DHS SECRETARY CHERTOFF AND ESTONIAN INTERIOR

C O N F I D E N T I A L TALLINN 000109 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/13/2028 TAGS: CVIS EU KFRD PREL EN SUBJECT: DHS SECRETARY CHERTOFF AND ESTONIAN INTERIOR MINISTER SIGN VISA WAIVER MOU REF: 07 TALLINN 064 Classified By: CONS Rodger Deuerlein for reasons 1.4 (b) & (d) ¶1. (U) DHS Secretary Chertoff and Estonian Minister of Interior Juri Pihl signed a bilateral MOU on the Visa Waiver Program in Tallinn on March 12. ¶2. (C) In a meeting prior to the public signing ceremony, Pihl said Estonia welcomed the progress on VWP and the opportunity to sign the MOU, which was a large step forward for Estonia and for the Estonia-U.S. relationship. Pihl went on to say, however, that he hoped that the USG and the EU would take up negotiations on VWP and reach agreement on outstanding issues. Secretary Chertoff replied that U.S. law requires the USG to negotiate VWP on a bilateral basis, but that these MOUs take into consideration EU competencies. He added also that he hoped the EU would not put itself between candidate countries and VWP membership, which could add years to the accession process. He noted he was due to meet EU officials later in his European trip and would discuss VWP and the MOU process with them. ¶3. (C) Delegation member DHS Assistant Secretary Stewart Baker said much of the debate between the US and EU on VWP revolves around data protection. He noted the USG is seeking to negotiate a high-level agreement with the EU on data protection and data sharing, with hopes to conclude by June. A/S Baker asked Estonia to support these discussions within the EU. Minister Pihl responded that at the last meeting of EU Interior Ministers, opinion was split over the VWP process, but there was clear consensus on the need for better data-sharing arrangements with the United States. ¶4. (C) A/S Baker also asked for clarification on use of GOE-issued "alien passports" by Estonian residents. Minister Pihl confirmed that alien passports are now chip-equipped e-documents, but quickly reaffirmed in that VWP only applies to Estonian citizens. (Note: There are about 115,000 stateless residents in Estonia. They are long-term residents of Estonia and the EU and have travel rights within the EU. The GOE has consistently encouraged these resident to pursue citizenship. VWP privileges for Estonian citizens would be one more inducement for non-citizens here to seek naturalization. End Note). ¶5. (U) At a press conference following the signing, Secretary Chertoff reaffirmed Estonia could enter VWP as SIPDIS early as fall 2008, predicated upon a successful DHS evaluation visit March 31 to April 4, negotiation of implementing agreements, and DHS launch of the Electronic Travel Authorization system. In response to questions, he emphasized that the new VWP system will not be a two-tiered system for "old" and "new" EU members, and he explained that DHS hopes ETA will be free of charge, at least initially. PHILLIPS