Government White Paper on U.S. Proposals Concerning Third-Country Nationals to be Tabled in Parliament

Government White Paper on U.S. Proposals Concerning Third-Country Nationals to be Tabled in Parliament

ST. JOHNS, Antigua and Barbuda - The Government of Antigua and Barbuda announces the publication of a White Paper on proposals by the Government of the United States concerning the possible reception in Antigua and Barbuda of certain third-country nationals removed from the United States.

The White Paper sets out the background to the discussions, the issues engaged for Antigua and Barbuda, the Government's assessment of the proposals received, and the principles and conditions on which any cooperation could responsibly be considered.

The Government has determined that the matter engages important questions of sovereignty, legal responsibility, public finance, national security, social stability, and Antigua and Barbuda's international obligations. It has therefore concluded that the issue should be addressed in a clear, orderly, and transparent manner.

The White Paper explains that Antigua and Barbuda has approached the matter in a spirit of friendship and cooperation, while making clear that, as a small state with limited resources and limited absorptive capacity, it cannot responsibly accept open-ended obligations involving persons who are not its nationals and whose removal is sought by another country.

The Government further announces that the White Paper will be laid before Parliament for debate at a Special Session to be convened for that purpose during the week of July 13. This will afford Members of Parliament the opportunity to consider the matter fully and to express their views on an issue of national importance.

In taking this step, the Government reaffirms its commitment to transparency, accountability, and informed national discussion. Parliamentary consideration will ensure that Antigua and Barbuda's position is examined in the nation's highest representative forum.

The White Paper is appended to this Media Release and will also be made available on official Government websites for public access.

Government Information Division
Office of the Prime Minister