A former US Ambassador to Australia John Berry says he does not foresee president-elect Donald Trump reneging on America's deal with Canberra to take some of the Australia's refugees held abroad.
Members of Greenpeace hold up a sign in front of the Opera House in Sydney on February 14, 2016. Photo: AFP PHOTO / Peter PARKS
Mr Berry made the comment to the ABC after doubt was cast on the viability of a deal which allowed Australia to send some of its refugees from its detention centres in Papua New Guinea and Nauru.
He said it was an issue that's gone on for a long time, and Australia was such a great ally that the United States always looked to assist when in need.
Details of the plan were yet to be released but Australia said it was a limited and one-time offer for the detainees.
Australia is under pressure to find an accommodation for its PNG-based refugees after PNG's Supreme Court ruled in April that they have been held illegally.