CubaMinrex. Sitio del Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de Cuba

Palau Votes with the US from Economic Necessity

CUBA, October 31, 2009. The Secretary of State of Palau, Sandra Pierantozzi, acknowledged that her country voted together with the United States and Israel against the resolution that demanded the elimination of the blockade against Cuba in the United Nations, from the need for direct US economic help.

Interviewed by Radio Australia, the minister revealed that that tiny nation is negotiating with the White House for 225 million dollars over the next 15 years," but that the offer by Washington is just 156 millions", and indirectly she confirmed that her vote in the UN was conditional on that circumstance.

"Well, we have always voted with the US on this and many other topics in the United Nations. We maintain very tight so-called ‘Free Association ' relationship, under the Pact of Association", she added.

Pierantozzi explained that her government doesn't want to put the relationship with Washington at risk, so as not to affect the well-being of the economy of Palau, a small island State of some 20,800 inhabitants, located in the ocean Pacific.

To another question, the answer was eloquent:

Q: So what is certain is that if the US changes (the vote), Palau will also change?

Pierantozzi: No, we don't necessarily have to follow the US, but it could be a consideration.

There have been more than enough comments.

(Fragments taken from CubaDebate)

(Cubaminrex- Granma)

<< Back