Micronesian leaders have written to President George Bush asking him to reject a proposal to designate the three northernmost islands of the CNMI as a marine monument.
The officials expressed their support for the Northern Marianas government, which opposes the implementation of a national marine monument in the islands of Maug, Asuncion and Uracus through the Antiquities Act.
The leaders' of the Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Northern Marianas said in the letter that the protected areas are only successful when they reflect the will and ideals of those affected.
The CNMI has repeatedly stated-through official communications to the Bush administration and in meetings with White House officials-their opposition to the monument proposal.
Yet a local organization, Friends of the Monument, with backing from the multibillion-dollar Pew Charitable Trusts, has been aggressive in pushing for the marine preservation plan.
Last month, the group submitted over 5,000 signatures collected by more than 60 volunteers in support of the marine monument.
