Party Politics In The Tt

Micronesia’s first territory-wide political organisation was formed in March during a three-day conven tion held on Saipan.

The Micronesian Movement for Self-Government was founded by 12 people, representing various dis tricts and political groups in the Trust Territory.

Representatives from the “Voice of the Marshallese” in the Marshalls, the “Concerned Tru kese” organisation in Truk, “Tia Belaud” in Palau and rep resentatives from Yap and Ponape formed the initial membership.

Due to transport problems, rep resentatives from Kosrae were una ble to attend the meeting.

The meeting decided on seven principles which are embodied in its proposed charter articles. They are: • To strive for immediate self government for Micronesia. • To endorse and support a

friendly relationship with the United States. • To endorse and support a federation of the peoples and is lands of Micronesia. • To forge and foster a true Micronesian identity • To promote a self-supporting economy in Micronesia. • To protect and preserve the en vironment, lands and waters in Micronesia; and • To preserve the Micronesian heritage, cultures and customs.

The movement established a steering committee to act and speak on behalf of members between con ventions. Members are: Moses Uludong of Palau, chairman; John Heine of the Marshalls, vice-chair man; Hans Wiliander of Truk, secretary for foreign affairs; Iraneus Akapito of TT headquarters, secre tary for information; and Elsa Thomas of TT headquarters, secre tary for finance.