Posted on: Thursday, October 2, 2003

EDITORIAL
Micronesian compact should be wrapped up

Considering the vast scope of worries and concerns facing Congress on any given day, it may be understandable that little focused attention has been brought to bear on partnership agreements with two tiny mid-Pacific island nations.

But dealing with the renewal of the compacts of free association with the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia is important business, both for the islands and for the United States.

It is a credit to Hawai'i Reps. Neil Abercrombie and Ed Case that they have kept this issue at the forefront of their work and that they are determined to see Congress complete its obligations.

The compacts provide some $3.5 billion over 20 years to the two former trust territories for education, economic development and infrastructure. But it is not a one-way street.

The United States gains valuable military rights in the region and is guaranteed a secure zone of influence over a fast stretch of the Pacific Ocean. In addition, the payments help make up for what might be called years of benign neglect by the United States during the trusteeship.

Abercrombie and Case, along with their senatorial colleagues, should do whatever is needed to see this compact is wrapped up as soon as possible.