UN General Assembly
1999

importance include the need for data collection, vessel monitoring systems, and greater support for our patrol boats. We also need to look at limiting the fleets permitted to fish in our waters; this would also assist us in further developing our domestic fleet. My Government applauds the efforts of the Pacific Forum, in particular the Permanent Representative of Papua New Guinea who, in cooperation with the Rio Group, has brought this matter forward. We will continue to seek common-sense solutions to the vexing problems that confront us in ocean matters. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Marshall Islands has responsibility for and is predominantly focused on the social development and improvement in the lives of our people in the outer island communities. One such example is the solar power project I mentioned. We are constantly engaged in seeking solutions to address these concerns, one such event being national economic and social summit. Through the outcome of that summit, we are striving to bring about the partnerships that these communities require for their economic and social