 FSM Observes UN Day October 24, 1997PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): September 23, 1997 - FSM President Jacob Nena, on October 22, 1997, proclaimed Friday, October 24, as United Nations Day, a legal holiday in the FSM. All offices will be closed in observance of the establishment of the United Nations in 1945. However, employees who by nature of their work are required to stand duty on this day, will be compensated at the holiday rate of pay, Nena stated. The Government and employees of the State of Pohnpei observed the United Nations Day on Thursday, October 23 instead of Friday, October 24th since Friday is a normal day-off as Pohnpei State has implemented the 72, instead of 80 hour work week. In this connection, the outpatient section of Pohnpei Hospital is closed to public service, according to an official announcement over radio station V6AH. By way of background, it was in 1945, that representatives of 50 Governments met at the United Nations Conference on International Organization in San Francisco from April 25 to June 26, culminating in the official establishment of the UN Charter by its adoption and signature. The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) on November 3, 1993, officially became a member when the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted the Security Council's recommendation admitting the FSM as a new member. A delegation from the FSM was on hand to take the FSM's seat in the General Assembly's Hall included the FSM Secretary of External Affairs Asterio Takesy, Congress Speaker Jack Fritz, FSM Ambassador to the United States Jesse Marahelau and other officials. The flag of the FSM was later hoisted and flown among the flags of member nations outside of the United Nation's General Assembly's Building. The entire episode was captured on video tape by FSM Information staff who was at the occasion. |