April 2011
129 posts
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Addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in the...
About the Author: Melanne Verveer serves as Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues.
Sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) includes the use of rape and sexual terror as a tactic of war in the conflict-affected eastern provinces, as well as pervasive violence against women and girls throughout the rest of the country. I was with...
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Visit by Russian Officials to Abkhazia and South...
U.S. Department of State Acting Deputy Spokesman Mark Toner released the following statement on April 30, 2011:
“Russia’s recent efforts to conclude formal state-to-state agreements with the ‘de facto’ authorities in Abkhazia and South Ossetia during a visit this week to those separatist regions are inconsistent with the principle of territorial integrity and Georgia’s...
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Panama Trade Promotion Agreement: Leveling the...
About the Author: Jose W. Fernandez serves as Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs.
On Thursday, April 28, Panamanian President Martinelli visited the White House and met with President Obama to discuss next steps with regard to the U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement. This visit and the Trade Promotion Agreement build on a tradition dating back to 1906,...
#SecClinton statement on the #UN Human Rights Council Special Session on #Syria: http://go.usa.gov/b5Y
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Preventing HIV Infection in the Democratic...
About the Author: Ambassador Eric Goosby serves as the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.
This week I am traveling in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a country that, while facing many challenges, is home to families who are seeking to build a better future. Health is an important part of a better future for the DRC, and preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) is a key example...
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Secretary Clinton Travels to Italy May 4-6, 2011
Secretary of State Clinton will travel to Rome, Italy May 4-6 to participate in a meeting of the Libya Contact Group. The Rome meeting will build on the last Contact Group meeting held in Doha and will allow the United States to discuss with its international partners the ongoing implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973.
Secretary Clinton will also conduct a...
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Ambassador Rice Welcomes UN Human Rights Council...
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice welcomed UN Human Rights Council Resolution S-16/1 on April 29, 2011. Ambassador Rice said: “I welcome the decision today by the UN Human Rights Council to condemn the Government of Syria for its violent crackdown against peaceful demonstrators. With today’s vote, the Council has stood against attempts to silence dissent with the use of...
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The Evolving U.S.-Mexican Partnership
About the Author: Roberta Jacobson serves as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs.
Linked by culture, history, and economics, as well as social and family ties, the United States and Mexico enjoy one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world. The security and prosperity of our two countries are uniquely bound together, so the challenges that we...
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“Operation Pencil” Delivers 1,000 Book Bags to...
About the Author: Vince J. Juaristi serves as Justice Program Manager at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan.
On April 17, 2011, as part of “Operation Pencil,” and in celebration of Global Youth Service Day, I traveled to an all-girls school and an all-boys school in Parwan Province, Afghanistan, to deliver 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to 1,000 children. I was part...
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Terrorist Attack in Marrakech, Morocco
On April 28, 2011, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton released the following press statement:
“The United States condemns in the strongest terms today’s terrorist attack that killed and injured innocent people at a café in Marrakech, Morocco. We extend our deepest sympathies to the victims of this cowardly attack and stand with the people of Morocco at this difficult time. Acts of...
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Recent Elections in Nigeria
Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson held a special briefing today on the recent elections in Nigeria. Assistant Secretary Carson said: “Nigeria has just completed its most successful elections since its return to multiparty democracy in 1999. Despite some technical imperfections, those elections represent a substantial improvement over the flawed 2007...
WatchSecretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton delivers remarks and holds a swearing-in ceremony for children visiting the Department of State on “Take Your Child to Work” Day, April 28, 2011.
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U.S. Condemns Violence Used by Syrian Government...
On April 27, 2011, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice delivered remarks to a UN Security Council briefing on Syria. Ambassador Rice said: “The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms the abhorrent violence used by the government of Syria against its own people. My government calls on President Assad to change course now and heed the calls of his own people....
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Special Representative for Afghanistan and...
Ambassador Grossman departed on April 27 for travel to New Delhi, Kabul, Islamabad and Riyadh. The Special Representative will participate in a number of routine consultations with his counterparts in the region.
In his first trip to New Delhi as Special Representative, Ambassador Grossman will renew routine consultations in the region with a variety of senior government officials. In...
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Building Bridges Between Bangladeshi Americans and...
About the Author: Mitul Desai serves as as Senior Advisor for Outreach for South and Central Asian Affairs.
I went to Dhaka recently to view first-hand the exciting changes underway in Bangladesh’s private sector and civil society. Also, as someone with a portfolio uniquely focused on leveraging private sector and diaspora resources to promote bilateral relations and development in ...
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Walking in the Footsteps of Millions
About the Author: Maria Otero serves as Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs.
Water. It is the world’s most essential commodity, and yet most of us take it for granted. We have only to turn on our faucets for clean, plentiful water. Bottled water lines our grocery aisles and water fountains can be found in most any park. But for nearly a billion people worldwide,...
Latest from DipNote: @usmariaotero on @StateDept 6K #WalkforWater. Why six kilometers? http://go.usa.gov/bZO
Under Secretary McHale Delivers Remarks at...
Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Judith McHale delivered remarks at the Exchange 2.0 Summit. Under Secretary McHale spoke about the State Department’s commitment to promoting opportunities for exchange, and strengthening and expanding personal connections in the 21st century. She said, “…I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak with you...
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Ambassador Rice Delivers Remarks on the Situation...
Ambassador Susan Rice delivered remarks on the situation in Syria, at the UN Security Council Stakeout on April 26, 2011. She said, “…The brutal violence being used by the Government of Syria against its own people is abhorrent and deplorable, and the United States condemns it in the strongest terms. The outrageous use of violence to quell protests must come to an end —...
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Ambassador Cretz Delivers Remarks on Recent...
U.S. Ambassador to Libya Gene Cretz spoke to reporters about recent developments in Libya on April 27, 2011. He said, “I’m here today to update you on our efforts in Libya, the mission of our special envoy to the TNC, and the progress the international coalition has made in stopping the brutality and bloodshed of the Qadhafi regime. Since the last time I spoke with you, it has become...
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Protecting America’s Innovative Advantage
About the Author: Robert D. Hormats serves as Under Secretary of State for Economic, Energy and Agricultural Affairs.
Today, I published the following op-ed on The Huffington Post with Richard L. Trumka, President of the AFL-CIO, and Deborah L. Wince-Smith, President and CEO of the Council on Competitiveness. Tuesday, April 26, was World Intellectual Property Day. The theme of this...
Conversations With America: U.S. - Korea Free...
More Information: Questions Submitted on DipNote Jose Fernandez, Assistant Secretary for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs, held a conversation with Jeffrey Schott, Senior Fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, on the U.S. - Korea Trade Agreement (KORUS). The discussion was moderated by Cheryl Benton, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs on April 27, 2011....
Fostering Strong, Multi-Country Relationships in... →
PP2011 officers with Tongan leaders, Vava’u, Tonga, April 21, 2011. [State Dept.]
Tom Weinz is the dedicated Foreign Service Liaison Officer for Pacific Partnership 2011.
I guess it is human nature to quietly accept all the successes of a particular mission, while secretly obsessing over the details that didn’t go as planned. We are certainly doing our share of the latter as we...
Engaging Youth to Combat Violence and Build Peace
About the Author: David T. Killion serves as U.S. Permanent Representative to UNESCO
As U.S. Ambassador to UNESCO — the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization — I often get to meet impressive young people who are doing amazing things to change the world. At a recent UNESCO High-Level Forum in New York, I met 27-year-old Meghann Aurea Villanueva, who has...
Exchange 2.0: Join the Conversation on April 27
About the Author: Suzanne Hall serves as Senior Advisor for Innovation in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
The U.S. Department of State is pleased to participate in Exchange 2.0, a summit organized by the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) with the partnership of Soliya, Partners for a New Beginning, and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. A cross-cutting audience of 200...
Officials Provide Update on Current U.S....
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State of Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration Reuben Brigety and USAID Director of Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance Mark Bartolini provided an update on current U.S. humanitarian assistance efforts in Libya on April 25, 2011. Deputy Assistant Secretary Brigety said, “The United States Government continues to provide aid to the people of...
Join Jose Fernandez of @EconEngage for an April 27 webchat on the #Korea FTA. Submit questions now: http://go.usa.gov/TtG #KORUS
World Malaria Day: Celebrating Progress Against a...
About the Author: Rear Admiral Tim Ziemer serves as U.S. Global Malaria Coordinator.
Over the past four years I have had the privilege of serving as Coordinator of the President’s Malaria Initiative. The initiative is led by USAID and implemented together with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Our goal is to reduce malaria illnesses and death by half for 70 percent of...
U.S. Supports Completion of Gomal Zam Dam in...
About the Author: Alberto Rodriguez serves as Spokesperson at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan.
A delegation of senior United States Agency for International Development (USAID) officials joined the Water and Power Development Authority’s (WAPDA) Chairman, Shakil Durrani, on a visit to Gomal Zam on April 21, for an update on construction progress. USAID is co-funding completion of...
PSAid Helps Spread Message: Cash Is the Best Way...
About the Author: Rebecca Gustafson serves as Press Officer for USAID’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance.
When an international disaster strikes, we soon begin to hear stories of the devastation and the suffering of those affected. They have lost loved ones, livelihoods and homes. The pictures we see are gut-wrenching, and we can’t help but think about how we can help. We...
Ensuring the Harvest in Kyrgyzstan
About the Author: Kimberly McDonald serves as a Public Affairs Officer and Christian Wright serves as an Information Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
After a troubled year, Kyrgyzstan is experiencing a glorious spring. But many farmers have experienced financial hardships that will limit their ability to get the spring planting done that will ensure a good fall harvest. In...
RT @USAbilAraby Syrian people have called for the freedoms that all individuals around the world should enjoy. #Syria
The Week in Review
About the Author: Sarah Goldfarb serves as Associate Editor to DipNote.
