Haruo Remeliik

Haruo Ignacio Remeliik (1 June 1933 – 30 June 1985) was the first President of Palau from 2 March 1981 until his assassination on 30 June 1985. He is buried at Kloulklubed in his home state of Peleliu. Remeliik was of mixed Japanese and Palauan descent.[1]

"Remeliik" redirects here. For the patrol boat named after him, see PSS Remeliik.
His Excellency
Haruo Remeliik
Taken around 1976
1st President of Palau
In office
2 March 1981 – 30 June 1985
Vice PresidentAlfonso Oiterong
Preceded byOffice Established
Succeeded byThomas Remengesau Sr. (acting)
Personal details
Born
Haruo Ignacio Remeliik

(1933-06-01)1 June 1933
Peleliu, South Seas Mandate (present day Palau)
Died30 June 1985(1985-06-30) (aged 52)
Koror, Palau
Manner of deathAssassination by gunshots
Political partyIndependent
SpouseRegina Remeliik

Early life

Remeliik studied priesthood in Truk. Later he returned to Palau and became an associate judge. In 1968, he won a seat in Palau legislature and became vice speaker. In 1970 he was appointed as deputy district administrator for the Palau district of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.[2] In 1978 he became a member and later also president of the constitutional convention. In 1980, he was elected as the first President of Palau, and he won re-election in 1984.

Death

Remeliik's killers remain unknown. Remeliik was shot in the driveway of his home by an unidentified gunman.[3] Six months after the killing, two relatives of Roman Tmetuchl and another man were arrested in connection to the killing; however, they were later released.[4][5] In March 2000, former presidential candidate and convicted felon John O. Ngiraked claimed responsibility for the conspiracy to kill Remeliik.[6]

Allegations of CIA involvement

There have been persistent allegations that Remeliik was killed by the CIA due to his firm anti-nuclear stance.[7]

See also

References
  1. Ron Crocombe (2007). Asia in the Pacific Islands. University of the South Pacific, Institute of Pacific Studies. pp. 103, 112. ISBN 978-982-02-0388-4.
  2. Donald R. Shuster. "ELECTIONS, COMPACT, AND ASSASSINATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF PALAU".
  3. No Arrests in Slaying Of Pacific Island Leader
  4. CONVICTIONS REVERSED IN ISLAND SLAYING
  5. Embattled Island: The Assassination of Palau's First President
  6. Shuster, Donald R. (2002). Roman Tmetuchl: A Palauan Visionary. Roman Tmetuchl Family Trust. p. 129. ISBN 982-9064-01-8.
  7. "Pacific.scoop.co.nz » Dirty tricks and regime change in nuclear-free Palau". Retrieved 2022-04-28.


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