Department of State November 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

A determination has been made to terminate sanctions imposed pursuant to Section 3 of the Iran Nonproliferation Act of 2000 on a Russian entity (71 FR 5483).

This rule finalizes the first phase of a joint Department of Homeland Security and Department of State plan, known as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, to implement new documentation requirements for certain United States citizens and nonimmigrant aliens entering the United States. As a result of this final rule, with limited exceptions discussed below, beginning January 23, 2007, all United States citizens and nonimmigrant aliens from Canada, Bermuda, and Mexico departing from or entering the United States from within the Western Hemisphere at air ports-of-entry will be required to present a valid passport. This final rule differs from the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) published in the Federal Register on August 11, 2006, by finalizing new documentation requirements for only travelers arriving in the United States by air. The portion of the NPRM that proposed changes in documentation requirements for travelers arriving by sea will not be finalized under this rule. Requirements for United States citizens and nonimmigrant aliens from Canada, Bermuda, and Mexico departing from or entering the United States at land and sea ports-of-entry will be addressed in a separate, future rulemaking.

The Branch for the Study of the United States, Office of Academic Exchange Programs, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, announces an open competition for the ``Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program for Undergraduate Students,'' a series of six- week thematic institutes to take place at four different host institutions during the summers of 2007 and 2008. Accredited post- secondary education institutions in the United States and public and private non-profit organizations or consortia of organizations may submit proposals to cooperate with the Bureau in the administration and implementation of this program. Each institute should provide a group of 15-20 highly motivated Iraqi undergraduate students with an integrated and imaginatively designed academic program that includes structured classroom instruction in one of the following four themes: science and technology; media and journalism; entrepreneurship; and public policy. Each institute should incorporate a leadership component and integrate practical learning opportunities related to the institute's theme. In addition, each institute will include an educational travel program that will give participants a deeper understanding of U.S. culture and society. All participants will be expected to return to Iraq immediately following the conclusion of the program. The awarding of the grant for this program is contingent upon the availability of funds (prior year Economic Support Funds, which, at the time of this publication, are pending transfer to ECA for obligation).

Notice is hereby given that persons convicted of violating or conspiring to violate Section 38 of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended, (``AECA'') (22 U.S.C. 2778) are statutorily debarred pursuant to Section 38(g)(4) of the AECA and Section 127.7(c) of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (``ITAR'') (22 CFR parts 120 to 130).

Pursuant to the requirements of 5 CFR 724.202, (``Notice obligations''), the U.S. Department of State hereby publishes this No FEAR Act Notice. The purpose of the Notice is to inform Department employees, former employees, and applicants for employment of the rights and protections available under Federal antidiscrimination and whistleblower protection laws. This Notice follows the model language provided by the Office of Personnel Management in the Final Rule, Implementation of Title II of the Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002Notification & Training (71 FR 41095). Any questions regarding this notice should be directed to Janice F. Caramanica, Senior Attorney-Advisor, U.S. Department of State, Office of Civil Rights (S/OCR), 2201 C Street, NW., Room 7428, Washington, DC 20520-7428, phone (202) 647-9295, fax (202) 647-4969, e- mail caramanicajf@state.gov. On May 15, 2002, Congress enacted the ``Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002,'' which is now known as the No FEAR Act. One purpose of the Act is to ``require that Federal agencies be accountable for violations of antidiscrimination and whistleblower protection laws.'' Public Law 107-174, Summary. In support of this purpose, Congress found that ``agencies cannot be run effectively if those agencies practice or tolerate discrimination.'' Public Law 107-174, Title I, General Provisions, section 101(1). The Act also requires this agency to provide this notice to Federal employees, former Federal employees and applicants for Federal employment to inform you of the rights and protections available to you under Federal antidiscrimination and whistleblower protection laws.

Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), Executive Order 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, Delegation of Authority No. 236 of October 19, 1999, as amended, and Delegation of Authority No. 257 of April 15, 2003 [68 FR 19875], I hereby determine that the objects to be included in the exhibition ``Armando Rever[oacute]n,'' imported from abroad for temporary exhibition within the United States, are of cultural significance. The objects are imported pursuant to loan agreements with the foreign owners or custodians. I also determine that the exhibition or display of the exhibit objects at The Museum of Modern Art, New York, New York, from on or about February 6, 2007, until on or about April 16, 2007, and at possible additional venues yet to be determined, is in the national interest. Public Notice of these Determinations is ordered to be published in the Federal Register.

