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Nena Requested FEMA Extension of Appeal

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): August 25, 1997 - President Jacob Nena, on August 6, 1997, requested for an extension of the time allowed for the FSM Government to appeal the denial by U.S. President William Clinton on the request by the State of Pohnpei for the President of the United States of America to delcare Pohnpei State a major disaster area as results of damages sustained by Tropical Storms Isa and Jimmy and the land slides that took the lives of families in Oumor and Iohl villages in Sokehs Municipality earlier this year.

Nena asked for a 30-day extension of the time allowed to appeal the denial of a request for President William Clinton to declare Pohnpei a major disaster area. Citing a lack of coordination between Pohnpei and the FSM National Government in the preparation of the appeal documents as reason for requesting for an extension of appeal period.

Nena stated that the FSM Government and Pohnpei State Government both need ample time to coordinate and hold consultations on the appeal process and the allowed time frame was inadequate.

On July 7, 1997, the FSM decided to appeal the denial of the request made on April 21, 1997, for declaration of Pohnpei as (a) major disaster area.

In his letter to Pohnpei Governor Del S. Panelinan, the President explained the reason for his actions and called for a cooperative effort on the matter while waiting for FEMA's response.