http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/site/index/ en U.S. Department of State 2009-11-07T00:24:20+00:00 Secretary Clinton's Remarks With German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle

Dinner Honoring the Visit of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

Preview of the November APEC Meetings in Singapore

Office To Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons Conference for Potential Bidders]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_1106_recent_news/ 2009-11-06T14:29:59+00:00 Secretary Clinton: Travel to Pakistan, the Middle East, Morocco and Egypt

Secretary Clinton's Remarks With Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Ali Aboul Gheit

Secretary Clinton's Remarks on the Plane in Cairo, Egypt

Secretary Clinton's Interview With Fouad Arif of Al-Aoula Television

Secretary Clinton's Interview With Michel Ghandour of Al Hurra Television

Secretary Clinton's Interview With Jackie Northam of NPR

Deputy Secretary Steinberg's Remarks on U.S.-EU Energy Council

U.S.-Armenia Joint Economic Taskforce

U.S.-Azerbaijan Security Dialogue

U.S. Welcomes Agreement in Croatia-Slovenia Talks

The Role of Humanitarians in Government: Perspectives on Advocacy and Impact Advocacy and Impact

Daily Press Briefing]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_1105_recent_news/ 2009-11-05T14:10:15+00:00 Secretary Clinton: Travel to Pakistan, the Middle East, Morocco and Egypt

Secretary Clinton Announces New Initiatives to Bolster Science and Technology Collaboration With Muslim Communities Around the World

Secretary Clinton's Remarks at Civil Society Meeting in Marrakech

Briefing En Route Cairo

FY 2010 International Programs to Combat Trafficking in Persons

Daily Press Briefing]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_1104_recent_news/ 2009-11-04T13:43:15+00:00 Secretary Clinton Announces Global Partnerships to Advance Cairo's "New Beginning"

Secretary Clinton's Remarks at the Forum for the Future

Forum for the Future and Examples of U.S. Support for Civil Society

Secretary Clinton Announces Civil Society 2.0 Initiative to Build Capacity of Grassroots Organizations

Secretary Clinton's Remarks With Moroccan Foreign Minister Taieb Fassi-Fihri

Secretary Clinton on the Middle East

Recent Developments in Honduras

Antigua and Barbuda Independence Day

Dominica Independence Day

Daily Press Briefing]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_1103_recent_news/ 2009-11-03T13:14:17+00:00 Secretary Clinton: Travel to Pakistan, the Middle East, and Morocco

Secretary Clinton's Remarks With Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu

Afghanistan Election

Declaration by Friends of Zimbabwe Group

U.S.- Colombia Defense Cooperation Agreement

Signing of the U.S.-Colombia Defense Cooperation Agreement

Secretary Clinton Concludes 3-Day Visit to Pakistan

Secretary Clinton's Meeting with Pashtun Leaders

Secretary Clinton's Roundtable with Senior Pakistani Editors

Secretary Clinton's Roundtable with Radio Journalists

Secretary Clinton's "Townterview" with Prominent Women Journalists

Interview With Jim Sciutto of ABC

Interview With Kim Ghattas of BBC

Interview With Wyatt Andrews of CBS

Interview With Jill Dougherty of CNN

Interview With Andrea Mitchell of NBC

Interview With Margaret Warner of PBS

Daily Press Briefing]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_1102_recent_news/ 2009-11-02T13:24:55+00:00 Secretary Clinton: Travel to Pakistan, the Middle East, and Morocco

Secretary Clinton's Travel to the Middle East

U.S. Secretary of State Encourages Use of New Media Communications in Pakistan: 'Our Voice' Cell Phone Social Networking on #7111

The United States Provides $103.5 Million in New Law Enforcement and Border Security Assistance

The United States Pledges $56 Million for Humanitarian Assistance to Displaced Pakistanis

The United States Provides $45 Million for Pakistan's Higher Education Commission

Breakthrough in Honduras

Briefing on the Situation in Honduras

U.S. Foreign Policy and the OSCE: Shared Core Values

Guinea: Travel Restrictions

Daily Press Briefing]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_1030_recent_news/ 2009-10-30T15:36:34+00:00 Department of State Ranks High as Employer for HBCU Students and Alumni

U.S. Special Envoy Gration to Travel to Turkey, Nigeria, and Sudan

United States Announces $2 Million for Landmine Assessment in Mozambique

Special Press Briefing on Refugee Issues in Africa

Daily Press Briefing]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_1027_recent_news/ 2009-10-27T10:00:56+00:00 said, "For Americans, our relationship with Germany is rooted in our commitment to freedom and democracy."

What lessons can we learn from the fall of the Berlin Wall?
]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/q_lessons_berlin_wall/ 2009-11-07T00:24:20+00:00 About the Authors: Phillip Loosli serves as Environment, Science, Technology and Health Officer at U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur and Kelly Milton serves in the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs.

Senior officials from the six nations of the Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security adopted the Coral Triangle Initiative regional governance structure at the fourth Senior Officials Meeting held October 20-22 in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Senior officials confirmed how the six CTI countries will collectively conserve and manage the world’s epicenter of marine biodiversity as well as established guidelines for establishing a permanent secretariat. Officials also agreed to issue a joint CTI statement to highlight ocean and coastal concerns to be delivered at the United Nations Framework on Climate Change Convention (UNFCCC) this December in Copenhagen. These major outcomes and further discussion regarding the location of the permanent secretariat will be presented for endorsement at the Second Ministerial Meeting to occur in Ghizo, the Solomon Islands, from November 18-19, 2009.

The Coral Triangle Initiative constitutes a collaboration of six nations that inhabit the world’s largest concentration of coral reefs and marine biodiversity, which includes the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, and Papua New Guinea. This 5.7 million square km. area of ocean and islands supports the livelihood for 120 million people and food for many more. The area is threatened by over- and destructive fishing, land- and sea-based pollution, and climate change. Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono initiated the Coral Triangle Initiative on the sidelines of the December 2007 Bali UNFCCC climate change talks. The Heads of State from the six Coral Triangle countries formally endorsed the implementation of the CTI Regional Plan of Action at the 2009 CTI Summit in Manado, Indonesia, this past May.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/coral_triangle_initiative/ 2009-11-05T23:00:14+00:00 Trip Information Page | Interactive Travel Map | Text the Secretary

Today, Secretary Clinton delivered remarks at the Forum for the Future in Marrakech, Morocco. The Secretary said:

"Five months ago in Cairo, President Obama called for a new beginning between the United States and Muslim communities around the world – a relationship that is comprehensive rather than focused on a few political and security issues, a relationship based on partnership between people as well as government, and a relationship that lasts for the long term. Those were some of the important words that President Obama spoke in Cairo, and his speech generated a great deal of enthusiasm around the world. Many people heard his call and asked, what can we do; what can you, the United States do; how will President Obama’s vision bear out in a new approach to U.S. policy; and how will that new approach translate into meaningful changes in people’s everyday lives?

As President Obama and I believe, it is results, not rhetoric, that matter in the end. Economic empowerment, education, healthcare, access to energy and to credit, these are the basics that all communities need to thrive. And the United States seeks to pursue these common aspirations through concrete actions. We know that true progress comes from within a society and cannot be imposed from the outside, and we know that change does not happen overnight. So we will not focus our energies on one-time projects, but we will seek to work with all of you in government and in civil society to try to build local capacity and empower local organizations and individuals to create sustainable change.

I have asked our Embassy to engage with local communities to solicit ideas for how the United States could be a better partner. I also appointed the first-ever U.S. Special Representative to Muslim Communities. The ideas we have heard have helped to shape our plan. Farah Pandith, our new Special Representative, is traveling widely and listening and coming back and expressing the concerns that she has heard from those who are living and working for a better life.

Now, we are focused on three broad areas where we believe U.S. support can make a difference. The first comes from the work and research that has been done over many years. When you ask people in all countries in this region or anywhere in the world what is the biggest concern you have and what do you want to see that happens differently in the future, the answer overwhelmingly is 'I want a better job. I want rising income. I want to give my family, especially my children, more opportunities.' It cuts across every society no matter where that society is.

I often say that while talent is universal, opportunity is not. And so we are committed to building ladders of opportunity to help develop the enormous talents that reside in the people of this region. Early next year, the President will host an entrepreneurship summit in Washington to convene people focused on creating small businesses, expanding their businesses, taking the talent that they have and translating it into income generations to assist their families.

We have launched a website for this summit. It is www.entrepreneurship.gov/summit. And I invite you to submit the names for delegates that could possibly benefit from coming to this summit, and please provide your comments on topics for the agenda. Because this summit is part of a broader effort to expand support for entrepreneurship in the region, including by establishing new business development centers. It is also my hope that together, we can launch a virtual entrepreneur network that connects the range of people engaged in such activities in the region and even beyond.

There are so many good ideas that die because the conditions are not right for bringing those ideas to market. There are so many people who work so hard every day that they can’t realize the benefits of that hard work to the extent that they should. Now we already, as you know, give billions of dollars in ongoing direct aid programs in this region, ranging from a community’s livelihood program in Yemen to a youth employment program in Jordan to our work here in Morocco.

We have invested $700 million in Morocco through a Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact. And this is an approach that we are working on that grows and has a partnership between our government and the government of people of a country – in this case, Morocco – where we say we’re not here to tell you what you need from us; we’re here to ask you what we can do to help you realize your own goals. In this case, we are supporting to two agricultural sectors – fruit tree farms and small-scale fisheries – as well as artisan craft and strengthening financial services and enterprise support. Over and over, we hear from small and medium-sized businesses that cannot get the financial assistance, they can’t get the technical support that would grow their business. So working with the Government of Morocco, we are hoping to really help to see blossom a lot more economic activity at the lower level that will then, from the bottom up, build prosperity.

Our second area will be advancing science and technology, something that we have heard from many of you, to help create jobs and to meet global challenges. It’s not something you don’t know; it is your history. But it was the Islamic world that led the way in science and medicine. It was the Islamic world that paved the way for much of the technology and science that we now take for granted. And now we face global challenges. How do we address water issues? How do we solve the climate crisis? How do we eradicate disease? Well, we want to look to your societies and we want to help Muslim majority communities develop the capacity to meet economic, social and ecological challenges through science, technology, and innovation.

The State Department has established a science envoys program, and I’m pleased to announce today that the first envoys will be three of America’s leading scientists: Dr. Bruce Alberts, a former president of our National Academy of Sciences; Dr. Elias Zerhouni, a former director of our National Institutes of Health; and Dr. Ahmed Zewail, the Nobel Prize-winning chemist. Each of these men has agreed to travel to North Africa, the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia to fulfill President Obama’s mandate to foster scientific and technological collaboration. The State Department will also expand positions for environment, science, technology, and health officers at our embassies. To finance these solutions, the United States Overseas Private Investment Corporation known as OPIC is launching a technology and innovation fund.

Our third area of engagement is education. Last week, I announced our support for a new program for higher education in Pakistan. We have also begun a program to support partnership between U.S. community colleges and institutions in Muslim communities to share knowledge and to train students for good jobs. We are expanding our scholarship opportunities, particularly for underserved secondary school students. One of our most successful education programs is called Access. It provides English language instructions to bright students in poor communities. I am personally committed to this program, and I look for ways to provide additional support, because I have seen firsthand its power.

Earlier this year, I visited an Access classroom in Ramallah. I walked into an enthusiastic discussion of Women’s History Month. These were students who did not come from educated families, but they were students with the same ambition and motivation that we heard described by our colleague, the Palestinian foreign minister, about his own son. We want to create more opportunities for students like these to fulfill their God-given potential.

And this points to a related priority – the empowerment of women. I have said, as some of you know, for many years, and President Obama said it in Cairo, no country can achieve true progress or fulfill its own potential when half of its people are left behind. When little girls are not given the same opportunities for education, we have no idea what we are losing out on because they’re not going to be able to contribute to the growth and the development of their countries.

The United States has named our first-ever Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues, Ambassador Melanne Verveer. We strongly support the call made at last year’s Forum for the Future for the creation of a regional gender institute to help advance women’s empowerment across the board politically, economically, educationally, legally, socially, and culturally. And we look forward to working with other governments and civil societies to launch this initiative soon. And we will provide initial funding to make it a priority.

We seek to support civil society efforts worldwide because we believe that civil society helps to make communities more prosperous and stable. It helps to drive economic growth that benefits the greatest number of people. And it pushes political institutions to be agile and responsive to the people they serve. So the United States is launching an initiative called Civil Society 2.0. This organized effort will provide new technologies to civil society organizations. We will send experts in digital technology and communications to help build capacity.

Now, these are some of the ways that the United States is pursuing President Obama’s vision for a new relationship. Our work is based on empowering individuals rather than promoting ideologies; listening and embracing others’ ideas rather than simply imposing our own; and pursuing partnerships that are sustainable and broad-based. We believe that despite our differences, there is so much more that unites us. Fathers and mothers everywhere want safety and opportunity for their daughters and sons. People everywhere want to have a role in the decisions that affect them, to express their needs to their leaders to be heard, and to help chart their own futures." Full Text]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/travel_diary_secretary_clinton_speaks_at_forum_for_the_future/ 2009-11-03T15:07:59+00:00 Trip Information Page | Interactive Travel Map | Text the Secretary

Secretary Clinton is currently traveling in Morocco and will address the Forum for the Future. During remarks with Moroccan Foreign Minister Taieb Fassi-Fihri this morning, the Secretary said, "...The foreign minister and I had a very productive conversation about a range of issues, including our shared goal of strengthening stability and prosperity throughout North Africa and the Middle East. I’m looking forward to participating tomorrow in the Forum for the Future, and I look forward also to working with the foreign minister on the issues that come from this forum.

The Forum for the Future is a gathering dedicated to creating the broadest possible network of partnerships in pursuit of common goals. It brings together not only government ministers, but representatives from civil society. And I am grateful too that we will work on the important issues confronting us – from regional security, economic development, religious tolerance, social reforms – because none of these goals can be accomplished through laws or governments alone. They require a broad coalition of likeminded people who translate laws into lasting change.

