KPress Vol. 19 Iss. 18
Jaynes, Bill (2019-08-19). KPress Vol. 19 Iss. 18 (PDF) (Report). Kolonia, Pohnpei: Kaselehlie Press.
- Has attachment: File:WURU35GI.pdf
Abstract: KPress Vol. 19 Iss. 18: NEWS: United States Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo makes a historic first visit to the Federated States of Micronesia, meeting in Palikir with President David W. Panuelo alongside leaders of the Marshall Islands and Palau, and formally announcing the start of negotiations on renewing the expiring Compact sector grant provisions while reaffirming U.S. defense commitments, sovereignty guarantees, and opposition to strategic encroachment in the Pacific; Pompeo’s remarks prompt public responses addressing climate change, China’s regional role, and potential shifts in U.S. administrative oversight of Compact relations; Japan’s Foreign Minister Taro Kono conducts the first official visit by a Japanese foreign minister to the FSM, holding bilateral talks with President Panuelo focused on regional security, airport and port infrastructure, illegal fishing, people-to-people exchange, and potential direct Japan–FSM flights, while confirming resolution of the Dekehtik port land issue and expanded JICA involvement; Japan formally hands over a four-wheel-drive ambulance to Pohnpei State, with Governor Marcelo Peterson and Public Safety officials citing improved emergency response capacity in remote terrain; Pohnpei State enacts and clarifies enforcement of a new law banning the sale, use, and possession of e-cigarettes, while public guidance also revisits existing smoking and betel-nut restrictions in public places, generating public confusion over definitions and penalties; Pohnpei authorities arrest and charge five individuals, including petroleum company employees, in a coordinated gasoline theft scheme involving Amcres and Vital FSM Petroleum Corporation, detailing conspiracy and grand larceny allegations; the FSM Telecommunication Regulation Authority advances a second round of public consultation on new telecom and spectrum rules aimed at competition and consumer protection, setting a September implementation target; FSM swimmers compete at the World Aquatics Championships in Gwangju, Korea, setting new national records and securing Olympic qualification benchmarks; Royal Australian Navy hydrographic ship HMAS Leeuwin conducts a port visit to Pohnpei tied to President Panuelo’s inauguration, hosting diplomatic events and a Women in Maritime roundtable; the FSM receives an OECD “Largely Compliant” rating on international tax transparency following legislative reforms; and Pohnpei hosts youth, cultural exchange, and fisheries-related events, including Japanese student exchanges and regional fisheries agency milestones.
