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G
Ministry of Education
To: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Date: 14 December 2003 I have been invited to an orientation and planning seminar on by the World Bank from
12-14 January 2004. The latest date of travel to Washington DC would be January 10, 2004. This meeting is one of the outcome of the Madrid donors conference and is crucial to the rebuilding of Iraq.
I would appreciate your assistance in granting me entry visa to the USA for this purpose.
Thank you.
Document #5
02823
08-F-0245
PROCEDURE FOR PROCESSING U.S. VISAS
FOR IRAQI INTERIM AUTHORITY OFFICIALS
Per State 308620, consular officers are authorized to issue diplomatic visas in the "B" classification to individuals who hold Iraqi diplomatic or official passports and who would be qualify for an A or G visa if the Iraqi Interim Authority (IA) were a foreign government recognized de jure by the U.S.
VISA APPLICATION SUBMISSION
All IIA officials must submit their visa applications to the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Protocol Division. The MFA will ensure that the visa applicants are in fact IIA officials traveling on official business who qualify for A or G visa status. The MFA will forward completed visa applications with an official request in English detailing the purpose of travel and travel itinerary to the U.S. Consular Officer in Baghdad (Baghdad ConOff).
The MFA must submit the following items for each traveler:
1. Completed Visa Application Forms DS 156 and DS 157. The MFA should review all applications to ensure that no question on the forms is left blank.
Applicants should mark n/a for questions that are not relevant.
2. A photograph of the visa applicant taken within the past six months. The photograph must be 2x2 inches with a light or white background, with the applicant facing the camera directly. The applicant should not be looking down or to either side, and the face should cover about 50 percent of the area of the photo. It is preferred that the ears are exposed. For women wearing a head-cover, the face should be fully exposed, revealing the hairline at the top of the forehead, the face on each side to the hairline, and the entire jaw and chin.
3. A photocopy of the visa applicant's diplomatie or official passport valid for at least 6 months past the last date the applicant will be in the U.S.
(Unless the applicant will be posted indefinitely to the U.S.)
4. An official note in English explaining the purpose of travel, describing recings to be tel In the iS. and listing the compier travel ninerary from Baghdad to the U.S.
Baghdad ConOff will review all applications to ensure they are complete. Once the application is complete, Baghdad ConOff determine whether to request an NSEERs waiver from Ambassador Jones. Baghdad ConOff will forward a scan of the application to consular section in the U.S. Embassy Amman (Amman ConOM). Original applications will be forwarded to Amman ConOff via DHL (take approximately 5 days).
Amman ConOff will notify Baghdad ConOff immediately if after a review of the visa application, Amman ConOff determines that the applicant would not be qualified for an A or G visa if there were an Iraqi government recognized de jure by the U.S...
MRV FEE
The $100 MRV fee is waived only for those being issued "diplomatic visas" and not for recipients of official visas. The Iraqi Liaison Office in Amman will be responsible for obtaining MRV fee receipts for recipients of official visas.
NSEERS WAIVER
If Ambassador Jones determines that a waiver of NSEERS is warranted, he will indicate this on the "Request for NSEERS Waiver". Amman ConOff will then annotate the visa "NSEERS Waived, Representative of Iraq".
SAO REQUIREMENTS
Amman ConOff will determine whether an SAO is required based on the scanned visa application. Amman ConOff will notify Baghdad ConOff when an SAO has been requested for an IlA official.
WAIVER OF PERSONAL INTERVIEW
Personal interviews are waived per State 308620, unless Amman Conoff considers an interview necessary or appropriate for the purposes of adjudication.
U.S. VISA PROCESSING
The MFA is responsible for making all the necessary travel arrangements and obtaining permission for the GOl official to enter Jordan.
Upon arrival in Amman, an official from the Iraqi Liaison Office can bring the passport to the U.S. Embassy Amman during standard business hours. If the applicant fulfills the legal requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa, a one-entry, Amman Conoff will issue a three-month visa.
jus in rette?
