Cablegate: Demarche Related to Fingerscanning Members Of

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS ANKARA 000944

SIPDIS

CA/OCS/ACS

E.O. 12356: N/A
TAGS: CVIS CMGT
SUBJECT: DEMARCHE RELATED TO FINGERSCANNING MEMBERS OF
PARLIAMENT

1. On January 29, 2004, at the request of Haluk Aca, Head
of the Visa Department at the MFA, Chief of Section reviewed
US fingerscanning requirements at the time of visa
application and upon entry into the United States.

2. Mr. Aca explained that the MFA had received complaints
from members of parliament required to be fingerprinted when
applying for a tourist visa. The issue was raised directly
with the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Mr. Aca requested
that members of Parliament traveling on diplomatic passports
in a non-official capacity be exempt from the fingerscanning
process when applying for a visa.

3. Consul explained current U.S. procedures and laws
related to fingerscanning and the U.S. Visit program. Mr.
Aca also raised the possibility of Turkey being part of the
Visa Waiver Program. Consul also explained in very general
terms the requirements for inclusion and clarified that
Turkey was not qualified to participate at this time.

4. Post requests department consider the Turkish view when
considering possible changes to the current policy regarding
fingerscanning of diplomatic passport holders regardless of
visas category.

EDELMAN

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