Political system: The republic of Belau (Palau) was a Japanese colony from 1914 until the Second World War. In 1947 it became part of the US-administered UN Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (TTPI). A nuclear-free constitution was adopted on 1 January 1981. The Compact of Free Association agreed between the US and Belau in 1986 gave the islands independence subject to defence being the responsibility of the United States for 50 years. Successive referenda in Belau, however, failed to produce a 75 per cent majority.

In 1987, Belau voted to amend the constitution to allow approval of the compact by a simple majority. In a subsequent plebiscite, 73 per cent of the votes were cast for the compact. But the Belau Supreme Court ruled this invalid in August 1988.

The court also ruled there were inconsistencies between the compact and Belau's nuclear-free constitution, which was incompatible with the US defence policy. Agreements with the Bush administration in 1989 provided aid in paying off foreign debt and funds for new development. The people of Belau were citizens of TTPI. On 9 November 1993, a 68 per cent majority voted in favour of the compact.

President Haruo Remeliik, who had strong anti-nuclear convictions, was assassinated in July 1985. His successor, President Lazarus Salii, died from gunshot wounds in mysterious circumstances although it is widely accepted that he committed suicide. Salii was followed in office by President Ngiratkel Etpison.

After finally voting in favour of the compact, Belau became "independent" on 1 October 1994. Kuniwo Nakamura, a former teacher elected president in November 1992, steered the country to independence. Under the agreement, the US is to pay Belau compensation over 15 years for military and political control rights for 50 years. Belau received US$450 for the first year.

Styled on the US Congress, Belau's legislature -- Olbiil Era Kelulau -- comprises a Senate with 18 elected members and a House of Delegates (16 elected members). Elections are held every four years. The country also has 16 state governments.

News media:

• Pacific Daily News: Daily (see Guam).

• Palau Tribune: Weekly (Saturday); English language; United Micronesia Development Association Inc; PO Box AAA-34, Saipan 96950, Northern Marianas. Tel: (680) 235-NEWS; Fax: (680) 235-PRES.

• Palau Gazette: Monthly, English language. Executive Branch, Republic of Belau, PO Box 100, Koror 96940. Tel: (680) 403.

Radio:

• WSZB: Government-run radio station. Broadcasts at least 18 hours/day in English and Belauan. PO Box 279, Western Carolina Is, Republic of belau 96940. Tel: (680) 488 2417.

Television:

• Island Cable TV and WALU TV: Both privately owned TV stations. Coverage is widespread.

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