Transcript of the PODCAST

This Week from Washington

Narrator:
This week on America.gov, we discuss new travel procedures for foreign travelers from countries under the U.S. visa waiver program, and the state of Middle East Peace Process. 
Beginning January 12, 2009, travelers to the United States from 22 countries in Europe and five in the Asia-Pacific region will use a new travel authorization process. The countries named are currently exempt from certain U.S. visa requirements, but soon travelers will be required to use an online service to submit certain information.
The new system is called the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or ESTA. All foreign nationals, including children, from the 27 countries under the U.S. visa waiver program will be required to use the service. Travelers go the ESTA website and complete an electronic travel authorization form before boarding a plane or vessel traveling to the U.S.
In the beginning, there will be no fee to submit an application. The application includes questions about criminal records, diseases, previous history of deportation, and basic information such as name, birth date and passport information. Any changes in address and itinerary can also be easily made online after submitting the ESTA form.
The new system is actually an enhancement of existing procedures. Using the convenience and access afforded by the internet allows American security officials to receive traveler information in advance. This lets officials determine whether a visa-free traveler presents a threat before boarding an aircraft. This is a simple and effective way to strengthen security for travelers coming from the 27 nations under the Visa Waiver program. Currently, travelers from these countries must fill out a paper form with their passport information, travel plans and intended length of stay when arriving in the United States. As the new system is launched, the paper forms will eventually be phased out.
More information on the new system and its requirements is available online. Visit the Department of Homeland Security website at dhs.gov
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said on June 15th that an Israeli plan to expand settlement activity in areas of East Jerusalem could slow progress toward a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.        
Israel has previously announced the building of 1,300 new homes for Jewish settlers. The territory in question is claimed by Palestinians as the site of their future capital. Rice pointed to the situation as further proof of the need to define the borders of a future Palestinian state.
Achieving a viable, peaceful, and prosperous Palestinian state is one of several goals of a U.S.-supported peace effort launched at the November 2007 Peace Conference held in Annapolis, Maryland. Settlement expansion is in conflict with the road map -- a series of peace-building measures proposed by President Bush in 2002. Since then, the measures have been further developed by the diplomatic Quartet of the European Union, the United Nations, Russia and the United States.
Since the Annapolis conference, U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General William Fraser has been working with Palestinians and Israelis to implement the road map. Fraser’s efforts are producing results on the ground. Efforts to lift Israeli roadblocks and checkpoints are allowing easier movement of workers and goods between Jenin and Nablus. Improving security and economic conditions are encouraging international support for projects to strengthen the Palestinian government.  
Rice concluded that Israel will benefit from the establishment of a peaceful and democratic Palestinian state.  And it is in Israel’s interest to do everything it can to promote an atmosphere of confidence and trust. 
To receive our weekly newsletter automatically though email, visit our subscription page at America.gov slash services and sign up for email alerts.
Prerecorded narrator:
This podcast is produced by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Information Programs. Links to other Internet sites or opinions expressed should not be considered an endorsement of other content and views.

This week on America.gov, we discuss new travel procedures for foreign travelers from countries under the U.S. visa waiver program, and the state of Middle East Peace Process.  Beginning January 12, 2009, travelers to the United States from 22 countries in Europe and five in the Asia-Pacific region will use a new travel authorization process. The countries named are currently exempt from certain U.S. visa requirements, but soon travelers will be required to use an online service to submit certain information.The new system is called the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or ESTA. All foreign nationals, including children, from the 27 countries under the U.S. visa waiver program will be required to use the service. Travelers go the ESTA website and complete an electronic travel authorization form before boarding a plane or vessel traveling to the U.S.In the beginning, there will be no fee to submit an application. The application includes questions about criminal records, diseases, previous history of deportation, and basic information such as name, birth date and passport information. Any changes in address and itinerary can also be easily made online after submitting the ESTA form.The new system is actually an enhancement of existing procedures. Using the convenience and access afforded by the internet allows American security officials to receive traveler information in advance. This lets officials determine whether a visa-free traveler presents a threat before boarding an aircraft. This is a simple and effective way to strengthen security for travelers coming from the 27 nations under the Visa Waiver program. Currently, travelers from these countries must fill out a paper form with their passport information, travel plans and intended length of stay when arriving in the United States. As the new system is launched, the paper forms will eventually be phased out. More information on the new system and its requirements is available online. Visit the Department of Homeland Security website at dhs.govSecretary of State Condoleezza Rice said on June 15th that an Israeli plan to expand settlement activity in areas of East Jerusalem could slow progress toward a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.         Israel has previously announced the building of 1,300 new homes for Jewish settlers. The territory in question is claimed by Palestinians as the site of their future capital. Rice pointed to the situation as further proof of the need to define the borders of a future Palestinian state. Achieving a viable, peaceful, and prosperous Palestinian state is one of several goals of a U.S.-supported peace effort launched at the November 2007 Peace Conference held in Annapolis, Maryland. Settlement expansion is in conflict with the road map -- a series of peace-building measures proposed by President Bush in 2002. Since then, the measures have been further developed by the diplomatic Quartet of the European Union, the United Nations, Russia and the United States. Since the Annapolis conference, U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General William Fraser has been working with Palestinians and Israelis to implement the road map. Fraser’s efforts are producing results on the ground. Efforts to lift Israeli roadblocks and checkpoints are allowing easier movement of workers and goods between Jenin and Nablus. Improving security and economic conditions are encouraging international support for projects to strengthen the Palestinian government.   Rice concluded that Israel will benefit from the establishment of a peaceful and democratic Palestinian state.  And it is in Israel’s interest to do everything it can to promote an atmosphere of confidence and trust.  To receive our weekly newsletter automatically though email, visit our subscription page at America.gov slash services and sign up for email alerts.Prerecorded narrator:This podcast is produced by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Information Programs. Links to other Internet sites or opinions expressed should not be considered an endorsement of other content and views.