Yellowknife (June 11/03) - Western premiers are backing the Northwest Territories drive for a new economic development strategy with Ottawa, says Premier Stephen Kakfwi.

"The premiers realize this is a nationwide issue. They realize we aren't being treated fairly and they support us," Kakfwi said in a telephone interview from a conference in Kelowna, B.C.

"We discussed the emerging economy of the territories. We want to reinstigate an agreement with Ottawa," said Kakfwi, who noted that there hasn't been an economic development agreement since 1996.

The premiers are also backing the NWT in its bid for devolution of federal powers over resource management to the territory.

The territorial government is also looking to play a large role in the emerging Canadian diamond industry.

Kakfwi said the premiers discussed the need to develop a national diamond industry strategy, as other provinces are looking to expand in this domain.

"We have a second industry associated with diamonds, polishing and cutting them and we hope to share our experiences with other provinces," he said.