Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698745301524.pdf (Micronesia, Federated States of)
STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO.

13-193 RE: C.R.

NO.

13-151/EA SUBJECT: APPOINTMENT OF HONORARY COUNSEL IN EUROPE NOVEMBER 05, 2004 The Honorable Peter M. Christian Speaker, Thirteenth Congress Federated States of Micronesia Fourth Regular Session, 2004 Dear Mr. Speaker: Your Committee on External Affairs, to which was referred C.R.

No.

13- 151 entitled: "A RESOLUTION URGING THE PRESIDENT TO APPOINT AN HONORARY COUNSEL TO REPRESENT THE INTERESTS OF THE FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA IN EUROPE.
", begs leave to report as follows: The intent and purpose of the resolution are expressed in its title.

Sector Grant assistance from the United States is scheduled to decrease beginning in Fiscal Year 2007.

The Federated States of Micronesia faces the serious challenge of finding revenue sources to offset this decrease and to provide the resources necessary to economic growth.
Your committee submits that, to meet this challenge, the FSM must increasingly focus its foreign relations activities on economic, rather than political objectives.

The European Union and its member states have shown an interest, through the Cotonou Agreement and other actions, in participating in the economic qrowth of the Pacific region.

Unfortunately, at the present time, the FSM is poorly positioned to develop stronger ties with Europe.
Our nation has little experience in dealing with European governments.

Furthermore, the FSM’s overseas offices are all geographically remote from the European capitals.

As a result, there is not a good flow of information regarding opportunities to work with European countries and interactions with European governments are rare.
Your committee is of the opinion that it is in the best interests of the FSM that our National Government fully explore opportunities to establish partnerships and other relations with European nations.

We are, however, at a disadvantage in this regard.

A number of the African, Caribbean, Pacific Group of States (“ACP”), including several STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO.

13-193 RE: C.R.

NO.


13-151/EA SUBJECT: APPOINTMENT OF HONORARY COUNSEL IN EUROPE OCTOBER 05, 2004 Pacific island countries, have appointed representatives in Europe.

Unquestionably, those countries have better access, than does the FSM, to information on opportunities for technical and financial assistance from European countries.

They are also better positioned to work with the EU and its member states in securing such assistance.
Your committee submits that the FSM should promptly appoint an honorary counsel in Europe to represent our nation in such matters and to advise the FSM on dealings with European governments.

C.R.

No.

13-151 would urge the President to make such an appointment.

Accordingly, your Committee on External Affairs is in accord with the intent and purpose of C.R.

No.

13-151 and recommends its adoption.


Respectfully submitted, /s/ Isaac V. Figir Isaac V. Figir, chairman Do not concurr Dion G. Neth, member /s/ Alik L. Alik Alik L. Alik, member Henry C. Asugar, member /s/ Resio Moses Resio Moses, member /s/ Tiwiter Aritos Tiwiter Aritos, member -2-