January 31, 2000

The President

The White House

Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

The Presidential directives that you have issed regarding naval training on Vieques provide a fair and positive basis for resolution of a long-standing and complex issue. Recognizing the actions that you have taken and your consideration for the rights and interests of our American citizens in Vieques, I will commit that the resources of the Government of Puerto Rico will be used in cooperation with relevant Federal authorities, to ensure continued training on the range within the limits described in your directives. Specifically, we will not initiate litigation that would constrain use of the range, and we will support Federal efforts to asure that trespassing or other intrusions on the range cease entirely by providing complementary support required of state and local jurisdictions.

Additionally, the Government of Puerto Rico shall conduct a referendum for the citizens of Vieques to decide the future of training operations on the island of Vieques, as described in your directives.

Further, I intend to appoint a Commissioner for Vieques to work with the Senior Naval Representative in Puerto Rico in implementing the steps described in your directives on Vieques.

Sincerely,

Pedro Rossello