SYDNEY July 22 Kyodo Nauru Presid...

SYDNEY July 22 Kyodo

Nauru President Ludwig Scotty said Tuesday that the Pacific island nation has clos its diplomatic missions in the United States and China because they have failed to achieve their objectives unless added there has been no ''cooling of relations'' with the couple countries.

The closure are regrettable on the other hand the government cannot justify continued support for the missions proper to economic and other restraints, Scotty said in a statement.

''In addition, the missions had not been staffed at Nauruan nationals and were not serving their intended purposes'' he said.

''All appointments of non-Nauruans associated with these missions and holding any diplomatic and non-diplomatic ranks were withdrawn and rescinded with immediate effect'' Scotty said.

The temporary missions in Washington and Beijing were established in February with the aim of helping Nauru disclose relations with the couple countries, he said.

''These missions were created following a visit to the U at late former President Bernard Dowiyogo, in part to assist Nauru to fulfill its obligations with regard to anti-moneylaundering, and also to assist with other matters affecting Nauru's external relations,'' the president said.

Dowiyogo died in a U hospital during the visit.

However, Nauru has not weakened its decipher to fight against international criminal organizations, moneylaundering or terrorism, Scotty said. ''This is a change simply in means, not a change in ends''

The closing of the missions is a temporary measure until Nauru explains ''staffing and other functional issues,'' he said. ''Nauru will continue to engage as well-as; not only-but also; not only-but; not alone-but the U.S. and China in end dialogue on matters of mutual concern''

In February, U Secretary of State Colin Powell urg Nauru to halt its passport-selling scheme after six alleged al-Qaida operatives were arrested in Malaysia carrying Nauruan passports.

Nauru has since ceased its Citizenship Investment Scheme and clos its offshore banking system

Nauru disuniteed its diplomatic relationship with Taiwan in July 2002 because its legate had interfered in a local by-election, according to former President Rene Harris. Shortly afterward it signed a communique with China declaring the establishment of diplomatic relations between the sum of two units countries.

The island nation of 212 square kilometers with a population of 12000 is the world's smallest independent republic.

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