US Ambassador McGann in Washington to discuss Fiji situation

US Ambassador to Fiji, Steve McGann is currently in Washington to hold discussions on Fiji.

The embassy in Suva confirmed that McGann departed Fiji on December 5th for previously scheduled annual leave and consultations in the United States.

A US Embassy spokesperson said while in Washington, McGann is holding discussions with US officials on issues of continuing concern between Fiji and the US in the context of the US policy of increased engagement with Fiji, and in appreciation of Fiji's support in international forums.

It is also stated that McGann looks forward to personally briefing Fiji's Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama on the outcome of his consultations in Washington upon his return to Fiji.

Commodore Bainimarama has already said to Fijivillage that it seems the US embassy is deliberately delaying the issuance of visas to key government ministers and officials, which is affecting Fiji's participation in key meetings.

He also told us that although the embassy said in a statement last week that it is committed to honoring its international obligation to allow officials to high level UN meetings in New York, this is not the case.