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FSM and U.S. initials treaty implementation

Palikir, POHNPEI (FSM Information Services): June 25, 2004 - The Governments of the Federated States of Micronesia and the United States of America, initialed today, the documents to officially implement the Compact of Free Association, as amended.

A ceremony at the Department of Foreign Affairs Conference room memorialized the exchange of Diplomatic Notes on the Implementation Agreement of the Compact, as amended. Initialing on behalf of the two Governments were, Secretary Sebastian L. Anefal, of the Department of Foreign Affairs and U.S. Ambassador Larry M. Dinger.

Following last months ratification of the Compact, as amended, today's exchange of notes between the two governments culminates the nearly five years of negotiations. The exchange of notes fulfills the FSM's requirements to officially enter into force the Compact, as amended.

Ambassador Dinger expressed that he was "happy to be part of the process that has brought us to this crucial period. Even as allies we still face challenges in this relationship and we look forward to working them out amicably."

Along similar lines, Secretary Anefal said "today's initialing is the result of all the previous efforts leading up to the initialing, signings and ratification of the Compact, as amended. The initialing of notes signifies a very important milestone in the history of our relations with the U.S. The stroke of the pen by Ambassador Dinger and myself is comparable to a pair of scissors attached in the middle to cut the ribbon that launches the implementation.

"We look forward to working with the U.S. in the implementation process," he concluded.

Witnesses to the ceremony included, the members of the President's Cabinet, the staff of the Joint Economic Compact Negotiation and officials of the government.