Antigua and Barbuda is awaiting a response from the United States after submitting a counterproposal regarding the possible acceptance of third-country nationals deported from the U.S., according to information provided during Friday’s post-Cabinet media briefing.

Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said Prime Minister Gaston Browne updated Cabinet on ongoing discussions with U.S. authorities and confirmed that Antigua and Barbuda’s position has been formally communicated through its ambassador in Washington.

Merchant said the government has made it clear that it does not support accepting more than 120 third-country nationals, a figure previously proposed by U.S. officials.

“The Prime Minister would have made mention of his government’s desire not to have over 120 individuals from third-party countries accepted into Antigua and Barbuda,” Merchant said.

He noted that Antigua and Barbuda has submitted counterproposals and is now awaiting a response from the U.S. government.

The issue has been the subject of discussions between Caribbean governments and U.S. officials as Washington seeks regional cooperation on the relocation of certain migrants and deportees from countries other than their own.

Merchant did not provide details of Antigua and Barbuda’s latest proposal but indicated that negotiations remain ongoing.

“Antigua and Barbuda is awaiting responses on our proposal to the United States government, where acceptance of these third-country individuals is concerned,” he said.

The matter was among several issues discussed during Thursday’s Cabinet meeting.