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Amnesty Bill packs Congress chamber

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): January 30, 2004 - An Amnesty Bill introduced by the Thirteenth Congress of the Federated State of Micronesia has roused special public interest in the proceedings of FSM Congress.

Introduced on January 20, Bill no. 13-76, proposes amnesty for certain classes of people accused of certain national crimes. Without seeing floor action, the Bill had generated an unprecedented audience at a normal congressional session. The last day of the Third Special Session of the 13th Congress witnessed a Chambers crammed full of citizens and non-citizens alike anticipating action on the Bill.

The FSM Congress brought up the Bill and re-committed to the Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Operations (J&GO) for further study and investigation.

President Joseph J. Urusemal was pleased by the great expression of interest in the Amnesty Bill and encouraged continued public's interest and participation in the sessions of the FSM Congress, "get involved, take an active role in the democratic process towards building a better nation."

He continued that "dissensions and disagreements are anticipated growth factors for a healthy society; the Bill is an example of the many facets of the political process involved in building and ensuring a democratic society."

The President said as a young nation, the FSM must "learn and grow from our own trials and tribulations."

President Urusemal expressed confidence that the measure would be handled through the appropriate democratic process, "we have worked so hard to forward this nation's progress I know Congress collectively would not allow this [Bill] through.