Page 1 of 2
Arsht, Leslye A. (SES)
(b)(6)
From:
Sent:
Sunday, December 14, 2003 3:35 PM To:
Arsht, Leslye A. (SES)
(b)(6)
Ce:
Subject: RE: Visa for the Education Minister I mean the actual MFA - its located just outside the Green Zone close to the al-Rashid hotel. (b)(6 tell you where it is. The MFA has s VIP. Travel Unit in the Office of Protocol. The staff will review the applicatior passport?
(b) (6)
United States Consular Officer Baghdad, Iraq 11 (b)(6) Public Number) Direct) 1(b)(6) These are U.S. numbers that ring in Baghdad)
(b)(6)
-----Original Message----- From: Arsht, Leslye A. (SES) (((b)(6) 786 Sent: Saturday, December 13, 2003 3:40 PM To: (b)(6) BL Cc:
Subject: FW: Visa for the Education Minister
----Original Message----
From: Arsht, Leslye A. (SES) Sent: Saturday, December 13, 2003 11:39 PM To: (b)(6) Subject: RE: Visa for the Education Minister The Minister has filled it out but failed to give it to me today... because I forgot to ask for it. It is top priority fo lomorrow. He told me his passport was at the Iranian Embassy and he was sending a driver to pick it up so ...
Jofc. In the Palace or the ACTUAL mins we'l be ok. When you say MFA... do you mean (bX6) Thanks.
Leslye A. Arsht
Senior Advisor, Education Ministry Republican Palace Rm S-206 Baghdad, Iraq 766 A6)(6) 12/14/2003
Page 2 of 2
_---Original Message--
From: (b)(6)
Sent: Saturday, December 13, 2003 2:00 PM To: Arsht, Leslye A. (SES) Cc: (b)(6) Subject: RE: Visa for the Education Minister Please see the attached procedures and get the visa application to the MFA asap. Please ensure that
(b)(6)
United States Consular Officer Baghdad, Iraq 1(b)(6) yese are US numbers that rine in Baghdads Ble
-Original Message-
From: Arsht, Leslye A. (SES) Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2003 11:41 AM To: (b)(6) Cc:
Subject: Visa for the Education Minister
(b)(6)
suggested I contact you for my Minister, the Minister of Education, Dr. Ala'din Alwan, who is scheduled to participate in meetings with the World Bank in Washington D.C. (with visits to the WH, USDept of Ed, etc) departure Jan 10, 2004, I became immediately worried this morning when she told me it could take 30 days to receive the VISA, since we have just that. and the government holidays in the middle. (b)(6) thought there might be a way for you to expedite it.
I am leaving for R&R in the US (Dec. 18 tentatively) that will include attending those World Bank meetings so will need my office to be your ongoing contact on progress here. (see ccs above) I would like to get the US VISA application ASAP. Dr. Alwan already has pictures and is, in fact, currently securing a VISA for a meeting of INESCO in Iran.
To sum up:
Can you tell me:
1) how to get an application and where to file it?
3) a i we can expect rective the document?
i predated censensesi.e
Thanks very much for your much-needed help.
Leslye
Leslye A. Arsht
Senior Advisor, Education Ministry Republican Palace Rm S-206 Baghdad, Iraq
(6)6)
Cci.
12/14/2003
Ministry of Education
Directorate General for Administrative and Financial Affairs Accounting Department Ref. 122 Date: 17 February 2004 To/ Ministry Of Finance/Minister's Office Sub/ Spending plan for year 2004 Greetings In reference to your letter No. 2745/405 dated 9 November 2003, and following our letter No.
1041 dated 19 January 2004.
After we studied the amounts allocated to the various accounts (chapters) in the 2004 year spending plan, it was clear that the plan needed to be amended, as shown in the attached tables to more properly reflect educational needs and plans, The current spending plan totais (1,050) one trillion and fifty billion Iragi Dinars.
