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FSM President Nena Heads Delegation to Australia

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): May 28, 1997 - FSM President Jacob Nena is heading a delegation today to Perth, Australia, via Air Nauru, at the invitation of the Government of Australia, to officially accept on behalf of the FSM Government, the newly constructed surveillance ship, FSS Independence, according to Special Assistant Josaiah Waguk.

The turn-over ceremony of the new patrol boat is scheduled for May 31, 1997. The addition of FSS Independence to patrol boat FSS Micronesia and FSS Palikir will increase the ability of the FSM Surveillance Program of patrolling the FSM Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for illegal fishing activities. The FSM Government contributed $1 million to the costs of the ship.

The delegation includes FSM Attorney general Camillio Noket, Chief of FSM National Police, Lester Ruda, Special Assistant Josaiah Waguk and FSM Congress Vice Speaker Claude Phillip. The Ambassador of Australia to the FSM, His Excellency Perry Head, is traveling the same time as the President and his delegation.

Meanwhile, President Nena, in a May 27, 1997 memorandum designated Vice President Leo A. Falcam to handle all matters of the Office of the President until his return. Copies of the memorandum were sent to the Speaker of Congress and the Chief Justice of the FSM Supreme Court.