VISA CARD OFFICIAL SEEKS CONTACTS IN BAGHDAD

UNCLAS AMMAN 002884 SIPDIS USDOC FOR IRAQ TASKFORCE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: BEXP EAID AMGT JO IZ SUBJECT: VISA CARD OFFICIAL SEEKS CONTACTS IN BAGHDAD ¶1. (SBU) Visa Jordan, a subsidiary of Visa International, has sent a staff member to Baghdad to work with Iraqi businesses to enable them to accept Visa credit and debit card payments. Under the system, a limited number of Iraqi businesses would be able to accept such payments, authorization would be obtained by a satellite telephone link to Visa Jordan, and paperwork would be couriered daily between Amman and Baghdad by road. Visa Jordan is working closely with Visa International and Visa headquarters in San Francisco to iron out the logistical and legal details. ¶2. (SBU) Visa thought that U.S. government personnel in Baghdad, particularly those using Government credit cards might have a particular interest in seeing such a system up and running. Mr. Tareq Nasser, the Visa Jordan official is staying at the Sumerland Hotel and can be reached on Thuraya number 882-166-322-0223. He would be happy to meet and discuss this subject with U.S. representatives. GNEHM