Please review and approve.
Best Regards
Dr. Ala'din Alwan
Minister of Education
17 Feb. 2004
Copy To/
Goveming Council/Secretary General/Please approve the Ministry's suggestions above.....
..with respect
CPA -Senior Advisor/ Please approve the Ministry's suggestions above ...with respect.
DG for Accounting/Budget with Priorities.
Ismat February 16
1
•X. • 228: DoRkH:dd
Ministry Of Education Budge for the year 2004 Amount/Millions of Amount/Millions of Title
Section
US Dollars
Iragi Dinars
1
442
Salaries
663,000*
2
Services
150
225,000
3
Goods
25
37,500
4
Maintenance
30,000
35
Capital Expenses
5
52,500
1
Loans and Grants
6
1,500
7
Special Programs
27
40.500
Total
700
I,050,000
*Note: Does not reflect 40% increase for salary reserves eithide" 2 wiBwhebdureded dodedeudaecedagia
Section 1: Salaries
Amount/Millions of
Amount/Millions of
Item
Title
US Dollars
Iraqi Dinars
1
442
663,000*
Employee Salaries
Total
442
663,000đ
*Note: Does not reflect 40% increase for salary reserves 3
Section 2: Services
Amount/Millions of
Amount/Millions of
Item
Title
Iraqi Dinars
US$
Travel
1,750
1,166
2
Official Duties
2
3,000
4
50
Media
0.033
1.333
2,000
Printing
175
0.116
Postage
7
350
0.233
Fax and Phone
400
Office Rent
0.266
25
0.016
Equipment Rental
10
0.016
25
Insurance
75
12
0.050
Legal Fees
1
13
1,500
Guests & Delegations
14
Conferences &
2
3,000
Seminars
100
15
0.066
Ceremonies
16
150
Civil Defense
0.100
17
0.050
75
Expenses for Non-
Employees
18
Miscellaneous
74.443
111,665
8
19
Participation in
12,000
Programs
21
2
3,000
Sports & Scouting
22
Extracurricular
1,500
Activities
Janitorial
30
1,500
750
0.500
32
Research & Translation
1,250
0.833
42
Transporting Materials
48
1.666
2,500
Security
4
60
Stipends
0.040
52
2.060
Lectures
3,090
5,000
3.333
53
Exams
10
$4
0.006
Meetings
56
Contractors
46.666
70,000
Total
150
225,000
Section 3: Goods
Amount/Millions of
Amount/Millions of
Item
Title
US Dollars
Iraqi Dinars
1
Stationary &
3,205
2,136
Periodicals
2
935
Water & Sewage
0.623
3
0.496
745
Electricity
4
Fuel
0.463
695
5
Clothes
0.016
9
Materials
2.966
4,450
Textbooks
10
16,770
25,155
Sports Supplies
1.513
2,270
12
13
20
Animal Feed
0.013
Total
25,000
37,500
5
Section 4: Maintenance of Non-Movables Amount/Millions of Amount/Millions of Item Title US Dollars Iraqi Dinars 1 150 Furniture Upkeep
1.100
2
Building Maintenance
16,133
24,200
4
Water & Electrical
3.133
5,000
Maintenance
5
Equipment
150
1.100
Maintenance
6
500
Vehicle Maintenance
0.333
Total
30,000
cano Crook: 2e08r8. 2.0.40
Section 5: Capital Expenses Amount/Millions of Amount/Millions of Item Title US Dollars Iraqi Dinars 1 28 Furniture 42,000 4 Vehicles
2.666
4,000
6
Machinery
3.333
5,000
9
0.900
Books and Magazines
1,350
11
50
Weapons &
0.033
Ammunition
14
50
Animals
0.033
50
15
Supplies
0.033
Total
35
52,500
7
Section 6: Loans & Grants
Amount/Millions of
Amount/Millions of
Item
Title
US Dollars
Iraqi Dinars
2
Reimbursements
0.050
3
75
Write-off of Non-
0.050
recoverable Loans
20
Other Grants
0.900
1,350
A
750
Scouting Council
0.500
B
National Committee
600
0.400
for Education, Culture
& Science
1
Total
1,500
i. inivi:
Section 7: Special Programs Amount/Millions of Amount/Millions of Item Title Iraqi Dinars US Dollars 56 Reconstruction 27 40,500 Total 40,500 GRAND TOTAL: US$700,000,000 (seven hundred million) Iraqi Dinars ID 1,050,000,000,000 (one trillion fifly billion)
Page 1 of 1
(b)(6)
From:
Arsht, Leslye (OTHER)
Sent:
Friday, January 30, 2004 9:33 PM
(b)(6)
To:
(b)(6)
Cc:
Subject: RE: Reservations for Education Minister of Iraq (again)
(b)6) could I ask whether Dr. Alwan could have a reservation on AirServ for his return flight from Amman on Wednesday, Feb. 4.
