Island seeks greater autonomy
The commonwealth’s government approved a resolution urging the United Nations to review the island’s status, hoping international pressure can help it gain greater autonomy from the United States.
It was the first time Gov. Anibal Acevedo Vila’s Popular Democratic Party, which has favored the current status, has called for such a change. The approval was announced by Vila, who last week said he would run for reelection next year.
Party officials say they want to maintain U.S. ties, but also to be able to negotiate trade pacts and import products carried on non-U.S.-registered ships, among other powers.
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