Fiji, July 21 -- American Samoa Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata has reaffirmed her opposition to seabed mining in the waters surrounding the territory, saying her position has remained consistent despite claims by others to speak on her behalf.

"My opposition to seabed mining in waters surrounding American Samoa has not changed," Amata said in a statement, stressing that "no one else speaks for her," despite characterisations and assumptions made by Republicans or Democrats.

""This is my seventh public statement on this issue, because of its importance, and because various posts, comments, or statements sometimes say they describe my position - they do not. I was clear from the beginning, first that I stand with the people and then with ...