The resolution is a response to the increasingly hard-line adopted by the Obama administration and the U.S. Congress in its dealings with the islands.
Christian’s resolution points out that the purpose of the Compact is for a “mutually beneficial relationship between our two nations,” and says the U.S. receives many benefits from the relationship.
But the resolution says “the recent words and deeds of United States policymakers suggest they view the Amended Compact as an act of charity by the United States rather than a treaty between two sovereign nations.”
It charges that the U.S government “abused” its majority on the Joint Economic Management Committee by recently forcing passage of resolutions “contrary to the interests of the Federated States of Micronesia” and “unilaterally” slashing funding for the College of Micronesia-FSM.
It notes the U.S. Senate recently called on Homeland Security to consider establishing “a pre-screening process and requiring advanced permission for prospective travelers from the FSM and other Freely Associated States to enter the United States.”
It concludes by asking the FSM president to terminate the Compact of Free Association according to section 441 of the Amended Compact.
Christian represents Pohnpei state and is a former long-time speaker of the FSM Congress. The resolution was introduced on Sept. 27.
