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By Rolynda Jonathan
The appointment of Dr. Caleb Otto to serve as Palau’s Ambassador to the United Nations is “not politically motivated nor does it reflect Stuart Beck’s work” as Palau’s former Permanent Representative to the UN, says Press Secretary Keobel Sakuma of the President’s Office.
Although Beck was appointed by President Remengesau during his first term in 2003, Sakuma says, “times have changed” referring to the President’s new goals for the Republic.
Sakuma did not comment on salary, housing and other expenses related to Dr. Otto’s appointment. He says all of those details will be worked out “if and when Dr. Otto is confirmed.”
Beck, a Yale law school graduate, is married to a Palauan and served as Palau’s UN representative for ten years, covering his own expenses and paid one dollar per year for his services.
Dr. Otto is a known environment and anti-tobacco advocate. His appointment is pending in the Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee.