Combined Guam, CNMI could become US state
Updated
![A view over the Northern Marianas capital, Saipan, which like Guam is under US administration but is not a state. [ABC]](http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/img/news/base/cnmi_saipan_abc_06.jpg "A view over the Northern Marianas capital, Saipan, which like Guam is under US administration but is not a state. [ABC]")
A view over the Northern Marianas capital, Saipan, which like Guam is under US administration but is not a state. [ABC]
The Bush administration's former most senior figure dealing with US territories in the Pacific says a merger between Guam and the Northern Marianas could be a step closer.
David Cohen, who earlier this year stepped down as US deputy assistant secretary for insular affairs, was commenting after a suggestion earlier this week from Guam's governor, Felix Camacho.
He says Guam should consider reuniting with the Northern Marianas and together apply to become America's 51st state.
Mr Cohen says it is a long term project, and would depend on an agreement between Guam and the CNMI and the approval of the US congress.
Mr Cohen agrees with Governor Camacho that if it happens it will be a long process.
Guam and the Northern Marianas had been administered together when they were ruled by Spain, but were split after the Spanish American War in 1898.
