By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — A leadership meeting convened by President Surangel Whipps Jr. yesterday, January 22, 2026, to discuss Palau’s agreement to accept third-country nationals under a memorandum of understanding with the United States went forward this week without the participation of the Senate of the 12th Olbiil Era Kelulau and the Council […]
Tag: Palau Senate
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Palau Senate Moves Swiftly to Block U.S. Deportee Transfers Under MOU
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang NGERULMUD, Palau (Jan. 19, 2026) — Palau’s Senate has moved rapidly to block the transfer of third-country nationals deported from the United States, approving sweeping amendments to the country’s immigration laws amid concerns over humanitarian impacts, legal safeguards and national preparedness. President Whipps Jr., explaining Palau’s decision to accept third-country nationals […]
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Roland Merar Confirmed as Palau’s Inaugural Ambassador to Australia
By: L.N. Reklai NGERULMUD, Palau (January 19, 2026) — The 12th Senate of the Olbiil Era Kelulau on Friday unanimously confirmed Roland Merar as the Republic of Palau’s Ambassador to the Commonwealth of Australia, marking the first time Palau has appointed a resident ambassador to Australia. Merar’s confirmation was approved without objection following a favorable […]
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Palau Senators Oppose Blanket Grant Approval, Cite Constitutional Requirement for Equitable Distribution
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang Koror, Palau (December 8, 2025) — While the majority of the Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) approved the FY 2026 budget containing language that allows blanket appropriation of incoming grants, several senators voted against it, citing the Palau Constitution’s mandate that all grants be fairly and equitably shared between the national government […]