U.S. Visa Waiver Travel Requires Machine-Readable Passport
U.S. Ambassador James Kenny announces new measures affecting travelers to the United States from Ireland. Starting October 26, 2004, travelers entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program must have a machine-readable passport. Children, including infants, who are endorsed on a parent’s passport must have an individual machine readable passport. Holders of passports that are not machine-readable will need to apply for a visa, even if they would otherwise be eligible for the travel under the Visa Waiver Program.(complete text)

United States Supports Libyan Weapons Plant Conversion Plan
The United States supports Libya's request to convert a former chemical weapons plant into a pharmaceutical plant, a U.S. ambassador says.(complete text)

U.S. Will Maintain Military Strength in Asia, Armitage Says
The United States' plans to reconfigure its military presence in Asia are aimed at developing forces that are mobile, agile and "more formidable in terms of the military clout," says Deputy Secretary of State Richard L. Armitage.(complete text)