The Government's disagreement with Fiji remained unresolved today as Foreign Minister Murray McCully sent another letter to self-appointed prime minister Commodore Voreqe (Frank) Bainimarama.
Neither side is backing down over the visa row but so far Cdre Bainimarama has not carried out his threat to expel acting high commissioner Caroline McDonald.
Cdre Bainiamarama told the Government last week she would be ordered to leave Fiji unless a visa was granted to the son of a senior official in Suva.
He was told on Tuesday it would not be granted, and Mr McCully explained his government's position in a phone call.
Cdre Bainimarama let off steam yesterday in a letter to Mr McCully which the minister described as "robust".
Late today Mr McCully responded to that letter but his office would not discuss what he said in his reply.
It is understood to have been brief and to have reiterated the position explained during the phone call.
Mr McCully is trying to defuse the situation, created when Cdre Bainimarama decided to make the visa a major diplomatic issue and deliver his ultimatum.
He is insisting a student visa be granted to George Nacewa, the son of Rupeni Nacewa who is a secretary in the president's office.
George Nacewa was a student at Massey University but his visa was not renewed when it expired last year and he was sent home.
Renewing it would breach the travel sanctions New Zealand imposed on Fiji after Cdre Bainimarama led the coup that ousted the country's elected government two years ago.
Ms McDonald was due to go on leave today and it was at first considered that would ease the situation, but it is understood she has delayed her departure.
No explanation for that was available but it is believed the Government decided it would be better for her to stay at her post until the visa issue is resolved.
If Ms McDonald is expelled she will be the second high commissioner to get marching orders.
In June, Mike Green was declared persona non grata after being accused of interfering in Fiji's domestic affairs.
