17 Mar 2010

Obama's Guam visit delayed until next week

2:27 pm on 17 March 2010

The United States President Barack Obama's delayed trip to Guam will now take place next week on March 22nd and 23rd.

White House officials confirmed the President will stop off en route to Indonesia and Australia.

Mr Obama was originally set to travel to Guam tomorrow, but the date was pushed back as the President sought to shore up support in the U.S. Senate for his health care reform package.

The Northern Marianas' Governor, Benigno Fitial, has been invited by Guam's Felix Camacho with the hope the leaders of the US territories can meet Mr Obama privately.

He is scheduled to host a public event to speak with Guam authorities and military personnel.

Guam's Delegate to Congress says the President's visit will focus attention on Guam and the island's role in regional security.