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NEWS:
FSM and US Agree on Amendments to Compact Disaster Assistance Provisions
WASHINGTON - In a brief ceremony held at the FSM Embassy here on June 30, 2004, representatives of the FSM and US signed an agreement to amend Title X of the Federal Programs and Services Agreement concluded pursuant to the Compact of Free Association, as amended.
FSM and US Sign Agreement on Compact Implementation
PALIKIR (FSM PIO) — At a ceremony held at the Department of Foreign Affairs here on June 25, 2004, the Governments of the Federated States of Micronesia and the United States of America signed documents to officially implement the Compact of Free Association, 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.
Coming a month after the FSM's ratification of the Compact, as amended, the exchange of notes between the two governments culminates nearly five years of negotiations.
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.
FSM Approves Compact Amendments Package
On May 26, 2004, the Congress of the FSM voted to approve the Amendments to the Compact of Free Association of 2003. The move follows approval by the four state legislatures. Representatives of the FSM and the US are scheduled to sign the implementing agreement in early June, which will mark entry into force of the amendments. (Documents)
US President Signs Amended Compact Package into US Law
On December 17, 2003, US President Bush signed House Joint Resolution 63 into law (becoming P.L. 180-188), ending the consideration process for the US after nearly four years of negotiations.
 US Rep. Jim Leach introduces bill and urges passage of Compact
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US Congress Approves Amended Compact
Final passage by the House took place on November 11, 2003, and by the Senate on November 6, 2003.
FSM and US Sign Amended Compact
Jesse B. Marehalau, FSM Ambassador to the United States (left), and Larry Dinger, US Ambassador to the FSM (right), shake hands after signing the Compact amendments in the FSM Presidential Conference Room in Palikir, Pohnpei on May 14, 2003. Also pictured is Lorin Robert, FSM Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs and event coordinator.
The FSM and US signed the full package of Compact Amendments during a brief ceremony held in Palikir, Pohnpei, on May 14, 2003. The signed texts will now be transmitted for legislative approval by both nations.
About the JCN and This Site
This site is maintained by the Joint Committee on Compact Economic Negotiations (JCN) of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), as a component of its public information campaign.
The JCN was established by the FSM Congress in June 1997. It is a ten-member body composed of representatives from the States and the National Government working to renegotiate expiring provisions of the Compact of Free Association with the United States.
Thank you for your interest. Your views and comments are always appreciated, and may be submitted by email to jcn@mail.fm.
Last updated Thursday, July 1, 2004
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