Third FSM Constitutional Convention, November 30, 2001

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Third FSM Constitutional Convention, Day 19

POHNPEI, Palikir (FSM Information Service): November 30, 2001 –
The Third FSM Constitutional Convention has technically
begun its recess today, pursuant to Delegate Resolution No. 01-5 , which
calls for a recess from December 2^nd to the 9^th of December in order for
the delegates to go back for consultation in their respective States. With
the necessary departure of the Kosrae State Delegation today, no quorum
would be possible even if the other delegates would want to meet tomorrow,
based on the Convention’s Rules of Procedures, which calls for at least
eight delegates provided at least half of each delegation is present.

Before the Kosrae State Delegation had to leave the Chamber to catch their
flight, the Convention was able to take action on some Proposals and
Resolutions. Resolution No. 01-9, requesting the President of the FSM and
the Speaker of the 12^th Congress to call for a special session of the
Congress to consider extending the length of the convention and provide
additional funding for the extension, was introduced but then deferred to
when the Convention returns from its recess.

The proposal deferred from yesterday to today in the Committee of the Whole
(COW), C.P. No. 01-3, to extend the time-frame for submitting to FSM voters
the question of whether to have a constitutional convention or not, cleared
the COW, but met deferment during Second Reading. The COW also deferred
action on C.P. Nos. 01-5, which proposes to amend Section 6(b) of Article
XI of the Constitution regarding jurisdiction of the FSM Supreme Court
trial division when interests in land are at issue, and C.P. No. 01-6, which
proposes to amend Section 2 of Article V of the Constitution regarding the
protection of traditions of the people of the FSM.

Convention also adopted three Resolutions today. D.R. Nos. 01-6, 01-7, 01-8
and 01-10, expressed gratitude and appreciation to Governor Vincent Figir
and Speaker Robert Ruecho, of Yap State, to Governor Rensley A. Sigrah and
Speaker Hiteo Shrew, of Kosrae State, for making some of their staff
available for use of the Third Constitutional Convention of the FSM; and to
Governor Johnny P. David and Speaker Feliciano M. Perman, of Pohnpei State,
for making some of their staff and equipment available for use by the Third
FSM Constitution Convention. Convention deferred action on the adoption of
D.R. No. 01-8, expressing gratitude and appreciation to President Susan J.
Moses and the College of Micronesia-FSM Board of Regents, for generously
allowing Delegate John R. Haglelgam to participate in the Convention, to
make technical corrections.

The Convention was declared recessed at 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 o’clock p.m.
on December 10, 2001.