...So, Minister, I have come to Morocco to echo and amplify President Obama’s message of partnership and respect, and we will work together to advance our shared goals of security, prosperity, and opportunity. Much of what you have done can serve as a model for other nations, and I believe that this model can benefit people not only here in Morocco, but those who care about increasing the opportunities for a better life for all people. Thank you, sir." Full Text]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/travel_diary_partnership_respect/ 2009-11-03T01:38:05+00:00 Trip Information Page | Interactive Travel Map | Text the Secretary

Secretary Clinton recently visited Jerusalem to meet with senior officials. During a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, she stated:

"Thank you so much, Prime Minister. It is a great personal pleasure for me to be back in Jerusalem and a great honor to be here as Secretary of State once again. ... I appreciate the very positive words about the need to get back into a negotiation that would be in the best interests of Israel and Israel’s security, as well as create a state for the Palestinian people. Both President Obama and I are committed to a comprehensive peace agreement because we do believe that it holds out the best promise for the security and future of Israel, and for the aspirations of the Palestinians. ...I’m very much eager to begin those discussions. Full Text]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/secretary_clinton_jerusalem/ 2009-10-31T23:53:35+00:00 Trip Information Page | Interactive Travel Map | Text the Secretary

Today Secretary Clinton visited Bari Imam, the shrine to Shah Abdul Latif Kazmi, conducted a town hall meeting with university students and met with Pakistani business leaders in Lahore, Pakistan. During the town hall meeting with university students, Secretary Clinton stated:

"We are all interconnected and interdependent, whether we like it or not, and we are confronted by people who seek to divide communities, dismantle democracies, provoke fear, and stifle progress. They represent defeat, isolation, and instability. So therefore, we have to respond with an even stronger commitment to build a brighter future together for the people of Pakistan, the United States, and the world.

This is a pivotal moment, but I am confident that we can and will succeed by building upon the talents and strengths of our people. The United States is grateful for the ties that already connect us, and we look forward to broadening and deepening those ties and this relationship. And we are proud to stand with you to work together to meet the challenges of this extraordinary time."]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/secretary_lahore/ 2009-10-30T01:11:19+00:00 Trip Information Page | Interactive Travel Map | Text the Secretary

Secretary Clinton is currently traveling in Pakistan. During a meeting with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Secretary Clinton remarked, "...For me, this is a personal privilege, as well as a high honor, representing President Obama and our government, because today, the people of Pakistan and the United States face shared challenges. And we are poised to benefit from shared opportunities. This is a critical moment. And the United States seeks to turn the page to a new partnership with not only the government, but the people of a democratic Pakistan.

We hope to build a strong relationship based on mutual respect and mutual shared responsibility. I am confident that if we listen to one another, we consult, we work closely together, we will succeed. Because while we may disagree from time to time, as friends and partners do, we are bound together by common interests and common values that are stronger than any of our differences. There are many areas where our nations already work together. Now, we seek to deepen those efforts and find additional opportunities for partnership. Again, not just government to government, but in the private sector, in universities, in nongovernmental organizations, civil society groups, religious institutions, and of course, and most importantly, people to people, which is the kind of diplomacy that I think has the longest benefit."]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/secretary_pakistani_fm/ 2009-10-28T22:06:17+00:00 Trip Information Page | Interactive Travel Map | Text the Secretary

Secretary Clinton is currently traveling in Pakistan to continue efforts to create a comprehensive relationship with Pakistan that covers a whole range of issues that are important to the people of Pakistan, important to the people of the United States, and to the greater region. During her flight en route to Pakistan, Secretary Clinton described the trip by saying, "...While I am in Pakistan, I will be having a number of official meetings with not only the president, the prime minister, and the foreign minister, but other ministers in the government, members of parliament of a number of parties, as well as meeting with the opposition, the Sharifs. I will also be doing a lot of public diplomacy and engagement and doing events with students, with women, with Pashtun elders, going to pay respect to some of the cultural places of significance in Pakistan. So it’s going to be a very, very broad survey of everything we are doing and some of the announcements that I will be making on the trip to further demonstrate that we want a long-term relationship with Pakistan. We believe we have a lot in common. We have areas of disagreement, obviously. We’re trying to narrow those and expand common ground that we both can take over together.

So it’s going to be a very intensive trip. We’ll be hitting the ground and immediately going into meetings. I’ll be going to Lahore the next day, back to Islamabad, so we’re going to have a very, very busy schedule. So with that, let me just throw it over to all of you."]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/secretary_arrives_pakistan/ 2009-10-28T13:28:37+00:00 remarks during the release of the 2009 International Religious Freedom Report. She stated, "The right to profess, practice, and promote one’s religious beliefs is a founding principle of our nation. In fact, many of our earliest settlers came because they wanted the freedom to practice their own religion without a state interfering or oppressing that practice. It is the first liberty mentioned in our Bill of Rights, and it is a freedom guaranteed to all people in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

I want to underscore that, because this is not just an American value. This was agreed to be a universal value. Religious freedom provides a cornerstone for every healthy society. It empowers faith-based service. It fosters tolerance and respect among different communities. And it allows nations that uphold it to become more stable, secure and prosperous. As President Obama said in Cairo, freedom of religion is central to the ability of peoples to live together. These facts underlie our commitment to the cause of religious freedom. That’s why we make the issue of religious freedom a priority in our diplomacy, and this annual report is the centerpiece of our efforts." Full Text | Video]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/2009_irf/ 2009-10-26T17:10:56+00:00 stated, "....Our nation seeks a new beginning with Muslims around the world, a relationship based on mutual interest and mutual respect. It’s a relationship that requires us to listen, share ideas, and find areas of common ground in order to expand a peaceful, prosperous future."

How Might the U.S. Support a Relationship of Mutual Respect With Muslims Around the World?]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/q_muslim_respect/ 2009-10-23T14:09:43+00:00 Interactive Travel Map | Text the Secretary Answers

On October 14, Secretary Clinton helped unveil a statue of the American poet Walt Whitman at Moscow State University in Russia. The Whitman statue was conceived as a companion to a statue of the Russian poet Alexander Pushkin that was placed on the campus of The George Washington University (GWU) in 1999. Both the University and the Pushkin statue are just a few blocks away from the U.S. Department of State headquarters in Washington, DC. To learn more about the impact of this kind of cultural exchanges, DipNote Bloggers spoke with GWU’s Professor Peter Rollberg.

DipNote Bloggers: Do cultural exchanges like this help foster international understanding and cooperation?

Professor Rollberg: The Pushkin monument is a symbol of the varied, continuing efforts to promote a better cultural understanding between the United States and Russia. It is also an inspiration for the many people who notice it on our campus, stop by, sit on one of the benches, and read the inscription. Many GWU freshmen who are unfamiliar with Pushkin and his legacy ask about Pushkin and are fascinated by the story of his short but rich life, his struggle for values such as honor and freedom, and his enormous output as a poet, prose author, and playwright. Of particular interest is Pushkin's African heritage of which he was proud: his great grandfather was an Abyssinian prince. On various occasions, I also have emphasized that Pushkin was a diplomat, too: his first job was at the Russian Department of State.

DipNote Bloggers: Do U.S. universities such as GWU benefit from links to international institutions and cultures?

Professor Rollberg: Here at GWU, my colleagues and I share in the conviction that a person cannot claim to be genuinely educated without exposure to foreign cultures, be it through literature, film, or music. Regardless of their major, students should develop a perceptiveness toward other nations and their cultural values, a respect for their great writers and artists. This perceptiveness will make their future dealings with foreign business people, diplomats and other representatives more trustful and mutually enriching.

DipNote Bloggers: Has the Pushkin statue become a fixture of the GWU campus over the last ten years?

Professor Rollberg: At the time of the monument's dedication, I chaired our Slavic Department and remember distinctly what a joy it was for faculty and students to welcome this statue to our campus, how much encouragement it gave our efforts to promote Russian language and literature here at GWU. The Russian foreign minister, Igor Ivanov, was present, as was Ambassador Strobe Talbot and many other dignitaries. In my experience, the GWU student body has accepted the statue as one of our most distinct intellectual landmarks. We all are proud of it.

Peter Rollberg is Professor of Slavic Languages, Film Studies and International Affairs at The George Washington University in Washington, DC. His main field of interest is Russian literature and film.
]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/secretary_whitman_moscow/ 2009-10-16T22:51:22+00:00 Secretary Clinton recently provided a statement recognizing World Food Day October 16, 2009:

"On World Food Day, we join with others to reaffirm our commitment to work to combat one of today’s most critical issues—global hunger. More than one billion people—one sixth of the world’s population—suffer from chronic hunger. This year there are an estimated 105 million more people who are chronically hungry than last year. The world has taken notice. Now we must take action." Full Text | Global Food Security Page

Remarks With U.S. Secretary of Agriculture]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/world_food_day_2009/ 2009-10-16T15:43:57+00:00 video address:

"You are the vanguard of a rising generation of citizen activists who are using the latest technological tools to catalyze change, build movements, and transform lives. ...That’s what we call 21st century statecraft."

What role will youth and emerging technologies play in shaping 21st century statecraft around the world?]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/q_21st_century_statecraft/ 2009-10-16T15:03:29+00:00 U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton recorded a video message for participants of the Alliance of Youth Movements Summit in Mexico City, Mexico October 16, 2009. Here is an excerpt from her remarks:

"You come from different cultures and countries and speak different languages. But you all share a common commitment to engaging with the world, to using every tool at your disposal to bring people together to solve problems. And that makes you the kind of leaders we need as we work to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of the 21st century."

Read the Secretary's full remarks.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/secretary_aym_summit/ 2009-10-16T13:03:22+00:00 Interactive Travel Map | Text the Secretary Answers

Secretary Clinton recently provided remarks at the unveiling of the Walt Whitman Monument in Moscow. The Secretary said:

"I think that both the mayor and Minister Lavrov and Jim Symington have very well said the significance of the placement of this statue here today of Walt Whitman. It is reciprocal for the statue 10 years ago of Alexander Pushkin that was placed on the campus of The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., very close to the White House and the State Department.

I agree with Minister Lavrov that just as Pushkin and Whitman reset poetry, we are resetting our relationship for the 21st century. And that relationship is not just between our two governments, but most importantly, it is between the Russians and American people. Whitman recognized that we have so much in common, and if I could, I just want to draw your attention to the quote that was chosen that is on the base of the sculpture. And here is what it says: “You Russians and we Americans, so far apart from each other, so seemingly different, and yet in ways that are most important, our countries are so alike.”

Read the Secretary's full remarks or more about her trip to Europe.

Read the previous Travel Diary entry.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/russians_americans/ 2009-10-14T12:33:22+00:00 Interactive Travel Map | Text the Secretary Answers

Secretary Clinton recently provided remarks following a tour of the Boeing Design Center in Moscow. The Secretary said:

"I’m excited about the new Dreamliner. I can’t wait to see it in action for myself. But we also can maybe celebrate some of the less tangible results of this partnership. The engineers who work here – 1,400 of them – not only to help drive technological progress, but they promote shared prosperity for each of our nations, and indeed for the world as a whole. The contributions go way beyond building and improving Boeing aircraft. It really fosters collaboration that ranges from joint ventures, some of which are explained in the promotional material, as well as the titanium-focused work that has been done here. Russia produces the titanium for these airliners....

But these knowledge-based jobs, particularly in a country like Russia which has such a highly educated population, and particularly in the sciences and engineering, really in the STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering, mathematics – it’s just a treasure trove of potential for the Russian economy. I’ve heard President Medvedev talk about how he wants to see the Russian economy become more knowledge-based. The commodities are a great engine for the economy, but I think he’s really looking to the future when he talks about more knowledge-based jobs like those that we see here. It does provide a win-win. The bi-national commission that we’ve set up is looking for win-wins. We just don’t think that zero-sum politics works in the 21st century. We’re too interconnected, we’re too interdependent. So we’re going to see a lot of cooperation that comes out of a better understanding and appreciation of what each of our countries can contribute."

Read the Secretary's full remarks or more about her trip to Europe.

Read the previous Travel Diary entry.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/boeing_moscow/ 2009-10-13T23:03:22+00:00 Interactive Travel Map | Text the Secretary Answers

Secretary Clinton recently provided remarks during a reception for civil society leaders in Moscow. The Secretary said:

"We believe that Russians yearn for ...rights, just as Americans and people around the world. I have been encouraged by President Medvedev’s statements towards a more open society and his stated commitment to combat corruption and strengthen the rule of law. He has also acknowledged that Russia’s prosperity is dependent upon responsible governance, because stable economic development is impossible without accountable, transparent governance.

We believe that innovation and entrepreneurship can only thrive in an open society where knowledge and ideas are exchanged as freely as goods and capital. Just as competition in the marketplace fuels growth and better products, political competition produces more accountable governance and better political solutions.

These are causes that many of you have championed for years, and they are vitally important to Russia’s future. A society cannot be truly open when those who stand up and speak out are murdered and people cannot trust the rule of law when killers act with impunity. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, 18 journalists have been killed in Russia since 2000 in retaliation for their work. But in only one case have the killers been convicted. When violence like this goes unpunished in any society, it’s undermining the rule of law, chills public discourse, which is, after all, the lifeblood of an open society, and it diminishes the public’s confidence and trust in their own government."

Read the Secretary's full remarks or more about her trip to Europe.

Read the previous Travel Diary entry.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/civil_society/ 2009-10-13T21:46:22+00:00 Interactive Travel Map | Text the Secretary Answers

Today, Secretary Clinton met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow. The Secretary said:

"I want to start by thanking Minister Lavrov for hosting me in Moscow today, along with my delegation. We have had a very productive and comprehensive set of discussions. This follows on the work that we began over the last many months to transform the relationship between our two countries, to find common ground wherever we can, to further mutual respect and mutual interests, without in any way accepting the fact that there are not differences between us, because there are. But to talk about those differences, to share them openly, we think is also an important part of this new aspect to our relationship.

Just three days ago, Sergey and I were in Zurich working together to bring about the signing of the historic protocols between Armenia and Turkey regarding normalization of relations. Both of our countries strongly support this process, and it’s another example of how we are working together.

We believe that the framework that has been established that was announced by our two presidents during the summit here in Moscow in July is extremely important. We have agreed to discuss a broad range of important matters in these 16 working groups, which, as Sergey has said, have begun their important consultations. We know that this takes time. It doesn’t happen overnight. It requires building trust and confidence between us. But I am very convinced that this is important for each of our nations and our people, and indeed, the world."

Read the Secretary's full remarks or more about her trip to Europe.

Read the previous Travel Diary entry.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/us_russian_relationship/ 2009-10-13T20:16:40+00:00 Secretary Clinton Travels to Zurich, London, Dublin, Belfast and Moscow, October 9-15, 2009

Secretary Clinton's Address to Full Session of Northern Ireland Assembly

Secretary Clinton's Joint Press Statements With First Minister Robinson and Deputy First Minister McGuinness

Secretary Clinton's Remarks With Lord Mayor Long at Reception Hosted by the Lord Mayor of Belfast

Secretary Clinton's Remarks at Top of Northern Ireland Business Working Group

Press Availability Following the Northern Ireland Business Working Group

Secretary Clinton's Interview With Ann Curry of the Today Show

Secretary Clinton's Interview With John Humphrys, BBC Radio

Secretary Clinton's Interview With George Hook of "The Right Hook" Radio Show]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_1013_recent_news/ 2009-10-13T14:19:22+00:00 Interactive Travel Map | Text the Secretary Answers

Today, Secretary Clinton spoke before a full session of the Northern Ireland Assembly in Belfast. The Secretary said:

"We meet at an important time in the history of Northern Ireland. In the 11 years since the Good Friday Agreement was signed, you have traveled a long way together on the road to peace. Groups have laid down their weapons. Empty streets are now bustling with activity. And here, in this chamber, men and women who were once sworn enemies work side by side to secure the achievements of recent years, and to deliver a stable, prosperous future for the people you represent.

These accomplishments are remarkable, and a credit to you and to all those who have worked for peace, not only the leaders here at Stormont, but also Westminster and Leinster House. But most importantly, to the thousands of ordinary citizens, mothers and fathers, whose determination to end the Troubles made them fervent activists for peace.

At this time, we can recognize you have traveled a great distance. But you do not need me to tell you that your journey is not yet over. The promise of the Good Friday Agreement and the St. Andrews Agreement is not yet fully realized. And Northern Ireland is now facing a new challenge with the global economic downturn, which threatens some of the gains that you have made in the past decade.

The value of peace is not only the absence of violence. It is also the presence of new opportunities for investment and jobs, for education and health care, and political participation. So it is critical, in this moment of economic turmoil, to protect the progress you have already achieved, and to build upon it, to ensure that your people continue to enjoy the rewards of peace, and to embrace it for the long term.

Since this assembly was restored two-and-a-half years ago, this devolution has enabled you to work together to enact sensible, necessary reforms on everything from health to housing to environmental safety. No one ever said it was going to be easy. Of course it is difficult. It is the nature of democracy. It is not easy in any legislature, as I know from experience, under the best of circumstances. But in these circumstances, the work you have done is all the more extraordinary.

So, please know that the Obama administration and the United States is committed to helping you finish your journey to put far behind you the long years of division and conflict, to build confidence and trust across all communities and political parties, and to honor the hopes and sacrifices of your people by making whole and permanent Northern Ireland's emerging peace.

Now, we know what it means to be supportive. And we also know what it means to meddle. And I want to be clear that when it comes to the important issue of devolution, of policing and justice, that is a decision for this assembly to make. But as a true friend -- and I thank the Speaker for his kind comments -- my hope is that you will achieve what you have set out to do, to complete the process of devolution. And I am confident that, together, you can go forward and harness the exciting, human, and economic potential that Northern Ireland has to offer.

I know there has been considerable effort in recent weeks to address concerns, and work toward a resolution during this important period. There have been many moments in Northern Ireland's peace journey when progress seemed difficult, when every route forward was blocked, and there seemed to be nowhere to go. But you have always found a way to do what you believed was right for the people of Northern Ireland. As Scripture urges us, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

And today, Northern Ireland stands as an example to the world of how even the staunchest adversaries can overcome differences to work together for the common and greater good. So, I encourage you to move forward now with that same spirit of unstoppable grit and resolve. And I pledge that the United States will be behind you all the way, as you work toward peace and stability that lasts."

Read the Secretary's full remarks, her joint press statements with First Minister Robinson and Deputy First Minister McGuinness or more about her trip to Europe.

Read the previous or next Travel Diary entry.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/clinton_northern_ireland_assembly/ 2009-10-12T16:57:40+00:00 Interactive Travel Map | Text the Secretary Answers

Today, Secretary Clinton met with Irish Prime Minister, or Taoiseach, Brian Cowen at Farmleigh House in Dublin. The Secretary said:

"Taoiseach, thank you so much. And it’s wonderful to be back here in Dublin. I wish to congratulate your government on the resounding vote in the Lisbon treaty referendum, and also to thank you for the kind words about President Obama. I know our commitment to working with like-minded friends, such as Ireland, means that we’ll be seeing a lot of each other and consulting often about what more we can do to provide the conditions for peace, security, and prosperity.

I just came, of course, from a day yesterday in Geneva where the hard work of diplomacy and multilateral engagement was on display to try to work on another difficult conflict, but I think that’s what diplomacy and international relations calls for today. But there is no greater joy than to come back to Ireland to be in Dublin today. I said to Brian, I wish we could just sort of take a day off, wander around this beautiful park and enjoy some of the hospitality that I have experienced before. Bill and I feel such a special connection to Ireland and, of course, we are not alone – millions of Americans feel the same.

But it’s not only ties of family and culture and history and heritage. It is because we have built a strong partnership. Our diplomats and our aid workers collaborate together to resolve conflicts, fight hunger, poverty and disease, our businesses invest in trade to create new jobs and wider prosperity, education, innovation, and productivity have made Ireland a great place to do business, and Americans have leapt at the opportunity. At the end of last year, U.S. foreign direct investment in Ireland ran into the tens of billions of dollars per year.

Now, we know that we’ve had some challenging economic times. That has been apparent, both here in Ireland, the United States, and really around the globe. As we grapple with this global economic downturn, we are aware of the difficulties that people are suffering, people who are losing jobs, people who are unable to pursue their dreams. But Ireland has moved aggressively to stabilize its financial markets, to jumpstart its economy. And we will continue to work with our Irish friends because they understand that we live in an interconnected and interdependent world. It has been a hallmark of Ireland’s history. The Irish may have gone into the world as exiles and immigrants, but they also (inaudible) poets and speechmakers as entrepreneurs and innovators, and we see that still today.

I want to thank the Government of Ireland for your pledge to commit 20 percent of your foreign assistance by 2012 to eradicating hunger around the world, with the aim of cutting that number of hungry in half by 2015. As a people whose history is scarred by famine, the Irish understand that this is an extraordinary global challenge that requires a commitment of that measure.

I was very pleased that Minister Power participated in our hunger summit at the UN during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Ireland, truly does, punch above its weight on the big issues of the day from climate change to nonproliferation. Irish peacekeepers have saved lives and provided crucial stability in troubled lands from Kosovo to Liberia to East Timor. And we are grateful for their service and their sacrifice.

Here in Phoenix Park, whose name symbolizes renewal, I am absolutely in accord with former President Kennedy, that Irish future is as promising as your past is proud. And it is a future that we will share together. I will leave here to go to Belfast to continue work that our countries have done together, that I have been very committed to for a number of years, in which the people of the north, as well as the entire island, have made so much progress on together.

So thank you again, for welcoming me here."

Read the Secretary's full remarks with the Taoiseach or more about her trip to Europe.

Read the previous or next Travel Diary entry.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/clinton_taoiseach/ 2009-10-12T00:54:40+00:00 Interactive Travel Map | Text the Secretary Answers

Today, Secretary Clinton met with U.K. Foreign Secretary David Miliband at Carlton Gardens in London. Following their meeting, Secretary Clinton said:

"[F]irst, let me just underscore how grateful I am for this opportunity to reaffirm the historic importance of the special relationship between our two countries. I have many fond memories of this beautiful city from visits over the years. And I remember well something that one of my personal heroines, Eleanor Roosevelt, said back in 1942, when she had come to visit both American and British troops, including her own son. And she spoke of that special bond that is formed between nations when their ideals and objectives coincide. That is still the case today. And both our ideals and our objectives on a broad range of challenges and opportunities that we see in the world give us the chance to continue to forge a better future for the people of our two countries.

The international agenda is broad and deep. And the United States and the United Kingdom are partners, working to advance our shared values on every front, from rebuilding the world economy, to combating climate change and fighting hunger, to facing down the threats of nuclear proliferation and violent extremism, to helping advance a comprehensive peace in the Middle East. We stand shoulder to shoulder in the effort to build a global architecture of cooperation, and to develop the partnerships that are needed to meet these global challenges.

So, as the foreign secretary said, we have had a wide ranging discussion today, but we have had many such discussions over the last nine months, my tenure as Secretary of State.

British leadership was pivotal in the run up to the historic Security Council session chaired by President Obama that unanimously adopted Resolution 1887, and committed us to work toward a world without nuclear weapons. British leadership is important to the P5 Plus 1 process, as we work together to press the world's great concerns about Iran's nuclear programs.

We agree that the P5 Plus 1 meeting in Geneva was a constructive beginning. But it must be followed by action. Words are not enough. And we are speaking with a single voice, and delivering a clear message to Iran: The international community will not wait indefinitely for evidence that Iran is prepared to live up to its international obligations.

We also had an opportunity to discuss the ongoing review of our overall efforts, both civilian and military, in Afghanistan and Pakistan. I again expressed my admiration for the incredible courage and commitment of the British troops who are serving in Afghanistan. We are deeply grateful for their service, and we honor their sacrifice. And both of our nations are committed to the cause in Afghanistan.

We understand how difficult this is, but we have no doubt that we must be both committed, and demonstrate leadership necessary to achieve our goals. At the same time, we are working to support the democratically elected government of Pakistan in its efforts to confront violent extremism, and to assist the people whose lives have been disrupted by that conflict. We want to help the Pakistani people and their government improve in the delivery of services. We share the same goals for the region that is affected by so much violent extremism, mainly, a peaceful and prosperous future for the people who live there.

And finally, as the foreign secretary said, we discussed the peace process in Northern Ireland, where I will be traveling later today. This remains an issue of great importance for both of our countries, and we are committed to seeing the full implementation of the Good Friday agreement, and a lasting peace in Northern Ireland that brings the benefits of peace to the people.

We always have a full agenda. We never have enough time to discuss everything that is on our minds. But it is a personal pleasure for me to be working with Secretary Miliband. So I thank you again for hosting me today, and I look forward to the work ahead."

Following Secretary Clinton's remarks, she and Foreign Secretary Miliband spoke with the press about Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran. Read their full remarks or more about Secretary Clinton's trip to Europe.

Read the previous or next Travel Diary entry.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/us_uk_shared_values/ 2009-10-11T18:59:40+00:00 Interactive Travel Map | Text the Secretary Answers

Yesterday, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian and Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu signed protocols to establish diplomatic ties and to reopen the border between their two countries. Secretary Clinton said:

"We had a good night in Zurich, watching the signing of the protocols between Turkey and Armenia. And now the process continues. We, obviously, are committed to doing everything we can to build on the milestone that was reached today, but it's challenging. And there is a lot of very difficult, complex issues that have to continually be discussed and worked out. But I am very pleased that we were able to get the protocols signed, and now we move on to the next phase of this."

Following the signing, the Armenians and Turks will submit the protocols to their respective parliaments for approval. For more information, the Secretary gave a readout of the ceremony while she was en route to London and a senior State Department official provided background in advance of the Secretary's trip to Europe.

Read the previous or next Travel Diary entry.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/armenia_turkey_protocols/ 2009-10-11T14:40:40+00:00 travels to Europe. In Moscow, she will meet with President Medvedev and Foreign Minister Lavrov to discuss bilateral and regional issues, such as cooperation on Afghanistan, Iran, the Middle East and North Korea. They will also review progress and provide guidance on a successor agreement to START and next steps for the Clinton-Lavrov Commission. These consultations are an integral part of our renewed partnership with Russia.

What is the most important issue facing the U.S.-Russia relationship?]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/q_us_russia_relationship/ 2009-10-10T00:17:26+00:00 Yesterday, Ambassador Susan Rice delivered remarks at Howard University. Ambassador Rice said:

"Today our world — the world you will inherit — is more interconnected than at any point in human history. Increasingly, we rise or fall together. If Somalia is forsaken, violent extremists can find their way to our soil. If horrific violence in Guinea or the Democratic Republic of Congo is left to rage on unchecked, all of our consciences are shamed. If disease festers anywhere, pandemics can affect us everywhere. We face an extraordinary array of transnational security challenges that cross borders as freely as a storm. By definition, they cannot be tackled by any one country alone, even one as powerful as our own.

But just as our perils are shared, so too are our opportunities. To seize these opportunities, the United States needs to help grow the ranks of capable, democratic states — states that can deliver on both their responsibilities to the international community and to their own people. Capable states are those that control their territory, govern justly, provide security and essential services, protect their citizens’ rights, and offer their people hope for a better future. When a country cannot — or will not — perform these core functions, when a nation is wracked by war, when a state becomes a shell, its people suffer immediately. But over the longer term, a fragile state can also incubate global trouble that can spread far beyond its borders.

It is not enough simply to build up the corps of capable, democratic states. We need states with both the capacity and the will to tackle common challenges. As we have been reminded in recent years, we cannot take that will for granted, even among our closest allies. If we want others to help combat the threats that concern us most, then we must help others combat the challenges that threaten them most. For many nations, these are first and foremost the things that afflict human beings in their daily lives: corruption, repression, conflict, hunger, poverty, disease, and the lack of education and opportunity.

When the United States joins with others to confront these challenges, it’s not charity. It’s not even barter. In today’s world, more than ever, what is good for others is often good for us too. When we manifest our commitment to tackling the threats that menace so many other nations; when we invest in helping protect the lives of others; and when we recognize that national security is no longer a zero-sum game, then we increase other countries’ will to cooperate on the issues most vital to us.

We build that will by demonstrating responsible leadership. We build will by setting a tone of decency and mutual respect rather than condescension and contempt. We build will by abiding by the rules we expect others to follow. We build will by pursuing pragmatic, principled policies and explaining them with intelligence and candor. And in the broadest sense, we build will when others can see their future as aligned with ours.

A fundamental imperative of U.S. national security in the 21st century is thus clear: we need to maximize the number of states with both the capacity and the will to tackle a new generation of transnational security challenges. We need a modern edifice of cooperation, built upon the foundation of responsible American leadership, with the bricks of state capacity and the beams of political will."

Read the Ambassador's full remarks here.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/democratic_states/ 2009-10-09T20:53:40+00:00 Today, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded President Obama the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. President Obama said:

"I am both surprised and deeply humbled by the decision of the Nobel Committee. Let me be clear: I do not view it as a recognition of my own accomplishments, but rather as an affirmation of American leadership on behalf of aspirations held by people in all nations.

To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who've been honored by this prize -- men and women who've inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace.

