PACIFIC LEADERS TO ASK BUSH FOR MORE ATTENTION

Date: 02-01-2001

They want him to think the 'Pacific Way'

HONOLULU — Pacific island leaders are writing a letter to President George Bush to "ask for help" and greater attention to their region, the new head of the Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders said today at a press conference.

"We'll ask him to think the 'Pacific Way,'" said Leo A. Falcam, president of the Federated States of Micronesia. Falcam took the helm from Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara of Fiji. The two-day conference was sponsored by the East-West Center.

Ratu Mara, Fiji's first prime minister and considered the senior statesman of the region, first coined the term "Pacific Way" in which "people of different races, opinions and cultures can live and work together for the good of all, can differ without rancour, govern without malice, and accept responsibility as reasonable people intent on serving the interests of all."

The United States has shown less interest in the Pacific region since the end of the Cold War when the islands held more strategic importance.

For interviews with Pacific island leaders or East-West Center experts on the Pacific islands, contact Susan Kreifels at eastwestwire@eastwestcenter.org or call 808-944-7176.

This is an East-West Wire, copyright East-West Center