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Current News |
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May 17, 2010
Washington, D.C.
Foreign Minister John Silk accompanied by Ambassador Banny deBrum, Chief of Staff Mr. Christopher deBrum, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ms. Kino Kabua, and the Kwajalein delegation (comprised of Senator Iroij Michael Kabua, Senator Tony deBrum, Senator Jeban Riklon, Senator Christopher Loeak, Mr. Irumne Bondrik, Mr. Bradley Dribo, and Mr. Rod Nakamura) attended a meeting with Mr. Kurt Campbell, the Assistant Secretary of State, on Monday 17, 2010.
Minister John Silk brought up the issue of the MUORA asking whether the U.S. Government has changed its position in regards to the MUORA being re-visited by the Obama administration. According to Mr. Campbell the U.S. Government has not changed its position in that the U.S. Government will not re-visit the MUORA, and he does not foresee any changes to this position.
Mr. Campbell further inquired on the status of the LUA negotiations to which Senator deBrum responded by saying that no LUA has been secured yet but hopefully within the year. Senator deBrum further states that if a re-visit of the MUORA was not possible then other options should be explored e.g. provisions within the Compact specifically sighting Section 103 which has not been tapped into. Senator deBrum stated that there is a need to find supplementary funding for development funds to develop the infrastructure of Kwajalein, and to look at possible avenues.
Mr. Campbell commented that he was troubled by the impasse considering the close relationship between RMI and the US, and further stated that both countries should look at areas outside the LUA and look at U.S. initiatives on health, education, environment, etc. He stated that it was incumbent as partners to look at creative solutions; although he could not make any commitments he would like to look at creative opportunities.
Mr. Campbell mentioned that USAID is going back to the Pacific, and the US is engaging more with the international organizations. He then stated that he is committed to look at other avenues; resources are limited but engagement with Pacific countries will be boosted. The US will be sending a delegation to the Forum in Port Vila and he said that the RMI should be ready with a listing of development areas to discuss for Kwajalein.
Minister Silk also raised issues with the Trust Fund, Tax and Trade Compensation, and the Five Year Review Report on the Compact.
According to Minister Silk the Tax and Trade claim was submitted in September of 2009 to the U.S. Government. Since then the RMI Government have not gotten a response from the U.S. Government. The claim amounts to U.S. $20 million. Minister Silk further states that the Tax and Trade claim will be put into the Trust Fund as stated in the Compact agreement. The RMI Government must continue to inject funds into the Trust Fund to continue the basic services to the citizens of the Marshall Islands beyond 2023. Several Congress and Senate members has shown interest and will assist in resolving this issue.
As for the 5 Year Compact Review, the RMI Government will have a chance to comment and include its changes before submitting to the U.S. Government. According to Anthony Babauta, a draft will be submitted to President Zedkaia within the week.
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