But I also know that this prize reflects the kind of world that those men and women, and all Americans, want to build -- a world that gives life to the promise of our founding documents. And I know that throughout history, the Nobel Peace Prize has not just been used to honor specific achievement; it's also been used as a means to give momentum to a set of causes. And that is why I will accept this award as a call to action -- a call for all nations to confront the common challenges of the 21st century."

Read the President's full remarks on the White House Blog.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/building_a_world/ 2009-10-09T18:09:53+00:00 Secretary Clinton's Remarks With New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully

Silk Road Trade and Investment: New Pathways for U.S.-Central Asia Economic Ties

Inaugural Flight Transiting Russia

On-the-Record Briefing on Secretary Clinton's Upcoming Travel to Europe

Daily Press Briefing]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_1009_recent_news/ 2009-10-09T13:49:26+00:00 Deputy Secretary of State James B. Steinberg testified before the U.S. Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee. The Deputy Secretary said:

"Our goal is to prevent Iran from achieving a nuclear weapons capability. And we will work with our allies and partners towards that goal, as well as to counter Iranian actions that threaten to destabilize the greater Middle East and the rest of the world. To that end, as you've observed, we've pursued a dual-track strategy of economic sanctions and engagement. We think that only by using them together and coordinating them closely can we achieve this important objective."

Read the Deputy Secretary's full remarks here.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/potential_iran/ 2009-10-08T15:01:10+00:00 Secretary Clinton's Remarks With Quartet Representative Tony Blair

Secretary Clinton's Interview With Katie Couric of CBS Evening News

Third Anniversary of Death of Anna Politkovskaya

Minimizing Potential Threats from Iran: Administration Perspectives on Economic Sanctions and Other U.S. Policy Options

Opening Statement by the United States at the Third Committee of the 64th Session of the UN General Assembly

U.S. Ambassador Susan E. Rice to Lecture at Howard University

Pathways to Prosperity in the Americas Women Entrepreneurs Conference

Exhibition of the Great Seal of the United States opens at Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia

Daily Press Briefing]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_1008_recent_news/ 2009-10-08T13:18:26+00:00 Secretary Clinton's Remarks With Secretary of Defense Robert Gates on American Power and Persuasion

Secretary Clinton's Remarks With Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi

Pathways to Prosperity Women Entrepreneurs Conference

Moscow E6 Statement

Daily Press Briefing]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_1007_recent_news/ 2009-10-07T13:52:26+00:00 About the Authors: Elizabeth Minor works for the Coordinator for Reconstruction & Stabilization at the Department of State and Matt Shugert works in the Office of Civilian Response at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

The Civilian Response Corps is gearing up – literally. With over 500 Standby members recruited and 50 new Active members hired (with 200 more on the way), the initiative is moving full steam ahead. However, recruiting, hiring, and training these rapid responders is only half of the story. The men and women of the Civilian Response Corps will be deployed to some of the most isolated and restricted overseas locations and will need specialized equipment to support them in the field.

The Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development are purchasing a variety of individual and team equipment to facilitate rapid deployment of Corps members. There is enough individual equipment to support the deployment of 250 Civilian Response Corps members, from both the Active and Standby components. This equipment includes:

• Team medical kits, solar powered equipment rechargers, and office start-up kits. These items will allow Corps members to remain as resource-neutral as possible and avoid placing a burden on the receiving embassy.

• Protective gear. Items such as ballistic protective vests, helmets, and fire retardant gloves will help protect Corps members from many of the dangers of serving in non-permissive environments.

• Fully armored vehicles. Corps members will be able to maintain freedom of movement in semi and non-permissive environments through use of the twenty-eight fully armoured vehicles that are scheduled for delivery in 2010. The vehicles will also be available for use by other U.S. Government employees supporting reconstruction and stabilization missions abroad.

• Mobile communications equipment. The Corps deploys a variety of completely self-contained, solar-powered packages available to keep Corps members in constant contact with Washington and others in the field when they are working away from post.

Corps members will be trained on the use of this equipment in the newly designed Security for Non-Traditional Operating Environments (SNOE), a course that emphasizes hands-on application of skills and aims to replicate the stresses and conditions that Corps members might experience in the field. (Read Civilian Response Corps member Eythan Sontag’s DipNote entry about the course here.)

From the Darfur in Sudan’s isolated west, to Colombia, members of the Civilian Response Corps have been, and will continue to be, at the forefront of challenging reconstruction and stabilization missions; and their equipment needs to be just as versatile and expeditionary as they are.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/gearing_up_civilian_response_corps/ 2009-10-06T20:50:59+00:00 U.S. Special Envoy Gration to Travel to Russia and Libya

Daily Press Briefing]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_1006_recent_news/ 2009-10-06T14:18:25+00:00 Secretary Clinton's Remarks With Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference Dr. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu

Special Briefing by Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues Melanne Verveer and Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues Stephen Rapp

Briefing by Assistant Secretary for International Organization Affairs Esther Brimmer

Poland: Death of Marek Edelman

Lesotho Independence Day

Daily Press Briefing]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_1005_recent_news/ 2009-10-05T13:44:25+00:00
How should the P-5+1 engage Iran regarding its nuclear program?]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/q_iran_nuclear_program/ 2009-10-03T01:55:47+00:00 About the Authors: Amber James and Ellen Shaw serve in the Bureau of Oceans, International Environmental and Scientific Affairs.

Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs Maria Otero led a roundtable discussion this week on the Congo Basin Forest Partnership (CBFP), which featured Heads of State from Equatorial Guinea, Sao Tome and Principe, and the Republic of Congo, as well as the chair of the Central African Forest Commission. Assistant Secretary Dr. Kerri-Ann Jones for the Bureau of Oceans, International Environmental and Scientific Affairs also briefed Congress at a bicameral caucus hearing on the Partnership to highlight the U.S. government’s contributions to conserving the world’s second largest rainforest.

Since its establishment at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development, the U.S. government — including the U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and NASA — has invested more than $100 million in funds and technical expertise into the Partnership. By the end of 2009, U.S. programs through USAID’s Central Africa Regional Program for the Environment (CARPE) have helped improved the land management of 56 million hectares; trained 25,000 people in conservation; put in place 10 forest, biodiversity and conservation laws; allocated $2.5 million in small grants to local NGOs; and provided for logging concession monitoring in several Central African countries, with additional support from the World Bank and the European Union.

CBFP constitutes an international association of more than forty governments, international organizations, private sector and civil society representatives, and is designed to enhance sustainable management of the Congo Basin ecosystem. In her opening remarks at the roundtable discussion, Under Secretary Otero emphasized the importance of sustaining and increasing support for the Partnership: “In Central Africa, the challenges of deforestation, food security and agriculture, energy poverty, and economic growth are integrally connected, and require an integrated, strategic response. Despite many challenges, Central Africa is a region of great promise and hope, rich in natural resources that, if sustainably managed and governed, have the potential to provide future generations with economic growth and stability.”

To contribute to developing this integrated response, Under Secretary Otero focused the discussion on three key questions:: 1) the CBFP's role in economic growth and livelihoods; 2) CBFP contributions to cross-border cooperation and security; and 3) the role of the CBFP in development of democratic governance. U.S. and African government officials reaffirmed their commitment to action but acknowledged that a number of threats such as bushmeat hunting, poaching, illegal and unsustainable logging, mining and climate change will require further collaboration and funding support to resolve. Assistant Secretary Jones reiterated President Obama’s vision of the U.S.’s role in Africa, “[F]or America, the true sign of success is not simply whether we provide assistance, but whether we are partners in building Africa's capacity for transformational change.”

Related Content: In One Family and Don't Buy It, conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall reminds us that reducing the demand for illegally trafficked goods will prevent the killing of endangered species.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/congo_basin_forest_partnership/ 2009-10-02T21:27:58+00:00 Secretary Clinton to Travel to London, Dublin, Belfast and Moscow

Secretary Clinton and Secretary Gates to Participate in Discussion on American Power and Persuasion at George Washington University

Secretary Clinton's Interview With Lisa Ling of the Oprah Winfrey Show

Secretary Clinton's Remarks With Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Gia Khiem

60th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China

Secretary Clinton Appoints Under Secretary Maria Otero as Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues

Secretary Clinton's Remarks at the Corporate Council on Africa's Seventh Biennial U.S.-Africa Business Summit

2009 Secretary's Award for Corporate Excellence Finalists Selected

U.S.-Iraq Business and Investment Conference Set for October 20 & 21 in Washington, D.C.

Afghan Legal Professionals to Study in the U.S.

START Aggregate Numbers of Strategic Offensive Arms

Background Briefing on P5+1 Talks in Geneva

Daily Press Briefing]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_1001_recent_news1/ 2009-10-02T19:38:25+00:00 Yesterday, Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues Melanne Verveer testified before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. Below is an excerpt from her submitted, written testimony.

Violence against women is an issue that should concern us all. Women are the key to progress and prosperity in the 21st century. When they are marginalized and mistreated, humanity cannot progress. When they are accorded their rights and afforded equal opportunities in education, health care, employment, and political participation, they lift up their families, their communities, and their nations.

As we look ahead toward a comprehensive international campaign to end violence against women, we must ensure that all of the following are a part of our strategies:

(1) First, we must define this violence not as a women’s issue but as one of international human rights and national security. This means that our efforts to prevent and combat violence must go beyond current campaigns aimed primarily at women. Our efforts must recognize that men and women at all levels of society and of all ages have roles to play. Crucially, it also means that our strategies cannot exist purely at the grassroots level. Policymakers and decision-makers must recognize and take up this issue not only as one that touches on their interests, but as one that is at the heart of their interests and for which they have responsibility.

(2) Involvement by international religious leaders of all faiths is critical.

(3) Men can and must be a part of the effort to end violence against women.

(4) Continuing to work towards women’s economic empowerment is essential. Beyond the development gains that accrue to countries in which women are active economic participants, women who control their own resources are better-positioned to escape situations of violence. Achieving this goal means identifying and working to remove institutional obstacles to women’s economic success, including inequitable land tenure laws and customs as well as those that constrain equal property rights and inheritance.

(5) Access to high-quality education is fundamentally important, for both girls and boys. We must ensure that girls not only have access to the same education as boys, but that they are safe as they travel to and from school and while they learn.

(6) In areas of conflict, the best outcome is a rapid end to strife. We must recognize the collateral damage inflicted on civilian women in regions of protracted conflict, and improve protection for women, prevention of further atrocities, and we must ensure the prosecution of perpetrators, be they soldiers or top commanders. The recent passage of U.S.-sponsored UN Security Resolution 1888 is progress, but we must ensure that the new resolution itself is effectively and expeditiously implemented.

(7) We must recognize that violence against women flourishes where impunity is the norm. Regions in conflict are particularly vulnerable to judicial breakdown, but impunity can also reign long after conflicts are resolved. We know that good laws alone won’t ensure that women will be protected. We must work with governments around the world to focus on the implementation of laws and on judicial training in order to ensure an end to impunity.

(8) Where programs are working well, we should take them to scale.

(9) Finally, we need to understand that violence against women is a policy imperative that deserves to be our highest priority. We need to recognize that this problem of violence is, at root, a manifestation of the low status of women and girls around the world. Ending the violence requires elevating their status and freeing their potential to be agents of change in their community.

The State Department’s Office of Global Women’s Issues is deeply committed to implementing these strategies and to building the kinds of partnerships that will allow us to leverage international progress toward our goals. We will address violence against women by promoting the rule of law, enhancing strong criminal and civil justice programs, encouraging implementation of laws, and building public awareness of the benefits of educating girls and providing them with economic opportunity and health care as well as changing societal attitudes.

Read Ambassador Verveer's full written testimony here.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/violence_against_women_costs_consequences/ 2009-10-02T18:15:33+00:00 Secretary Clinton appeared on Oprah.com today. The Secretary said:

"Hello to everyone at Oprah.com. I am so excited that Oprah and all of those who watch her and love her are going to be firmly behind the idea that our country can do more to help those women and girls who hold up half the sky. There are so many ways that you can be involved. There are resources right here at Oprah.com that can give you the tools you need to help a child go to school, to help a young woman get the healthcare she needs.

I am inspired every day by the women I meet around the world who are part of a change that must happen, so that girls and women have the rights and the voice that they deserve to have. So thank you. Thank you for being part of this effort. And I look forward to working with you in the months and years to come."

Read Secretary Clinton's interview with Lisa Ling of The Oprah Winfrey Show.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/secretary_clinton_on_oprah.com/ 2009-10-01T21:46:33+00:00 In a video message, Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues Melanne Verveer underscored the central role women's empowerment and equality play in U.S. foreign policy. Ambassador Verveer said:

"Investing in women is one of the most powerful forces for international development and for advancing the causes of peace and security, democracy and prosperity around the world; and, yet, it’s a force that is still significantly untapped. Equality for girls and women isn’t only the right thing to do -- it’s also the smart thing -- for no country can get ahead if half its citizens are left behind. We still have a long way to go before women have equal economic participation, or equal political representation, or access to education and health care, or are free from violence and have the chance to follow their dreams.

In 1995, when Secretary Hillary Clinton was First Lady, she gave an historic speech at a United Nations Conference on Women in Beijing, China. She talked about how human rights are women’s rights and women’s rights are human rights. It’s that simple: a matter of equal human dignity, respect and opportunity. In that speech, she said that girls and women comprise the majority of the world’s poor, unfed and unschooled; and that is still the case, sadly. She talked about how women in many places are subjected to rape as a tool of war, to domestic abuse, and child marriages; how they are bought and sold like commodities in human trafficking; and how girl babies are cast aside just because they are born girls; and, tragically, these and other violent practices are still happening every second somewhere around the globe, and these problems are still urgent.

But despite the enormous challenges, we are making progress. We are making progress because women -- and so many good men who support them -- from Afghanistan and Jordan to South Africa, from Poland and Turkey to Argentina, and all the countries in between, women are struggling to change our world for the better. More world leaders are ready to listen and take measures to improve the status of girls and women.

We know what works. We know that when a girl goes to school, she improves the life of her family and community. She is given a brighter future. When a poor female entrepreneur gets access to credit, her business and her family flourish. When a mother receives health care, she and her family can prosper.

Women’s empowerment and equality are central to our foreign policy, because we cannot tackle the great challenges of our time -- whether dealing with the environment, security, the global economy, or human rights -- without the participation of women at all levels of our society.

I hope you will raise your voice and join our efforts. I invite you to explore our website and to learn more about what the State Department is doing; and please sign up to find out about how you can advance the progress of girls and women everywhere. And in so doing, together we can create a better world for all of us."]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/womens_empowerment/ 2009-10-01T21:20:33+00:00 Secretary Clinton and Secretary Gates to Participate in Discussion on American Power and Persuasion at George Washington University

United Nations Security Council to Adopt Resolution to Protect Women in Conflict Situations

Secretary Clinton's Opening Remarks on the Adoption of a UNSC Resolution to Combat Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict

Remarks After Meeting on the Adoption of a UNSC Resolution to Combat Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict

Background Briefing by Senior U.S. Officials on P5+1 Talks

U.S. Policy Toward Burma

Policy Responses to Developments in the Western Balkans

Third Americas Competitiveness Forum

Advisory Committee on International Economic Policy Submits Report on Review of U.S. Model Bilateral Investment Treaty

Daily Press Briefing]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_1001_recent_news/ 2009-10-01T14:06:25+00:00 Secretary Clinton delivered remarks on the adoption of a UNSC resolution to combat sexual violence in armed conflict.

Today, Secretary Clinton chaired a United Nations Security Council Session to adopt a strong resolution to end sexual violence against women and children in conflict-related situations. The resolution, drafted by the United States, outlines actions the UN and Member States can take to help prevent conflict-related sexual violence and end impunity. Secretary Clinton said:

"The resolution we passed today represents a step forward in our global efforts to end violence perpetrated against women and children in conflict zones, and it builds on two prior Security Council resolutions: Resolution 1325, which called on all parties in conflicts to respect women’s rights and increase their participation in peace negotiations and post-conflict reconstruction efforts; and Resolution 1820, adopted last year, which affirms the ambitions set out in 1325, and establishes a clear link between maintaining international peace and security, and preventing and responding to sexual violence used as a tactic of war to target civilians."

Secretary Clinton continued: "[T]his resolution identifies specific steps that the United Nations and member-states can and should take to improve the UN response to sexual violence committed during situations of armed conflict. It calls on the Secretary General to appoint a special representative to lead, coordinate, and advocate for efforts to end sexual violence. We expect that person to engage at high levels with civilian and military leaders to spearhead the UN’s activities on this front.

It also calls on the Secretary General to rapidly deploy a team of experts to work with governments to strengthen the rule of law, address impunity, and enhance accountability while drawing attention to the full range of legal venues that can be brought into play, including domestic, international, and mixed courts that bring local and international judges and prosecutors together to strengthen local justice systems.

We must also recognize that ending conflicts outright is the most certain path to ending sexual violence in conflict. So pursuing peace and successful post-conflict transitions should be our highest priority. In states where conflict is taking place and those that are moving beyond it, local police must receive better training, the rule of law must be strengthened, and survivors must be ensured full access to justice and protection throughout the judicial process. We envision that this team of experts called for in this resolution will help us strengthen initiatives like those.

Now, beyond the measures outlined in the resolution, the Security Council should take additional steps. Protecting women and children should be a critical priority for all troops who wear the blue helmet. To reflect this, new and renewed peacekeeping mandates should include language condemning sexual violence and giving further guidance to peacekeeping missions to work with local authorities to end it.

We must seek to ensure that our respective military and police forces, especially those who will participate in peacekeeping missions, develop the expertise to prevent and respond to violence against women and children. And this will be helped by increasing the number of women who serve in UN peacekeeping missions. When I visited the mission in Goma, I was very impressed at how integrated it was in every way, from every country, every kind of person represented, and many women in the leadership as well as in the ranks.

And let us not forget that it is often women who lead the call for peace in communities shattered by violence. We have seen women in this role from Liberia to Rwanda to Northern Ireland to Guatemala. Even when they suffer terrible losses in conflicts they had no part in starting, women have the will to reach across divisions, find common ground, and foster understanding. As they seek peace, so must we by making sure they are part of all efforts. So I urge UN member-states to make sure their foreign assistance programs include measures to prevent and respond to violence against women and children, and to ensure that women are included in designing and implementing those programs.

In his speech at the General Assembly last week, President Obama challenged nations of the world to assume responsibility for the challenges confronting us. Certainly, the challenge of sexual violence in conflict cannot and should not be separated from the broader security issues confronting this Council. It is time for all of us to assume our responsibility to go beyond condemning this behavior, to taking concrete steps to end it, to make it socially unacceptable, to recognize it is not cultural; it is criminal. And the more we say that over and over and over again, the more we will change attitudes, create peer pressure, and the conditions for the elimination of this violation."

Read the Secretary's full remarks here.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/resolution_protect_women_/ 2009-09-30T21:49:20+00:00 Situation in Guinea

U.S. Department of State Highlights 10 Years of Congo Basin Forest Partnership

Congo Basin Forest Partnership

U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation Awards Support for Major Projects at Sites in Peru, Nepal, and Macedonia

2011 Diversity Visa Lottery Program Registration

Readout on Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey Meetings

Global Hunger and Food Security Initiative: Consultation Document

Daily Press Briefing]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_0930_recent_news/ 2009-09-30T17:17:19+00:00 Statement on Honduras

Secretary Clinton's Remarks at CTBT Article XIV Conference

Secretary Clinton's Remarks With Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu

Secretary Clinton's Remarks With Armenian Foreign Minister H.E. Edward Nalbandian

Administration's Vision of the U.S.-China Relationship

U.S. Policy Toward Burma

Meeting of the Advisory Committee on International Economic Policy

Daily Press Briefing]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_0929_recent_news/ 2009-09-29T13:48:19+00:00 Secretary Clinton's Interview With Harry Smith of Face the Nation

U.S. Secretary of State and UN Secretary-General Convene Global Leaders To Act on Underlying Causes of Hunger

Secretary Clinton's Remarks at Food Security Event Co-Hosted with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon During the UN General Assembly

Partnering For Food Security: Moving Forward

Briefing by Chief of Staff and Counselor Cheryl Mills on Food Security

Secretary Clinton's Remarks at the Clinton Global Initiative Closing Plenary

Secretary Clinton's Opening Remarks at Combating Violence Against Girls Event

Secretary Clinton and Foreign Minister Cannon Express Concern over Continued Detention of U.S. and Canadian Nationals in Iran

U.S.-Mexico High-Level Group Meeting

Friends of Democratic Pakistan Summit Meeting Concluding Statement by the Co-Chairs

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) +3 Meeting

Meeting of the United States, the Gulf Cooperation Council, Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq Concluding Statement by the Participating Foreign Ministers

Briefing by Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey Feltman

Readout of Indian and Tajik Bilateral Meetings

Secretary Clinton's Remarks With Belgian Foreign Minister Yves Leterme

Election of Prime Minister of Moldova

Briefing on Global Affairs at UNGA

Daily Press Briefing]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_0928_recent_news/ 2009-09-28T14:33:19+00:00 Yesterday, Secretary Clinton spoke with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon about food security. The Secretary said:

"It is a great pleasure for me to be joining Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and all of you to exchange ideas and join forces against one of the most urgent threats facing our world: chronic hunger, and all of the consequences that it causes, some of which we saw in the short film leading into our conference today.

I wish that we had time to acknowledge every head of state and government minister here today, as well as all the representatives from foundations, non-governmental organizations, universities, and the private sector. But there are far too many of you -- which is the good news, that we have such an extraordinary turnout. And so, let me join with the Secretary-General in welcoming and thanking all of you for taking time out late on a Saturday afternoon to be here.

Yesterday, at the Clinton Global Initiative, I discussed the principles that the Secretary-General referred to: how we are going to fight hunger together and begin to alleviate and decrease poverty through sustainable agricultural development. We want to make sure that enough food is available, and that people have the resources to purchase it. That is a key foreign policy objective of President Obama and our administration. This is an issue that affects all of us, because food security is about economic, environmental, and national security for our individual homelands and the world.

As the Secretary-General mentioned, five principles were embraced at the G-8 summit in Italy. And these principles will guide our efforts.

The first of these principles is the need to invest in country-led plans. Few people know better the complex obstacles that hinder a country's food supply than the people who actually live and work in that country. And we will have the greatest chance at success if we pursue partnership, not patronage.

Second, we will address the underlying causes of hunger, by investing in everything from research to better seeds to insurance programs for small farmers to large-scale infrastructure projects that create sustainable, systemic change. And we will put women at the heart of our efforts, because most farmers of small holdings in the world are women.

Third, we will improve coordination at every level. Too often in the past, we have worked in silos, duplicating some efforts and overlooking others. Now we want to bring every partner from every sector together around a virtual one table across the world to discuss each country's plan, and then devise a way of executing it.

Fourth, we will leverage the benefits of multilateral institutions to support and help fulfill the country plans, because these institutions have the reach and resources to do more than any single country could do.

And, fifth, we pledge a long-term commitment, based on accountability. Now, we know that this is going to take years, and even decades, before we reach the finish line. But we have to stay committed. Because what we have seen, as illustrated in the film, is that international support for agriculture has declined, while contributions to emergency aid have increased.

We will continue, of course, to invest in the crises and the emergencies, but we want to begin to try to alleviate the crises and the emergencies by once again enabling people to feed themselves. Now, together, these principles represent an approach based on investments in our collective future. And they will help us achieve broad-based results that last."

Read the Secretary's full remarks here. Secretary Clinton and Secretary-General Ban will act to move this agenda forward in the coming months. To catalyze coordination and collaboration, while ensuring accountability, they have introduced a proposal titled “Partnering For Food Security: Moving Forward.” This is designed as a point of reference for diverse stakeholders as they align their efforts and amplify their actions.

Related Entry: Global Food Security: U.S. Commitment to Action]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/principles_food_security/ 2009-09-27T17:20:20+00:00 Secretary Clinton speaks out against sexual and gender-based violence.

Yesterday, Secretary Clinton gave opening remarks at the Combating Violence Against Girls Event hosted by the Government of the Netherlands during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Next week, Secretary Clinton will chair a Security Council session on the epidemic of sexual violence against women and girls in conflict zones, and the United States will introduce a resolution to strengthen efforts to curb these atrocities and hold all those who commit them accountable. Secretary Clinton said:

"I want to start by saying something that I believe with all my heart, and, obviously, those of you who are here believe it also, that the issues related to girls and women are not an annex to the important business of the world and the United Nations, they’re not an add-on, they’re not an afterthought; they are truly at the core of what we are attempting to do under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that is the guiding message of this organization and what each of us in our own countries is called to do on behalf of equal opportunity and social justice.

So for me, this is a tremendous opportunity to speak about an issue that has basically been relegated to the backwaters of the international agenda until relatively recently: violence against girls and women, and particularly today, violence against girls.

I wish that we could transport ourselves into a setting where we could be in the midst of girls and women who have been suffering from violence, but we don’t have to because it’s all around us. It is in the home, it is in the workplace, it is on the streets of many of the countries represented here.... And it is in the places that make the headlines from time to time, and then in the very bottom paragraphs, there’s a reference to the violence that is a tactic of war and intimidation and oppression to prevent girls from going to school by throwing acid in their faces, by raping girls as a way of intimidating them and keeping them subjugated and demonstrating power.

So this, for me, is one of the most important events that I’ve done at the UN."

Read the Secretary's full remarks here.

You may also read the Secretary's op-ed on her visit to Goma, where some 1,100 rapes are reported each month, and how the United States is responding to sexual and gender-based violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/combating_violence_against_girls/ 2009-09-26T18:14:20+00:00 food security.

What steps can individuals take to advance global food security?]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/q_global_food_security/ 2009-09-26T00:21:19+00:00 Read the Leaders' Statement from the Pittsburgh Summit.

Today, the G-20 leaders assessed the progress made addressing the global economic crisis and agreed to maintain steps to support economic activity until recovery is assured. They further committed to additional steps to ensure strong, sustainable, and balanced growth, to build a stronger international financial system, to reduce development imbalances, and to modernize our architecture for international economic cooperation.

They designated the G-20 as the premier forum for our international economic cooperation and agreed to have a G-20 Summit in Canada in June 2010, and in Korea in November 2010, with the expectation of meeting annually thereafter. The G-20 leaders agreed to meet in France in 2011.

Read the Leaders' Statement and find out more about what happened at the Pittsburgh Summit.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/leaders_statement_pittsburgh_summit/ 2009-09-25T22:28:26+00:00 Watch and discuss President Obama's concluding press conference in Pittsburgh on WhiteHouse.gov and Facebook at 4:40 p.m. (Eastern Time).]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/g-20_press_conference_live/ 2009-09-25T20:30:26+00:00 This morning, while at the G-20 Pittsburgh Summit, President Obama, French President Sarkozy and British Prime Minister Brown made statements on the Iranian nuclear facility. The President said:

"We are here to announce that yesterday in Vienna, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France presented detailed evidence to the IAEA demonstrating that the Islamic Republic of Iran has been building a covert uranium enrichment facility near Qom for several years.

Earlier this week, the Iranian government presented a letter to the IAEA that made reference to a new enrichment facility, years after they had started its construction. The existence of this facility underscores Iran's continuing unwillingness to meet its obligations under U.N. Security Council resolutions and IAEA requirements. We expect the IAEA to immediately investigate this disturbing information, and to report to the IAEA Board of Governors.

Now, Iran's decision to build yet another nuclear facility without notifying the IAEA represents a direct challenge to the basic compact at the center of the non-proliferation regime. These rules are clear: All nations have the right to peaceful nuclear energy; those nations with nuclear weapons must move towards disarmament; those nations without nuclear weapons must forsake them. That compact has largely held for decades, keeping the world far safer and more secure. And that compact depends on all nations living up to their responsibilities.

This site deepens a growing concern that Iran is refusing to live up to those international responsibilities, including specifically revealing all nuclear-related activities. As the international community knows, this is not the first time that Iran has concealed information about its nuclear program. Iran has a right to peaceful nuclear power that meets the energy needs of its people. But the size and configuration of this facility is inconsistent with a peaceful program. Iran is breaking rules that all nations must follow -- endangering the global non-proliferation regime, denying its own people access to the opportunity they deserve, and threatening the stability and security of the region and the world.

It is time for Iran to act immediately to restore the confidence of the international community by fulfilling its international obligations. We remain committed to serious, meaningful engagement with Iran to address the nuclear issue through the P5-plus-1 negotiations. Through this dialogue, we are committed to demonstrating that international law is not an empty promise; that obligations must be kept; and that treaties will be enforced.

And that's why there's a sense of urgency about the upcoming meeting on October 1st between Iran, the permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, and Germany. At that meeting, Iran must be prepared to cooperate fully and comprehensively with the IAEA to take concrete steps to create confidence and transparency in its nuclear program and to demonstrate that it is committed to establishing its peaceful intentions through meaningful dialogue and concrete actions.