Here is the information I believe you need:
Please provide me with his full name, passport number and nationality NAME: Ala'din A. Alwan NUMBER (b)(6) NATIONALITY; Iraqi Please provide me with his full details and the route he would like to take Depart Amman enroute to Baghdad 4-2-2004 (Feb 4. 2004)(one-way only) He could fly from 11:00 am on.
Thank you for your efforts.
Leslye
Leslye A. Arsht
Senior Advisor, Education Ministry Republican Palace Rm S-206 Baghdad, Iraq | (b)(6) 36 1/31/2004
(b)(6)
From:
Arsht, Leslye (SES)
Sent
Friday, February 20, 2004 2:55 PM
(b)(6)
To:
Subject:
FW: RE: JAPANESE AID - VEHICLES MOE
Leslye A. Arsht
Senior Advisor, Education Ministry Republican Palace Rm S-206 Baghdad, Trag 86
(b)(6)
-----Original Message ----- Leslye (SES) From: Arsht, Sent: Wednesday, February 18. 2004 4:01 PM To : (b)(6) Cc:
86
Subject: RE: RE: JAPANESE AID - VEHICLES MOE I've put this to Dr. Alwan. Will be back to you shortly.
Leslye
Leslye A. Arsht
Senior Advisor,
Education Ministry
Republican Palace
Rm S-206
Baghdad, Iraq
(b)(6)
B b
-Original Message-
From: (b)(6)
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2004 2:25 PM To: Arsht, Leslye (SES) Cc: (b)(6) 786 Subject: EW: RE: JAPANESE AID - VEHICLES MOE Dear Leslye, We are hopeful that such a letter, including supporting evidence of the budget to run the vehicles, should generate a positive response from MoFA.
Please contact me if you have any questions. I will also drop by your office to discuss this with you.
Regards,
(b)(6)
(b)(6)
Programme Manager
Room 234-A
(b)(6)
(b)(6)
-----Original Message ---- From:
(b) (6)
136
Sent:
Tuesday, February 17, 2004 2:11 PM To: | (b)(6) Subject:
RE: RE: JAPANESE AID - VEHICLES MOE
(b)(6)
Pls pass on my regards to Leslye.
I managed to agree with (b)(6) it the meting on Thursday that we could explain MOFA' concerns to MOE to give OE the chance to rebutt the ' misinformation' that seems t have
(b)(6)
come, according to
from JICA in Amman.
( MOE)
therefore have the chance for the Minister to send (b(6) something perhaps to the effect
(b)(6)
Dear Mr
I understand my submission of January 13 for Japanese Emergency Grant Assistance to the Ministry of Education was discussed at a meeting you held with officals from JICA, JICS and Crown Agents in Tokyo last week.
The JICS/Crown Agents Representative has relayed some concerns that you been adised of capacity to meet the recurrent costs of operating these over the Ministry of Education's throughout Irag in support of the nationwide Education Programme. I would relish the opportunity to discuss the programme with your goodself, or one of teams of experts but in the meantime can I explain the situation we find ourselves in at the present time.
