TEHRAN Incoming dispatches suggest the situation in the Puerto Rican island of "Vieques" is still chaotic. The inhabitants of the island are angered at the U.S.'s continuing military maneuvers on the "Vieques", expected to continue till 2003. There is a much likelihood of escalation of conflicts between the contending parties.

It should be noted that a large part of "Vieques" has been in the possession and control of the U.S. Marine since 1940 and it has practically turned into a permanent training ground for American forces.

The chaotic situation in the recent years has claimed many civilian casualties, and this problem has compelled a great number of the local population (roughly some hundred thousands) to leave the island.

Following the defeat of the Spanish from U.S. forces in 1898, Puerto Rica was ceded to the U.S. Presently, Puerto Rica is considered an autonomous territory under the sway of the U.S.

In the recent years, there has been a huge surge for independence more among the inhabitants of the island and at the same time, there have been some initiatives in the States to annex the Islands completely. Informed sources and international analysts described the US efforts in annexing the "Vieques" island to America as the 51st state of the United States, as one of the most important reasons behind the two consecutive referendums that were held in 1998 and 1993.

Both results were in favor of the continuation of the commonwealth statues of the islands. The U.S. government failure in annexing Puerto Rica as well as due to mounting popular opposition raised against the U.S. Military presence all serve to show that the U.S. government is certain to face great obstacles in preserving its domination in "Puerto Rica".