But Toribiong, who was here on a campaign sortie, declined to comment on the proposed national marine monument for the waters surrounding the CNMI’s three northern islands, saying that it is an “internal” matter for the commonwealth.
“Palau,” he added, “is a sovereign nation and we have our own territorial water under our national control — we don’t interfere in a CNMI issue.”
He added, however, that if the U.S. will take over a portion of CNMI waters “they should provide compensation” to the commonwealth.
Toribiong said he is upbeat about the Guam military buildup, adding that U.S. military personnel will be attracted to Palau’s world famous diving site.
Asked who between Sens. Barak Obama and John McCain should be the next U.S. president, Toribiong said, “They are both friends of Palau. McCain has twice visited our island and have extended funding to Micronesia particularly on study programs while Obama, who was raised on Hawaii, may have a more personal understanding of the Pacific islands.”
Toribiong, who is also Palau’s ambassador to Taiwan, said that both U.S. candidates are sympathetic to Palau but “we like to be neutral and that is our most appropriate position.”
Toribiong is running against Vice President Elias Camsek Chin.
Palau holds its general elections on Nov. 4
