We are not unaware of the problem . . . diplomatic visas are being delayed.

The staff of the Representative Offices do not have diplomatic visas and only operate within the United States using business visas.

At the very least, Europe should consider banning sales of military-related technology and restricting diplomatic visas.

Mr. Samper came to New York on a diplomatic visa and said in an interview that he was under no special restrictions.

They said he did not apply for the diplomatic visa until after closing hours on Tuesday, the night before his departure.

Other activities involve diplomatic visas, accreditation, immunity, license plates and parking spaces.

All other visa holders, including those with diplomatic and official visas stating "As Temporary Visitor," are subject to this requirement.

The men, who had the same diplomatic visas as Davis, left the country after the U.S. refused Pakistani requests to interview them.

In 2005 Modi was denied a diplomatic visa to the United States.

But he said other diplomatic visas, as well as visas sought on humanitarian grounds, were still being approved by both sides.