Palau President Does Not Want Permanent Military Presence

Remengesau not advocating permanent US presence
Thursday, November 1, 2007
By Bernadette H. Carreon
Horizon news staff

President Remengesau said that it is not advocating a permanent United States military presence in Palau.

He said however that although that there has not been a formal agreement, he said Palau can be used for military training.

Remengesau said that the United States is still involved with the logistics on the planned relocation of the bases in Guam from Okinawa.

The president said the US considering training in Palau will be good for the region.

“We welcome them, but I am not advocating for the permanent presence of the military in Palau,” the president said.

Under the Compact of Free Association, Palau is obligated to cooperate with the US on military issues.

He said a small scale exercise will help boost tourism of Palau and at the same time improve security matters.

He said inviting the US to hold field training will not mean he is supporting a US base in the country.

Earlier Remengesau said that he hopes that Palau reap economic benefits from the US military buildup.