A senate trial that will decide the fate of the impeached Governor of the Northern Marianas is expected to begin in the next few weeks.
Benigno Fitial has been impeached by the House of Representatives on 18 charges of corruption, felony and neglect of duty.
Our correspondent, Mark Rabago, says Mr Fitial is now preparing his defence for the trial by the nine members of the Senate.
"They have to weigh the evidence by themselves before coming up with a decision on the matter, and it could take a few weeks or even, probably, a couple of months before this process is finalised."
Mark Rabago.
