Source:
Saipan TribuneMicronesian leaders have asked President George W. Bush to reject a proposal to designate the three northernmost islands of the Commonwealth as a marine monument.
The officials, in a letter signed at the recently concluded 10th Micronesian Chief Executives' Summit in Pohnpei, expressed their support for the CNMI government, which opposes the implementation of a national marine monument in the islands of Maug, Asuncion and Uracas through the Antiquities Act.
“While the merits of the specific designation are debatable, the process is unacceptable to all of our people,” states the letter, signed by Federated States of Micronesia President Emanuel Mori, Guam Gov. Felix Camacho, Palau President Tommy E. Remengasau, Marshall Islands President Litokwa Tomeing, Yap Gov. Sebastian Anefal, Pohnpei Gov. John Ehsa, Kosrae Gov. Robert Weilbacher, Chuuk Gov. Wesley Simina, and Northern Marianas Gov. Benigno R. Fitial.
“Based on our experience,” the letter adds, “protected areas are only successful when they reflect the will and ideals of those affected. Mr. President, we ask that you refrain from designating any national marine monument in the CNMI against the wishes of the indigenous peoples of those island. These wishes are also strongly demonstrated through the voices of the vast majority of
CNMI's democratically elected leaders opposing any national marine monument designation.”
Read more: http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=85707
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