Although no specific recommendations have been made by both parties, they agreed to set a timetable and complete the review before Oct.1, Palau’s 15th Independence Day.
The two countries also agreed to meet again on July 6 in Honolulu, Hawaii.However, prior to this meeting, the two nation’s technical working groups will convene in Washington, D.C. on June 8.Alcy Frelick is the lead representative of the U.S. while former Sen. Joshua Koshiba is the chief negotiator for Palau.Frelick is the director of the State Department’s Office of Australian, New Zealand and Pacific Islands Affairs.Frelick said specific recommendations will have to be made first, then the review will follow.According to a joint statement from the two nations, they intend to review Palau’s economic situation and strategic development plans; how the government of Palau will achieve these goals and objectives; and how the U.S. could contribute to their achievement.The review will also look into the security and defense provisions of the Compact.Under the Compact, Palau is a sovereign state freely associated with the U.S.Palau can conduct foreign affairs consistent with the terms of its Compact with the U.S.The Compact places full responsibility for Palau’s defense with the U.S.The Compact also entitles Palau to U.S. grant funds as well as federal program assistance, and allows Palauans to visit, study or work in America and its territories.The Compact’s financial assistance provisions, which Palau wants extended, will expire this September.
