KOROR (Palau Horizon) — President Tommy Remengesau expressed disappointment over the Senate’s failure to pass legislation on the planned purchase of property in the United States for the Palau Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Remengesau said the leaders of the Olbiil Era Kelulau promised to consider the measure during a special session.
“But the Senate met and did not do anything,” Remengesau said. “We are now faced with losing the offer that we had for the purchase of the property and we may have to sign a long-term lease which is no longer affordable,” he added.
The president said the existing lease agreement will expire on July 31 and because the bill allowing the purchase of a new property for Palau embassy use has not been considered by the Senate, the embassy in Washington D.C. will have to find a new site and sign a long-term lease.
He said the timely passage of the measure would allow the Palau government to save a lot of money.
“It is frustrating to come out from a leadership meeting and set a direction only to be stopped on our tracks. The House has agreed to pass it once the Senate passes it, but the Senate rocked the boat and there was no logical explanation given,” Remengesau said.
Senate President Seit Andres and Senate Floor Leader Steven Kanai said they would support the passage of the bill, Remengesau said.
He added, however, that he is not giving up on the measure and is still hoping that the Senate will prioritize the bill.
Palau has applied for a lease to purchase a property in Washington, D.C. for the Palau embassy.
The U.S. also wants access to real property for its diplomatic offices in Palau.
