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FSM Law Day, July 12, Declared Holiday

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): May 12, 1997 - Acting President Jacob Nena declared July 12, 1997, as Micronesian Law Day, a legal holiday, and urged all citizens, residents and government of the FSM to celebrate this day in a way that promotes respect for the law, according to a proclamation issued on May 5, 1997.

Historically, July 12, 1965 was the date of the first convening of the Congress of Micronesia, the first recognized Micronesia-wide legislative body since the establishment of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands after World War II.

It was on July 12, 1975 that the first Micronesian Constitutional Convention convened in the Whitesand Hotel in Saipan, Mariana Islands.

On July 12, 1981, the Supreme Court of the Federated States of Micronesia was established and began operations under its first Chief Justice Edward King.

The rule of law is fundamental to the safekeeping of our democratic form of government; respect for the law, and our legal institutions is important to the maintenance of our freedoms, Nena stated.

And because of the democratic, constitutional and legal institutions benefit the citizens and residents of FSM, the Micronesian Law Day, July 12, must be suitably commemorated, Nena concluded.

In this connection, FSM Supreme Court plans to hold the final High School Law Day debates in the State of Kosrae. Winners of the preliminary debates in their home states will travel to Kosrae for the final, says Ms. Emiliana Musrasrik, Director of Administration, FSM Supreme Court and the master of ceremony during the debate.