PROPOSED VISA WAIVER PROGRAM ROADMAP FOR

UNCLAS VILNIUS 000410

SIPDIS

Dept for EUR/NB
FRANKFURT FOR RCO - BARBARA ARMSTRONG

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CVIS PGOV OVIP LH
SUBJECT: PROPOSED VISA WAIVER PROGRAM ROADMAP FOR
LITHUANIA

REF(S): A) STATE 067069 B) STATE 026010 C) 04 STATE

172283


1. After consulting with Vaidotas Verba, Director of the
MFA's Consular Department, we wish to propose the
following draft visa waiver program roadmap, which is
based on the roadmap the USG announced last February with
Poland. We request urgent approval of this proposed
roadmap so that it may be announced before the
Secretary's visit to Vilnius April 20 and 21.

SIPDIS


2. Begin text: The Government of the United States and
the Lithuanian government recognize the continued close
and fruitful cooperation of the U.S. Embassy in Vilnius
and Ministry of Foreign Affairs on consular issues. As a
demonstration of our commitment to deepen our countries'
ties of friendship, we agree on the following Visa
Roadmap of reciprocal steps so that Lithuania can take
the steps needed to qualify for potential future
participation in the Visa Waiver Program. The Lithuanian
government reiterates its commitment to complete the
program's prerequisites, while the Government of the
United States commits to offer technical advice and
assistance.

-- The U.S. Embassy and the Lithuanian government commit
to establish a formal Consular Working Group that will
meet regularly to discuss work on the roadmap.

-- The Lithuanian government commits to meet biometric
and other technical and security criteria of VWP.

-- The U.S. Embassy in Vilnius commits to review the
assumptions under which the Consular Section applies
criteria for tourist and business visas in light of the
improving economic conditions in Lithuania as a result of
EU membership.

-- The United States and Lithuania agree to cooperate in
conducting in 2006 a new baseline study of tourist visa
non-adjusted overstay rates based on 2005 data.

-- The Lithuanian government, in cooperation with the
U.S. Embassy, commit to launch a public campaign urging
their citizens not to overstay or otherwise abuse their
tourist visas.

-- The United States agrees to offer the government of
Lithuania technical advice, training and assistance as
feasible.

-- The United States and Lithuania commit to review
periodically the progress made toward meeting the
legislative criteria for the Visa Waiver Program. End
Text.

MULL