Palau: The Pacific Nation that Supports the Blockade (La Alborada, October 29, 2009)

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29 octubre 09

Palau: The Pacific Nation that Supports the Blockade
La Alborada - October 29

Given Palau's recent vote at the UN in favor of the US blockade of Cuba, we offer our readers some information about a nation that is little known in this country.

The Palau island chain was claimed in 1543 by Spain, which sold the islands to Germany in 1899. Japan occupied Palau during World War I and received a mandate from the League of Nations in 1920. During World War II, the islands were seized by the US, and in 1947 became a UN trusteeship administered by the U.S.

Palau signed a Compact of Free Association (COFA) with the US in 1992, and became an independent state in 1994.

According to the CIA's The World Factbook, Palau's population is 20,796 (July 2009 est.).

The US Congress approved the COFA with Palau in 1994 and promulgated it as law. Beginning with the second substantive paragraph, the COFA addresses foreign relations as follows:

Section 121(a)
The Republic of Palau has the capacity to conduct foreign affairs in its own name and right, except as otherwise provided in this Compact....

Section 123
In recognition of the authority and responsibility of the Government of the United States under Title Three, the Government of Palau shall consult with the Government of the United States. The Government of the United States, in the conduct of its foreign affairs, shall consult with the Government of Palau on matters which the Government of the United States regards as relating to or affecting the Government of Palau, and shall provide, on a regular basis, information on regional foreign policy matters....

Section 127
The Government of the United States may assist or act on behalf of the Government of Palau in the area of foreign affairs as may be requested and mutually agreed from time to time....

The Title Three referred to above includes these provisions:

Section 312
The Government of the United States has full authority and responsibility for security and defense matters in or relating to Palau. Subject to the terms of any agreements negotiated pursuant to Article II of this Title, the Government of the United States may conduct within the lands, water and airspace of Palau the activities and operations necessary for the exercise of its authority and responsibility under this Title. The Government of the United States may invite the armed forces of other nations to use military areas and facilities in Palau in conjunction with and under the control of United States Armed Forces.

Section 313
The Government of Palau shall refrain from actions which the Government of the United States determines, after consultation with that Government, to be incompatible with its authority and responsibility for security and defense matters in or relating to Palau.

Section 321
The Government of the United States may establish and use defense sites in Palau, and may designate for this purpose land and water areas and improvements in accordance with the provisions of a separate agreement which shall come into force simultaneously with this Compact.

Palau has been mentioned in US news since it agreed in June of this year to accept 17 Uighurs (Chinese Muslims) who remained at Guantanamo Base despite not being classified as "enemy combatants." Palau's president stated at the time: "This is but a small thing we can do to thank our best friend and ally for all it has done for Palau."

		LA ALBORADA Washington, DC nuevas@earthlink.net Cuban American Alliance Education Fund www.cubamer.org To stop receiving L.A., reply with Subject: Unsubscribe 29 octubre 09 Palau: The Pacific Nation that Supports the Blockade La Alborada - October 29 Given Palau's recent vote at the UN in favor of the US blockade of Cuba, we offer our readers some information about a nation that is little known in this country. The Palau island chain was claimed in 1543 by Spain, which sold the islands to Germany in 1899. Japan occupied Palau during World War I and received a mandate from the League of Nations in 1920. During World War II, the islands were seized by the US, and in 1947 became a UN trusteeship administered by the U.S. Palau signed a Compact of Free Association (COFA) with the US in 1992, and became an independent state in 1994. According to the CIA's The World Factbook, Palau's population is 20,796 (July 2009 est.). The US Congress approved the COFA with Palau in 1994 and promulgated it as law. Beginning with the second substantive paragraph, the COFA addresses foreign relations as follows: Section 121(a) The Republic of Palau has the capacity to conduct foreign affairs in its own name and right, except as otherwise provided in this Compact.... Section 123 In recognition of the authority and responsibility of the Government of the United States under Title Three, the Government of Palau shall consult with the Government of the United States. The Government of the United States, in the conduct of its foreign affairs, shall consult with the Government of Palau on matters which the Government of the United States regards as relating to or affecting the Government of Palau, and shall provide, on a regular basis, information on regional foreign policy matters.... Section 127 The Government of the United States may assist or act on behalf of the Government of Palau in the area of foreign affairs as may be requested and mutually agreed from time to time.... The Title Three referred to above includes these provisions: Section 312 The Government of the United States has full authority and responsibility for security and defense matters in or relating to Palau. Subject to the terms of any agreements negotiated pursuant to Article II of this Title, the Government of the United States may conduct within the lands, water and airspace of Palau the activities and operations necessary for the exercise of its authority and responsibility under this Title. The Government of the United States may invite the armed forces of other nations to use military areas and facilities in Palau in conjunction with and under the control of United States Armed Forces. Section 313 The Government of Palau shall refrain from actions which the Government of the United States determines, after consultation with that Government, to be incompatible with its authority and responsibility for security and defense matters in or relating to Palau. Section 321 The Government of the United States may establish and use defense sites in Palau, and may designate for this purpose land and water areas and improvements in accordance with the provisions of a separate agreement which shall come into force simultaneously with this Compact. Palau has been mentioned in US news since it agreed in June of this year to accept 17 Uighurs (Chinese Muslims) who remained at Guantanamo Base despite not being classified as "enemy combatants." Palau's president stated at the time: "This is but a small thing we can do to thank our best friend and ally for all it has done for Palau."