Ambassador Carmen G. Cantor has informed FSM President David W. Panuelo about the appointment of Ambassador Karen B. Stewart and Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs Douglas Domenech as the lead negotiators for the United States in the upcoming U.S. and FSM Compact renegotiations.
During a meeting, President Panuelo expressed gratitude to Ambassador Cantor for delivering medical supplies and COVID-19 test kits. “You are very welcome, and we are in this together, we are working very arduously to make sure that we provide the much-needed assistance,” said Ambassador Cantor.
Ambassador Cantor acknowledged President Panuelo's swift action in appointing FSM's Chief Negotiator Leo A. Falcam. She stated, “We look forward to reengaging with the FSM even though COVID-19 has delayed this process, given the importance of the matter, we look forward to working with you.”
Ambassador Stewart previously served as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of the Marshall Islands from July 2016 to January 2020 and had prior roles in Laos and Belarus. President Panuelo noted her selection positively: “What a good surprise that we are getting Ambassador Stewart, someone that understands the region very well, which is a very important factor in these discussions.”
President Panuelo also acknowledged Assistant Secretary Domenech's close work with the Joint Committee on Compact Review and Planning (JCRP), an office established by national executive and legislative branches along with state representatives to prepare for certain economic provisions' expiration under the Amended Compact.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Kandhi A. Elieisar from FSM Department of Foreign Affairs; Special Advisor Lorin Robert; Chief of Staff Leo Falcam Jr.; Public Information Officer Richard Clark; and Lynn Pangelinan, Political and Economic Specialist at U.S. Embassy Kolonia.