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PALIKIR, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (July 27, 2001 – FSM Information Services)---The First Special Session of the Twelfth Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia adjourned its seven-day meeting on July 16, 2001.

The Special Session mainly addressed the budget for the national government, of which the proposed $40,945,190 for operational cost for fiscal year 2002 was reduced to $37,547,590.

The Executive Branch’s request of $14,677,719 was trimmed by $647,494, Congress’s operational cost was reduced to $3,098,700, and the Judicial Branch’s original request was decreased to $974,150.

The proposed FY 2002 Budget is included under Congressional Act No. 12-24 and is awaiting President Leo Falcam’s approval.

Other bills that were passed during the session include:

§ CB 12-18: Re-appropriates $43,250 for Southern Namoneas projects that have lapsed.

§ CB 12-20: Modifies the use of funds previously appropriated for projects in...

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya, Indonesia (July 30, 2001 – Antara)---President Megawati Sukarnoputri is expected to give special attention to Papuan women to enable them to participate in national development.

Mrs. Betriks Koibur, former member of the local legislative assembly, said here on Sunday most Papuan women supported the election of Megawati as the fifth president.

She said that as a female president, Megawati would be able to enhance the dignity and identity of Papuan women, who have been lagging behind in national development compared with women in other parts of Indonesia.

According to Mrs. Koibur, Papuan women have been acting as good onlookers in national development for almost the past 38 years. They rarely had an opportunity to directly participate in the development of the nation and the state.

"No wonder, Papuan women were often seen as incapable people still lagging behind their colleagues in the other regions, just because they were never given...

EDITORIAL Fiji Times Suva, Fiji Islands

July 31, 2001

Finally, someone in authority has recognized the invalidity of the drug decree. Drawn up by the previous illegal regime, the decree was intended to act as a deterrent in a bid to reduce the use of marijuana particularly among young people.

It backfired badly, sending virtual children into adult prisons. This has been happening for 14 years and it is cause for amazement and deep sorrow that it has taken this long to recognize it as unfair, immoral and useless.

It may also be significant that it was the 1997 Constitution's Bill of Rights that presented the legal opportunity to dump the decree.

The decree's failure is there for all to see. Drug use is increasing throughout Fiji with young people especially vulnerable.

And making criminals of those youngsters for possession of the tiniest amount of the drug will not stop them from using it.

Indeed it can be argued that a prison term...

NOUMÉA, New Caledonia (July 31, 2001 - Oceania Flash/SPC)---Wallis and Futuna has been celebrating its fortieth anniversary as a French overseas territory, RFO reports.

Celebrations have taken place not only in Wallis and Futuna, but also in New Caledonia, home to about 20,000 Wallisians and Futunians (as opposed to only around 15,000 in their islands of origin).

The celebrations mark promulgation on July 29, 1961 of a French Parliament act that officially gave Wallis and Futuna (northeast of the Fiji islands) French territorial status.

In the Wallis and Futuna capital, Matu Utu, celebrations were oriented around a religious mass, the raising of the French flag and custom ceremonies.

Similar celebrations also took place in Nouméa, where a whole week of celebrations was organized by the Wallisian and Futunian resident community.

The formal celebrations ended on Monday with a traditional kava ceremony and feast.

About 1,100 people are...