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FSM Congress Delays Third Regular Session

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Congress): January 13, 2012 - The convening of the third regular session of the 17th Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia has been moved from Jan. 10 to the 16^th.

Speaker Isaac V. Figir told President Emanuel "Manny" Mori that the delay is to "allow the executive branch more time to finalize the financial figures for FY 2011 so that Congress can make more informed decisions."

He concluded his letter by saying, "it is also our hope that by the time the State-National Leadership Conference convenes the national government is able to answer any concerns on financial data from the states."

The third regular session will also address the two presidential nominations received on Jan. 9 to fill the vacant positions in the president's cabinet as well as overseas posts.

Mori nominated Dion G. Neth for the position of secretary of the FSM Department of Finance and Administration.

The president said Neth has "over 20 years of experience and extensive background in public service," citing the various posts the nominee has held at both the state and national level.

Given the vast work experiences that Neth possesses, the president is "confident [that the nominee is a] well-suited candidate for the position and will perform accordingly."

Ignacio Stephen was named FSM consul general in Hawaii. According to the Mori's transmittal letter, Stephen's extensive educational background and prior work experience in both the public and private sectors afforded him a "wealth of knowledge and experience that will enable him to serve well in the capacity of which he is nominated."

Congress also received two nominations to the Joint Trust Fund Committee, as created by the trust agreement between the FSM and the United States.

Mori nominated Rose Nakanaga as the representative of the FSM government with Kembo Mida Jr. as the private sector representative.

For further information on this release, please contact:

Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia
Public Information Office
P.O Box PS-3
Palikir Station, Pohnpei, FM 96941
Tel.: (691) 320-2324/2325
Fax.: (691) 320-5122
e-mail: congresspio@mail.fm
http://www.fsmcongress.fm