 FSM Ratifies Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat AgreementPalikir, POHNPEI (FSM Information Services): May 2001 - President Leo A. Falcam signed the Agreement which recognized and established the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat on May 10, 2001, which is coincidentally, the Constitution Day of Federated States of Micronesia. The Instrument of Ratification followed suit the next day with the signature of Secretary Ieske K. Iehsi of the Department of Foreign Affairs. The Agreement was signed during last year's Pacific Islands Forum in Kiribati by the majority members of the Forum. The FSM delayed signing until completion of its consultation process with FSM Congress. Three island Forum members have ratified the agreement so far:
With the signing and ratification of the Agreement, the FSM becomes the fourth Forum member to ratify the Agreement establishing the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. The signing ceremony was held at the Presidents office, witnessed by the Vice President of the FSM, Redley Killion, Acting Secretary David Panuelo, staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs, staff of the Presidents office and members of the local media. |