902 talks with CNMI govt possible

Even since Office of Insular Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary David Cohen flew in to the CNMI this month, one aspect has remained pretty much of a mystery: a discussion between Cohen and the Babauta administration about two issues.

During last week’s 60th anniversary of the Battles of Saipan and Tinian, Cohen had let drop that he and Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente would be discussing two important issues; he was, however, tightlipped over the particulars of these issues.

But during his speech at the Rotary Club of Saipan yesterday at the Hyatt Regency Saipan, Cohen said that Section 902 general issues may be discussed and negotiated in the months ahead.

“It is just in theory that we may discuss Section 902,” Cohen said afterward.

Cohen is set to meet with the executive branch this week.

Section 902 states that the federal and CNMI governments will consult regularly on all matters affecting the relationship between the two governments. Special representatives will be appointed in any event to consider and to make recommendations regarding future multi-year financial assistance to the NMI pursuant to Section 701, to meet at least one year before the expiration of every period of such financial assistance.

Cohen, who arrived on Saipan to sign the Section 702 CIP Funding Agreement Monday and to attend the All Islands EPA Conference that would kick off today, said he would be meeting with Gov. Juan N. Babauta and Benavente on two different issues.

However, he refused to confirm the 902 talks saying it is possible that the DOI and the CNMI government would be discussing the matter when they meet this week.

Cohen is also meeting with House Speaker Benigno R. Fitial and Senate President Joaquin Adriano to talk about certain concerns, possibly the CIP funding agreement.

Political analyst earlier pointed out that the Section 902 of the Covenant could be used in resolving the CNMI stateless issue, particularly now that steps have been taken by Congress. The 902 option would be a consultation process between the United States and the CNMI under the Covenant arrangement.

The CNMI House of Representatives also mapped out ways to address the stateless issue aside from using Section 902: One, by enacting legislation to grant permanent CNMI residency to the affected individuals; and two, by lobbying Congress for the passage of legislation that would ultimately give stateless individuals U.S. citizenships. The first step was already signed to law and the second step is now in the hands of U.S. congressmen.