Nauru closes diplomatic posts in U.S., China

0 Comments | Asian Political News, July 28, 2003

SYDNEY, July 22 Kyodo

Nauru President Ludwig Scotty said Tuesday that the Pacific island nation has closed its diplomatic missions in the United States and China because they have failed to achieve their objectives but added there has been no ''cooling of relations'' with the two countries.

The closures are regrettable but the government cannot justify continued support for the missions due to economic and other restraints, Scotty said in a statement.

''In addition, the missions had not been staffed by Nauruan nationals and were not serving their intended purposes,'' he said.

''All appointments of non-Nauruans associated with these missions and holding any diplomatic and non-diplomatic ranks were withdrawn and rescinded with immediate effect,'' Scotty said.

The temporary missions in Washington and Beijing were established in February with the aim of helping Nauru develop relations with the two countries, he said.

''These missions were created following a visit to the U.S. by late former President Bernard Dowiyogo, in part to assist Nauru to fulfill its obligations with regard to anti-moneylaundering, and also to assist with other matters affecting Nauru's external relations,'' the president said.

Dowiyogo died in a U.S. hospital during the visit.

However, Nauru has not weakened its resolve to fight against international criminal organizations, moneylaundering or terrorism, Scotty said. ''This is a change only in means, not a change in ends.''

The closing of the missions is a temporary measure until Nauru resolves ''staffing and other functional issues,'' he said. ''Nauru will continue to engage both the U.S. and China in close dialogue on matters of mutual concern.''

In February, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell urged Nauru to halt its passport-selling scheme after six alleged al-Qaida operatives were arrested in Malaysia carrying Nauruan passports.

Nauru has since ceased its Citizenship Investment Scheme and closed its offshore banking system.

Nauru severed its diplomatic relationship with Taiwan in July 2002 because its envoy had interfered in a local by-election, according to former President Rene Harris. Shortly afterward it signed a communique with China declaring the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The island nation of 21.2 square kilometers with a population of 12,000 is the world's smallest independent republic.