Peleliu chief supports US military presence, seeks referendum on limits

Palau Koror——On June 14, 2024, 18 chiefs in Peleliu State passed a resolution expressing strong support for US military activities in the state.

The Fourth Peleliu State Traditional Leaders Conference passed Resolution No. 22-04. The resolution urged Governor Emais Roberts to call a constitutional referendum to amend Section 11, Section 6 of the Peleliu Constitution.

Currently, this section of the Peleliu State Constitution prohibits the establishment of permanent military installations within the state and requires a supermajority (75%) of Peleliu State residents to approve military training exercises.

The resolution, representing the demands of five villages on Peleliu Island, urgently calls for a referendum to be held as soon as possible to allow public approval of US military plans and activities.

In recent months, the U.S. military and the Palau government have held meetings with Peleliu residents to discuss the possibility of using certain properties for U.S. military use. U.S. Embassy officials have denied speculation that the United States is seeking to establish a permanent military base in Palau.

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