9 Nov 2010

Clinton open to American Samoa bid to get closer to Forum

4:10 pm on 9 November 2010

The US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, has suggested that she favours American Samoa getting closer affiliation with the Pacific Islands Forum.

Several years ago, American Samoa submitted an application for Forum observer status.

However, it was told by the federal government that it had to go through the US State Department and not the Forum to apply for membership.

Local leaders were then told American Samoa's application was not considered.

During her stopover in Pago Pago last night, Secretary Clinton had this to say on the issue.

"I'm not aware of that, but I can tell you that if that is brought to me I will have a different answer. I think you should have that kind of participation."

The US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.