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Obama makes brief refueling stop in Guam
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Posted on Nov 21 2011
HAGÅTÑA, Guam-President Barack Obama on Saturday made a brief refueling stop in Guam en route to Washington, D.C. after a weeklong trip to the Asia-Pacific region, according to a statement released by the office of Guam Delegate Madeleine Z. Bordallo.
“Our office was notified earlier of the President’s tentative itinerary and that no events were planned. Our office was asked to refer any questions to the White House press office, and we recognize the many considerations regarding the President’s movements, his security, and the substantial logistical issues surrounding his schedule,” the statement says.
Bordallo was not invited to meet the President at an event that excluded other local leaders but she was invited to accompany the President back to Washington on Air Force One, and she greatly appreciates the invitation.
“We accept the explanation that this stopover precluded such an event for various security and logistics reasons. The congresswoman intends to convey the ‘Team Guam’ approach to issues important to our island if she has a meeting with the President, ensuring that our voices will be heard and our concerns will have his personal attention during the flight back to Washington, D.C.,” the statement adds.
“I recently met with President Obama during a meeting with the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and invited him to consider visiting Guam during his trip to Asia and Australia. While this is not the visit that we had hoped for, I appreciate every opportunity the President has to be reminded of Guam’s importance to our great nation. I believe that traveling onboard Air Force One was a gracious gesture by President Obama, and I am grateful for his invitation,” said Bordallo. “I will discuss Guam war claims, the military buildup, the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program, and Compact Impact, among other issues, with the President. I will use this opportunity to advance Guam’s interests and to give the President a sense of our hopes for our future. I will also reiterate my invitation for a more substantial presidential visit to Guam in the future that will involve our local leaders, civilian community, and our military partners.”(PR)
