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US/FSM discuss funding priorities of Amended Compact

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): September 2, 2003 - The initial meeting between officials of the United States and the Federated States of Micronesia Interim Joint Economic Management Committees ("Interim JEMCO") concluded on August 27, 2003.

Officials of the United States and the Federated States of Micronesia met in Pohnpei on August 26-27 as an Anticipatory Task Force (ATF) to consider proposed FSM budget allocations for year one sector grant funding under the Amended Compact of Free Association. The Amended Compact has been signed by both governments and awaits ratification by both nations' legislatures.

The ATF discussion of allocations reflects the stated funding priorities of the Amended Compact with the Health and Education sectors receiving the highest priority. Infrastructure, Public Sector Capacity Building, Private Sector Development and Environment are also designated as important sectors.

ATF discussion of allocations will remain tentative until legislation is enacted to officially create a Joint Economic Management Committee (JEMCO), which will make the final determinations for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2003.

The United States representatives on the ATF included Deputy Assistant Secretary David Cohen from the Department of the Interior, Deputy Assistant Secretary Matthew P. Daley from the Department of State, and Special Assistant to the Secretary William Steiger from the Department of Health and Human Services. Representatives for the Federated States of Micronesia included Sebastian Anefal and John Ehsa from the National Government, Evelyn Paul from Chuuk State government, Lt. Governor Gerson Jackson from Kosrae, Semensin James from Pohnpei, and Maria Laaw from Yap.