Returning from Papua New Guinea with the signed Compact Review Agreement, President Surangel Whipps Jr., with the Compact Chief Negotiator Finance Minister Kaleb Udui called national leadership to discuss the signed agreement. Olbiil Era Kelulau will be ratifying the Compact Review Agreement unlike previous statement made by President Whipps that it was not necessary.
What was to be a triumphant moment turned solemn when the Senate majority with 10 members did not show up at the leadership meeting again. The Senators boycotted the initialing ceremony held a week before the New Guinea meeting where representatives of the US government and Palau government officially signed the document.
Chief Negotiator Udui urged members of the OEK, especially the Senate to work together and show solidarity on the issue. He said it is not good for the US Congress to see that Palau is not 100 behind this. He added that some aspects of the Compact Review are still being add
Minister Ngirai Tmetuchl again relayed the general information in the agreement to leadership at Ngarachamayong. He said the agreement addresses short-term needs, medium-term and long-term needs. The fund of 90 million is downloaded upfront, an advance to cover debts acquired before COVID. The medium-term addresses funding for medium-term needs and the long term is addressed by the removal of the fiscal cliff.
Meanwhile, the Federated States of Micronesia did not sign in PNG, preferring to sign their agreement in the FSM. The Marshall Islands went back to re-address the issue as citizens were not fully agreeable to it and it is also expected to be voted on soon.