Cepeda seeks CNMI-US dialog

Joining the bandwagon of opposition to the continuous attacks against the Northern Marianas, a legislator on Friday called on President Clinton to hold a mutual dialogue with island officials in efforts to bridge differences which have harmed relations between CNMI and Washington.

Rep. Frank Cepeda, chair of the House Judiciary and Governmental Operations, also denied accusations leveled against the Commonwealth by various interest groups in the mainland as well as some U.S. lawmakers.

While efforts from both sides have been directed towards reforming labor and immigration problems on the island, future actions “will be jeopardized as certain groups and individuals continue to insult and belittle the successful changes we have done to date,” he said.

In a letter to Clinton, the Saipan representative expressed hope that White House officials would discuss contentious issues with the CNMI leaders and criticisms which he called “outward besmirching of our reputation as a people.”

Echoing other local officials, Cepeda challenged critics of the island’s political and economic policies to pinpoint any group or individuals who might be guilty of charges of sexual slavery, human trafficking and workers’ abuse as reported by mainland media.

“I have received reports that our people in the United States are now facing prejudicial behaviors from others resulting from this unfair labeling,” he told Clinton.

Led by the Washington-based human rights group Global Survival Network, the latest attacks against the CNMI have fueled anew White House’s attempts to takeover local immigration, minimum wage and customs standards.

Although the criticisms have mainly focused on the local garment industry and the thousands of guest workers on the island, Cepeda stressed the need to hold “frank discussion” on these issues to foster understanding between the two sides.

“If the garment industry is truly the cause of this self-righteous anger from some of the group and politicians in the United States, then I assure you that once presented with facts, our government will correct any injustice,” he said.

“We want to protect our rights to pursue our economic goals, but if the United States will use this as leverage to infringe on our agreements under the Covenant,” Cepeda explained, “then we must examine our relationship as well as our economic aspiration in their proper perspectives.”

The representative added that “perhaps the frank discussion associated with the garment industry and the US relations regarding China will put this in a better light.”

Last January, Clinton sent his special representative to the 902 consultation talks, Edward B. Cohen, to Saipan to resume discussion with Commonwealth officials on labor, immigration and customs issues which have affected ties in recent years.

Both sides failed to reach an agreement and Cohen last month proposed a new federal takeover plan which the Clinton administration is expected to submit to the U.S. Congress for consideration.