7 Jun 2002

Marshalls negotiators reject US demands for immigration changes to Compact

11:04 am on 7 June 2002

The Marshall Islands has objected to a US demand that changes to immigration and other non-expiring provisions of a Compact of Free Association be negotiated as part of the current Compact funding talks.

The Marshalls Foreign Minister Gerald Zackios expressed surprise at the demand made in a letter to the State Department negotiator, Albert Short.

But Mr Short is adamant that immigration and other non-expiring issues are to be included in the revised package to be put to Congress for approval later this year.

He has indicated this is partly because of concerns arising since the terrorist attacks in September last year.