The island of Guam in the Pacific, a US territory, offered to temporarily host thousands of Afghans evacuated from their country as part of the withdrawal of US forces, while insisting on the need to be consulted beforehand on this subject.
Read also: Guam, the American island in the sights of North Korea
In a letter to US President Joe Biden, Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero explained that she must be sure that "
these decisions are in the best interests of our people
."
Joe Biden ordered in April the departure of the 2,500 soldiers still present in Afghanistan by September 11, the anniversary of the 2001 attacks that had caused the American invasion of the country.
But it could take more than two years to issue visas to 18,000 Afghan allies and their families Washington wants to help.
However, some fear reprisals from the Taliban if they remain in Afghanistan.
Human rights organizations have therefore urged Washington to evacuate these people first to Guam. "
I assure you that my administration is ready to assist in the implementation of your projects if Guam is chosen,
" Lou Leon Guerrero said in his letter. "
If such a decision is made, I respectfully request to be included in the momentous discussions on Guam's role
," she said. “
Given the seriousness and urgency of this issue, I would like to speak with you shortly.
"
On the island, this idea was received in a contrasting way by the population. Guam had already received after 1975 a number of Vietnamese refugees while waiting for them to have their papers to reach the United States. “
I don't understand why we would bring them to Guam. It's a small island,
”said Joseph Meyers, a 49-year-old resident. "
How many Afghans are we talking about? If it's tens, maybe it won't be that big of a deal, but if we're talking in thousands, then I don't think we can be able to.
"
But Nadia Holm, 40, felt the United States had a responsibility to protect those who aided American forces. “
They have been loyal to the United States. Their lives are in danger and we must protect them,
”she said.