Chinese Muslims trigger public backlash
The tiny Pacific nation of Palau’s decision to allow 13 Chinese Muslims from the Guantanamo Bay prison camp to resettle there has sparked anger among islanders who fear for the safety of the tranquil tourist haven.
The US government determined last year that the Chinese Muslims, or Uighurs, were not enemy combatants and should be released from the US military prison in Cuba. China has objected to their resettlement, calling the men “terrorist suspects” and demanding they be sent home.
The US has said it fears the men would be executed if they were returned to China.
Palau President Johnson Toribiong explained his decision to grant the Uighurs entry as traditional hospitality, but public opinion has appeared overwhelmingly negative. Some complained Friday that the government failed to consult the people.
“I totally disagree” with allowing the Uighurs onto Palau, Natalia Baulis, a 30-year-old mother of two, told The Associated Press by telephone.
“It’s good to be humanitarian and all, but still these people … to me are scary,” she said.
The Uighurs (pronounced WEE’-gurs) have been in custody since they were captured in Afghanistan and Pakistan in 2001.
Fermin Nariang, editor of the Palau newspaper Island Times, said he had been stopped in the streets of the capital, Koror, by residents venting their anger.
“This is a very small country … and some are saying if the whole world doesn’t want these folks, why are we taking them?” Nariang said.
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fernstalbert Says:
So buckets of money can’t buy the Uighurs love. I’m with Andrea Merkel the German Chancellor, Americans should do their own resettlement of these fighters from Gitmo. Or, better yet send them to China.
Posted on June 12th, 2009 at 10:14 am
MaryT Says:
Doesn’t look like closing gitmo is making friends for O around the world.
How long before these men want their families to join them.
Posted on June 12th, 2009 at 10:30 am
fernstalbert Says:
Mary T you are too scary and unfortunately right on the issue that 13 will become 23, 33, etc.
Posted on June 12th, 2009 at 11:00 am
mike Says:
Funny how the worldwide outrage over Gitmo doesn’t translate into worldwide help at solving the problem. Hypocrites, all of them.
mid island mike
Posted on June 12th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
fernstalbert Says:
Just read on another website the uproar that is happening in Bermuda. The British are upset, the opposition in Bermuda is calling for a vote of non-confidence, tourists are wary about vacations, residents are concerned about where these fighters will be housed, etc. It would seem that the Obama administration is fond of offloading problems to others and never takes responsibility for its own actions. Close Gitmo but don’t acerbate the problem - transfer the detainees to the continental US or send them back to their home countries.
Posted on June 13th, 2009 at 11:33 am