Rufino Aguon, Palauan Community Association in Saipan president, said the closure will affect the important services the consulate provides to them.
He said Palauan citizens in the CNMI usually process their passports and get some communication from their families in Palau through the consulate.
“We are so disappointed with this notice,” he said.
According to Palau Minister of State Sandra Pierantozzi, the consulates on Saipan and Guam are expected to close down on Dec. 31.
But Pierantozzi said there are efforts to re-open the consulate on Guam due to the upcoming military buildup there.
Aguon said the Saipan consulate is also important.
On Dec. 12, during their meeting, Aguon said they will discuss how to persuade their government to retain the consulate on Saipan.
“We are in the process of requesting the Palau government to reconsider their decision,” he said.
He added that while they understand the financial condition of their government, the Palauans in the CNMI also need to be taken care of by their consulate.
To operate the consulates, Palau allocates $20,250 a year for Saipan, and $42,500 for Guam.
