Cablegate: Consular Section Activities

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OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHDM #0932 2561219
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 131219Z SEP 07
FM AMEMBASSY DAMASCUS
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4169
INFO RUEHAM/AMEMBASSY AMMAN 7085
RUEHLB/AMEMBASSY BEIRUT 4763
RUEHAK/AMEMBASSY ANKARA 5328

UNCLAS DAMASCUS 000932

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC CVIS CPAS KFRD KCRM SY IZ
SUBJECT: CONSULAR SECTION ACTIVITIES

1. (SBU) Summary: Despite the SARG's continuing efforts to restrict
Embassy contact with large segments of Syrian society, the Consular
Section continues to run an active outreach program. Below is a
list of events in August and September. End Summary.

2. (SBU)

Student Visa Talks -- Our NIV Chief spoke to a standing room only
crowd interested in learning about student visas on August 20. The
room at the American Learning Center could only accommodate 90
students and some had to be turned away. Post plans to repeat this
talk with frequency according to demand.

Warden meeting -- Our semi-annual warden meeting on September 6
featured our Charg, RSO, PAO and CG as speakers. The Charg
presented certificates of appreciation to the 43 wardens who
attended.

Interembassy anti-fraud meeting -- The U.S. Embassy hosts the
Damascus anti-fraud group three or four times a year. Our September
9th meeting was attended by 15 representatives of nine embassies in
Damascus and 2 embassies from Amman, plus our own consular officers.
Conversation focused on Iraqi documents and changes to the SARG
visa regime for Iraqis.

Consular Reception - The CG held another "Damascus under the stars"
reception on her rooftop on September 9th for members of the
consular corps, airline managers, and international organization
staff.

Women's group -- The CG spoke to the American Women of Damascus
about voting and emergency preparedness on Sept 10th in the
Ambassador's residence.

CORBIN

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