KOLONIA, Pohnpei—The Joint Committee on Compact Review and Planning (JCRP) of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) announced today the selection of Mr. Leo A. Falcam Jr. as the nation’s Chief Negotiator for expected negotiations with the United States on the expiring provisions of the Amended Compact of Free Association.
Mr. Falcam is currently Chief of Staff to H.E. President David W. Panuelo and has now served in that capacity for three consecutive FSM Presidents.
“Chief Falcam is the right person for the job at this juncture in our development,” stated JCRP Chairman Asterio R. Takesy. “He is well-respected both within the FSM and the US and will speak with the clear, unified voice of our country in the upcoming negotiations. In short, he is an ideal choice to advance the FSM’s interests in these critical discussions,” Mr. Takesy added.
In his letter recommending and endorsing Mr. Falcam for the position, President Panuelo wrote, “The value that I endorse in my Chief of Staff does not originate from any one particular action, event or activity; rather, it originates from the depth and breadth of experience, expertise and credibility that he has demonstrated and enjoyed over the years, and the confidence that I, and many others, place in his ability to help our Nation to chart an effective and reasonable path towards achieving our National and self-sustaining goals.”
Mr. Falcam currently serves as FSM representative to the Joint Economic Management Committee (JEMCO) and the Joint Committee on Security and Defense (JCM), two bodies with FSM and US representatives that are responsible for oversight of implementation of the Amended Compact.
In addition, Mr. Falcam is a retired Colonel in the United States Marine Corps with 31 years of distinguished service. Among his many commendations, Mr. Falcam has received two Legion of Merit Medals, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Navy Commendation Medal.
Mr. Falcam attended Argentine National Defense College in Buenos Aires and the Marine Corps Command and Staff College in Quantico, Virginia. In 1981 he received a BS degree in Aviation Science from Parks College of Saint Louis University. He is a graduate of Xavier High School in Chuuk State, FSM.
Mr. Falcam is the son of the late President Leo A. Falcam and the late Mrs. Iris Falcam. His father’s distinguished career in public service included service as the first Governor of Pohnpei State and the fifth President of the Federated States of Micronesia.
The JCRP was established as a joint committee comprising nine members: one representative from each of the four states as appointed by the President, in consultation with the leadership of each state; four representatives from the FSM Congress, including one from each congressional delegation; and the FSM Secretary of Foreign Affairs, who serves as ex officio member. It was established, among other purposes, to help coordinate the Nation’s preparation for effective and smooth post-Compact government, to prepare for the renegotiation with the US of expiring Compact economic provisions, and to select a chief negotiator for the nation.
Several highly qualified candidates were considered in an extensive process.
View the press release from the Office of the President, Public Information Officer here.