Governor Calls for Navy to Quit Vieques by 2003
The governor of Puerto Rico has insisted that the Navy stop training on its Vieques Island bombing range no later than 2003, despite a pending House bill that would allow the Navy to stay longer.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to Washington, Gov. Sila Calderon urged that a firm date be set for the Navy’s withdrawal. Calderon said she sees “a real threat” by some in Congress to let the Navy and Marines use Vieques indefinitely.
President Bush has said the training will stop by May 2003.
A House defense bill approved last week would let the Navy stay until a comparable site is found. The House and Senate are to work out a compromise law soon.
The Navy has bombed the eastern tip of Vieques for six decades, training sailors for conflicts from World War II to the Persian Gulf War. Opponents say the bombardment harms the environment and health of Vieques’ 9,100 residents, which the Navy denies.
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