As mentioned in my letter of 13 January, the Ministry of Education had been scheduled to a new fleet of vehicles under the final phases of the UN Oil For Food Programme.
For reasons beyond our understanding, this requirement was not included for funding. This i lack of transport capabilty has left the Minsitry of Education in a very difficult situation with respect to carying out the urgently required reforms and rehabiliation of the Education system.
THIS BIT NEEDS TO BE TWEAKED AND PADDED OUT WITH ACTUAL INFO. In antipation of receiving vehicles under the OFF programme, MOE had set aside x dinar from 2003 budget and x dinar form the 2004 budget for the recurrent costs of the operation fleet and the salaries of the drivers and other transport stafe. These amount would have allowed the central ministry and departmental vehicles a bussing system to be made available free to all pupils who need to be transported to Western World.
We look foward to receiving your thoughts on this explanation and youre postive news with respect to assitance to our vital ( for Irao's future ) Educational Programme.
j.d
2
-Original Message-----
From: (b)(6)
J B6
Sent:
15 February 2004 12:33
To:
(b)(6)
Subject:
FW: RE: JAPANESE AID - VEHICLES
(b)(6)
Please see exchange of e-mails below between myself & Leslye Arsht (Senior Adviser to MoE), with the last e-mail being from the Minister of Education, Dr.
Alwan.
Minister's reply
is quite explicit, but what form of reply do you think would satisfy MoFA's concerns ?
Regards,
(b)(6)
(b)(6)
Programme Manager
Room 234-A
| (b)(6)
Д 86
-----Original Message----- From: Ala' Alwan T(6X6) B6 Sent:
_ 2004 7:16 PM
Saturday, February 14.
To: (b)(6)
Subject: RE: RE: JAPANESE AID - VEHICLES to idea where this came from. We have repeatedly issued instructions not to allow any kin £ fees taken from students and our budget can definitely cover these costs it seems that the cars business is going to be a lengthy process, Thanks to (b)(6 can not understand why other MInistries have a surplus from the OFFP and we were no allowed.
>-----Original Message-
>From:
((b)(6)
796
>Sent :
02/14/04 - 07:21
>To:
(b)(6)
A B6
›Subject: RE: RE: JAPANESE AID - VEHICLES ›Leslye, > >Thanks for your reply - I'm just rushing off now, so will come round to ›your office put this rumour to rest.
tomonrow to discuss how we ›Regards,
-(b)(6)
=(b)(6)
›Programme Manager
>Room 234-A
(bx6)
--Original Message-.
›From: Arsht, Leslye (SES) 3
›Sent: Saturday,
2004 4:11 PM
February 14.
>To: (b)(6)
›Subject: RE: JAPANESE AID - VEHICLES ›Importance: High 10 idea where this rumor came from about the Ministry not havir the funds to run the buses. No one has ever asked this of me included Dr. Alwan on ›Thanks.
›Leslye
>Leslye A. Arsht
Education Ministry
›Senior Advisor,
›Republican Palace Rm S-206 ›Baghdad, Iraq #(b)(6) >-----Original Message--- ›From: (b)(6) >Sent:
Pebruary 14, 2004 10:32 AM Saturday, >To: Arsht, Leslye (SES) ›Subject: JAPANESE AID - VEHICLES > ›Leslye, has been in Tokyo for the past few days and has been One of the issues up some issues directly with MoFA.
was the potential supply of vehicles to the Ministry of It appears that the ›Education.
Japanese have a concern (apparently reported to them by the JICA office in Amman) that the MoE does not financial resources to run these buses on a day-to-day basis ›and would therefore be forced to charge bus fares to the students, thus ›generating a divide between the "haves' & *have is any way in which we can refute this assertion, i.e. by for the running of the buses, we would be indicating access to a budget sin a much stronger position to press the MoE request for the vehicles.
