---

JCM Tackles Ongoing Issues

Palikir, POHNPEI (Dept. of Foreign Affairs): June 20, 2006 - The Joint Committee Meeting, better known as JCM, recently held a two-day meeting from 7 to 8 June 2006 in the State of Yap, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). The Honorable Sebastian L. Anefal, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, opened the meeting and welcomed the members of the two delegations.

The JCM is an annual meeting between the US and FSM Governments to discuss issues of importance pursuant to Title 3 of the Amended Compact of Free Association, relating to security and military matters. The meeting's agenda included US briefings and updates on regional security, ongoing talks for the relocation of military personnel to Guam, military recruiting, eligibility for FSM citizens to apply for entrance into US Service Academies, ongoing US Coast Guard activities in the FSM, Pohnpei State's Well-Drilling Project approved under the Humanitarian Assistance/FSM (HAFSM) Program, Homeland Defense and Humanitarian Assistance/Humanitarian Civic Assistance (HA/HCA) Program. The FSM issues raised included eligibility for its citizens to re-enlist in the US Coast Guard, notification procedures, search and rescue operations, tracking of FSM citizens serving in the US Military and specific concerns conveyed on behalf of the Pohnpei Veterans Club.

The result of the meeting was a list of Working Action Items, established from the agenda and discussions during the meeting. Both the US and FSM Governments will be tracking these action items in the coming months, prior to the next JCM, scheduled to be held in March 2007 in Honolulu, Hawaii. A Sub-Committee comprised of representatives from each of the four entities involved, namely the US Embassy, FSM Department of Foreign Affairs, COMNAVMAR and USPACOM, has been formed. A mid-point meeting among members of the Sub-Committee to follow up on Working Action Items is already in the works.

The US Delegation was headed by US Ambassador to the FSM, Suzanne Hale, and Rear Admiral, COMNAVMAR and US Defense Representative to the FSM, Charles Leidig. The FSM Delegation was headed by Secretary Sebastian L. Anefal of the Department of Foreign Affairs. Also in attendance from the National Government were Secretary Andrew Yatilman of the Department of Transportation, Communications & Infrastructure, National Disaster Coordinator Matt Kuor, Deputy Director Kensley Ikosia of the Office of Compact Management and Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for American Affairs Suzanne M. Lowe of the Department of Foreign Affairs. Attendees from the Pohnpei State Government included Director Finley S. Perman of State Treasury and Administration Department and Budget Officer Semensin James.

Yap State, as the host for this year's JCM, had a composition of 31 delegates, which included Governor Robert A. Ruecho', Lt. Governor Joe J. Habuchmai, Director Francis I. Itimai of the Office of Planning & Budget, Director James Lukan of the Micronesian Red Cross-Yap Chapter and Search & Rescue Officer Victor B. Moonfel, among others. Kosrae and Chuuk State Governments did not send any representatives.

For more information, please contact Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for American Affairs Ms. Suzanne M. Lowe at the Department of Foreign Affairs, 320-2544 (or email slowe@mail.fm).