Talks described as ‘productive’ •Local panel members say the talks help CNMI's cause

Discussions aimed at mending ties soured by dispute over control of the commonwealth’s immigration and minimum wage wrap up today between CNMI and the US, and negotiators from both sides appeared to be inching closer to an agreement to hold formal talks in the future.

Members of the local 902 team said yesterday talks have been productive since it began Monday at the Hyatt, but refused to give details of the meeting that focused on the commonwealth’s labor, immigration and customs laws.

“It’s very productive and very informative,” said Lt. Gov. Jesus R. Sablan, head of the CNMI 902 team, brushing aside questions if both panels have narrowed down differences on key issues. “At least now we can smile.”

According to House Speaker Diego T. Benavente, member of the local panel, discussions in the past three days have helped the Northern Marianas in pushing position to maintain authority over immigration and labor, commonwealth functions guaranteed in the Covenant.

Benavente said talks “have certainly opened it up to help our cause in proving that we can make changes and take care of our own affairs.” He added though it was not an indication that Washington was easing on its plan to apply US laws on immigration and minimum wage to CNMI.

White House chief negotiator Edward B. Cohen declined to give comments until discussions are over.

Members of both panels avoided querries from reporters, citing an agreement put forward by the US side not to give statements to the media.

Government officials privy to talks said on condition of anonymity that negotiators were moving toward identifying specific issues under labor and immigration problems in preparation for another round of consultations.

“It sounds like they are talking about issues to formulate the agenda for formal talks in the future. It was not decided yet where and when to hold the formal negotiations,” one official said.

Should talks under the structure of Section 902 push through, it would be the first between Saipan and Washington since 1992, when two governments held five consultations.

When former governor Froilan C. Tenorio took office the Northern Marianas withdrew from negotiations after President Bill Clinton proposed to take away the commonwealth’s power to control immigration and set minimum wage because of discontent over the handling of these functions by local officials that led to rise in labor abuse and influx of foreign workers.

The former commonwealth leader instead hired the Seattle-based Preston, Gates, Rouvellas &Meads to help them lobby against several proposals on federal takeover pending in the US Congress.