U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton delivers remarks with President of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. on January 17, 2013. A text transcript can be found at http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2013/01/202998.htm

Remarks
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Treaty Room
Washington, DC
January 17, 2013

SECRETARY CLINTON: I am delighted to announce that for the first time since 1991, the United States is recognizing the Government of Somalia.

Now before I talk about what comes next for this partnership, it is worth taking a moment to remember how we got here and how far we have come together. When I entered the State Department in January 2009, al-Shabaab controlled most of Mogadishu and south and central Somalia. It looked at the time like it would even gain more territory. The people of Somalia had already endured many years of violence and isolation, and we wanted to change that. We wanted to work together, not only with the people of Somalia but with governments across the region, the international community, and other likeminded friends. MORE

Press Statement
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
January 16, 2013

We are deeply concerned about the well-being of Lao civil society leader Sombath Somphone, who disappeared one month ago. Reports indicate that Mr. Sombath went missing on December 15, 2012 after being stopped at a police checkpoint in the capital city of Vientiane. We call upon the Lao government to pursue a transparent investigation of this incident and to do everything in its power to bring about an immediate and safe return home to his family.

Since receiving his education in the United States, Mr. Sombath has worked tirelessly to promote sustainable development in Laos and he inspired a new generation of young leaders. He founded the Participatory Development Training Center, which trains Lao youth and local government leaders in community development and poverty reduction. His disappearance has generated a tremendous amount of concern from his family, friends and colleagues around the world. We urge his immediate return home and send our thoughts and prayers to his family and loved ones.

About the Author: Tara Sonenshine serves as Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs.

There is no more effective form of engagement than face-to-face communication. That’s a fundamental principle of our public diplomacy. And thanks to a strong friendship and understanding between Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf , we have just signed an important agreement between the United States and Liberia.

One year ago, this month, Secretary Clinton traveled to Monrovia to attend the inauguration of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf . At the time she said, “Democracy hasn’t just sprouted in Liberia, it has taken root.”

The relationship struck between Secretary Clinton and President Sirleaf — strengthened by their own personal narratives of empowerment and their mutual commitment to changing the lives of women and girls, peace-building,… more »

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton meets with Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to hold a U.S.-Liberia Partnership Dialogue signing ceremony at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. on January 15, 2012. A text transcript can be found at http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2013/01/202201.htm

About the Author: Sarah Goldfarb serves as DipNote’s Associate Editor.

Our “Photo of the Week” comes to us from Nick Merrill, who serves on the Secretary of State’s strategic communications team and captured a moment during her senior staff meeting on Monday, January 7. During this staff meeting, the Secretary was greeted by a standing ovation from the 75 people assembled, including all of her deputies, under secretaries, assistant secretaries, and special envoys. Then, Deputy Secretary of State Tom Nides presented the Secretary with a gift box, which included a football helmet with the State Department seal and a football jersey with the number 112, which symbolizes the number of countries that she’s visited as Secretary of State.

“…[The Secretary] loved it. She thought it was cool,” State Department Spokesperson Victoria Nuland said. “But… more »

Remarks
Hillary Rodham Clinton
     Secretary of State
Capricia Penavic Marshall
     Chief of Protocol
Diplomatic Reception Rooms
Washington, DC
January 9, 2013

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you so much, Capricia, and let me welcome all of you here to the eighth floor, and especially welcome the Rooneys. As you may have seen earlier this week, my staff gave me a personalized football helmet and jersey. They told me it was a welcome-back gift, but I suspect they also were thinking about the fact that you would be here in a few days, and we wanted to make you feel right at home. But I have chosen to forego the football gear this morning in place of this opportunity to really thank both Dan and Patricia, and to celebrate your service on behalf of the United States.

Dan Rooney is someone who never seems to miss making friends everywhere he goes, whether it’s western Pennsylvania or Ireland. And we’re delighted to have some of your friends and colleagues here for this ceremony. I want to say a special word of thanks to Patricia, who has been a fabulous support and great person in reaching out to the Irish on her own behalf alongside Dan. And Sarah, welcome here to the State Department. And we have a number of the people you’ve worked with. We knew that if we opened it to the entire State Department, we would not have a room big enough to hold everybody. MORE

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton participates in a Flag Ceremony for U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Dan Rooney at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., January 9, 2013. [State Department photo/ Public Domain]

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, returning to work, meets with the State Department’s senior leadership in Washington, D.C., January 7, 2013. [State Department photo by Nick Merrill/ Public Domain]

Press Statement
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
December 17, 2012

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my friend, Danny Inouye. From his earliest days in public service to his last, he inspired others to reach for the American dream – because that’s exactly what he did.

No matter what barrier was in his way, Danny shattered it. He was the highest-ranking Asian-American politician in history and the first Japanese-American to serve in the House of Representatives and Senate. He was a soldier, a Medal of Honor recipient and a hero. But despite the accolades from a lifetime of service, he never lost his humility and compassion.

Danny was an icon in his native state of Hawaii and a tireless advocate for the disenfranchised, minorities, and women throughout the country. He spent his life working for a brighter future, and we are all better off for it. I will always cherish his friendship and guidance in the Senate. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Irene, and all those whose lives he touched.