KPress Vol. 11 Iss. 23

Jaynes, Bill (2011-10-17). KPress Vol. 11 Iss. 23 (PDF) (Report). Kolonia, Pohnpei: Kaselehlie Press.

• Has attachment: File:9UQ3FZLV.pdf

Abstract: KPress Vol. 11 Iss. 23: NEWS: Palikir, Pohnpei—An eight-paragraph resolution (17-60) introduced by veteran FSM Senator Peter Christian, the nation’s chief negotiator of the Amended Compact of Free Association with the United States, calling on President Manny Mori to terminate the Compact no later than 2018 triggered widespread international media attention and confusion, with reporting clarifying that the resolution had not been adopted, that the Compact is a treaty without an expiration date, that financial provisions expire in 2023, and that neither Congress nor the President can unilaterally dissolve the treaty by legislative whim, with misinformation amplified by technical issues on the FSM Congress website that made introduced but unadopted measures appear approved; coverage emphasizes that the proposal remained a single senator’s initiative presented for discussion, notwithstanding media narratives, and notes omissions in international reporting regarding constitutional limits and process; separate state-level political reporting covers Governor John Ehsa’s veto of a Pohnpei State Legislature bill that would have asked voters whether the state should continue as part of the FSM, with the Governor arguing the measure was irresponsible, cited legislative findings of animosity toward national political structures, and characterizing the bill as an attempt to avoid the hard work of leadership; OPINION / EDITORIAL: commentary addresses the veto rationale and broader questions of constitutional process, leadership, and responsible political decision-making