To put it simply: Iran must comply with U.N. Security Council resolutions and make clear it is willing to meet its responsibilities as a member of the community of nations. We have offered Iran a clear path toward greater international integration if it lives up to its obligations, and that offer stands. But the Iranian government must now demonstrate through deeds its peaceful intentions or be held accountable to international standards and international law.

I should point out that although the United Kingdom, France, and the United States made the presentation to Vienna, that Germany, a member of the P5-plus-1, and Chancellor Merkel in particular, who could not be here this morning, wished to associate herself with these remarks."

Read the full remarks here or find out more about what is happening at the Pittsburgh Summit.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/growing_concern/ 2009-09-25T19:53:26+00:00 Secretary Clinton's Remarks at the Clinton Global Initiative Closing Plenary | Briefing by Chief of Staff and Counselor Cheryl Mills on Food Security

Tomorrow, Secretary Clinton and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will co-host a food security event. Watch our video and share it with your friends and family.

More than one billion people — one sixth of the world's population — suffer from chronic hunger. Without enough food, adults struggle to work and children struggle to learn. Global food supplies must increase by an estimated 50 percent to meet expected demand in the next 20 years. Advancing sustainable agricultural-led growth increases the availability of food, keeps food affordable, and raises the incomes of the poor.

Momentum is building for global action. Developing country leaders have recognized the need to invest in their own food security. At the 2009 L’Aquila G8 Summit, donors collectively committed $20 billion to agricultural development and a new approach to global food security.

The U.S. is committed to working as part of a collaborative global effort centered around country-led processes to improve food security. We are working with stakeholders to advance action that addresses the needs of small scale farmers and agri-businesses, and harnesses the power of women to drive economic growth. We will increase our investment in agriculture development while maintaining our support for humanitarian food assistance.

Learn more about the U.S. plan to fight hunger and join us on Facebook to be part of the discussion today.

Join the fight against hunger – sign up to get updates on how you can be a part of the solution.

Related Entry: Five Principles Guide Approach to Food Security]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/global_food_security_commitment/ 2009-09-25T14:13:26+00:00 Secretary Clinton's Remarks at Female Heads of State and Foreign Ministers Luncheon

Joint Statement by the Quartet

Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke Briefing to the Press

Briefing by Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs P.J. Crowley

Briefing by Assistant Secretary for Population, Refugees and Migration Eric Schwartz and USAID Acting Administrator for Africa Earl Gast

U.S. Contributes $6 Million to Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative Trust Fund Facility

Assistant Secretary of State P.J. Crowley to Address Fourth Annual Edward R. Murrow Program for Journalists

Daily Press Briefing]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_0925_recent_news/ 2009-09-25T13:42:19+00:00 Today, President Obama chaired a meeting of the United Nations Security Council in New York. President Obama said:

"[T]his very institution was founded at the dawn of the atomic age, in part because man's capacity to kill had to be contained. And although we averted a nuclear nightmare during the Cold War, we now face proliferation of a scope and complexity that demands new strategies and new approaches. Just one nuclear weapon exploded in a city -- be it New York or Moscow; Tokyo or Beijing; London or Paris -- could kill hundreds of thousands of people. And it would badly destabilize our security, our economies, and our very way of life.

Once more, the United Nations has a pivotal role to play in preventing this crisis. The historic resolution we just adopted enshrines our shared commitment to the goal of a world without nuclear weapons. And it brings Security Council agreement on a broad framework for action to reduce nuclear dangers as we work toward that goal. It reflects the agenda I outlined in Prague, and builds on a consensus that all nations have the right to peaceful nuclear energy; that nations with nuclear weapons have the responsibility to move toward disarmament; and those without them have the responsibility to forsake them."

Read the President's full remarks here.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/world_without_nuclear_weapons/ 2009-09-24T22:35:26+00:00 Yesterday, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama welcomed world leaders to the United Nations General Assembly during a reception at the Metropolitan Museum in New York. The President and First Lady posed for photos with the leaders, which you may view here. ]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/president_welcome_unga/ 2009-09-24T21:42:26+00:00 Yesterday, Secretary Clinton spoke about Burma and the P-5+1 meeting at the UN.

Secretary Clinton gave remarks on two meetings she attended yesterday afternoon at the United Nations in New York. The first was called by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon about policies and approaches toward Burma. Secretary Clinton said:

"A number of countries were represented, and I reported that our policy process, which has been underway for some time now, is almost complete, and I gave a preview. I had announced this review back in February, and the major messages are as follows. First, the basic objectives are not changed. We want credible, democratic reform; a government that respond to the needs of the Burmese people; immediate, unconditional release of political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi; serious dialogue with the opposition and minority ethnic groups. We believe that sanctions remain important as part of our policy, but by themselves, they have not produced the results that had been hoped for on behalf of the people of Burma.

Engagement versus sanctions is a false choice, in our opinion. So going forward, we will be employing both of those tools, pursuing our same goals. And to help achieve democratic reform, we will be engaging directly with Burmese authorities. This is a policy that has broad consensus across our government, and there will be more to report as we go forward."

The second meeting included the P-5+1 members. Secretary Clinton said:

"Secondly, most of you were here when Foreign Minister Miliband read out the statement that has been negotiated among the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, China, Russia, and of course, the European Union as represented by the High Representative Javier Solana. Let me just make four points about this statement, which I hope you will get a copy of and peruse, because I think it’s a very powerful statement that expresses these specific agreements.

First, the group remains united in pressing Iran to comply with its international obligations on its nuclear program, and it has serious concerns about Iran’s lack of compliance to date, particularly on the unanswered questions about the possible military dimensions of Iran’s nuclear program.

Secondly, the countries remain united in support of a dual track of engagement and pressure as a means of persuading Iran to comply with its obligations.

Thirdly, the ministers expressed a clear expectation that Iran should come to the talks on October 1st, ready to engage in serious and substantive discussions with a sense of urgency and a review of the practical steps that need to be taken on the nuclear issue, and that we will decide next steps on the basis of the meeting’s outcome.

And finally, we are committed to this dual-track policy. No one should underestimate our intention to follow through on either or both of these tracks. It depends on Iran’s response. And some of you have heard me say this numerous times – this process is now firmly up to Iran. It is Iran’s choice as to how they choose to proceed. And we are looking to the meeting on October 1st to get a clear indication of their intentions."]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/clinton_p5_plus_1_meeting/ 2009-09-24T18:36:26+00:00 Secretary Clinton To Deliver Remarks at Female Heads of State and Foreign Ministers Luncheon Hosted by U.S.

Secretary Clinton's Remarks At United Nations After P-5+1 Meeting

Deputy Secretary Steinberg's Upcoming Travel to Asia

Robert D. Hormats Sworn in as Under Secretary for Economic, Energy and Agricultural Affairs

Launch of the Public Diplomacy Collaborative

Background Briefing on Burma

Saudi National Day

Daily Press Briefing]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_0924_recent_news/ 2009-09-24T14:10:19+00:00 Today, President Obama addressed the United Nations General Assembly. The President said:

"In this hall, we come from many places, but we share a common future. No longer do we have the luxury of indulging our differences to the exclusion of the work that we must do together. I have carried this message from London to Ankara; from Port of Spain to Moscow; from Accra to Cairo; and it is what I will speak about today -- because the time has come for the world to move in a new direction. We must embrace a new era of engagement based on mutual interest and mutual respect, and our work must begin now.

We know the future will be forged by deeds and not simply words. Speeches alone will not solve our problems -- it will take persistent action. For those who question the character and cause of my nation, I ask you to look at the concrete actions we have taken in just nine months.

On my first day in office, I prohibited -- without exception or equivocation -- the use of torture by the United States of America. (Applause.) I ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed, and we are doing the hard work of forging a framework to combat extremism within the rule of law. Every nation must know: America will live its values, and we will lead by example.

We have set a clear and focused goal: to work with all members of this body to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al Qaeda and its extremist allies -- a network that has killed thousands of people of many faiths and nations, and that plotted to blow up this very building. In Afghanistan and Pakistan, we and many nations here are helping these governments develop the capacity to take the lead in this effort, while working to advance opportunity and security for their people.

In Iraq, we are responsibly ending a war. We have removed American combat brigades from Iraqi cities, and set a deadline of next August to remove all our combat brigades from Iraqi territory. And I have made clear that we will help Iraqis transition to full responsibility for their future, and keep our commitment to remove all American troops by the end of 2011.

I have outlined a comprehensive agenda to seek the goal of a world without nuclear weapons. In Moscow, the United States and Russia announced that we would pursue substantial reductions in our strategic warheads and launchers. At the Conference on Disarmament, we agreed on a work plan to negotiate an end to the production of fissile materials for nuclear weapons. And this week, my Secretary of State will become the first senior American representative to the annual Members Conference of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.

Upon taking office, I appointed a Special Envoy for Middle East Peace, and America has worked steadily and aggressively to advance the cause of two states -- Israel and Palestine -- in which peace and security take root, and the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians are respected.

To confront climate change, we have invested $80 billion in clean energy. We have substantially increased our fuel-efficiency standards. We have provided new incentives for conservation, launched an energy partnership across the Americas, and moved from a bystander to a leader in international climate negotiations.

To overcome an economic crisis that touches every corner of the world, we worked with the G20 nations to forge a coordinated international response of over $2 trillion in stimulus to bring the global economy back from the brink. We mobilized resources that helped prevent the crisis from spreading further to developing countries. And we joined with others to launch a $20 billion global food security initiative that will lend a hand to those who need it most, and help them build their own capacity.

We've also re-engaged the United Nations. We have paid our bills. We have joined the Human Rights Council. (Applause.) We have signed the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We have fully embraced the Millennium Development Goals. And we address our priorities here, in this institution -- for instance, through the Security Council meeting that I will chair tomorrow on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, and through the issues that I will discuss today.

This is what we have already done. But this is just a beginning. Some of our actions have yielded progress. Some have laid the groundwork for progress in the future. But make no mistake: This cannot solely be America's endeavor. Those who used to chastise America for acting alone in the world cannot now stand by and wait for America to solve the world's problems alone. We have sought -- in word and deed -- a new era of engagement with the world. And now is the time for all of us to take our share of responsibility for a global response to global challenges."

Read the President's full remarks here.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/real_change_is_possible/ 2009-09-23T21:41:19+00:00 The G-20 Pittsburgh Summit launches a new blog.

This week, leaders of the G-20 will gather in Pittsburgh to discuss key issues in the global economy. President Obama called the gathering an important opportunity to continue the work of confronting the global economic crisis.

Colleagues from the White House, U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of the Treasury have already been blogging about the Pittsburgh Summit.

Brad Setser tells us that the G-20 countries will take stock of their efforts so far to address the crisis, where we are on the road to recovery, and review their efforts to deliver on the promises made at the London Summit in April.

Danny Stoian gives a behind the scenes look at the logistics of the summit, and Tiffany Smith provides a perspective on the many individuals coming together to make the summit happen. Elliot Repko tells us about what it is like to support a delegation at the summit.

Gordon Duguid updates us from the summit’s media center, and Jeffrey Jamison gives us a glossary of terms we might hear used during the summit’s proceedings.

Mark Sobel reminds us that the G-20 has made a lot of progress, but there is still much to do. With recovery in sight, the world community needs to begin laying a foundation for the 21st century global economy.

We encourage DipNote’s readers to take a look at these entries, join the conversation on the Pittsburgh Summit Blog and follow all the latest on Twitter.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/pittsburgh_summit_blog/ 2009-09-23T18:30:19+00:00 Yesterday, President Obama met with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Abbas in New York.

Immediately following bilateral meetings with each of the leaders, and just before a trilateral meeting, President Obama said:

"And so my message to these two leaders is clear. Despite all the obstacles, despite all the history, despite all the mistrust, we have to find a way forward. We have to summon the will to break the deadlock that has trapped generations of Israelis and Palestinians in an endless cycle of conflict and suffering. We cannot continue the same pattern of taking tentative steps forward and then stepping back. Success depends on all sides acting with a sense of urgency."

U.S. Special Envoy for Middle East Peace George Mitchell spoke with the press about the President's meeting. He said:

"This was the first meeting between Israelis and Palestinians at this level in nearly a year. Even nine months ago, such a meeting did not seem possible. Less than a week before President Obama took office, conflict was raging in Gaza and southern Israel, causing deep suffering on both sides. Today the atmosphere is different. Both parties share the goal of a two-state solution and of comprehensive peace. And both parties seek the re-launch of negotiations as soon as possible, although there are differences between them on how to proceed. The United States stands with them to help advance toward these objectives.

We have made progress, on security and economic opportunity in particular, but we have much further to go. As the President said in his public comments, it's past time to talk about starting negotiations. All sides must summon the will to move forward. Permanent status negotiations must begin, and begin soon. This was a message that the President conveyed to each of the leaders in private, as well."]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/moving_forward_on_middle_east_peace/ 2009-09-23T14:22:19+00:00 Secretary Clinton and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon To Co-Host Food Security Event

Secretary Clinton's Remarks at the Transatlantic Dinner

Secretary Clinton's Remarks at the Launch of Inter-American Social Protection Network (IASPN)

Briefing by Special Envoy for Middle East Peace George Mitchell

Situation in Honduras

U.S.-China Counterterrorism Sub-Dialogue

The Best of Baseball Welcome Youth from Taiwan

Daily Press Briefing]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_0923_recent_news/ 2009-09-23T14:18:19+00:00 Secretary Clinton's Interview With Margaret Warner of the NewsHour With Jim Lehrer

Secretary Clinton's Remarks With Costa Rican President Oscar Arias Sanchez and Costa Rican Foreign Minister Bruno Stagno Ugarte

Secretary Clinton's Remarks With Czech Foreign Minister Kohout

Secretary Clinton's Remarks With Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili

Secretary Clinton's Remarks With Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada

Secretary Clinton's Remarks With New York Stock Exchange Chief Executive Officer Duncan Niederauer

Trilateral Strategic Dialogue Joint Statement

Korean Bilateral Meeting and Preview of the Japan Bilateral and Japan-Australia Trilateral Meetings

Czech and Georgian Bilateral Meetings

Turkmenistan Bilateral Meeting

Briefing on Monday's Events

Briefing on the Administration's UNGA Goals and Priorities

Quick Reaction Force Deploys to Bougainville Island (Papua New Guinea) to Remove World War II-era Ordnance

U.S. Department of State Launches Virtual Student Foreign Service Program]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_0922_recent_news/ 2009-09-23T02:49:19+00:00 Follow Secretary Clinton's travel to the United Nations General Assembly.

