The Fiji agent for British firm Global Risk Strategies is dismissing concern that Fiji nationals working in Iraq could be engaged in mercenary-type work.
The United Nations' Special Rapporteur on Mercenaries, Fiji-based Shaista Shameem, is waiting for a reply from the Fiji Government on the issue.
Dr Shameem says she wants to make sure that the Government knows what the conditions of work are for the up to 2000 Fijians working for private firms in Iraq.
But the Global Risk Strategies' agent in Fiji, Lieutenant Colonel Sakiusa Raivoce, says although the contracts are private, the men are not mercenaries.
"And I only allow them to go when I am satisfied with the contract, that they are going to be there to do an honourable job and not mercenaries as mentioned by some idiot."
Lt Col Raivoce
