CONSULAR SECTION ACTIVITIES

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