San Juan, Jan 17, 2001 (EFE via COMTEX) -- jmc/mrm
01/1VY FROM VIEQUES

The Puerto Rican Senate passed a resolution demanding that U.S. President Bill Clinton, as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, order an immediate and permanent halt to all military operations on the southeastern island of Vieques before he leaves office.

The resolution, approved by a 21-6 vote, was endorsed by the ruling Popular Democratic Party (PPD), the Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP) and New Progressive Party (PNP) Sen. Norma Burgos.

During the debate, PIP spokesperson Fernando Martin, the resolution's author, said that with this measure, the cycle of a process "that had been working very badly" has been completed.

"With the approval of this resolution, we have restored the senate's good name," he said.

Burgos, who also favored the resolution despite criticism from fellow party members, said she had evidence that the U.S. Navy leases its land on Vieques to other countries for their military exercises.

"They lease it to generate income. This is merely an economic issue. The U.S. military receives nearly $8 million from leasing this land," according to Burgos, who also complained about the harmful effects the military practices have on the health of Vieques residents. EFE

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