 FSM Congress News, May 26, 2004Palikir, POHNPEI (FSM Congress): May 26, 2004 - Today at 11:37 a.m. May 26, 2004, the 16th day of the 3rd regular Session of the 13th Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia Congress approved Congressional Resolution No. 13-27 CD 2, which ratifies the Amended Compact between the United States of America and the Federated States of Micronesia. The votes showed unanimous agreement among all thirteen Members with the exception of Senator Alik L. Alik who was in Kosrae attending to some urgent and important matters in his state. President Joseph J. Urusemal was invited to address Members of Congress and the people of the FSM before Members voted on the measure. After recognizing the many officials in the gallery, the President expressed appreciation, on behalf of the nation and its people, to those who, in one form or another, contributed to the work on the Amended Compact. The President paid special tribute to those leaders who have gone before us most especially to the late Petrus Tun who was not just one of the founding fathers, but the first Chairman of the FSM Negotiating Team, known as the "JCN". The President paid special recognition to Speaker Peter M. Christian the FSM Chief Negotiator of the Compact for, according to the President, "staying the course, pressing hard and standing firm both in good times and bad times." Other expressions of appreciation went out to Mr. Epel Ilon as the 2nd Chairman of the JCN, Asterio Takesy as the 1st Executive Director, the sitting 3rd Chairman of the JCN and Lt. Governor of the State of Kosrae, the Honorable Gerson Jackson and all officials of the four states for their time and contributions to the efforts of the Amended Compact. President Urusemal, in the same prepared remarks, encouraged the United States Government to remain committed to the intent and spirit of the initial compact and encouraged the United States to identify funding for the Supplemental Education Grant for fiscal year 2005 and thereafter "so that the four-legged stool principal so well received at the negotiating table is not compromised." Speaker Peter M. Christian, along with former Speaker Jack Fritz, Senator Isaac Figir and Senator Dohsis Halbert also made remarks supporting ratification of the Amended Compact. Speaker Christian stated in his remarks that political independence is not the only goal of the nation. Economic self-sufficiency is also needed and the amended Compact offers the opportunity, "with the help of the United States, and over a period of time, to take control of our own destiny." He explained the Compact provides us both with badly needed financial assistance now and with the seeds of a strong, self-sustaining economy for the future. The detail of all the remarks made today would be found on the official Web-site of the Congress at: www.fsmcongress.fm. Congress will re-convene Monday, June 31, at 10 in the morning. |