I wrote and submitted a letter to the editor to the Washington Times in response to a negative op-ed piece on the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. On my crazy Thursday last week, it got accepted. It ran in Sunday’s edition (20 Feb 2005). It’s shown below:

Cooperation brings influence

Unlike Thomas Kilgannon, in his commentary “Will the Law of the Sea Treaty sink or swim?” (Commentary, Feb. 11), I see the United States joining the Law of the Sea treaty as a step toward re-establishing our long and proud history of leadership in world affairs.

Along with President Bush, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Gen. Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, I see this treaty as affirming our sovereignty, strengthening our national security and expanding our economic opportunities in the exploration and use of the high seas. The petroleum and drilling industries see this treaty as vital to developing offshore oil and natural-gas resources. Based on our experiences as a nation, we know that in the long run, cooperation gives us greater influence and flexibility of action than going it alone.

Let’s join with almost 150 nations that already are participating in this treaty and help lead all of us to economic prosperity and security for our children and grandchildren.

DREW J. ASSON Citizens for Global Solutions Washington