KPress Vol. 16 Iss. 21

Jaynes, Bill (2016-09-19). KPress Vol. 16 Iss. 21 (PDF) (Report). Kolonia, Pohnpei: Kaselehlie Press.

• Has attachment: File:WR892WTP.pdf

Abstract: KPress Vol. 16 Iss. 21: NEWS: Opening of the 2016 Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting in Palikir, Pohnpei, with a formal opening ceremony attended by leaders from sixteen Pacific nations, including traditional Micronesian dances, sakau (kava) sharing, and a Christian invocation; reporting on leaders’ agenda priorities including climate change as the dominant concern, alongside fisheries depletion, poverty, and public-health challenges such as obesity, with specific reference to existential risks facing low-lying states including Kiribati and Tuvalu; contextual reporting on the Pacific Islands Forum’s role in international climate negotiations, including its lobbying influence during the Paris climate talks and the recent ratification of the Paris Agreement by the United States and China; announcement of Air Niugini’s entry into the FSM aviation market, including confirmation by President Peter Christian granting approval for commercial flights between Papua New Guinea and the FSM, background on negotiations between President Christian and PNG Prime Minister Peter O’Neill during the 2015 Pacific Islands Forum in Port Moresby, and details of Air Niugini’s initial evaluation flights to Chuuk and Pohnpei ahead of planned maiden commercial service beginning in December; statements by Air Niugini leadership on risk-sharing arrangements requested of the FSM government to support route establishment, clarification that the airline does not intend to service Guam, and confirmation that FSM citizens will be eligible for visa-on-arrival in Port Moresby; OPINION / EDITORIAL: reference to tensions involving Guam Governor Eddie Calvo following correspondence perceived as provocative, including reported threats to declare an FSM official persona non grata in Guam.