Samoan PM to make strong statement in Copenhagen
By Cherelle Jackson
COPENHAGEN - Samoan Prime Minister, Hon. Tuilaepa Sailele Lupesoliai Malielegaoi is expected address the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen before the end of the meeting next week.
Tuilaepa who has voiced strong opinions about the role of developed nations in combating the impacts of climate change in the Pacific region, will be making a strong address to world leaders including United States President Barrack Obama.
Tuilaepa told Environment Weekly that the Copenhagen conference should deliver results.
"We should expect something to come out of these negotiations," he said in a pre-Copenhagen interview.
More than 100 heads of state and government will attend the final days of the two-week conference.
Tuilaepa says that responsibility of developed nations lay in two main areas.
"It's mitigation and adaptation, that's where the bigger countries should help out with our development."
Tuilaepa says that Samoa has done well so far.
"For us we have done quite a lot, probably far more than most countries, in terms of sea walls, construction, access to the interior. We have done quite a lot.
Many countries, including small Pacific island countries are crying out and doing nothing, we speak and do things," Tuilaepa said.
At the opening of the Copenhagen meeting this morning, Samoa was represented by United Nations Ambassador Aliioaiga Feturi Elisaia, Climate Change Advisor for Samoa Ms. Anne Rasmussen and Mulipola Ausetalia, the Assistant Chief Executive Officer for Meteorology.
Minister of Health Gatoloai Amataga Gidlow and Minister of Environment Faumuina Liuga are expected to accompany the Prime Minister to the high level meeting later this week.