US Ambassador to Fiji Steven McGann stressed that by law, the US will not lift the sanctions against Fiji until the country returns to democratic rule.
While speaking to Radio Australia, McGann who recently took over the American Ambassador's post in Fiji said the US wants Fiji to hold elections next year.
Ambassador McGann is a very senior US diplomat holding the formal rank of Minister Counselor.
The Ambassador was involved in US reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan and was Director of the Office for Australia, NZ and Pacific Island Affairs in Washington, putting him in-charge of US diplomats in the region.
McGann was asked if by sending out such a senior figure, the US government is sending a message to Fiji's interim government.
McGann took up the position in October this year.
