Delegation "Re-engages" US Officials on Marshall Islands' Issues

A high-level delegation from Majuro, led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, was in Washington, DC, last week for meetings with U.S. Administration and Congressional officials. Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Minister John M. Silk said he was pleased with the results of the visit. “This was an excellent opportunity to reaffirm and strengthen our close and enduring relationship with the United States in the Compact of Free Association."

The delegation met with Assistant Secretary of the Interior Anthony Babauta, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Frankie Reed, Department of Energy officials, and several members and staff from the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

Accompanying Silk were Minister of Public Works Maynard Alfred, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Compact Negotiator Senator Gerald M. Zackios, Marshalls Energy Company (MEC) General Manager David Paul, and RMI Ambassador to the United States, Banny de Brum.

According to the RMI Embassy in Washington, DC, the visit by the Foreign Minister was the first in over a year, and the first since Ambassador de Brum was recently reappointed. The Government has not had an Ambassador to the United States since January 2008.

“People in the U.S. Government have been waiting to hear from the political leaders of the RMI as to where we stand on a number of issues. It is good that we are re-engaging the U.S. on issues that are important to our people,” said Ambassador de Brum.

Talks with U.S. officials covered a broad range of issues related to the overall bi-lateral relationship and the Compact, including the current Five Year Review of the Compact, as amended, as provided in U.S. Public law 108-188.

During the Review, the RMI says it will raise issues concerning full inflation of Compact grants, permanent appropriation of the Supplemental Education Grants, and additional measures to improve the viability and sustainability of the Trust Fund for the People of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

The desire to address the Changed Circumstances Petition to the U.S. Congress through legislation was discussed along with the RMI Government’s Report on Tax and Trade issues presented to the U.S. Government this past September.

"We believe that we are getting some understanding and traction on our issues in the five-year review, and our renewed efforts to address the consequences of the nuclear testing program were well received,” said Minister Silk.

The Minister's delegation told of commitments from both the U.S. Senate and House of Representative to introduce legislation similar to S. 1756 as a baseline to address the continuing consequences of the nuclear testing program based on President Zedkaia’s letters to U.S. Congressional leaders on Marshall Islands issues.

RMI officials also met with USDA Rural Utilities Services (RUS) to discuss problems confronting the nation's energy company. The troubled energy company wants relief from its debt service obligations to free up working capital to replace essential parts and service generators.

In addition, both U.S. Administration and Congressional officials raised concerns and issues regarding the impact of FAS citizens living in the United States, reported the Embassy.

- Yokwe Online, November 24, 2009