PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Congress): November 4, 2002 –
Congress witnessed, November 4, 2002, the initialing of
the compact documents between the governments of the United States of
America and the Federated States of Micronesia. It also listened silently
to FSM President Leo A. Falcam delivered the state of the Nation Message.
Both events took place in the Congress chamber in Palikir, Pohnpei. The two
events were broadcast live throughout the 4 radio stations in the FSM and on
the internet.
Signing on behalf of the U.S. Government was its Special Negotiator, the
Honorable Al Short and on behalf of the FSM Government was FSM’s Chief
Negotiator, Honorable Senator Peter M. Christian.
The initialing of the compact documents reflected some agreement between
the two teams, but the negotiations will continue for the next few weeks to
complete the works on some issues that the two teams have not agreed on
before the documents can be signed.
The FSM has not agreed to the levels of grants, the Trust Fund
contributions, the FEMA and some language of the Fiscal Procedures
Agreement, Title 4, and other items.
During the initialing ceremony the FSM chief negotiator expressed his
appreciation to the U.S. team for accommodating the needs of the FSM people
and at the same time represents their country, admirably.
FSM President Leo A. Falcam delivered the state of the Nation Message after
the initialing ceremonies of the amended compact completed. The president
spoke of his administration’s accomplishment over the past more than 3 years
and plans to improve those that need improvements.
In the gallery and introduced for recognition were the Nanmwarki of U and
his wife, FSM Vice President Redley Killion, FSM Chief Justice Andon L.
Amaraich, HE Larry Dinger, United States Ambassador to the FSM, Honorable
David Cohen, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior
for the Office of Insular Affairs and the U.S. Negotiator himself, the
Honorable Al Short who was involved in the first negotiation of the Compact
in 1986. HE Ambassador Zang of the People’s Republic of China and key staff
of the embassies of Australia and Japan, the staff of the FSM and U.S.
negotiating teams, members of the president’s cabinet and other citizens who
were observing the session and the events were also introduced for
recognition.
Congress had to cut short it session yesterday to accommodate invitations
for a luncheon provided by the U.S. Ambassador, his staff and the U.S.
Community in Pohnpei celebrating the occasion of the compact initiation.
Following in the evening, the FSM hosted a reception for the same event and
in honoring the U.S. officials who were part of the event.
Congress will reconvene today, November 5, at 10:00 in the morning.
