Washington, Dec 18: US President George W Bush has signed a legislation that approves implementation ofagreements with two tiny Pacific island nations, the Republicof the Marshall Islands and the Federated States ofMicronesia. The bill on the agreements, known as Compacts of Free Association, authorises the Federal government to provide USD 3.5 billion over the next 20 years to the two nations with the objective of weaning them from USAid.
It also provides USD 30 million to Hawaii and three US territories to offset the costs of providing for immigrants from those countries.
House and Senate gave approval to the legislation last month.
Micronesia and the Marshall Islands are about 4020 km southwest of Hawaii.
Bureau Report