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