---

President Mori nominates Associate Justice Yinug for Chief Justice

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): March 30, 2010 - During the recent Third Special Session of the 16^th Congress, President Mori transmitted a nomination for Associate Justice Martin G. Yinug for the position of Chief Justice of the FSM Supreme Court. In the transmittal letter, the President described the Associate Justice as "one of our own who is well acquainted in law and possesses extensive background and experience in law." He mentioned that Associate Justice Yinug has been serving on the bench for nearly 19 years and has contributed to the development of the national's ever growing legal jurisprudence. The President said that he has confidence that Justice Yinug is well suited to serve as this nation's Chief Justice.

President Mori formally offered the nomination for the position of Chief Justice to Associate Justice Yinug through correspondence, and then, while attending Yap Day this year, he received a written reply from Yinug to accept the nomination.

During the Third Special Session, the 16^th Congress received the nomination and the Committee on Judiciary & Government Operation, led by Chairman Peter Sitan, has decided to hold public hearings in the four states in order to make an informed report back to the Congress during the next regular session in May, 2010.