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June 18, 2008 – This week, Secretary Kempthorne met with U.S. Virgin Islands Governor John deJongh to discuss economic issues and potential investment opportunities for the U.S. Virgin Islands.
U.S. Disburses Reform Assistance for Chuuk
On June 10, 2008, the U.S. Government disbursed $2,037,210 in unallocated FY 2008 Compact Sector Grant funds to the FSM National Government to support the Reduction-In-Force (RIF) component of the Chuuk State financial recovery plan. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the FSM and Chuuk State leadership on July 19, 2007 documents the terms of this plan, which provides a roadmap to restoration of Chuuk State’s financial viability. U.S.-FSM Shiprider Agreement Becomes Permanent
During a ceremony in Palikir on May 27, the FSM Secretary of Foreign Affairs Lorin Robert and U.S. Ambassador Miriam Hughes exchanged diplomatic notes that together constitute a historic "Cooperative Shipriders Agreement" designed to help protect the FSM’s maritime boundaries and ocean resources. The agreement will allow armed and uniformed law enforcement officers of the FSM National Police to embark on selected U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement vessels or aircraft and to use those assets to patrol FSM waters for the purpose of enforcing FSM laws and regulations in the FSM million square miles of Exclusive Economic Zone. Palau has also concluded a similar agreement earlier this year with the U.S.
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