 FSM Congress News, March 22, 2004PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Congress): March 22, 2004 - Congress will host the 37th General Assembly and 71st Council Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentarian Union (APPU) here in Palikir, Pohnpei State. The APPU meets annually to discuss issues of mutual interests in the region. The issues usually discussed include economic development, trade, security and the environment. Dignitaries from around the Asia-Pacific region will be visiting Pohnpei for the event. Speaker Peter M. Christian headed last year's delegation, which took place in Tokyo, Japan from December 2 to 4. Accompanying the speaker were: Chairman Isaac Figir of the Committee on External Affairs; Chairman Dohsis Halbert of the Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Operations; Chairman Alik Alik of the Resources and Development Committee and Vice Chairman Roosevelt Kansou of the Ways and Means Committee. Ms Liwiana Ramon, the congressional chief clerk, also traveled with the FSM delegation as support staff. This year's meetings will take place in August. Congress is soliciting assistance from the other two branches of the national government, the Pohnpei State and all Pohnpei Municipal governments, the traditional leaders, churches and individuals in planning and preparing for the hosting of the 4-day meetings of the union. |