FSM, RMI support Guido’s presidency, Palau neutral on Venezuela crisis
Koror- Palau President Tommy Remengesau Jr. said it will remain neutral on calls by powerful nations to Juan Guido’s claim on Venezuela presidency but instead called for the need for a dialogue to solve the country’s crisis.
At the sidelines of the 19th Micronesian President’s Summit being held here in Palau, Remengesau said his country would be chairing the United Nations Credential Committee.
The president said under the committee “new members of new governments have to submit applications for their recognition before the screening committee for the committee to recommend to the UN body.”
“It's going to be premature as chair of the committee to voice out its opinion which has not been formally presented in the Credentials Committee,” Remengesau said.
The United States Foreign Secretary Mike Pompeo in a written statement to Micronesian President Summit lauded Palau, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, and Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, of sharing the same “profound commitment to democracy and open societies,” like the United States.
In the statement, Pompeo took the opportunity to urge the Micronesian countries to recognize Venezuelan opposition leader Guido as the legitimate president of Venezuela.
“We also ask you to join our like-minded partners around the world to support the people of Venezuela as they strive to restore democracy and the rule of law in their country,” Pompeo said.
However, Remengesau said it would take a neutral position on the issue to allow Palau to do its work as chair of the UN Credentials Committee.
The president stressed that Palau is concerned about the humanitarian issues in Venezuela.
“We do have serious concerns about the humanitarian situation in Venezuela. We are concerned about the aid that needs to get to the people that need it,” he stated.
Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) has earlier expressed support to the Guido .
“The Federated States of Micronesia firmly believes in the rule of law and the restoration of democracy in Venezuela,” an earlier statement from the FSM government stated.
The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) has also echoed its support of Guido.
“The Republic of the Marshall Islands recognizes Juan Guido, as the interim president of Venezuela,” a statement from its government stated.
It said that it is also “condemning” the acts of the Maduro regime “and the regime’s prospect for violence.
Palau, FSM and RMI, although independent countries, maintain close ties with the U.S. and are eligible to receive funds from U.S.and other assitance under the Compact of Free Association.
