KEY POINTS:
APIA - In her only audible comments to the Samoan media, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told members of the US Embassy in Samoa, that they were fortunate to work here, and that Samoa was the "crown jewel," though she did not elaborate.
Rice also spoke
to US Peace Corps Volunteers during her trip saying that they were part of a "proud tradition" by the US people and government.
Those were the only words that Rice said in public, otherwise her brief three hour visit to Samoa was mainly behind closed doors, as she met with leaders from around the Pacific.
The Samoan media were sorely disappointed after the much anticipated arrival by the Secretary of State ended with no comment or press statement by Rice nor any member of her entourage.
In what local journalists have dubbed the "staunchest visit" by any foreign diplomat, the Samoan media have since lashed out in reports about their treatment.
The strict treatment of local journalists was the main angle of stories by both Samoa Observer and Newsline Samoa the day after the visit by the Secretary of State.
"This is ridiculous, these people don't know the Samoan way," said one Samoan Journalist who works for a local TV Station.
The media were put through intensive screening processes, and the several sections of the Samoan Police Force were mobilised to assist in security measures for the three hours of Rices visit.
Arriving at shortly after 12:00pm on Saturday afternoon, Rice was met by Minister of Women Community and Social Development Hon. Fiame Naomi Mataafa and Mr and Ms Youth Samoa.
The Entourage were then quickly rushed from the airport to the Aggie Greys Beach Resort at Mulifanua.
There, Rice was met by Prime Minister of Samoa, Hon. Tuilaepa Sailele Lupesoliai Malielegaoi who escorted her into the meeting with Pacific leaders.
In a briefing document for the Pacific Leaders meeting several issues were brought forward by the Pacific Leaders for the US Secretary of State to consider.
Such issues include energy and food security and the US position on both issues.
Issues of maritime security were also discussed.
But the main discussions of the meeting revolved around climate change, in the internal document of the meeting, the position of the US were outlined.
"Developing countries suffer the consequences of greenhouse gas emissions emanating from the industrialisation of developed countries and small island States want to ensure that the future industrialisation does not cause similar pollution," the document stated.
The Forum member then suggested that the US and other developed nations should therefore provide "substantial technical and financial support to energy efficiency and renewable energy in developing countries."
The concluding issues included trade relations, nuclear issues and money laundering.
US Ambassador William McCormick was asked explained Rice's visit saying: "We, the US, said this is the year of the Pacific, the President set aside 5.2million sq km north of Hawaii, we are totally committed to the Pacific region, on issues important to them, anywhere from drug trafficking, energy issues, fish sustainability, money laundering, all of the things that can hurt all of us, not just the United States."
McCormick added: "I think her presence here further emphasises our commitment to the Pacific region."
Asked as to why they chose Samoa to be the meeting place for Rice and the Pacific Leaders, McCormick said: "Samoa is a wonderfully stable country, you have wonderful facilities, you've got an international airport, it was a very good choice, plus I urged her to come to Samoa."