On April 17, Secretary Clinton returned from her visit to Berlin, Seoul, and Tokyo. Assistant Secretary Gordon said the NATO Ministerial in Berlin was “an opportunity to consult with key allies and partners not just on Libya, but on a wide range of other bilateral and multilateral issues.” This week, Secretary Clinton...
Photo of the Week: Embassies and Consulates...
Our photo of the week comes to us from the U.S. Embassy in Vientiane, Laos, where the Embassy is working with the Wildlife Conservation Society to reduce illegal poaching and preserve endangered species in the Nam Et Phu Luey National Protected Area. Today, we are celebrating Earth Day at embassies and consulates around the world. As Embassy Islamabad Spokesman Alberto Rodriguez said, ...
Getting Ready for World Press Freedom Day 2011
About the Author: Tiffany Miller serves as a Public Affairs Specialist in the Bureau of International Organization Affairs.
The U.S. Department of State is gearing up for World Press Freedom Day 2011 (WPFD 2011). This is the first time that WPFD is being hosted in the United States. More than 100 speakers from 44 countries will join over 800 registered participants from 100 countries in this...
The @2011AgainstHate Campaign asks you to pledge your time for someone who doesn’t look, live or pray like you. http://goo.gl/KyLb8
Consulate Sydney Lowers Carbon Footprint, Slashes...
About the Author: Andy Ball serves as General Services Officer at the U.S. Consulate in Sydney, Australia.
U.S. Consulate Sydney’s Green Committee focuses on reducing electricity use in the offices and homes of employees. We established metrics to judge success, informed employees on their energy consumption and how they could reduce their carbon footprint, and tracked and celebrated...
Women as Environmental Change Agents
About the Author: Melanne Verveer serves as Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues.
Today as we celebrate Earth Day, we would be wise to focus on the role of women as environmental leaders. All over the world, women are advancing the green revolution — from transforming farming in rural Africa, to creating businesses around clean technology in India, to investing in...
The Department of State released its FY 2010 scorecard on sustainability & energy performance: http://go.usa.gov/bqr | http://go.usa.gov/bqY
Americans Join Pakistanis for Earth Day Clean Up...
About the Author: Alberto Rodriguez serves as Spokesperson at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan.
On April 22, 2011, the World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan (WWF) and the U.S. Embassy marked the 41st commemoration of Earth Day with activities to clean up Trail 5 at Margalla Hills in Islamabad. Over 50 Pakistani youth, including students from the Embassy’s English-language ACCESS...
Helping the People of Laos Develop Their Economy...
About the Author: Mike Pryor serves as Deputy Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Vientiane, Laos.
Laos, with its dense jungles, lush green rice fields, misty mountaintops, and flowing Mekong River, the “mother” of rivers, is a place of stunning natural beauty. Its forests and waters are also home to some of the greatest bio-diversity in all of Southeast Asia. But as development...
Civil Society: Empowering Women and Girls Through...
About the Author: Ann Stock serves as Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs.
As part of the U.S. Department of State’s year-long initiative to highlight efforts to empower women and girls through international exchanges, civil society leaders from India are “wheels down” for a three-week exchange to work with their American counterparts in Washington,...
Secretary Clinton Meets With Dutch Foreign...
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton met with Dutch Foreign Minister Uri Rosenthal at the Department of State on April 21, 2011. The counterparts discussed a number of issues, including the crisis in Libya, our shared mission in Afghanistan, and our global efforts to support sustainable development and empower women and girls. Secretary Clinton said, “It is certainly the case that...
“The Best Sister City Relationship I’ve Ever Seen”
About the Author: Niels Marquardt serves as Consul General at the U.S. Consulate in Sydney, Australia.
A unique friendship developed during the 1950s between the local newspaper editors in Bega, New South Wales, Australia, and Littleton, Colorado. That friendship led to the first sister-city relationship between Australia and the United States. I was pleased to visit Bega for celebrations of...
Secretary Clinton Highlights Importance of Study...
About the Author: Jeff Daigle serves as a Public Diplomacy Officer in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs.
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton highlighted the importance of student exchanges in building strong bonds of trust, friendship, and understanding during the recent U.S.-China Consultation on People-to-People Exchange (CPE). To kick off the CPE’s closing session,...
Join a Discussion on the U.S.-Korea Free Trade...
On Wednesday, April 27, 2011, Jose Fernandez, Assistant Secretary for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs, will hold a conversation with Jeffrey Schott, Senior Fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, on the U.S. - Korea Trade Agreement (KORUS). The discussion will be moderated by Cheryl Benton, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, and streamed live on DipNote,...
Making the Transformative Power of a U.S.-Korea...
About the Author: Jose Fernandez serves as the Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy and Business Affairs.
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to speak about the Korea Free Trade Agreement at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington, D.C. As I told the distinguished group assembled there, the U.S.- Korea trade agreement — which we call the “KORUS” agreement — will...