This notice announces meetings of the International Telecommunication Advisory Committee (ITAC) to continue to prepare advice on the U.S. position on ITU budget shortfalls and related matters. The International Telecommunication Advisory Committee (ITAC) will meet to continue to prepare advice on the U.S. position on ITU budget shortfalls, their impact on the structure of the ITU study programs, and the impact on the U.S. preparatory process on December 1, 2006 from 9:30 to noon Eastern Time at a location in the metropolitan Washington area. A conference bridge will be provided. This meeting is open to the public. Further information may be obtained from the secretariat minardje@state.gov, telephone 202 647- 3234.

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the Department of State requests proposals from private U.S. individuals, firms, associations and organizations (for profit and non- profit) for the fundraising, construction, development, organization and management of a U.S. pavilion/exhibition at the World Expo 2010 Shanghai China. The U.S. pavilion will be situated on a 6,000 square meter plot with a building footprint of 60% to 80% of the plot size. It could have multiple floors to a height not exceeding 20 meters. The Department will issue a ``letter of intent'' to the organization submitting the winning proposal authorizing that organization to proceed with fundraising to complete the U.S. Pavilion project. The letter will include guidelines on fundraising to be followed by the winning organization and will establish a deadline for completion of all fundraising activities. Note that all prospective donors will be vetted with the Department of State for potential conflict of interest. Cost for a representative U.S. pavilion/exhibit for Expo Shanghai 2010 is estimated to range between $75 million to $100 million and will be the sole responsibility of winning organization. The Department of State is not now authorized, and does not in the future intend to seek authorization from the U.S. Congress, to provide funding for any aspect of the U.S. pavilion/exhibition at the World Expo 2010 Shanghai China. The successful applicant will be responsible for all costs associated with the design, development, construction, and management of all aspects of the U.S. Pavilion, as well as all support for the U.S. Commissioner General. The U.S. Pavilion shall be considered on loan to the U.S. Government, and the successful applicant shall be solely responsible for the disposition of the U.S. Pavilion at the conclusion of the World Expo 2010 Shanghai China. The aforementioned loan shall be treated as a gift to the U.S. Government. Only after the organization is able to demonstrate that all funding required for this project is in hand will the Department of State sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with that organization, sign a Participation Contract with the Expo organizing body, and appoint a Commissioner General. Proposals from non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S. firms or organizations shall be deemed ineligible for consideration. Authority: Overall authority for Department of State support for U.S. participation in international expositions is contained in Section 102(a)(3) of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, as amended (22 U.S.C. 2452(a)(3), also known as the Fulbright-Hays Act. The purpose of the Act is ``to enable the Government of the United States to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries * * *; to strengthen the ties which unite us with other nations by demonstrating the educational and cultural interests, developments, and achievements of the people of the United States and other nations * * * and thus to assist in the development of friendly, sympathetic and peaceful relations between the United States and the other countries of the world.'' Pursuant to this authority, ECA is the Department bureau responsible for coordinating U.S. participation in the World Expo 2010 Shanghai China. Consequently, ECA will represent the U.S. Government in dealings with the organizers of the World Expo 2010 Shanghai China. Background: The Government of China has invited the United States to participate in the 2010 World Exposition in Shanghai, China and the U.S. Government has advised the Chinese Government of its intention to participate with an official U.S. Pavilion. The World Expo 2010 Shanghai China will be held on specially constructed exhibition grounds. The Expo opens on May 1, 2010 and closes on October 31, 2010. World Expo 2010 Shanghai China is a large-scale international exposition or ``world's fair'' sanctioned or ``registered'' by the Bureau of International Expositions (BIE), an international treaty organization established to sanction and monitor international exhibitions of long duration (over three weeks) and significant scale. Invitations to world's fairs are extended from the host government to other governments. The United States is not a member of the BIE, and the U.S. Commissioner General will therefore not be a formal member of the Steering Committee of the College of Commissioners General for the World Expo 2010 Shanghai China. With a projected 70 million visitors, the World Expo 2010 Shanghai China offers an excellent opportunity to educate and inform foreign audiences about the United States and its people and to promote broad U.S. commercial interests around the world. U.S. participation in Expo 2010 Shanghai China will confirm the strength and importance of U.S.- China bilateral ties and promote mutual understanding between the people of China and the United States. The overall theme of the Expo, ``Better City, Better Life'', will feature ``harmonious co-existence of diverse cultures, harmonious economic development, harmonious living in the age of science and technology, harmonious functioning of communitiesthe cell of the cityand harmonious interactions between urban and rural areas.'' The theme for the U.S. Pavilion Exhibition should be directly linked to the overall theme of the Expo. ECA would welcome proposals for an exhibition to showcase American expertise and trends in some or all of the following areas: sustainable economic development and urban planning, the history of urban transportation, the role of historic and cultural preservation as well as urban parks in animating urban life and promoting cultural tourism; educating for economically sound environmental practices; the role played by a city as a platform for the construction of social relationships and social space, whether formal or informal. Other