The American Embassy in Suva is expected to make a statement later today after confirmation that Interim Finance Minister Mahendra Chaudhry is currently in Washington DC attending a number of meetings.

It has been confirmed that Chaudhry has been granted a permit to enter the US and is in talks with representatives from India, Malaysia and the World Bank, contrary to the United States Government's earlier statements that members of the interim government will not be allowed to travel to the US.

The US Embassy is expected to clarify the reasons why Chaudhry and his delegation have been allowed to travel to the US and whether the US has changed its stand on the travel sanctions.