As host to the United Nations headquarters, the United States has agreed to exempt other nations UN mission personnel from most of the grounds of ineligibility listed in the US Immigration and Nationality Act.
The US Embassy in Suva confirmed this in the issuing of a visa to Lt Colonel Mason Smith in becoming a member of the Fiji mission to the United Nations.
However, the embassy said that the US visa sanctions regarding Fiji announced last December 19th remain unchanged.
Lt Col. Mason left with his family to New York on Saturday and his term expires in four years.
Military Spokesperson, Neumi Leweni confirms that his posting as the Defence Attached to China and Colonel Pita Driti's appointment as Ambassador Malaysia is still being sorted out and no date has been set for them to leave as yet.
