American Samoa congressman attacks Clinton

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American Samoa's only congressman has condemned US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for visiting New Zealand, which has banned US warships, but not visiting Pacific states that supported it.

Clinton arrives in Auckland on Friday for a three-day visit and will also visit Australia and Papua New Guinea.

Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin has told the Samoa Observer he is "truly disappointed" that President Barack Obama has not directed Clinton to meet other Pacific states.

"At a minimum, the President or the Secretary could have easily called for a summit of Foreign Ministers from the island nations to meet in Samoa, Hawaii, or even New Zealand," Hunkin, who is a non-voting member of congress, said.

"That this was not done shows a lack of sensitivity for the region and sends a message that some 15 Pacific Island nations are not an important or integral part of our US foreign policy objectives."

Hunkin said the US was taking Pacific states for granted.

"While New Zealand refuses entry to US nuclear ships, many Pacific Island nations fought side by side with the US throughout World War Two," he said.

"China, Taiwan and Iran are increasing their presence in the region while the US cannot even bother to re-establish USAID presence."

Hunkin said the presence of China should be a worry to the US.

"China takes the time to meet with heads of state from small Pacific Island nations and the U.S. should do the same because it is no longer enough to continually fly over the region. Pacific Island nations deserve something better than fly-by diplomacy."

- © Fairfax NZ News