Statement of C. Steven McGann

Statement of C. Steven McGann
Ambassador Designate to the Republic of the Fiji Islands, the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of Nauru, the Kingdom of Tonga, and Tuvalu
Senate Foreign Relations Committee (Read Version)

September 10, 2008

Madam Chairman, Senator Murkowski, Members of the Committee, I am deeply honored that President Bush has nominated me to be United States Ambassador to the Republic of the Fiji Islands, the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of Nauru, the Kingdom of Tonga, and Tuvalu.  I want to thank President Bush and Secretary Rice for their trust in nominating me for this position.  Madam Chairman, I want to thank you and the Members of this Committee for your efforts to address a burgeoning array of challenges confronting these countries and for giving me this opportunity to appear before you today.  If confirmed, I will work closely with members of Congress to maintain strong bipartisan support for U.S. goals and priorities in the Pacific.

Madame  Chairman,  I would like to acknowledge the support of my wife, Bertra McGann, the dedication of my mother, Evangeline Hutson, and the enthusiasm of my children, Leyland, Steven, Bethany, Bradford, and Benjamin, my family, friends and colleagues that led to my being before the committee today. 

If confirmed, I plan to build upon my work over the past two years leading the Office of Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Island Affairs to build U.S. relationships in the Pacific.  During my tenure, I will focus on four important areas – promoting democracy, increasing economic growth, strengthening environmental stewardship, and enhancing maritime security. 

The Pacific’s balmy weather, welcoming people, and natural wonders attract over 150,000 American visitors to Embassy Suva’s consular district annually.  My responsibility to provide services to these Americans will remain a high-priority  of our embassy.

 Addressing environmental issues will be an essential part of my portfolio. Environmental degradation poses an especially critical challenge for these countries.  Many are low-lying atolls that are increasingly vulnerable to the effects of rising sea levels.  Overfishing threatens marine resources and hits hard in the Pacific, because these island states depend on fish stocks not only for the sustenance, but as a major source of government revenue.    We will continue our work with Pacific countries to help save coral reefs and protect the marine environment from invasive species.  If confirmed, I will work with Pacific nations to help make them green economies based on environmentally sustainable policies and adopting renewable energies, including solar, wind and wave, to advance our common interests.

 I would like to take a few moments to address a number of pressing bilateral issues the United States faces in the Pacific, beginning with Fiji.    In December 2006 the Fiji military, led by Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, overthrew the country’s lawfully elected government.  This was Fiji’s fourth coup in 19 years.  In accordance with the Foreign Operations Assistance Act, the United States suspended military and some foreign assistance programs in Fiji because of the coup, and those restrictions will not be relaxed until Fiji returns to democracy.  We have also imposed visa sanctions and taken other measures directed against coup leaders and their supporters.  We have taken these steps in close coordination with our allies and partners in the region to underline the urgency to restore democracy and to bolster the efforts of the Pacific Islands Forum.  If confirmed, I will work with all elements of Fijian society and regional partners to quickly restore the rule of law, strengthen civil society, and rebuild democratic institutions in Fiji.

Nauru’s once bountiful phosphate mines are almost exhausted.  Per capita income in that country has plummeted from among the world’s highest to near subsistence levels.  Tuvalu has expressed concern that any rise in sea level may completely engulf Tuvalu’s nine atolls precipitating the relocation of its entire population.   Kiribati generally manages its affairs responsibly but has severely limited prospects for economic development.  This year’s legislative elections showed that Tongans have a strong desire for democratic reform, and Tongan King George Tupou V has agreed that democratic reforms are needed in the country.  If confirmed as Ambassador, I would work closely with our long-standing friends of the United States to address these economic, political, and social issues.

   I will do my best to promote excellent relations between the United States and each of these five countries and the territories within my consular district.  Working together we can achieve our common goals for a more peaceful and prosperous Pacific region. 

 Again, I applaud the Committee’s efforts to address challenges confronting the Pacific region.  At this time I would be pleased to respond to any questions you may have.

Thank you.  I welcome your questions.