 FSM Congress News, October 23, 2003PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Congress): October 23, 2003 - Congress approved the nomination of Mr. Midion G. Neth as the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health, Education and Social Affairs. It also approved the resolutions nominating the deputy chiefs of mission in Tokyo, Fiji and the Permanent Mission to the United Nations. Congress failed to approve the nomination of the deputy chief of mission in Washington D.C. The resolutions on Mr. Neth, Mr. Tadao Sigrah for the United Nations, Mr. Gabriel Ayin for Fuji and Mr. John Fritz for Tokyo, received equal votes of 13/1 each, while Mr. James Naich for the Washington D.C.'s post received 6 for and 8 votes against. Congress unanimously approved the nominations of Mr. Alexander R. Narruhn and Mr. Mathew Y. Chigiyal as members of the FSM Banking Board. It ratified the resolution on the Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and deferred action on another resolution pertaining to the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons, including diplomatic agents. Congress also approved on 2nd and Final Reading three bills. The bills would change allottees and the use of certain funds appropriated for the States of Kosrae, Pohnpei and Yap and deferred action on the two bills that would deal with the immigration moratorium and the limitation of ambassadors' terms in office. On a different action, Congress introduced a resolution to create a Special Committee to explore new sources of financial and technical support for the Federated States of Micronesia. The resolution foresees that funds provided under the amended Compact will diminish in the future. It goes on to say that the country is in need of additional economic and technical assistance to support the expansion of the economy. The resolution recommends that Congress look to the numerous governments and non-governmental organizations in our region and in the world that have an interest in the development of a stronger economy in our country. The resolution further states that the Congress should play an active role in the identification and development of new sources of economic and technical support for our country. Congress will be closed all day tomorrow, to observe the United Nations Day, October 24, and will reconvene Monday, October 27. |