Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia

FSM Congress News, October 22, 2003

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Congress): October 22, 2003 –
Congress once again discussed at length a report from the
Committee on External Affairs recommending the ratification of the
Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women
(CEDAW), during its 10th day of the current session, October 22, 2003.

The resolution has been discussed with the Congress for several years, and
today’s discussion was no different from previous ones, but the report
ultimately was adopted by a majority of the Members.

A few Members, including Speaker Christian and former Speaker Fritz,
wondered if the convention is in conflict with the customs and tradition of
the Micronesian people and other peoples of the world, and expressed
concerns about weather or not, by ratifying the convention, the FSM would be
attempting to impose certain views and judgments on other cultures. Speaker
Christian also wondered if ratification would constitute an admission of
guilt with respect to certain form of discrimination. Members who
recommended adoption of the committee report say that the resolution is
consistent with Article IV and V of the FSM Constitution. These Members
further say that if Congress ratifies this convention, it would simply mean
that the FSM is joining the majority of countries in the world in lending a
supporting vice to women in those countries whose women’s rights are
violated.

Congress recommitted to the Committee on External Affairs, for further
investigation, another resolution that pertains to acceding to the
International Convention against the Taking of Hostages. It adopted three
other committee reports, one pertaining to a bill to change the allottee of
funds appropriated for use in Pohnpei State, and two pertaining to
resolutions that would ratify the Conventions on the Prevention and
Punishment of Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons (including
diplomatic agents) and the Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic
Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.

On the bill calendar, Congress passed, on 1st Reading, three bills that
would change the allottees and use of certain funds appropriated for the
States of Kosrae and Pohnpei and deferred action on the two bills pertaining
to immigration moratorium and to limiting ambassadorial terms of office.
Congress deferred action on the nomination of Mr. Midion G. Neth for the
position of Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health, Education and
Social Affairs and on the resolutions to ratify the conventions.

Senator Jack Fritz expressed appreciation, during miscellaneous business, to
President Joseph J. Urusemal for allowing the FSS Voyager to take the needed
relief foods to the people of the Northwest region in Chuuk and to Vice
President Redley Killion for personally making sure the foods are delivered
to the people of the area. The senator extended the same appreciation to
the U.S. government and to FEMA for providing the feeding program and other
related programs in the state of Chuuk.

Several committees made announcements about various meetings and public
hearings to be held today and during the remainder of the week.