual Security Conference attended by Captain Takasy Reim of the FSM National Police and John Mahan, Assistant Attorney General of the FSM Department of Justice.  The 3 day conference in Suva, Fiji, was well attended by the Pacific Island Countries, the UN and international law enforcement agencies.  Discussed were matters of national and international concern including: money laundering, human trafficking, drug abuse, corruption and crimes involving fisheries.

FIRST FSM CITIZEN GRADUATES FROM U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY
Press Release #0610-12
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
June 10, 2010

Kolonia, Pohnpei (Embassy of the USA Kolonia): June 10, 2010 -  On May 28, Byron K. Silbanuz graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology.  Silbanuz, 21, is the first F.S.M. citizen to graduate from the Naval Academy, and only the second F.S.M. citizen to be accepted and graduate from one of the five U.S. Service Academies.

COM Graduates 113 During Spring Commencement Exercises
Press Release #0610-11
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
June 10, 2010
Kolonia, POHNPE (College of Micronesia-FSM)I: June 10, 2010 –  The College of Micronesia-FSM National and Pohnpei campuses held their 51st Commencement Exercises on May 14, 2010. The commencement exercises were held at the FSM-China Friendship Sports Center, with the Graduation there of "Dawn of a New Beginning" for the proud 113 graduates.

FSM OFFICE of SBOC INITIATES NEW INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
Press Release #0610-08
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
June 10, 2010
Palikir, POHNPEI (FSM Office of SBOC): June 9, 2010 – The FSM Office of Statistics, Budget & Economic Management, Overseas Development Assistance and Compact Management (S.B.O.C.) has initiated a new internship program aimed at recruiting highly talented FSM college students and familiarizing them with ongoing issues within the National Government. The office’s first intern, selected by the Division of Compact Management, is Midshipman Eugene Amor, who has just completed his junior year at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Midshipman Amor is a 2007 graduate of Xavier High School from U, Pohnpei, majoring in Economics at the USNA, under a full scholarship worth more than $275,000.

CLARIFICATIONS REGARDING ADDRESSEE FORMAT TO USE WHEN RECEIVING MAIL FROM INTERNATIONAL LOCATIONS
Press Release #0610-09
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
June 10, 2010

Palikir, POHNPEI: June 9, 2010 –  In light of a number of complaints received by the FSM Postal Services (FSMPS) from customers who are having problems receiving mail from international locations, the Postmaster General of FSMPS would like to share with the general public clarifications received from United States Postal Service.  Any person or commercial business sending mail to the FSM from a country other than the USA or other Freely Associated States, must use the following format for the FSM Addressee: