THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, thank you, thank you. Well, thank you, Madam Vice President. One hundred and fifty-six years ago — one hundred and fifty-six years — June 19th, 1865 — John, thanks for being here — a major general of the Union Army arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation …
Read More» The United States welcomes the release by Azerbaijan of 15 Armenian detainees and their return to their families in Armenia. We also welcome Armenia’s decision to provide Azerbaijan with important information that will facilitate humanitarian demining and avoid future casualties. We are grateful to Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and the Government of Georgia for the …
Read More» (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) and Chair of the Europe and Regional Security Cooperation SFRC Subcommittee, joined Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) in Georgia as the final stop of their bipartisan congressional delegation in Eastern Europe. They met with Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, Foreign Minister David …
Read More» “The United States stands firmly behind the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Ukraine.” – Secretary Antony J. Blinken, April 13, 2021 Secretary Blinken will visit Kyiv, Ukraine on May 6, where he will meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba, to underscore unwavering U.S. support for …
Read More» We are deeply disappointed by the ruling party’s rushed passage of amendments to Georgia’s Administrative Violations Code today. Expedited passage of these amendments was unnecessary and unhelpful. The lack of meaningful consultation with opposition parties, civil society and other stakeholders raises questions about the purpose of the amendments. The April 19 agreement among Georgia’s political …
Read More» After nearly six months of negotiations, the citizens of Georgia have made clear that they want the political crisis to end, and for all elected Members to work together in Parliament and address the serious challenges facing the country, including the regional challenges, COVID, and the economic crisis. With this in mind, the European Union …
Read More» We welcome the resumption of contacts as a sign of willingness to continue consultations to reach a broad-based agreement. We reiterate the necessity for all parties to compromise with each other.
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THE PRESIDENT: Hello, folks. Thanks for coming over. Good afternoon, everyone. Earlier this week, I spoke with President Putin of Russia about the nature of our relationship — the relationship between our two countries. And I was candid and respectful; the conversation was candid and respectful. Two great powers with significant responsibility for global stability. …
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ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE Today, we announced actions to hold the Russian Government to account for the SolarWinds intrusion, reports of bounties on U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan, and attempts to interfere in the 2020 U.S. elections. We have engaged Russian authorities to share our concerns about their actions and the steps we are …
Read More» The U.S. Embassy condemns the attacks on Formula TV employees last night, including an assault and an act of vandalism. This follows the beating of Formula journalist Vakho Sanaia in February. We urge the authorities to conduct swift, thorough and impartial investigations into these incidents. Attacks against journalists are unacceptable. Journalists in a democracy must …
Read More» Executive Summary ANNOUNCEMENT: The Department of State will release an addendum to this report in mid 2021 that expands the subsection on Women in Section 6 to include a broader range of issues related to reproductive rights. Georgia’s constitution provides for an executive branch that reports to the prime minister, a unicameral parliament, and a separate …
Read More» Turkey’s sudden and unwarranted withdrawal from the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence, better known as the Istanbul Convention, is deeply disappointing. Around the world, we are seeing increases in the number of domestic violence incidents, including reports of rising femicide in Turkey, the first nation to …
Read More» “The prevalence, and pervasiveness, of racial discrimination might make the situation look hopeless, but we remain hopeful. Let us expose the racism and racial discrimination endemic to every society, around the globe. Let us press forward, to root out that discrimination and remove the rot from our foundations. And on this day dedicated to ending …
Read More» ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE As the President has said, Nord Stream 2 is a bad deal — for Germany, for Ukraine, and for our Central and Eastern European allies and partners. The Department is tracking efforts to complete the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and is evaluating information regarding entities that appear to be …
Read More» OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Russia, China, and Pakistan on the occasion of the Extended “Troika” on Peaceful Settlement in Afghanistan. Begin Text: On March 18, 2021, Moscow hosted a regular meeting of the extended “Troika” comprising representatives of …
Read More» We are watching closely developments at TV Pirveli, in particular the interactions between law enforcement and members of the media. The balanced, impartial application of the rule of law and the right of journalists to safeguard their sources – a fundamental principle of media freedom — must remain priorities as this investigation is conducted. Both …
Read More» We congratulate the participants of the political dialogue on today’s successful agreement, which represents a crucial step towards depolarization and normalization of the political environment in Georgia in the run-up to the parliamentary elections later this year. Today’s agreement foresees an election system for 2020 based on 120 proportional mandates and 30 majoritarian mandates, a …
Read More» The United States welcomes the release of the OSCE/ODIHR Limited Election Observation Mission Final Report. The report underscores the continued need for important reforms, particularly in the areas of campaign finance, electoral administration compositions, and dispute resolution. The United States shares these concerns, and urges Parliament to continue a deliberative and inclusive reform process that …
Read More» Congratulations to the people of Georgia on the anniversary of your first constitution. Georgia’s first constitution was an important step in a century-long commitment to joining the community of Western democracies. You are right to be proud of this constitution, which was one of the most progressive in the world at the time it was …
Read More» ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF S TATE On January 20, on his first day in office, President Biden signed the instrument to bring the United States back into the Paris Agreement. Per the terms of the Agreement, the United States officially becomes a Party again today. The Paris Agreement is an unprecedented framework for global action. We know because we helped …
Read More» The current dangerous situation following the Melia ruling stems from decades-long problems with the electoral system and the judicial system. It is imperative the authorities and opposition exercise maximum restraint this morning. The way to address the important issues at stake is through peaceful negotiation. We urge all involved to remain calm and avoid violence.
Read More» We call on the authorities and the opposition to exercise maximum restraint in the wake of tonight’s ruling. Violence serves no one except those who want to undermine Georgia’s stability. This must be resolved peacefully.
Read More» U.S. Embassy Tbilisi condemns the sentencing of Georgian citizen Zaza Gakheladze to 12 years and six months in prison, after Russian-led security actors shot and detained him nearly seven months ago along the South Ossetia administrative boundary line. We reiterate that the dangerous Russian actions taken to wound and detain Mr. Gakheladze would not have …
Read More» In the state-to-state case of Georgia v. Russia on the 2008 Russia-Georgia War, the Court ruled clearly in favor of Georgia and found Russia responsible for violating multiple articles of the European Convention of Human Rights, including by detaining and torturing individuals, and denying Georgian citizens the right to return to their homes. The court …
Read More» The following joint statement was issued by the Governments of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Begin text: The Governments of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States welcome the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum’s (LPDF) vote in favor of the selection mechanism for a new interim …
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The United States is resuming support for the World Health Organization , which plays a vital role in fighting the global COVID-19 pandemic. President Biden announced the renewed commitment to the WHO in a January 20 letter to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres , reversing the prior administration’s plan to leave the U.N.’s public health arm in July. “The WHO plays a crucial role in the world’s …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE Today, the United States is imposing sanctions on the Cuban Ministry of Interior (MININT) and Minister of Interior General Lazaro Alberto Álvarez Casas for their connection to serious human rights abuse under Executive Order 13818, which builds upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. MININT is …
Read More» The following memorandum of understanding was adopted by the Governments of the United States of America and Georgia on January 14, 2021. Begin Text: Taking into account that secure fifth generation wireless communications networks (5G) will be vital to both future prosperity and national security, the United States and Georgia declare their desire to strengthen cooperation on 5G. 5G will enable a …
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By Lenore T. Adkins In 1839, the Amistad cargo schooner sailed from Havana to Puerto Principe, Cuba, with 53 Africans bound for a life of slavery on the island. But while aboard the schooner, the Africans fought for their freedom. Their battle gained them a reprieve. And soon, American abolitionists would take up their fight in U.S. courts. The Africans …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE The State Department has designated Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism for repeatedly providing support for acts of international terrorism in granting safe harbor to terrorists. The Trump Administration has been focused from the start on denying the Castro regime the resources it uses to oppress its people …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE Five years ago last Friday, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2254, firmly laying out the only path for an enduring resolution to the Syrian conflict. The United States and the vast majority of the international community remain committed to this dignified plan for ending the suffering of the Syrian people. The Assad regime, supported by its enablers and allies, however, refuses to end its needless, brutal war against the Syrian …
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In 2020, despite the challenge of COVID-19, the U.S. Embassy continued to deepen our partnership with Georgia across a range of areas. We continue to work together towards a prosperous, stable, and democratic Georgia integrated into Euro-Atlantic institutions. In particular, the dedicated team of professionals at the embassy worked to partner with Georgia on COVID-19 …
Read More» “I think we have demonstrated the right foreign policy with respect to Iran, and I am hopeful that the world will continue the policies that we have, and that one day Iran will rejoin the community of nations” – Secretary Pompeo, Interview with Ben Shapiro, December 15, 2020 Sanctioning Supporters of Iran’s Petroleum and Petrochemical …
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By Leigh Hartman The U.S. government’s expanded Clean Network initiative protects citizens’ privacy and companies’ sensitive information on 5G mobile networks and secures data across the full range of telecommunications and technology. The Clean Network initiative builds on and expands the Clean Path , which is designed to protect 5G networks from untrusted vendors . Since U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo announced the Clean Network, …
Read More» Public Designations of Current and Former Government Officials Under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act Due to Involvement in Gross Violations of Human Rights MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE Promoting and advancing respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms continues to be a top priority for …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE GEORGIAN CHANCELLERY TBILISI, GEORGIA PRIME MINISTER GAKHARIA: So Mr. Secretary, welcome. SECRETARY POMPEO: Thank you. PRIME MINISTER GAKHARIA: Thank you for finding time (inaudible) especially this very difficult global pandemic time. You are a true friend of this country, and of course we are grateful for your personal and …
Read More» The U.S. Embassy is disappointed in the Judiciary’s rushed decision to hold its Conference of Judges today in the shadow of significant national elections. Important decisions with long-lasting consequences such as filling High Council of Justice vacancies should be taken deliberately, with sufficient transparency and time for consultations and participation by a broad range of …
Read More» The text of the following joint statement was released by the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group on October 25, 2020. Begin Text: Washington D.C., 25 October, 2020 – The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Igor Popov of the Russian Federation, Stephane Visconti of France, and Andrew Schofer of the United States of America) released the …
Read More» STEPHEN BIEGUN, DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE Thank you, Ambassador Richmond, for the introduction. Good morning or evening to everyone participating from around the world, especially our distinguished speakers. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the landmark Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons in Palermo, Italy. The Protocol stands …
Read More» The Department of Defense and the Georgian Ministry of Defense conducted Bilateral Defense Consultations by video teleconference today. The consultations were chaired by Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Laura Cooper and the Georgian First Deputy Minister of Defense Lela Chikovani. The purpose of the consultations was to discuss bilateral security cooperation priorities, share information on …
Read More» OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, the Russian Federation, and the Republic of France on October 5, 2020. Begin text: The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Yves Le Drian, and Secretary of …
Read More» Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for calling this important meeting today. And it is an honor to be here with all of you. Earlier this week, I had the privilege of meeting in Vilnius with Belarusian opposition candidate Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. I was inspired by her courage and resolve to advocate for the Belarusian people in their …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE The United States is deeply concerned by reported preliminary conclusions from German medical experts that Russian opposition activist Aleksey Navalny was poisoned. If the reports prove accurate, the United States supports the EU’s call for a comprehensive investigation and stands ready to assist in that effort. Mr. Navalny’s family and the Russian people deserve to see a full and transparent investigation carried out, …
Read More» On August 21, the U.S. Department of State announced visa restrictions on 14 Iranian individuals for their involvement in gross violations of human rights on behalf of the Iranian regime, the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism. This action was taken pursuant to Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE On this third annual International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, the United States stands with the victims of terrorism and their families. The pain and suffering caused by terrorism is a heavy burden that the American people know all too well. We honor the strength and resilience of terrorism victims …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE The Trump Administration sees Huawei for what it is – an arm of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP’s) surveillance state – and we have taken action accordingly. Today, our government enacted several measures to protect U.S. national security, our citizens’ privacy, and the integrity of our 5G infrastructure from Beijing’s malign influence. The Department of …
Read More» The Secretary’s “Emergency Certification Was Properly Executed” and “Complied with the Requirements” of Law The State Department Office of Inspector General (OIG) has confirmed in a final report that the Department acted in complete accordance with the law and found no wrongdoing in the Administration’s exercise of emergency authorities available under the Arms Export Control …
Read More» This year marks the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution , which granted American women — in effect, white women — the right to vote. While it took several more decades — and the civil rights movement — for all U.S. women to be legally allowed to vote, the 19th Amendment was a big …
Read More» Presidential Message on Space Exploration Day, 2020 (July 20) Today, our Nation celebrates the essential role that American space exploration plays in the history and character of our country. We honor our brave astronauts and space industry professionals—both past and present—and we pledge to continue to lead the world in pioneering deeper into space, …
Read More» U.S. Embassy Statement on Shooting/Detention along South Ossetia Administrative Boundary Line (July 12) U.S. Embassy Tbilisi is alarmed and deeply troubled by reports that Russian-led security forces shot, wounded, and detained a Georgian citizen on July 11 near the village of Kvemo Chala, along the administrative boundary line of Russian-occupied South Ossetia. We condemn …
Read More» Remarks by President Trump at the 2020 Salute to America (July 4) July 4, 2020 6:50 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: Wow. Are you having a good time? (Applause.) Members of Congress, members of my cabinet, and my fellow Americans: The First Lady and I are delighted to welcome you to the second annual Salute …
Read More» Joint statement by the facilitators to the political dialogue on the passage of amendments to the electoral system (June 29) We warmly congratulate the Parliament of Georgia on today’s adoption of Constitutional amendments designed to increase parliamentary pluralism and allow for a more representative legislature. We recognize that these amendments reflect difficult compromises by …
Read More» Statement on the Passage of Georgian Constitutional Reform (June 29) By Morgan Ortagus Office of the Spokesperson The United States applauds Georgia’s historic adoption of constitutional amendments that establish a more proportional electoral system. Enacted as a result of the important March 8 agreement among a majority of political parties, they will help promote greater …
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President Trump orders police reforms (June 25) President Trump has issued an executive order instituting nationwide police reforms to keep communities safe and ensure equal justice and treatment for all Americans. The Executive Order on Safe Policing for Safe Communities mandates that police departments will receive accredited training on de-escalation, use of force and community engagement. Additionally, a database will track police …
Read More» U.S. Embassy statement on the anniversary of June 20 events (June 20) June 20 marks one year since thousands marched on Rustaveli Avenue to protest Russia’s continued occupation of Georgian territory. As we mark this day, on which hundreds were injured, we stand with the Georgian people and their calls to end Russian aggression and …
Read More» The United States Condemns Maduro’s Latest Step to Rig the Next Venezuelan Election (June 15) Free elections are the path out of Venezuela’s deep political crisis. Unfortunately, on June 12, the Maduro regime-controlled Supreme Court continued to manipulate the Venezuelan Constitution by illegally naming a new, regime-aligned National Electoral Council (CNE). Venezuelans deserve an …
Read More» Briefing with Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs David Schenker On the U.S.-Iraq Dialogue and Developments in Libya (June 11) MS ORTAGUS: Great, thank you. Welcome back, everybody. It’s our busy day. It’s our third briefing of the day, so thanks to everybody that had the time to dial in. And I’m glad we have …
Read More» Joint Statement on the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Dialogue (June 11) The delegation of the Republic of Iraq, led by Senior Under Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Abdul-Karim Hashim Mostafa, and the delegation of the United States Government, led by Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale, held Strategic Dialogue discussions via …
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Secretary Michael R. Pompeo at a Press Availability on the Release of the 2019 International Religious Freedom Report (June 10) SECRETARY POMPEO: Good morning, everyone. It’s great to be with you all today. I’m here one more time, proudly, to talk about freedom and free societies. And while America is not a perfect nation by …
Read More» U.S. Embassy statement on continued ‘borderization’ activities along the ABL, as well as the disinformation campaign against the Lugar Center (May 27) As the world honors the anniversary of Georgian independence and celebrates Georgia’s success in combating COVID-19, the United States protests ongoing, provocative “borderization” by Russian-led security forces along the administrative boundary lines of …
Read More» Keeping the World Safe from Iran’s Nuclear Program (May 27) Today, I am announcing the end of the sanctions waiver covering all remaining JCPOA-originating nuclear projects in Iran – the Arak reactor conversion, the provision of enriched uranium for the Tehran Research Reactor, and the export of Iran’s spent and scrap research reactor fuel. …
Read More» Freedom Online Coalition Statement on COVID-19 and Internet Freedom (May 27) The Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) is a group of 31 countries deeply committed to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). We believe that the human rights and fundamental freedoms that individuals …
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U.S. leads world in intellectual property protection (May 21) The United States, the world’s largest economy, sets the standard for protecting inventors, creators and entrepreneurs, ranking first in a global intellectual property index. That is the conclusion of the 2020 International Intellectual Property Index , released by the Global Innovation Policy Center, an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber …
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U.S. faith-based groups fight COVID-19 worldwide (May 20) U.S. donors of all major religions are helping fight COVID-19 at home and abroad. The United States’ diverse religious communities are setting up emergency hospitals, trucking meals across the country, and supporting small businesses around the world. In early April, faith-based humanitarian organization Samaritan’s Purse set up an emergency field hospital …
Read More» Countries Certified as Not Cooperating Fully With U.S. Counterterrorism Efforts (May 13) Yesterday, the Department of State notified Congress that Iran, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela, and Cuba were certified under Section 40A(a) of the Arms Export Control Act as “not cooperating fully” with U.S. counterterrorism efforts in 2019. This is the first year that …
Read More» Remarks by President Trump in a Press Briefing on COVID-19 Testing (May 11) THE PRESIDENT: We’re here today to provide an update on the unprecedented testing capacity developed by the United States — the most advanced and robust testing system anywhere in the world, by far. This afternoon, I’ll also announce new steps that …
Read More» Joint Statement on United States – Czech Republic Joint Declaration on 5G Security (May 6) Taking into account that secure fifth generation wireless communications networks (5G) will be vital to both future prosperity and national security, the United States and the Czech Republic declare their desire to strengthen our cooperation on 5G. 5G will …
Read More» Joint Statement from the Co-Chairs of the Special ASEAN-United States Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (April 26) The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Lao PDR as the co-Chairs of the the Special ASEAN-United States Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Coronavirus …
Read More» USAID Statement on Development Agreement Amendments (April 24) During these difficult times, we reaffirm our support for the Georgian people. This week, Georgia’s Parliament ratified amendments to our Development Assistance Agreements with the Government of Georgia. This allows USAID/Georgia to move forward with more than $64 million in funding to strengthen Georgia’s self-reliance and Euro-Atlantic …
Read More» This Week in Iran Policy (April 24) “If Iran needed aid on this, I would be willing to do something…they were hit very hard. Obviously, those numbers weren’t correct numbers that they reported. But if they needed help, if they needed aid, if they needed ventilators — we have thousands of ventilators currently on …
Read More» Iran’s History of Naval Provocations (April 22) “I have instructed the United States Navy to shoot down and destroy any and all Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships at sea.” -President Donald J. Trump, Twitter, April 22, 2020 Iran has long used its naval forces to terrorize the international maritime community – this …
Read More» 50th Anniversary of the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons (April 22) On July 1, 1968, the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons was opened for signature in three Depository state capitals: Washington, London, and Moscow. This year we mark the 50th anniversary of the NPT’s entry into force. The United States celebrates …
Read More» Proclamation on Days Of Remembrance Of Victims Of The Holocaust, 2020 (April 17) Our Nation’s annual observance of Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, calls on all Americans to pause and reflect on the horrific atrocities committed by the Nazi regime against minority groups and other “undesirables” in the years leading up to and during …
Read More» UPDATE: The United States is Continuing to Lead the Humanitarian and Health Assistance Response to COVID-19 (April 16) The U.S. Government is leading the world’s humanitarian and health response to the COVID-19 pandemic even while we battle the virus at home. As part of this comprehensive and generous response from the American people, the …
Read More» USAID Partnering with Enterprise Georgia to Combat COVID-19 (April 9) The U.S. Government, through USAID, announced that its Economic Security Program is supporting the production of packaging for nearly one million domestically manufactured medical masks to be distributed throughout Georgia. A partnership between USAID, Enterprise Georgia, and private sector manufacturers, this activity is helping …
Read More» This Week in Iran Policy (April 3) “… As we’ve said for the detainees in Iran, now is the most appropriate moment to use this humanitarian challenge as a reason to allow these people to return to their families and their loved ones. State Department’s working hard to get them back.” -Secretary of State …
Read More» The United States Is Leading the Humanitarian and Health Assistance Response to COVID-19 (March 27) Excerpt: Georgia: $1.1 million in health funding will help prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, bolster risk communication, and more. The United States has provided nearly $139 million in health assistance …
Read More» Joint Statement on the so-called “Presidential Elections” held in Georgia’s Abkhazia Region (March 23) Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Canada, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States of America do not recognize the legitimacy of the so-called “presidential elections” held in Georgia’s Abkhazia region on …
Read More» Joint Statement on Behalf of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS on the First Anniversary of ISIS’s Territorial Defeat (March 23) One year ago the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh/ISIS, in conjunction with our local partners, liberated ISIS’s last remaining stronghold in Baghouz and crushed its territorial ambitions. Today, nearly eight million people have been …
Read More» The State Department Imposes Sanctions on Individual Responsible for the Violence in Northern Syria (March 17) PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE Today, the United States is designating a senior Assad regime official who is responsible for the violence and the disastrous humanitarian crisis in northern Syria. The Department of State is imposing sanctions under Executive Order 13894 on …
Read More» Terrorist Designation of ISIS Leader Amir Muhammad Sa’id Abdal-Rahman al-Mawla (March 17) The Department of State has announced its intent to designate Amir Muhammad Sa’id Abdal-Rahman al-Mawla, the new leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) under Section 1(a)(ii)(B) of Executive Order 13224, as …
Read More» This Week in Iran Policy (March 13) “The United States calls on the Islamic Republic of Iran to immediately release on humanitarian grounds all wrongfully detained Americans being held in Iran. The United States will hold the Iranian regime directly responsible for any American deaths. Our response will be decisive.” – Secretary Pompeo, Press …
Read More» Human Rights Report for 2019 From the time we declared our independence as a free nation, the United States has committed itself to the ideals of democracy, individual freedom, equal protection under the rule of law, and the protection of human rights. Our nation was founded on the premise that all human beings are created …
Read More» Statement of the Political Dialogue Facilitators on Agreement (March 8) We congratulate the participants of the political dialogue on today’s successful agreement, which represents a crucial step towards depolarization and normalization of the political environment in Georgia in the run-up to the parliamentary elections later this year. Today’s agreement foresees an election system for …
Read More» America Announces New Humanitarian Assistance for the Syria Crisis Response (March 3) PRESS STATEMENT MORGAN ORTAGUS, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON Today in Turkey, the U.S. Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Kelly Craft, announced $108 million in additional humanitarian assistance for the people of Syria in response to the ongoing crisis caused by the Assad regime, Russian, and Iranian forces. This …
Read More» Statement by United States Mission to the OSCE on Recent Attack in the Chechen Republic, Russia, against Elena Milashina and Marina Dubrovina (March 2) By Ambassador James S. Gilmore III to the Permanent Council, Vienna Thank you, Mr. Chair. The United States condemns the malicious attack that occurred on February 6 in Grozny, Chechnya, directed …
Read More» Briefing With Senior Administration Officials On Next Steps Toward an Agreement on Bringing Peace to Afghanistan (February 29) MODERATOR: Okay, we’re going to try to give everybody as much time as possible. Let’s talk about ground rules up front. This is going to be on background, SAO, okay? This is going to be embargoed until …
Read More» This Week in Iran Policy “The United [States] stands with the Iranian people. We will continue to their support their voices. These are people who are desperately eager to be heard in a free and fair election.” – Secretary Pompeo, Remarks, February 25, 2020 OPENING REMARKS BY SECRETARY POMPEO BEFORE THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS, FEBRUARY …
Read More» Crimea is Ukraine (February 26) PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE February 27 will mark the sixth anniversary of Russia’s attempted annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula, and the United States reaffirms: Crimea is Ukraine. As underscored in our July 2018 Crimea Declaration, the United States does not and will not ever recognize Russia’s claims of sovereignty over the peninsula. …
Read More» Next Steps Toward a U.S. Agreement with the Taliban (February 21) PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE The United States and the Taliban have been engaged in extensive talks to facilitate a political settlement to end the war in Afghanistan, reduce the United States and Allied Forces presence, and ensure that no terrorist group ever uses Afghan soil to …
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Iranian president begs voters to be regime’s ‘savior’ (February 20) Iranian President Hassan Rouhani acknowledges that Iran’s regime is in dire straits. But rather than taking responsibility, he is asking the Iranian people to vote for more of the same. At a recent rally in Tehran, Rouhani implored the Iranian people to set aside any …
Read More» U.S. Embassy Statement on Political Dialogue and Conviction of Opposition Leader (February 11) The U.S. Embassy supports the political dialogue between Georgia’s governing party and opposition representatives aimed at reaching an agreement on an election system that best serves the Georgian people. The U.S. Embassy is disappointed that the timing and context of the conviction …
Read More» On President Trump’s State of the Union Address (February 4) PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE President Trump continues to lead an American foreign policy that bolsters our security and prosperity, strengthens our alliances and partnerships, and protects our precious freedoms. In just the past year, the United States has removed the head …
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U.S. and Israel agree to deepen cooperation in support of Georgia’s development (January 31) Today, USAID/Georgia signed an important agreement with the Israeli Agency for International Development and Cooperation. Under this agreement, both the United States and Israel agreed to deepen cooperation in support of Georgia’s development. Specifically, both countries will cooperate to better …
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International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) The Holocaust memorialized throughout the world By Mark Trainer In the U.S., and other nations, memorials stand as continual reminders of the horror of the Holocaust and the importance of confronting the evils that brought it about. The United Nations designated January 27 — the anniversary of the liberation of …
Read More» This Week in Iran Policy (January 25) “…our mission set is twofold: to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, and then to make sure that that country, the world’s largest state sponsor of terror, can’t inflict harm on Americans. So we do everything we can each day to reduce that risk, all the …
Read More» This Week in Iran Policy, January 13–17 (January 17) “President Trump and those of us in his national security team are re-establishing deterrence – real deterrence ‒ against the Islamic Republic. In strategic terms, deterrence simply means persuading the other party that the costs of a specific behavior exceed its benefits. It requires credibility; …
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Ambassador Degnan’s swearing-in remarks (January 16) Thank you, U/S Hale, for those generous remarks. Some of my most memorable FS moments come from my time on P Staff, so I feel honored to have you – “P”, the U/S for Political Affairs — here today to administer the oath. I’d like to give a …
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U.S. Sanctions Target Iranian regime’s ‘brute squad’ (January 10) The Trump administration will impose sanctions as long as Iran’s outlaw ways continue, Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo said January 10 as he outlined new sanctions targeting the Iranian regime’s “brute squad” of top security officials. The new sanctions hit the regime’s senior Iranian …
Read More» Iranian Strikes in Iraq (January 8) Casualties: The President noted in his remarks that there were no casualties; governments of Iraq, Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, and Spain also reported no casualties among their soldiers in Iraq. Iraqi Protests Against Iran: Iraqi protesters in Nasiriyah reportedly refused to allow supporters …
Read More» Senior State Department Officials On U.S. Airstrikes in Iraq and Syria (December 30) MODERATOR: Hey, everybody. Thanks for joining us. Happy New Year, happy 2020. I have a couple of people that all of you know very well. On the phone, we have [Senior State Department Official One], [Senior State Department Official Two], and …
Read More» The U.S. Embassy Statement on the release of Dr. Vazha Gaprindashvili (December 28) We welcome the news that Dr. Vazha Gaprindashvili has been released by the de facto authorities in South Ossetia. We join all Georgians and the international community in welcoming him home to spend the holidays with his family. We again call on …
Read More» Statement after meeting in Washington (December 23) Following recent meetings in Washington between Deputy Assistant Secretary of State George Kent and the Georgian Dream delegation led by Deputy Speaker Kakha Kuchava, the U.S. Department of State released the following statement: Democratic Developments in Georgia The United States supports a secure, prosperous, and democratic Georgia. …
Read More» U.S. Embassy Statement on the sentencing of Dr. Vazha Gaprindashivili (December 20) The government of the United States does not recognize as legitimate the de facto authorities in the occupied region of South Ossetia, nor does it recognize as legitimate today’s sentencing of Dr. Vazha Gaprindashivili. We again call on the de facto authorities, and …
Read More» Human Rights and the Iranian Regime (December 19) SECRETARY POMPEO: Thank you. Good morning. Thank you, all. Thank you. Good morning, everyone. How are you all doing today? Everybody good? It’s an important day here at the State Department, and I appreciate you all joining us. Bob, thanks for the kind introduction, and I’m delighted …
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The U.S. stands with the Iranian people (December 19) U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo vowed to continue U.S. support for the Iranian people as they struggle against a repressive regime that violates human rights. Pompeo told a December 19 U.S. Department of State forum that recent protests in Iran show that the …
Read More» This Week in Iran Policy (December 13) “As long as [Iran’s] malign behavior continues, so will our campaign of maximum pressure… these sanctions are aimed not at China, not at the Iranian people, but at the leadership of the Islamic Republic of Iran that is engaged in activity that poses threats around the world…We will …
Read More» U.S. Embassy’s statement on supreme court nominees (December 12) Over recent months the U.S. Embassy has closely watched the process of selection of Georgia’s Supreme Court justices for lifetime appointments. In May we expressed disappointment at Parliament’s adoption of selection procedures that failed to incorporate many of the recommendations of the Venice Commission, OSCE/ODIHR, …
Read More» U.S. Participation in the Geneva International Discussions on the Conflict in Georgia Press statement by the U.S. Delegation (December 12) During the December 10-11 fiftieth round of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) on the conflict in Georgia, the U.S. delegation expressed frustration that participants have been unable to make progress on core issues and …
Read More» International Human Rights Day 2019 Human Rights Day is observed by the international community every year on 10 December. It commemorates the day in 1948 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights . The formal inception of Human Rights Day dates from 1950, after the Assembly passed resolution 423 (V) inviting all States and interested …
Read More» Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today issued the following statement in support of the National Democratic Institute and the International Republican Institute (December 6) “Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Georgia has made tremendous strides forward developing democracy and the rule of law—values at the core of …
Read More» U.S. Support for Ukrainian Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity (November 27) The United States reaffirms our unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the lead up to the December 9 Normandy Format Summit among Ukraine, France, Germany, and Russia — the first since 2016. The United States is committed to working with our …
Read More» Secretary Pompeo on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25) In observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25 and the accompanying 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the United States is proud to reaffirm its commitment to defending the rights of …
Read More» This Week in Iran Policy, November 18-22 (November 22) “As Iranians take to the streets in protest, the Ayatollahs in Tehran continue to use violence and imprisonment to oppress their people. The United States’ message is clear: the American people stand with the people of Iran.” – Vice President Mike Pence, Twitter, November 20 …
Read More» U.S. Embassy statement on Parliamentary vote on proportional elections (November 14) As we stated previously, the U.S. Embassy welcomed the Georgian Dream party’s stated intention to transition to fully proportional parliamentary elections in 2020 and considered this an important step in advancing Georgia’s democratic development and strengthening trust among political parties. We are disappointed, therefore, …
Read More» OSCE Report by the High Commissioner on National Minorities, Ambassador Lamberto Zannier (November 7) Click here to view the report (PDF, 151 Kb)
Read More» International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (November 2) In far too many places around the world, journalists are killed, tortured, jailed, and harassed for reporting that exposes the abuses of corrupt regimes, undermines the work of terrorist and criminal organizations, gives voice to overlooked communities, and counters disinformation. As of December …
Read More» International Day of Democracy (September 15) On this International Day of Democracy, we reflect on our nation’s unwavering commitment to the unalienable rights that create the foundation of our democracy. In the United States, those rights are defined by respect for individual liberty and human dignity. A vibrant, diverse, and independent civil society is …
Read More» New Sanctions Designations on Iran’s Space Program (September 3) Today, the Department of State designated the Iran Space Agency and two of its research institutes under Executive Order (E.O.) 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and WMD delivery systems and their supporters – the first time the United States is publicly …
Read More» Statement by the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs (August 30) “Russia’s further militarization of South Ossetia is outrageous & unacceptable. Putin and his government continue to recklessly disregard the sovereignty of other nations. Russia must immediately cease its destructive behavior and respect Georgian sovereignty.”
Read More» Statement on Rustavi 2 (July 19) We have watched carefully the situation related to the July 18 ruling of the European Court of Human Rights on Rustavi 2. Freedom of speech and a media landscape representative of a plurality of views are foundations of democracy. We encourage the implementation of the Court’s ruling in a …
Read More» Joint Statement on Tbilisi Pride decision to postpone “March of Dignity” (June 22) We welcome the decision by the organizers of Tbilisi Pride to postpone the “March of Dignity” planned for 22 June 2019. Participation in peaceful demonstrations of this sort is an expression of every person’s fundamental human right to freedom of expression …
Read More» Statement on the Fourth Wave of Judicial Reform (June 13) The U.S. Embassy and the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia welcome the final draft legislation on the “fourth wave” of judicial reforms as a result of a broad consensus achieved in the working group composed of different actors, including the international community, civil …
Read More» Joint Declaration on the U.S. – Georgia Strategic Partnership (June 11) Today, on June 11, 2019, and in recognition of the 10th anniversary of our Charter on Strategic Partnership, the United States and Georgia reaffirm our commitment to the U.S. – Georgia strategic partnership and the core principles of our friendship. Since 2009, the …
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NATO’s LANDCOM signs letter of cooperation with Georgia Defence Forces (March 29) TBILISI, Georgia – U.S. Army Lt. Gen. John Thomson, Commander of NATO Allied Land Command (LANDCOM), and Georgian Army Col. Nikoloz Janjgava, First Deputy of Georgia Defence Forces (GDF), signed a letter of cooperation at the NATO-Georgia Joint Training and Evaluation Centre …
Read More» Human Rights Report for 2018 Preface The United States was founded on the premise that all persons “are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” Our Constitution secures these unalienable rights by proclaiming in the First Amendment that …
Read More» Outlaw Regime: A Chronicle of Iran’s Destructive Activities Click here to Download the content (PDF, 4 Mb)
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