Secretary Clinton is in New York City to attend the United Nations 64th General Assembly (UNGA). While in New York, Secretary Clinton will conduct a number of bilateral and multilateral meetings with her counterparts. Yesterday, Secretary Clinton started the day by ringing the Opening Bell of the New York Stock Exchange.

The Secretary also met with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili. The Secretary said, "We are working to try to ensure that Russia abides by the 2008 ceasefire, and hopefully to eventually reintegrate your country as it should be. We also know that working toward democracy and the changes that you’re attempting to achieve are challenging, but we want to support and encourage the steps that need to be taken. And the United States supports Georgia, and we want to make that very clear and unequivocal statement here today."

The Secretary welcomed new Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada and said, "The alliance between the United States and Japan is a cornerstone of our foreign policy and indispensable to the security and prosperity of the Asia Pacific."

The Secretary met with Czech Foreign Minister Kohout. Before their meeting, the Secretary said, "The Czech Republic was very willing to work with the United States on behalf of missile defense in the past. We have, as you know, changed our approach, which we believe will actually provide greater coverage, and it will be rooted in technology that is ready to be employed. And we will be working with the Czech Republic again. We will be working within research and other approaches for the mutual and collective defense of our NATO allies. And we have a deep and long relationship with the Czech Republic, and I’m particularly pleased to have this opportunity to discuss a broad range of matters."

She also spoke with Costa Rican President Oscar Arias Sanchez and Costa Rican Foreign Minister Bruno Stagno Ugarte about Honduras and the return of President Zelaya and underscored U.S. support for the San Jose Accords that President Arias negotiated.

For the latest information from UNGA, follow the Secretary's travel to New York here.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/clinton_travel_unga/ 2009-09-22T14:39:19+00:00 Learn about the Virtual Student Foreign Service, an initiative launched by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to allow a rising generation of citizen diplomats to conduct digital diplomacy.

The Virtual Student Foreign Service (VSFS), announced by Secretary Clinton at the 2009 New York University commencement speech, is part of a growing effort by the State Department to harness technology and a commitment to global service among young people to facilitate new forms of diplomatic engagement.

Over the summer, the U.S. Department of State partnered 37 U.S. diplomatic missions and associated projects with 44 current or former interns who are now students attending universities throughout the United States. The VSFS projects these diplomatic missions and students will be working on in 2009-2010 include assisting in the development of the Iraq National Museum website; helping to teach the English language and American culture through social media outreach; environmental and conservation curriculum planning; and researching and promoting gender equality.

Students who are interested in following or contributing to these and other projects can join the Virtual Student Foreign Service Facebook community.

By combining the talents of young people across America and the right technology, we can forge the solutions that our century demands.

]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/virtual_student_foreign_service1/ 2009-09-21T19:29:19+00:00 Secretary Clinton to Deliver Remarks at the Inter-American Social Protection Network Launch

Secretary Clinton Rings The Opening Bell at the New York Stock Exchange

Secretary Clinton's Videotaped Remarks on the Occasion of Eid ul-Fitr

Secretary Clinton's Speech in Advance of the United Nations General Assembly

Secretary Clinton's Remarks at Tour of the Foreign Service Institute

Secretary Clinton Meets With Winners of the First Annual Democracy Video Challenge

U.S.-Azerbaijan Relations

Belize Independence Day

Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis Independence Day

Remarks To the Press]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_0921_recent_news/ 2009-09-21T13:47:19+00:00 Secretary Clinton's op-ed, "The New System Offers a Real Missile Defense," appeared in the Financial Times today. Secretary Clinton wrote:

Last Wednesday, President Barack Obama approved the recommendations of his entire national security team to deploy a stronger and more comprehensive missile defense system in Europe. This decision came after a lengthy and in-depth review of our assessment of the threat posed by Iran’s ballistic missile program, and the technology that we have to confront it. And it is a decision that will leave America stronger, and more capable of defending our troops, our interests, and our allies.

With the president’s decision, we will deploy missile defense sooner than the previous program, so that we will be able swiftly to counter the threat posed by Iran’s short and medium-range ballistic missiles.

We will deploy missile defense that is more comprehensive than the previous program, with more interceptors in more places, and a better capacity to protect all of our friends and allies in the region. We will deploy technology that is actually proven so that we do not waste time or taxpayer money, and we will preserve the flexibility to adjust our approach to the threat as it evolves.

This is a stronger and smarter approach than the previous program. It does what missile defense is actually supposed to do – it defends America and our allies.

We are not “shelving” missile defense. We are enhancing our capacity to protect our interests and our allies. We are not walking away from our allies but are deploying a system that enhances allied security, advances our co-operation with Nato, and actually places more resources in more countries.

Two of those allies are Poland and the Czech Republic, and we deeply appreciate their willingness to host parts of the previously planned system. We will continue to co-operate closely with both nations and both will have the opportunity to be closely involved with missile defense. I want to underscore that we are bound together by our common commitment as Nato allies, and also by deep historical, economic, and cultural ties that will never be broken.

For 60 years, the Nato alliance has been a force for peace, prosperity and security in Europe and around the world because of the commitment to collective security embodied in Article V of its charter: An attack on one ally is an attack on all. An attack on London or Warsaw is an attack on New York or Washington. Nato demonstrated this commitment after the September 11 terrorist attacks, when for the first time, the alliance invoked Article V and Nato sent assets to the U.S. to help protect us from additional terrorist attacks.

Finally, let me reiterate what the president said last Wednesday: This decision was not about Russia; it was about Iran and the threat that its ballistic missile programmes continue to pose. And because of this decision, we will be in a far stronger position to deal with that threat, and to do so with technology that works.

While we pursue this new path, we will make clear our readiness to engage Iran and focus its leaders on a clear choice: whether to join the international community as a responsible member or to continue down a path to further isolation.

But the security of our allies and our forces cannot wait. That is why we are moving ahead with a new approach for missile defense.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/missile_defense/ 2009-09-20T23:08:19+00:00 Today, Secretary Clinton delivered a message for Eid-ul-Fitr. The Secretary said:

"Hello, and Eid Mubarak. I’m delighted to celebrate the end of Ramadan by wishing all of you a happy Eid. In 1996, my husband and I were privileged to host the first ever White House Eid celebration, which has now become a tradition. And this year, I hosted an Iftar at the State Department, with Muslims and non-Muslims attending. We hope that reinforces every year that all faiths have a home here in the United States.

For Muslims all over the world, Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of a holy month of fasting and prayer. This time of self-reflection reminds us that the values of Islam – charity, community, cooperation, compassion – are values which we hold dear as Americans and which have contributed so much to American culture. As President Obama said in Cairo, the United States seeks a new beginning with Muslims around the world, one based on mutual interest and mutual respect. We know there is more that unites peoples of faith than divides us. So as Ramadan draws to a close, let us hold on to that spirit of community throughout the year to achieve our common goals of peace, prosperity, and stability. And I wish all of you a very happy year as well. Thank you."

Read this message in the following languages:

Arabic ׀ Indonesia ׀ Chinese ׀ Dari ׀ French ׀ German ׀ Hebrew ׀ Hindi ׀ Malay ׀ Pashto ׀ Persian ׀ Punjabi ׀ Russian ׀ Spanish ׀ Turkish ׀ Urdu
]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/clinton_eid/ 2009-09-19T16:16:19+00:00 Today, Secretary Clinton delivered remarks in advance of the United Nations General Assembly. The Secretary said:

"As President Obama leads our U.S. delegation at this year’s General Assembly, I hope we can demonstrate that the United Nations does not have to be just a diplomatic talk shop on First Avenue. At its best, it can be an institution that brings the world’s nations together to solve global problems through adherence to rules and principles set forth in the UN charter. And it is the responsibility of the 192 member nations during the General Assembly and beyond to capitalize on the opportunity for global cooperation and progress that the United Nations affords to each of us.

I outlined earlier this summer at the Council on Foreign Relations the Obama Administration’s efforts to advance our interests and solve today’s problems through a global architecture of cooperation and partnership. And we must begin by taking responsibility ourselves, something that, under President Obama, we have already begun to do on issues from climate change to nonproliferation. And we have called on others to do the same. By building and strengthening partnerships, institutions, and international regimes, we can forge a global consensus and use that leverage to offer clear incentives to all nations to cooperate and live up to their responsibilities. And we can also devise strong disincentives for those who would act in isolation or provoke conflict.

The United Nations and this month’s General Assembly offer us a venue and a forum for nations to work together to live up to that founding charter and abide by and enforce international rules in service of global peace and security."

Read the Secretary's full remarks here.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/clinton_previews_unga/ 2009-09-18T21:52:19+00:00
Today, Secretary Clinton spoke at the Brookings Institution, where she said: "The United Nations is not only a critical, central institution, but one in which the United States has a lot of equities."

What issues should the United States make a priority at the United Nations 64th General Assembly?


]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/q_priority_unga/ 2009-09-18T21:04:19+00:00 President Obama extends warm wishes for Rosh Hashanah.

Rosh Hashanah marks the start of a new year – a time of humble prayer and joyful celebration. As members of the Jewish faith here in America and around the world gather to celebrate, President Obama extends his warmest wishes. The President said:

"[T]his sacred time provides not just an opportunity for individual renewal and reconciliation, but for families, communities and even nations to heal old divisions, seek new understandings, and come together to build a better world for our children and grandchildren.

"At the dawn of this New Year, let us rededicate ourselves to that work. Let us reject the impulse to harden ourselves to others’ suffering, and instead make a habit of empathy – of recognizing ourselves in each other and extending our compassion to those in need.

"Let us resist prejudice, intolerance, and indifference in whatever forms they may take – let us stand up strongly to the scourge of anti-Semitism, which is still prevalent in far too many corners of our world.

"Let us work to extend the rights and freedoms so many of us enjoy to all the world’s citizens – to speak and worship freely; to live free from violence and oppression; to make of our lives what we will."

Read translations of the President's remarks here. Languages include Arabic, French, Hebrew, Persian, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish. ]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/rosh_hashanah/ 2009-09-18T19:22:19+00:00 Afghanistan Bombing

Congratulations to European Commission President Barroso

Secretary Clinton's Remarks With Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet

Secretary Clinton's Remarks at Swearing-In Ceremony for Dr. Eric Goosby Global AIDS Coordinator and Ambassador-at-Large

Secretary Clinton Presents Awards to Inaugural Class of Democracy Video Challenge Winners

Assistant Secretary Campbell's Remarks Upon Arrival in Tokyo, Japan

Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations to Receive Golden Shears Award

Chilean Independence Day

Daily Press Briefing]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_0918_recent_news/ 2009-09-18T13:38:19+00:00 Secretary Clinton's Remarks With Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dipu Moni

Secretary Clinton's Remarks at the Millennium Challenge Corporation Signing Ceremony With Senegal

Key Outcomes of 4th Plenary of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia

Taking Diplomatic Action Against Piracy]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_0917_recent_news/ 2009-09-17T14:15:19+00:00 Secretary Clinton's Remarks With Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez After Their Meeting

Secretary Clinton's Remarks at the Annual State Department Iftar Dinner

Swearing-In Ceremony for Farah Pandith Special Representative to Muslim Communities

Secretary Clinton To Travel to New York for the United Nations 64th General Assembly

Secretary Clinton To Deliver Speech in Advance of the United Nations General Assembly

Mexican Independence Day

Universal Participation in Landmark Environmental Agreement Achieved on International Day for Preservation of the Ozone Layer

Presidential Determination for Major Drug-Transit and Major Illicit Drug-Producing Countries

Millennium Challenge Corporation To Sign $540 Million Poverty Reduction Grant Agreement With the Republic of Senegal

Department of State Ranks High as Best Place To Launch a Career for 2009

Daily Press Briefing]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_0916_recent_news/ 2009-09-16T15:15:19+00:00 Secretary Clinton's Remarks With Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack on Norman Borlaug

Secretary Clinton to Host Iftar Dinner

U.S. Assumes Seat on the UN Human Rights Council

Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate

Costa Rica Independence Day

El Salvador Independence Day

Guatemala Independence Day

Honduras Independence Day

Nicaraguan Independence Day]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_0915_recent_news/ 2009-09-15T13:51:55+00:00 Secretary Clinton and Mu Sochua, Cambodian opposition parliamentarian, discussed the current situation in Cambodia on Friday, September 11, 2009, at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/clinton_sochua/ 2009-09-15T03:12:55+00:00 Secretary Clinton spoke at the Roosevelt Institute's Four Freedoms Medals Gala Dinner, where she said:

"Freedom of expression, for example, is no longer just defined by whether citizens can go to the town square, or the town hall, and criticize their government without fear of retribution. Advances in technology, from email and blogs to Twitter and text messaging, have opened up new forums for exercising free speech, and created new targets for those who would suppress the open exchange of knowledge and ideas.

Often, as we deal with these problems in the State Department now, we see that human rights defenders, civil society advocates, bloggers, and journalists are now being targeted for harassment and prosecution, even murder.

We see the continuing imprisonment of Aung San Suu Kyi, the recipient in absentia of the Freedom from Fear Award in 2006. We see the murders of journalists in Russia who are trying to expose the truth of criminal activity and governmental misconduct. We see Iran using arbitrary arrests to detain nearly 4,000 people for voicing or reporting complaints about the conduct of recent elections. And then we see the consequences of what happens in Venezuela or China, or elsewhere, when people believe that they are just exercising the universal right to speak and be heard.

Just weeks ago, an award-winning journalist and human rights activist was abducted and shot to death while investigating human rights violations in Chechnya. And while I welcome Russian President Medvedev's pledge to foster independent media, actions speak louder than words. Dozens of journalists have been killed in Russia in the last decade. Most of the murders are unsolved. Those responsible for such crimes should be brought to justice. And we in the United States have to stand firmly on the side of those who speak out. (Applause.)

We will continue to form partnerships with those who share our values, like the Government of the Netherlands. On Monday, the United States will take its place as a returning member of the UN Human Rights Council. When I made the decision that we would rejoin the Human Rights Council – (applause) – there were those who questioned that. How can you be part of something that is so contrary to the values that we espouse, that we wish to uphold, not only here at home but around the world? Well, we are going in to the arena. One of our priorities will be upholding universal standards for freedom of expression as we combat intolerance and discrimination everywhere it rears it head. (Applause.)

And we are reinvigorating the Global Internet Freedom Task Force as a forum for addressing challenges to internet freedom around the world, and we are urging United States media companies to take a proactive role in challenging foreign governments’ demands for censorship and surveillance of their citizens. (Applause.)

