U.S. Ambassador Presents Credentials in Micronesia

Embassy of the United States of America Kolonia
Public Affairs Section
P.O. Box 1286
Kolonia, Pohnpei, FM 96941
Telephone: (691) 320-2187
Fax: (691) 320-2186
Email: usembassy@mail.fm
 

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On February 5, Peter Alan Prahar presented his credentials to President Emmanuel Mori at the FSM National Government compound in Palikir, Pohnpei. Following the ceremony, Ambassador Prahar officially became the eighth U.S Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia.

A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Ambassador Prahar most recently served as the Transnational Crime Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. Previously he was the Director of the Office of Asian, African and European Programs in the Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement. Prior assignments also included tours in the People's Republic of China, Japan, Albania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali and as desk officer for Rwanda. Ambassador Prahar served with the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) Mission in Kosovo in 1993 and returned to Kosovo in 1998 to assist in establishing a U.S. observer mission.
 
U.S. Ambassador Presents Credentials in Micronesia

Prior to joining the U.S. Department of State, Ambassador Prahar served as a linguist in the United States Air Force from 1971-1975 with assignments in South Korea and Taiwan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Political Science. A native of Oregon, he and his wife, Amy Kit-Ling Choi Prahar, married in 1977 when both were graduate students at International Christian University in Tokyo.

In his address to the President, Ambassador Prahar acknowledged the "mutual commitment to the values of democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights" of the United States and the FSM. He recognized Micronesia's unwavering support of the U.S. Armed Forces and, through its citizens that live, work, or study in the U.S., its contribution to a "vibrant, multi-cultural society of which we are so proud." In honor of this special relationship, Ambassador Prahar pledged that the U.S. Embassy in Pohnpei will be "more than a bridge between our two governments; it will also be a bridge between our peoples and societies."

Ambassador Prahar also confirmed the United States' willingness to defend the FSM against the threats posed by transnational crime, terrorism, and illegal fishing in its 1.3 million square mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Ambassador Prahar went on to identify climate change as a real threat to Micronesia's low-lying islands. He called the issue a "top priority of the Obama Administration." Finally, he pledged to promote the FSM's economic development and enhance opportunities for its citizens.

Following the Ambassador's remarks, President Mori indicated the new U.S. Chief of Mission "will greatly contribute to ongoing [US-FSM] dialogue and engagement on bilateral as well as multilateral issues." President Mori further noted that the Ambassador "will learn that our [bilateral] relationship is much more than the generous funding assistance that we receive from your government. The movement of our peoples and the friendship that our citizens share… has contributed to a better appreciation of the values and principles of our relationship."

The President concluded by acknowledging the importance of a strong partnership between the United States and the Federated States of Micronesia.

Following the official ceremony, the President's Office hosted a small reception, at which Ambassador Prahar was introduced to President Mori's Cabinet, Pohnpei State officials, and members of the diplomatic corps.
 

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