President Obama speaking in Tokyo U.S. and Other Pacific Nations Connected, not Separated, by "Great Ocean" November 14, 2009 Remarks by President Barack Obama at Suntory Hall PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Thank you so much.  Arigatou.  Thank you very much.  (Applause.)  Good morning.  It is a great honor to be in Tokyo -- the first stop on my first visit to Asia as President of the United States.  (Applause.)  Thank you.  It is good to be among so many of you -- Japanese and I see a few Americans here  -- (applause) -- who work every day to strengthen the bonds between our two countries, including my longtime friend and our new ambassador to Japan, John Roos.  (Applause.) It is wonderful to be back in Japan.  Some of you may be aware that when I was a young boy, my mother brought me to Kamakura, where I looked up at that centuries-old symbol of peace and tranquility -- the great bronze Amida Buddha.  And as a child, I was more focused on the matcha ice cream.  (Laughter.)  And I want to thank Prime Minister Hatoyama for sharing some of those memories with more ice cream last night at dinner.  (Laughter and applause.)  Thank you very much.  But I have never forgotten the warmth and the hospitality that the Japanese people showed a young American far from home… (more)

United States Dedicated to Renewed Participation in Asia-Pacific The United States is pursuing a new era of strengthened engagement in the Asia-Pacific region based on mutual interests and mutual respect, President Obama says. As an Asia-Pacific nation, the United States will be involved in the discussions that are shaping the future of the region, and will participate fully in regional multilateral organizations as they evolve to meet the changing challenges of the 21st century, the President said in a major address in Tokyo on November 14. Acknowledging that in recent years the United States has been less engaged in Asia-Pacific multilateral security and economic organizations, he emphasized in his address to 1,500 guests in Suntory Hall that those days have passed. “I know that the United States has been disengaged from many of these organizations in recent years. So let me be clear:  Those days have passed.  As an Asia Pacific nation, the United States expects to be involved in the discussions that shape the future of this region, and to participate fully in appropriate organizations as they are established and evolve”… (more)

Chargé d’Affaires Robin Yeager presents to DAC Chairman Taulealeausumai Laavasa Malua a check of WST 629,750 (USD $250,000). Photo courtesy of Marieta Heidi Ilalio, Samoa Observer Relief grants of US$1.1 million only small part of commitment In reaffirming the United States continuing commitment to assist the Government of the Independent State of Samoa’s relief work, one month to the date after the September 29 Tsunami, Chargé d’Affaires Robin L. Yeager presented to the Chairman of Disaster Advisory Committee (DAC) and CEO of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Taulealeausumai Laavasa Malua, a second relief grant. In making the presentation to Mr. Laavasa, Ms. Yeager stated the grant of WST $629,750 (USD $250,000), the second allotment of funds given so far, is to help meet the operation costs of DAC’s National Coordination Center, transportation of relief supplies and disaster risk reduction programming in affected areas. “The United States Government is continuing to support the Government of Samoa’s recovery efforts” said Ms. Yeager. The first relief aid grant was presented to the Honorable Prime Minister on Oct. 6, 2009.  That check was for of USD $100,000. Ms. Yeager further stated that U.S. Government have also awarded two grants of USD $250,000 to Samaritan’s Purse, a U.S. based NGO with an operations office in Apia.  Samaritan’s Purse is a frequent partner in USAID relief and development projects. The grants will allow Samaritan’s Purse to continue its on ground relief efforts by providing hand tools, hygiene kits, water and other supplies to people in tsunami affected areas. Another USD $250,000 is in the process of being transferred to the Samoa Red Cross Society to continue its current relief programs. “The total USD $1.1 million worth of grants for relief work is only part of our commitment. The U.S. Government have funded transportation of some relief goods by the Samoan community in the U.S. and is in the process of upgrading computer software for tsunami warnings, and purchasing tsunami warning  system of air horns for the people of Samoa” said Ms. Yeager The grant is an outcome of consultations between USAID and Embassy Apia officials, and members of the DAC and MNRE Disaster Management Office (DMO) on ways to further support current efforts. Mr. Laavasa expressed on behalf of government and people of Samoa appreciation for the kind donation, stating that the funds will surely go a long way in supporting DAC’s work. “Not only have you assisted NGO’s and also community based organizations, but also help in particular parts of government” Mr. Laavasa said. Chargé Yeager stated the latest grant was a reflection on the belief in the work and commitment of DAC members who worked tireless hours to provide aid to those in need.

Related Links US Continues Tsunami Assistance Statement to the People of Samoa from President Obama President Obama Declares Major Disaster in American Samoa Statement From FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate Warden message to U.S. nationals following tsunami striking Samoa

Heartbreaking, Horrific, Despicable:  Tragedy at Fort Hood In his weekly address, President Barack Obama expressed his sadness for the tragedy at Fort Hood where 13 were killed and praised the selfless valor of those who came to the aid of the 42 who were wounded. President Obama:  I’d like to speak with you for a few minutes today about the tragedy that took place at Ft. Hood. This past Thursday, on a clear Texas afternoon, an Army psychiatrist walked into the Soldier Readiness Processing Center, and began shooting his fellow soldiers. It is an act of violence that would have been heartbreaking had it occurred anyplace in America. It is a crime that would have horrified us had its victims been Americans of any background. But it’s all the more heartbreaking and all the more despicable because of the place where it occurred and the patriots who were its victims.… (more)

Related Links Tragedy at Fort Hood, Weekly Address Full Text - Video - Audio Honoring the Victims of the Tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas - Presidential Proclamation

President Obama Announces his Nominee for Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa
(The White House, October 7, 2009)

President Obama announced his intent to nominate David Huebner, Nominee for Ambassador to New Zealand and the Independent State of Samoa.

David Huebner is the head of the China Practice and the International Disputes Practice at Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, where he specializes in international arbitration and mediation.

Currently based in Shanghai, he has significant experience handling disputes in the Pacific Rim region.

Previously, he was a long-time partner and served as chairman at Coudert Brothers.  While a resident in California, Mr. Huebner chaired the California Law Revision Commission, served as president of the Los Angeles Quality & Productivity Commission, and taught courses in international business and intellectual property at the University of Southern California's Gould School of Law.  He has also guest lectured on international topics at several schools in the United States and abroad, and is licensed both as a solicitor in England & Wales and as an attorney in three U.S. jurisdictions.

He has been active in non-profits, community organizations, and professional associations such as the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, International Chamber of Commerce Commission on Arbitration, Los Angeles Committee on Foreign Relations, and Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD).

A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Huebner is a summa cum laude graduate of Princeton University, where he majored at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs.  He is also a graduate of Yale Law School.

Update:  Confirmation hearing scheduled for 5 November.