President Obama and I are committed to defending the Freedom of Expression on the new terrain of the 21st century so that, someday, people everywhere will have unencumbered access to the flow of information and the tools of expression – tools which are more abundant and more powerful today than at any time in history."

Read Secretary Clinton's full remarks or what she said about freedom of religion, freedom from want and freedom from fear.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/four_fundamental_freedoms/ 2009-09-14T17:27:55+00:00 Secretary Clinton's Remarks at the Roosevelt Institute's Four Freedoms Medals Gala Dinner

Secretary Clinton's Remarks at National Day of Service and Remembrance

September 11 Commemoration Ceremony at U.S. Embassy Kabul, Afghanistan

Briefing on Recent Trip to South Asia

U.S. Welcomes Breakthrough in Croatia-Slovenia Talks

Signing of Technical Cooperation Arrangement Between EULEX and the Serbian Ministry of Interior

Fourth Plenary Meeting of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia

Determination and Certification of Colombian Government and Armed Forces with Respect to Human Rights Related Conditions

Launch of the Second Annual Democracy Video Challenge

Under Secretary of State Judith A. McHale Will Participate in the Launch of the Second Annual Democracy Video Challenge]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_0914_recent_news/ 2009-09-14T13:28:55+00:00 September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance.

Secretary Clinton said, "This country was built and has endured on a tradition of service. It's a common thread that binds Americans of all generations together."

How do you define service?]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/q_service/ 2009-09-12T02:59:55+00:00 Secretary Clinton spoke at the commemoration of the first annual September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance.

Tonight, Secretary Clinton delivered the keynote address at MyGoodDeed and ServiceNation’s commemoration of the first annual National Day of Service and Remembrance on September 11. The September 11th and service communities worked for years to achieve this annual observance, formalized in federal legislation enacted in April 2009. The law, formally named the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, received strong bipartisan support from Congress. Tonight's event, attended by thousands of members of the September 11 and civilian and military service communities, took place at the Beacon Theatre in New York City.

In her remarks, Secretary Clinton said, "Today, we know that the threat of violent extremism still remains. And our nation has to be vigilant. We have to be strong in the face of those who would seek to do harm to our people, our nation, and our values. By coming together to honor those who lost and who gave their lives eight years ago, we renew our strength to move forward in the face of both old and new challenges, and we come together to invigorate the values that have defined our country and our people for more than 200 years."

The Secretary continued, "The response of New Yorkers and Americans to the 9/11 attacks were not scripted. They weren’t orchestrated. They were the acts of people who instinctively – reflexively – summoned the best within themselves to help others in harm’s way. And while these were individual acts, they represented a collective and uniquely American characteristic: a willingness and a pride in serving others....This country was built and has endured on a tradition of service. It’s a common thread that binds Americans of all generations together."

Read the Secretary's full remarks here or learn how you can find ways to serve in your community.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/clinton_honors_service_remembrance/ 2009-09-12T01:14:55+00:00 Today, U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl W. Eikenberry held a September 11 commemoration at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul. Ambassador Eikenberry said:

"Good afternoon. Thank you all for coming. We are especially honored to be joined by Minister of Foreign Affairs Spanta, whose presence at this ceremony symbolizes the enduring partnership formed between our two nations since the September 11 terrorist attacks. Thank you for coming, Minister Spanta.

We gather today to remember the victims of the September 11 attacks--the nearly 3,000 men, women and children who perished in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania eight years ago.

We have assembled now because it was at this time--5:16 in the afternoon in Kabul--when the first hijacked plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Seventeen minutes later, as we all remember, a second jet hit the South Tower, a third flew into the Pentagon, and a fourth, owing to the bravery of its passengers and crew, crashed short of its target in a Pennsylvania field. We can only hope that the passage of time and grace of God has eased the grief of all of those who lost loved ones, friends and colleagues on that terrible day.

As a country we cannot let the passing years dull our memories of what happened.

In my own case, I was in my third floor office in the outer ring of the Pentagon, in the same section of the building where the plane struck that morning. I heard and felt the impact and knew that something serious was wrong. I had no idea that an airplane had entered the Pentagon almost directly underneath me.

I was among the fortunate. Two doors down, the plane's tail had sliced through the floor, killing two of my colleagues. Another was trapped in office and needed several of us to break down the door to get him out. Smoke and fire began filling the corridors as we made our way out of the building, the floor buckling under our feet. Once outside, it proved impossible to call my wife, Ching, to tell her I was alive because cell phones weren't working. Five hours later, she and I had an emotional reunion on our doorstep at Fort Belvoir.

The plot, as we all soon discovered, originated in Afghanistan, in the twisted minds of a small group of non-Afghans who lived and trained here with the support of the Taliban.

In his speech in Cairo, President Obama said of the 9-11 attacks: 'The victims were innocent men, women and children from America and many other nations who had done nothing to harm anybody. And yet Al Qaeda chose to ruthlessly murder these people, claimed credit for the attack, and even now states their determination to kill on a massive scale.'

Two days before the September 11, al Qaeda operatives also assassinated Ahmed Shah Massoud, martyring an Afghan leader who stood against their intolerance and oppression. We also remember him and what he symbolized here today. Many others--Afghans, Americans and men and women of other countries--have died in the years since 2001 to prevent future 9-11s in Afghanistan and future 9-11s elsewhere.

This year, President Obama has declared September 11 to be a National Day of Service and Remembrance. He has called on Americans to recommit themselves in the same spirit of unity and compassion they displayed after September 11 to the many challenges we still face as a country, including the war in Afghanistan.

The greatest tribute possible to the men, women and children who died on September 11 and in the years since would be for Afghanistan, with our help and the help of the rest of the international community, to achieve the lasting stability and peace that has eluded it for decades.

This is what we strive toward every day in this mission--an Afghanistan that can never again be used by violent extremists to plot attacks against Americans and other citizens of the world. It is what Afghans of goodwill seek as well.

Let us do everything we can to make this fitting tribute to the 9-11 victims a reality."]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/september_11_tribute_kabul/ 2009-09-11T23:41:55+00:00 In honor of those lost on September 11th President Obama spoke at the Pentagon Memorial. The First Lady and Dr. Biden marked this National Day of Service and Remembrance by encouraging all of us to lend a helping hand to military families.

President Obama said, "Secretary Gates, Admiral Mullen and members of the Armed Forces, fellow Americans, family and friends of those that we lost this day -- Michelle and I are deeply humbled to be with you.

Eight Septembers have come and gone. Nearly 3,000 days have passed -- almost one for each of those taken from us. But no turning of the seasons can diminish the pain and the loss of that day. No passage of time and no dark skies can ever dull the meaning of this moment.

So on this solemn day, at this sacred hour, once more we pause. Once more we pray -- as a nation and as a people; in city streets where our two towers were turned to ashes and dust; in a quiet field where a plane fell from the sky; and here, where a single stone of this building is still blackened by the fires.

We remember with reverence the lives we lost. We read their names. We press their photos to our hearts. And on this day that marks their death, we recall the beauty and meaning of their lives; men and women and children of every color and every creed, from across our nation and from more than 100 others. They were innocent. Harming no one, they went about their daily lives. Gone in a horrible instant, they now 'dwell in the House of the Lord forever.'

We honor all those who gave their lives so that others might live, and all the survivors who battled burns and wounds and helped each other rebuild their lives; men and women who gave life to that most simple of rules: I am my brother's keeper; I am my sister's keeper.

We pay tribute to the service of a new generation -- young Americans raised in a time of peace and plenty who saw their nation in its hour of need and said, 'I choose to serve'; 'I will do my part.' And once more we grieve. For you and your families, no words can ease the ache of your heart. No deeds can fill the empty places in your homes. But on this day and all that follow, you may find solace in the memory of those you loved, and know that you have the unending support of the American people.

Scripture teaches us a hard truth. The mountains may fall and the earth may give way; the flesh and the heart may fail. But after all our suffering, God and grace will 'restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.' So it is -- so it has been for these families. So it must be for our nation.

Let us renew our resolve against those who perpetrated this barbaric act and who plot against us still. In defense of our nation we will never waver; in pursuit of al Qaeda and its extremist allies, we will never falter.

Let us renew our commitment to all those who serve in our defense -- our courageous men and women in uniform and their families and all those who protect us here at home. Mindful that the work of protecting America is never finished, we will do everything in our power to keep America safe.

Let us renew the true spirit of that day. Not the human capacity for evil, but the human capacity for good. Not the desire to destroy, but the impulse to save, and to serve, and to build. On this first National Day of Service and Remembrance, we can summon once more that ordinary goodness of America -- to serve our communities, to strengthen our country, and to better our world.

Most of all, on a day when others sought to sap our confidence, let us renew our common purpose. Let us remember how we came together as one nation, as one people, as Americans, united not only in our grief, but in our resolve to stand with one another, to stand up for the country we all love.

This may be the greatest lesson of this day, the strongest rebuke to those who attacked us, the highest tribute to those taken from us -- that such sense of purpose need not be a fleeting moment. It can be a lasting virtue.

For through their own lives –- and through you, the loved ones that they left behind –- the men and women who lost their lives eight years ago today leave a legacy that still shines brightly in the darkness, and that calls on all of us to be strong and firm and united. That is our calling today and in all the Septembers still to come.

May God bless you and comfort you. And may God bless the United States of America."]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/remembering_september_11/ 2009-09-11T15:43:55+00:00 Secretary Clinton's Remarks At the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Dinner Honoring His Excellency Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China

U.S.-China Relations: Maximizing The Effectiveness of the Strategic and Economic Dialogue

"Doors to Diplomacy" 2010 Web Project Competition for Middle School and High School Students

Daily Press Briefing]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_0911_recent_news/ 2009-09-11T13:15:55+00:00 Secretary Clinton to Receive the Roosevelt Institute's Four Freedoms Award at the Roosevelt Institute's Four Freedoms Medals Gala Dinner

The Obama Administration's Policy on South Asia

Political-Military Affairs: Smart Power Starts Here

Change of Command at Allied Command Transformation

The United States Signs "New York Declaration"

United States Formally Commits to Best Practices to Counter Piracy off the Coast of Somalia

Meeting of the Shipping Coordinating Committee

Intellectual Property Training Programs Funded

Satellite Phone Press Conference with U.S. and Canadian Scientists at Sea in the Arctic Ocean to Discuss Extended Continental Shelf Mapping Mission

Daily Press Briefing]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_0910_recent_news/ 2009-09-10T13:29:55+00:00 Secretary Clinton Hosts "My Education, My Future" Event at the Manhattan Charter School

Secretary Clinton at Launching of NY400 Week Marking the 400th Anniversary of Henry Hudson's Arrival in New York Harbor

Ambassador CdeBaca Receives Spirit Award as D.C. Human Trafficking Task Force Sponsors "A Night at the Park - Freedom for All"

U.S. Special Envoy Gration to Travel to Sudan

U.S. Department of State Designation of North Korean Nuclear and Missile Entities

Special Representative for North Korea Policy Stephen W. Bosworth in Tokyo, Japan

Daily Press Briefing]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_0909_recent_news/ 2009-09-09T15:11:55+00:00 Secretary Clinton Hosts "My Education, My Future" Event as President Barack Obama Delivers National Address to Students on Educational Success

Secretary Clinton to Launch NY400 Week Marking the 400th Anniversary of Henry Hudson's Arrival in New York Harbor

Armenia and Azerbaijan: Appointment of U.S. OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_0908_recent_news/ 2009-09-08T13:28:55+00:00 Brazilian Independence Day

Secretary Clinton to Keynote Commemoration of First Annual 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance

Secretary Clinton Hosts "My Education, My Future" Event as President Barack Obama Delivers National Address to Students on Educational Success

Secretary Clinton to Launch NY400 Week Marking the 400th Anniversary of Henry Hudson's Arrival in New York Harbor

Special Representative for North Korea Policy Stephen W. Bosworth in Seoul, South Korea

Remarks to the Press]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_0907_recent_news/ 2009-09-07T14:54:55+00:00 Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT), which remains the cornerstone of the global nuclear nonproliferation regime.

The President said, “The basic bargain (of the NPT) is sound: countries with nuclear weapons will move towards disarmament, countries without nuclear weapons will not acquire them, and all countries can access peaceful nuclear energy."

How can the international community strengthen the nuclear nonproliferation regime?]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/q_nuclear_nonproliferation_regime/ 2009-09-04T23:13:55+00:00 Denuclearization of Korean Peninsula Remains Core Objective

Secretary Clinton With Honduran President Jose Manuel Zelaya

Termination of Assistance and Other Measures Affecting the De Facto Regime in Honduras

Senior Administration Officials on Honduras

Dallas Passport Agency Inaugurated

Daily Press Briefing]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_0904_recent_news/ 2009-09-04T13:44:55+00:00 Afghanistan Elections

Ambassador Susan E. Rice Outlines the Security Council's September Program of Work

United States and Mexico Announce Agreement for Cross Border Public Security Communications Network

Daily Press Briefing]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_0903_recent_news/ 2009-09-03T13:44:55+00:00 United States Actions To Counter Piracy Off the Horn of Africa

Protocol Concerning the Use of Radio Frequencies

Meeting of the Advisory Committee on Historical Diplomatic Documentation

Daily Press Briefing]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_0902_recent_news/ 2009-09-02T13:25:55+00:00 Urging an End to the Violence in Eastern Burma

Turkey and Armenia: Normalization of Relations

Daily Press Briefing]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_0901_recent_news/ 2009-09-01T13:33:55+00:00 Trinidad and Tobago Independence Day

Japanese Lower House Election Results

State Department Offers Private Sector Security Overseas Seminar for U.S Businesses, Academic Institutions, and NGOs, September 21 - 22, 2009

Remarks to the Press]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_0831_recent_news/ 2009-08-31T13:16:55+00:00
What does religious freedom mean to you?]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/q_religious_freedom/ 2009-08-29T01:30:55+00:00 Senior State Department Officials on Honduras

Negotiations Conclude on a New Treaty to Combat Illegal Fishing

U.S.-South Africa Nonproliferation and Disarmament Dialogue

Defense Trade Advisory Group Seeks New Members for 2010-2012 Term

State Department Offers Private Sector Security Overseas Seminar for U.S Businesses, Academic Institutions, and NGOs, September 21 - 22, 2009

Daily Press Briefing]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/09_0828_recent_news/ 2009-08-28T18:07:55+00:00