exhibit themes related to the overall Expo theme may also be proposed. The design concept for the U.S. Pavilion exhibition should appeal to a general, non-expert audience. The U.S. Pavilion at World Expo 2010 Shanghai China will be an official representation of the United States; ECA must therefore ensure that the U.S. exhibit is nonpolitical in nature, of the highest possible quality, and balanced and representative of the diversity of American political, social and cultural life. The pavilion/exhibit must maintain the highest level of scholarly integrity and meet the highest standards of artistic achievement and academic excellence. The U.S. Pavilion will be used to promote U.S. commercial interests as well as highlight outstanding U.S. cultural and artistic achievements. The proposed design for the U.S. Pavilion should include functional space for three purposes: an exhibition area, a live performance area and an administration/hospitality lounge area. Further information on the World Expo 2010 Shanghai China can be found at the official expo Web site: https://www.expo2010china.com/ Funding Limitations: Section 204 of PL 106-113 (22 U.S.C. 2452b) limits the support the Department of State may provide for U.S. participation in international expositions registered by the Bureau of International Expositions (BIE). This includes the World Expo 2010 Shanghai China. This Request for Proposals is intended to help identify a private U.S. individual, firm or organization interested in and capable of providing a complete pavilion/exhibit at the World Expo 2010 Shanghai China as a gift to the United States Government. The Department of State is not now authorized, and does not in the future intend to seek authorization from the U.S. Congress, to provide funding for any aspect of the U.S. exhibition at the World Expo 2010 Shanghai China. Costs: The U.S. pavilion will be situated on a 6,000 square meter plot with a building footprint of 60% to 80% of the plot size. It could have multiple floors to a height not exceeding 20 meters. It is estimated that a representative US pavilion/exhibit exhibition in that space will cost between $75 million and $100 million costs would include, but not be limited to: Design and construction of a building to house the exhibit and provide and appealing welcome on the exterior fa[ccedil]ade; provide exterior landscaping; incorporate appropriate internal and external crowd control features; Design of the exhibition; development of the story line; Raising all necessary funds; Production of exhibits, audio-visual materials, films, DVDs, videos, posters and other promotional materials needed for the exhibit; Promote and advertise the U.S. exhibition and Pavilion; Manage all administrative, personnel and exhibit costs, including salaries, benefits, staff housing expenses, contracting and supplier costs and consulting fees as well as funding associated with guides, escorts, and gifts; Transport, travel, insurance, postage and shipping fees; Security, development and implementation of a security program for the U.S. Pavilion in consultation with the State Department and appropriate Chinese authorities; Tear-down, including removal of exhibits and return of the pavilion in the condition required by the Expo organizers; Cultural and informational programs associated with the exhibition, including, but not limited to, production of U.S. National Day activities; Funding all expenses associated with the U.S. Commissioner General; and Creation and staffing of facilities devoted to hosting all VIPs visiting the U.S. Pavilion. Expo Guidelines: Interested parties may obtain copies of the General Regulations and Expo Guidelines from the World Expo 2010 Shanghai China offices in China at: Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination, 3588 Pudong (S) Road, Shanghai 200125, China. Proposals should be provided in a narrative of no more than twenty (20) pages, single-spaced, plus a detailed budget with necessary attachments and/or exhibits. The narrative and additional documents should outline in as much detail as possible plans for providing a U.S. exhibition at the World Expo 2010 Shanghai China. Proposals should address the following: Willingness to adhere to the General Regulations of the World Expo 2010 Shanghai China as stipulated by the Expo organizers, including restrictions and limitation related to construction; Track record of working with exhibitions and on the proposed theme; Experienced staff with language facility; Clear concept for the exhibit plan and storyline; Detailed fundraising plan listing intended individuals and institutions to be approached, description of donation and sample donation agreement; Detailed budget showing breakdown of budget items required for each aspect of the project development and implementation; Timeline detailing each step in the design, construction, and breakdown of the U.S. Pavilion as well as the development of the U.S. Pavilion content and; Commitment to consult closely with and follow the guidance of ECA and U.S. diplomatic officers in China. Proposals should state clearly that all materials developed specifically for the project will be subject to review and approval by ECA. Eligible applicants: Applications may be submitted by public and private organizations (non-profit and profit). Non-profit organization must meet the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3). Contact Information to Request an Application Package: Please contact the Office of Citizen Exchanges, ECA/PE/C, Room 220, U.S. Department of State, SA-44, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC, 20547, tel.: 202-453-8161; fax: 202-453-8168; or e-mail OgulJE@state.gov (with copies to PerezL@state.gov and HarveyRH@state.gov) for assistance. Please refer to Citizen Exchanges Shanghai Expo when making your request. General Information Contact: James Ogul, Program Officer, telephone to 202-453-8161, fax to 202-453-8168 or e-mail at OgulJE@state.gov. Non-profit organizations must have nonprofit status with the IRS at the time of application. If your organization is a private nonprofit which has not received a grant or cooperative agreement from ECA in the past three years, or if your organization received nonprofit status from the IRS within the past four years, you must submit the necessary documentation to verify nonprofit status. Failure to do so will cause your proposal to be declared technically ineligible. Application Deadline and Methods of Submission: Application Deadline Date: Thursday, February 9, 2007. Reference: Citizen Exchanges Shanghai Expo.

