OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
PRESS RELEASE
(for immediate release – Monday, June 18, 2007)
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Governor Togiola congratulates Samoa
on election of new Head of State,
to attend swearing-in on Tuesday afternoon in Apia

(UTULEI) - Governor Togiola Tulafono today received the official announcement from Samoa Prime Minister – Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi of the successful conclusion of the election of His Highness Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi as Head of State of Independent Samoa.

Governor Togiola has been invited by Prime Minister Tuilaepa to the swearing-in ceremonies at Parliament House on Tuesday, June 19th at 3 o’clock in Apia.

The following is the official statement from Governor Togiola:

STATEMENT

“Tomorrow, Mary and I shall offer our personal "fa’amalo" and congratulations, and the fa’amalo and congratulations from the citizens and residents of American Samoa, to His Highness, the Head of State of Independent Samoa, Le Afioga i le Ao Mamalu - Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi, when we attend the swearing in ceremonies at Mulinu’u. All the citizens and residents of American Samoa share the joy and jubilation of the people of Independent Samoa upon a successful exercise of the democratic process, deeply rooted in our Christian values and faith, believing that the divine help of our God saw to the peaceful election and transition of leadership for Samoa. For that we shall all give thanks to our God for His loving care and guidance in this difficult process.

I also congratulate Prime Minister Tuila’epa Lupesoli'ai Aiono Malielegaoi Sailele for his superior leadership in the process, in arriving at a successful and peaceful election of the Head of State for Independent Samoa. I continue to wish him and his administration success and peace always. I offer, on behalf of the people of American Samoa, our support and Faa-Malo.

Ua se togi lau seu ua lagatila, lele ua fa’apulou i le tualima, ua malo fai o le faiva. Tau ina ia fa’amanuia tele le Atua i le fotu faiva o le Afioga i le Ao Mamalu, fa’apea faiva i lau afioga i le Palemia ma le faigamalo a Samoa Tuma'oti. Ave fo'i le fa’amalo i talosaga a le au failotu, ae maise o le tapua'iga mamalu i a Pule ma Tumua. Ua a'e malo ou faiva, faafetai i le Atua. 

Soifua. Governor Togiola T.A. Tulafono.  For and on Behalf of the Territory and People of American Samoa."