MOU signed; Washington sweetens the deal with new aid packages and a new Palau hospital U.S. Ambassador to Palau Joe Ehrendrereich and Palau Foreign Minister Gustav Aitaro hold a copy of the memorandum of understanding on the transfer of U.S. deportees to the Pacific island nation. Photo courtesy of the Office of the President of Palau By Mar-Vic Cagurangan Despite opposition from congressional leaders and the Council of Chiefs, Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. has agreed

(OCCRP)- When police raided the Cocoro Hotel in Palau’s main city of Koror in January, the scene they uncovered was far removed from the tiny Pacific island country’s postcard-perfect image.

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung paid a courtesy call to Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr, during the nation's 12th inauguration ceremony on Jan. 12. Photo courtesy of the Office of Palau President/Facebook By Pacific Island Times News Staff Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung is leading a delegation of investors for a four-day visit to Palau this week to explore business and trade opportunities in the island nation.   Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. said the