The Department of State is seeking Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for the information collection described below. The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment in the Federal Register preceding submission to OMB. We are conducting this process in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Title of Information Collection: Emergency Loan Application and Evacuation Documentation. OMB Control Number: OMB Control Number 1405-0150. Type of Request: Revision of a Currently Approved Collection. Originating Office: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Overseas Citizens Services (CA/OCS). Form Number: DS 3072. Respondents: Individuals. Estimated Number of Respondents: 1000. Estimated Number of Responses: 1000. Average Hours per Response: 10 minutes. Total Estimated Burden: 166 hours. Frequency: On Occasion. Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain a benefit.

The Department of State has submitted the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Title of Information Collection: Application for Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America. OMB Control Number: 1405-0011. Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved collection. Originating Office: Consular Affairs, Office of Overseas Citizen Services (CA/OCS). Form Number: DS-2029. Respondents: Parents or legal guardians of United States citizen children born overseas. Estimated Number of Respondents: 52,000 per year. Estimated Number of Responses: 52,000. Average Hours Per Response: 20 minutes. Total Estimated Burden: 17,333. Frequency: On occasion. Obligation To Respond: Voluntary.

The Department of State has submitted the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Title of Information Collection: Choice of Address and Agent for Immigrant Visa Applicants. OMB Control Number: 1405-0126. Type of Request: Extension of a Currently Approved Collection. Originating Office: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Visa Services. Form Number: DS-3032. Respondents: All immigrant visas applicants. Estimated Number of Respondents: 330,000. Estimated Number of Responses: 330,000. Average Hours per Response: 10 minutes. Total Estimated Burden: 55,000 hours. Frequency: Once per application. Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain benefit.

The Department of State has submitted the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Title of Information Collection: Application for A, G, or NATO Visa. OMB Control Number: 1405-0100. Type of Request: Extension of a Currently Approved Collection. Originating Office: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Visa Services. Form Number: DS-1648. Respondents: All applicants for A, G, or NATO visas reauthorizations. Estimated Number of Respondents: 20,000. Estimated Number of Responses: 20,000. Average Hours Per Response: 30 minutes. Total Estimated Burden: 10,000 hours. Frequency: Once per application. Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain benefit.

Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), Executive Order 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, Delegation of Authority No. 236 of October 19, 1999, as amended, and Delegation of Authority No. 257 of April 15, 2003 [68 FR 19875], I hereby determine that the object ``Terracotta kylix,'' imported from abroad for temporary exhibition within the United States, is of cultural significance. The object is imported pursuant to a loan agreement with the foreign owners or custodians. I also determine that the exhibition or display of the exhibit object at the The Metropolitan Museum of Art, from on or about December 1, 2006 until on or about December 1, 2010, and at possible additional venues yet to be determined, is in the national interest. Public Notice of these Determinations is ordered to be published in the Federal Register.

The Department of State (the Department) is issuing a final rule to implement the certification and declaration provisions of the 1993 Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (the Convention) and the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (the IAA) with respect to adoption and custody proceedings taking place in the United States, after review of public comments received in response to the Department's June 16, 2006 issuance of a proposed rule. This final rule governs the application process for Hague Adoption Certificates and Hague Custody Declarations in cases involving emigration of a child from the United States. It also establishes a process for seeking certification, for purposes of Article 23 of the Convention, that an adoption done in the United States following a grant of custody in a Convention country of origin was done in accordance with the Convention.