Under the agreement between Palau and the United States regarding the funds, the money is to be “expended solely for the resettlement of the Uighurs by the Government of Palau at the discretion of the President of Palau, subject to applicable Palau law.”
The Uighurs arrived in Palau Nov. 1, of 2009.
The money went to building renovation of the housing for the Uighur amounting to $31,069.75; contractual services costing $21,211.25.
The Palau government has also paid in advance rental payments for the Uighur apartment in the amount of $63,000.
The apartment rented by the Uighurs is owned by President Toribiong’s relative.
The Palau government also paid $10,000 lump sum to the former resettlement coordinator Ted Glenn for his services.
Glenn however resigned from his post two months after being appointed.
The government also paid $30,000 for medical services for the Uighurs. The amount covers a six –month contract.
The Uighurs are also currently studying at Palau Community College and the educational program expenses is in the amount of $16,345.
The six Uighurs were held at Guantanamo Bay for more than seven years despite being cleared of all charges. They said they had fled to Afghanistan to escape persecution from China, which wants the men returned home to be tried, saying they belong to an Islamic separatist movement in their country.
Earlier Sens. Surangel Whipps Jr. and Raynold Oiluch sought copies of pertinent documents regarding the resettlement of Uighurs.
The two senators stated that the resettlement of he Uighurs continue to be an issue of utmost concern to the community and questions persist that need review and responses for both your office.
The two senators wanted to be informed on the legal status of the Uighurs under the current immigration law.
The two senators also questioned the funding given by the U.S. to Palau to house the Uighurs.
One of the questions that the two lawmakers want answered is whether bidding requirements were applicable in the expenditure of public funds.
