Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia

FSM Congress News, October 28, 2003

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Congress): October 28, 2003 –
The resolution to ratify the UN Convention on the
Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) was finally
ratified this morning, October 18, 2003 after its first introduction to
Congress during the 9th Congress.

The main obstacle to ratifying the convention was whether the convention is
in conflict of the customs and traditions of the Micronesian people.
During the many years of discussion on the resolution, some Members
expressed concerns that by ratifying the resolution, the FSM would attempt
to impose certain views and judgments on other cultures, and also that
ratification would constitute an admission of guilt to certain from of
discrimination in the FSM. Members who recommended congressional
ratification said the resolution is consistent with Articles IV and V of the
FSM Constitution and ratification would simply mean that the FSM is joining
the majority of countries in the world in lending a supporting voice to
women in those countries where women’s rights are violated.

Senator Isaac Figir, Chairman of the Committee on External Affairs, whose
committee’s jurisdiction covers the resolution, expressed appreciation to
all Members for the unanimous votes received on the convention and call the
action of Congress, “a victory for all women in the FSM.”

Congress also ratified the resolution on the UN Convention Against the
Taking of Hostages and approved the nomination of Mr. Kasio E. Mida to serve
as ambassador of the FSM to the Government of Japan. It also approved, on
1st Reading, a bill to allow any available funds originally designated for
capital project under the Compact and to be transferred to the current
accounts of the national and state governments for unrestricted use, and two
other bills that would change the allottees of certain funds previously
appropriated by Congress.

Congress recessed at 11:11 a.m. and will reconvene on Thursday, October 30,
to allow Members to join the meeting of the EPIC, which is taking place
today and tomorrow in Palikir.