Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia

Legislative conference concludes with adoption of Communiqué

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Congress): September 20, 2008 - The presiding officers of the national and state Legislative Bodies met in Palikir for the Micronesian Legislative Conference (MLC) which began September the 8 and concluded on the September 10 with the adoption of a Communiqué.

With the theme "Critical Challenges, United Response", the communiqué highlighted the collective consensus of the five Legislative Bodies to strengthen the state and national collaborations on various issues of mutual concerns.

Noting the numerous challenges facing the nation, the Legislative bodies strongly encouraged - through the Communiqué, the revival of the Economic Policy Implementation Council (EPIC) as a means for the States and the National Government to enhance its collective efforts to address the compounding challenges of the nation.

The legislative leaderships especially underscored the need for the nation's leadership to collectively respond to those concerns noted in the communication from the United States Congress to the Speaker Isaac V. Figir of the 15th FSM Congress and FSM President Emanuel 'Manny' Mori. It was therefore agreed that the States would provide their comments to be incorporated into President Mori's response to the US Congress.

Also noted in the communiqué is issue of passport decentralization; the legislative leadership collectively urged the President to delay action on the matter to allow further assessment of the implications of decentralization.

Finally, the communiqué noted the consensus of the legislative bodies to continue the efforts envisioned by the Micronesian Legislative Conference. And in the high spirit of consensus, the Yap State Legislature graciously offered to host the next MLC in its state at a time of which will be agreed to by all parties.

The MLC was established to further strengthen the rapport between the legislative branches of the five governments, and at the same time provide a platform for the legislative bodies to discuss and define solutions for issues of mutual concerns.

The 2008 MLC communiqué is available on website of the FSM Congress: www.fsmcongress.fm