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11/01/09 - Granma (Habana) - Palau Votes with the US from Economic
Necessity

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 Cuba Debate)