| Congressman Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, Ranking Democrat
on the House International Relations Subcommittee on East Asia and the
Pacific, announced today that he has requested the U.S. State Department
to enter into negotiations for a maritime boundary treaty with the Government
of Samoa.
In a letter to the Honorable Anthony Rock, Acting Assistant Secretary
of State for the Bureau of Oceans and International, Environmental and
Scientific Affairs, Faleomavaega expressed his “strong support for
the negotiation of United States maritime boundaries with countries adjacent
to the U.S. Territory of American Samoa.”
“The three maritime boundary treaties the U.S. has executed with
the Cook Islands, New Zealand (Tokelau Islands) and Niue have proven instrumental
in establishing equidistant exclusive economic zone (EEZ) boundaries,”
wrote the Congressman. “This has significantly reduced misunderstanding
and conflict over competing claims to fishery and marine resources.
Because of that success, I strongly support the State Department’s efforts
to negotiate maritime boundary treaties with Tonga and the Government of
Samoa.”
“In particular, a treaty establishing an equidistant EEZ boundary
is critically needed with our neighbor, Samoa,” urged Faleomavaega.
“The local fishing fleet in Samoa numbers over 200 boats and the U.S. Coast
Guard has had to repeatedly apprehend Samoan vessels fishing illegally
in U.S. waters off American Samoa. The poaching has adversely affected
our local fishing fleet in the Territory, which numbers over 50 vessels.”
“Due to serious concerns over continuing violations, I request that
the State Department treat this as an urgent matter and enter into negotiations
with Samoa for conclusion of a maritime boundary treaty as soon as possible,”
concluded the Congressman. |
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