"Marianas Leaders Oppose Bush Plans for Huge Marine Reserve"

"'SAIPAN, Northern Mariana Islands -- Political leaders in the US-administered Northern Mariana Islands have publicly rebuffed attempts by Washington to persuade them to support a huge marine sanctuary in their waters. A US official said during a visit to the western Pacific territory this week that President George Bush wanted to establish the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument before he leaves office in January. Supporters of the 115,000 square mile (297,850 square kilometre) reserve said it would be an important part of Bush's legacy as he leaves office. 'To be as blunt as possible, we do not feel... that stealing our birthright to curry favour with posterity is appropriate,' Northern Mariana leaders said in a joint letter published Thursday.' AFP had the story October 24, 2008."