*Could I drop round to see you and discuss our response to this query ?
›Regards,
(b)(6)
>(b)(6)
›Programme Manager
> Room 234-4
(((b)(6)
784
M & M
**********************}
THIS
E-MAIL MAY CONTAIN CONFIDENTIAL, AND/OR PRIVILEGED INFORMATION INTENDED FOR USE OF
IF YOU
THE ADDRESSEE ONLY,
ARE NOT THE ADDRESSEE, OR THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR DELIVERING
4
Page 1 of 1
(b)(6)
(b)(6)
From:
Sent:
Saturday, February 21, 2004 10:06 AM To:
Arsht, Leslye (SES)
(b)(6)
B6
Cc:
Subject: RE: Letter from Iraq's Minister of Education Leslye, Thank you for this. We hope this will answer the questions raised in Amman & Tokyo and facilitate this project progressing satisfactorily. I am forwarding the Minister's letter to Mr. (b)(6) Dept Director of Grant Aid Division in | is also attending a workshop in Amman next week with JICA & JICS For your information, (b)(6) personnel.
Regards,
|(b)(6)
(b)(6)
Programme Manager
Room 234-A
(b)(6)
B6
----Original Message----
From: Arsht, Leslye (SES)
Sent: Friday, February 20, 2004 10:18 PM To: (b)(6) Cc: (b)(6) B6 Subject: Letter from Iraq's Minister of Education As you requested, here is the signed (scanned) letter from the Minister referring to the recurring costs for the vehicies. I have the paper original as well.
Best,
Leslye
Leslye A. Arsht
Senior Advisor, Education Ministry Republican Palace Rm S-206 Baghdad, Iraq
(b)(6)
2/21/2004
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
BAGHDAD, IRAQ
20 February 2004
Dear Mr (b)(6)
I understand my submission of January 13 for Japanese Emergency Grant Assistance to the Ministry of Education was discussed at a meeting you held with officials from JICA, JICS and Crown Agents in Tokyo last week.
The JICS/Crown Agents Representative has relayed some concerns that you been advised of over the Ministry of Education's capacity to meet the recurrent costs of operating these vehicles throughout Iraq in support of the nationwide Education Program. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss the program with you, or with one of the teams of experts in Amman, but in the meantime I can explain the situation we find ourselves in at the present time.
As mentioned in my letter of 13 January, the Ministry of Education had been scheduled to receive a new fleet of vehicles under the final phases of the UN Oil For Food Program. For reasons beyond our understanding, this requirement was not included for funding. This lack of transport capability has left the Ministry of Education in a very difficult situation with respect to carrying out the urgently required reforms and rehabilitation of the Education system. In anticipation of receiving vehicles under the OFF program, MOE had set aside adequate funds from the $ 700 million 2004 budget for the recurrent costs of the operation of its new vehicle fleet and the salaries of the drivers and other transport staff. These amounts will allow the central ministry and departmental vehicles to operate and for a bussing system to be made available free to all pupils who need to be transported to their places of education.
We look forward to receiving your thoughts on this explanation and to your positive news regarding assistance to our Education Program which is vital for Iraq's future.
Sincerely,
AAL
Dr. Ala din Alwan
Minister of Education
Ala'din Alwan
The Minister of Education in Iraq is Dr. Ala'din Alwan. He was appointed by Iraq's Governing Council September 3, 2003. A native of Baghdad, he received his medical degree from the Alexandria Medical College, and post graduate qualifications from the Royal Colleges of Physicians in the United Kingdom. He served as Dean of and Professor at the Medical College at al-Mustansiriyh University, Baghdad. He left Iraq in January 1992, to go to the World Health Organization (WHO), where he served as WHO chief of mission in Jordan; previously he also served as head of WHO department of chronic non-communicable diseases in Geneva; and WHO head of mission in Oman and Jordan. He held several positions in the Iraqi Ministry of Health and the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education. Dr. Alwan and his wife have three daughters.