2008 Press Releases

DHS Richard C. Barth will discuss the progress of implementing the U.S. law on Visa Waiver Program

Prague, February 4, 2008 

The Assistant Secretary for the Office of Policy Development of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Richard C. Barth will visit Prague February 6 for substantive discussions with Czech authorities aimed at making progress in reaching a border security Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This MOU is a necessary first step in implementing the U.S. law signed in August 2007 that would permit the Czech Republic to participate in the modernized Visa Waiver Program. Working level discussions will be held on the morning of February 6, followed by meetings with Minister of Interior Ivan Langer, Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs Alexandr Vondra, and Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg.

Richard C. Barth was appointed Assistant Secretary for the Office of Policy Development by Secretary Michael Chertoff on August 28, 2006. He is the principal action officer for coordinating policy among Department entities, state and federal agencies, and foreign governments. Prior to assuming his current position, Assistant Secretary Barth was Corporate Vice President and Director of Homeland Security Strategy for Motorola’s Government Relations Office in Washington, D.C. Under President George H. W. Bush, Assistant Secretary Barth served on the National Security Council staff and was responsible for international trade and technology policy.