PRIME MINISTER
EMBARGOED UNTIL 12. O1AM 1 OCTOBER 1994
STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, THE HON P J KEATING MP
RECOGNITION OF PALAUIAN INDEPENDENCE
I am pleased to announce that the Australian Government has extended
formal recognition to the Republic of Pa -lau following implementation of its
Compact of Free Associati-on with the United States.
Palau becomes the latest independent state in the Pacific and I look forward
to the development of close links between our two countries.
I also welcome Palau's intention to join the South Pacific Forum and I hope
we can co-operate closely in the Forum and-in other regional organisations.
Australia will be represented at the Palau independence celebrations on 1
October by the Honourable Ben Humphreys MP. We will be establishing
formal diplomatic relations with Palau as soon as possible.
On behalf of the Australian Government and people I offer my warm
congratulations to President Kuniwo Nakamura and all Palauans at this
historic moment.---
CANBERRA 1 OCTOBER 1994
STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, THE HON P J KEATING MP RECOGNITION OF PALAUAN INDEPENDENCE
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