The U.S. government is likely to “approve his nomination with the condition that he relinquish his U.S. citizenship,” U.S. Ambassador to the Marshall Islands Clyde Bishop said Friday. “Barring the relinquishment of his U.S. citizenship, Mr. Graham cannot assume the position of RMI ambassador to the U.S.”
Graham holds both Marshall Islands and U.S. citizenships. He is a recent graduate of Georgetown University, where he obtained a masters in business administration. He was the first general manager of the Marshall Islands Visitors Authority and since returning from graduate school two years ago, has been a private consultant working with both government and non-profit organizations on strategic planning.
Marshall Islands Foreign Minister Tony deBrum and Graham met with State Department officials in Washington on this and other matters last week.
Officials in Majuro indicated that they are continuing to discuss the appointment issue with U.S. government officials so the appointment can proceed.
Graham was sworn in for service with other new Marshall Islands ambassadors more than two months ago.
Marshall Islands government officials said that while it is not usual practice for U.S. citizens to be ambassadors of other countries to the U.S., it is not specifically prohibited by State Department regulations.
