President Tommy Remengesau told reporters that Kuartei will continue on as Palau’s negotiator, adding that the presidential chief of staff is prepared to sit down with the U.S. representatives prior to the re-negotiation of the funding provisions of the Compact of Free Association between the two nations.
Kuartei was Senate President Surangel Whipps Sr.’s running mate in the four-way presidential primary last month. They finished third.Kuartei resigned as Compact negotiator in August, but Remengesau did not accept it, saying his chief of staff’s immediate removal can jeopardize the negotiations.When Remengesau announced the appointment of Kuartei as Covenant negotiator, the president said his chief of staff had no political plans and was, therefore, fit for the job.A U.S.-Palau consultation meeting will take place here on Oct. 19, which is another reason why Kuartei’s services are needed, the president said.
