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FSM Lawmakers May OK Resolution Against Plutonium Shipment

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): June 28, 2002 - The Federated States of Micronesia Congress is considering a resolution calling for a halt to the shipment of dangerous plutonium MOX through the Pacific region that is scheduled to take place later this year.

"Congress is greatly concerned about the potential risks to the health, safety, security, sustainability and well-being of the people, environment, and economy of the FSM posed by the shipment of such hazardous materials through the region," according to the resolution.

According to representatives of the international environmental organization Greenpeace, who were in Pohnpei to warn the FSM leaders about the shipment, a British ship is planning to enter the FSM's waters between the states of Pohnpei and Kosrae, carrying toxic materials.

The resolution was introduced during the first day of the current session.

Meanwhile, Congress confirmed by a 13 to 1 vote the nomination of attorney Dennis Yamase to the position of associate justice for the FSM Supreme Court.

Yamase is the fifth person confirmed by the Congress to serve on the FSM Supreme Court as a justice. He replaces Associate Justice Richard Benson, who resigned from the post.

Recently, Yamase was responsible for codifying the laws of the FSM as a consultant with the Asian Development Bank.

Members expressed support of the nomination because of his experience in the islands and sensitivity to the customs and traditions of Micronesia.

During discussion, several members expressed disappointment about the reporting of revenue forecasts made by the Department of Finance and Administration.

Members complained that the department has been inconsistent in its reporting on revenue projections. The department provided two reports within the past 10 days that offered two different revenue forecasts.