Samoa’s lone voice in the United States Congress has blasted President Barack Obama in relation to Hillary Clinton’s visit to the Pacific.
Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin has accused the United States of “fly-by diplomacy” over the U.S. Secretary of State’s visit.
In what’s being classed as her first official visit to the Pacific, Clinton is scheduled to visit Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea.

“I am truly disappointed that President Obama, whom I supported and endorsed from the beginning of his presidential campaign, did not weigh in upon learning that Secretary Clinton’s first visit to the Pacific region excluded all Pacific Island nations except Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea,” said Faleomavaega.
“At a minimum, the President or the Secretary could have easily called for a summit of Foreign Ministers from the island nations to meet in Samoa, Hawaii, or even New Zealand.  
“That this was not done shows a lack of sensitivity for the region and sends a message that some 15 Pacific Island nations are not an important or integral part of our U.S. foreign policy objectives.”

Faleomavaega said that is “the wrong message to send.”
“The U.S. cannot afford to take for granted the sacrifices Pacific Island nations have made on our behalf,” said Faleomavaega.
“While New Zealand refuses entry to U.S. nuclear ships, many Pacific Island nations fought side by side with the U.S. throughout WWII.

“The U.S. also used the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) as a nuclear testing ground, exploding more than 67 nuclear bombs, including the first hydrogen bomb ever detonated.  Although the U.S. has not fully compensated the RMI for the damage we did and the contamination we left behind, the RMI is still our ally.”
The Congressman wonders when countries in the Pacific will begin to reconsider their relationship with the U.S.

“China, Taiwan and Iran are increasing their presence in the region while the U.S. cannot even bother to re-establish USAID presence,” said Faleomavaega.
“Given that most Pacific Island nations continue to support U.S. interests at home, abroad, and in the United Nations, it is my hope that the U.S. will return the favor and support the Pacific Island community.”

The presence of China should be a worry to the US, warned Faleomavaega.
“China takes the time to meet with Heads of State from small Pacific Island nations and the U.S. should do the same because it is no longer enough to continually fly-over the region. Pacific Island nations deserve something better than fly-by diplomacy.”

Faleomavaega was also highly critical of the US Foreign Policy in the Pacific.
“For years, I have been outspoken about U.S. foreign policy towards the Pacific region because the only real foreign policy that the U.S. has with the Pacific is with New Zealand and Australia,” Faleomavaega said. 

“My point is underscored by the fact that Secretary Clinton will be meeting with Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea while excluding some 15 Pacific Island leaders who could have gathered in one location to meet her.
“However, in fairness to Secretary Clinton, this is nothing new.  The Bush and Clinton administrations also disregarded the needs and concerns of Pacific Island nations, as have most U.S. administrations.

“But, considering that President Obama was born and raised in Hawaii and understands the challenges and needs of the community, I thought these small island nations, however small, would finally be given the time, consideration and respect they deserve.”
Faleomavaega, however, remains hopeful.

“At the very least she can make it a top priority to meet in the near future with some 15 Pacific Island leaders she is excluding on her first trip to the Pacific region,” he said.
“Such a meeting would be a step in the right direction after more than 50 years of U.S. neglect.”

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