James S. Brady Press Briefing Room 3:18 P.M. EST MS. PSAKI: Hi, everyone. Okay, we have another special guest today, our National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, who will give us some brief opening comments. We’ll take some questions, and then we’ll proceed with a briefing from there. With that, I will turn it over to …
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The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Deputy Secretary of State Wendy R. Sherman met today with French MFA Secretary General Francois Delattre, German MFA State Secretary Andreas Michaelis, Italian MFA Political Director Pasquale Ferrara, and UK Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, and North America James Cleverly, who represented their …
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DEPUTY SECRETARY SHERMAN: Thank you. Hi there. Long day. (Laughter.) Good afternoon. Thank you all very (inaudible). I want to begin by thanking Secretary General Stoltenberg for his warm welcome and hospitality here at NATO, including generously making this facility available so I can brief you today and take your questions. Today’s meeting was truly …
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While Russia’s President Vladimir Putin continues to take an aggressive posture against Ukraine, the United States and its allies are calling for a peaceful resolution of the conflict. “President Biden has made absolutely clear to President Putin: When it comes to questions of European security, there is going to be nothing about Europe without Europe, …
Read More» OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met with ambassadors from the EU’s Political and Security Committee today in Brussels to discuss Russia’s unprovoked military build-up along Ukraine’s border and to provide a readout of the U.S.-Russia Strategic Stability Dialogue, which was held yesterday in Geneva. The meeting underscored …
Read More» OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today by phone with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. Noting shared concerns regarding Russia’s ongoing and unprovoked military build-up in and around Ukraine, the Secretary and Foreign Minister discussed outcomes and next steps following the U.S.-Russia Strategic Stability Dialogue in …
Read More» MS. PSAKI: Hi, everyone. Okay, just one item for all of you at the top. And I just have a hard out at five of, but I think we can get around to everybody in the room. Today, the President spoke with the New York City mayor, Eric Adams, to express his heartfelt condolences and …
Read More» “We are absolutely committed to the principle nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine, just as we are fully committed to the principle nothing about Europe without Europe.” Secretary of State Tony Blinken, January 7, 2022 The United States, along with its Allies and partners, has underscored its readiness to impose significant costs on Russia if it …
Read More» WENDY R. SHERMAN, DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE MR PRICE: Good morning, for those of you in the United States. Good afternoon, for those of you in Europe. Thank you for joining this press call regarding our diplomacy in pursuit of a de-escalation with Russia. As you know, this is an on-the-record press call with Deputy Secretary …
Read More» The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Deputy Secretary of State Wendy R. Sherman met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov today in Geneva. Deputy Secretary Sherman was accompanied by Lt. Gen. James Mingus, Director of Operations, Joint Staff, and Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov was accompanied by Deputy Minister of Defense Col. Gen. Aleksandr …
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1:11 P.M. EST MODERATOR: Hi, everyone. Good afternoon. And thanks for joining us on a Saturday. Today’s call will be on background, attributed to a “senior administration official,” and the contents will be embargoed upon [until] conclusion. For your information only, the speaker today is going to be [senior administration official]. Over to you for some opening comments. …
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By Michael Laff The U.S. and NATO stand united in the face of global aggression, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during a November 30–December 2 trip to Europe. “It’s critical to our security,” Blinken said about NATO during the alliance’s ministerial in Riga, Latvia. “It’s built on shared values. It’s a powerful force for stability in Europe and North America.” …
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OFFICE TO MONITOR AND COMBAT TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS anuary is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month . Every year since 2010, the President has dedicated the month to raise awareness about human trafficking and to educate the public about how to identify and prevent this crime. The U.S. Department of State raises awareness of human trafficking domestically and abroad, through U.S. embassies and consulates. During this month, we celebrate …
Read More» OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Deputy Secretary Wendy Sherman spoke today with Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani. The Deputy Secretary reiterated our unwavering support for Georgia’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. The Deputy Secretary noted the United States will continue to urge Russia to withdraw its forces …
Read More» ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good afternoon. Foreign Minister Baerbock, we had a terrific first meeting in Liverpool and it’s really a pleasure to welcome you to Washington, to the United States for the first time in your new role as foreign minister. We know that the close relationship between Germany and …
Read More» NED PRICE, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: The United States is closely following the situation in Kazakhstan, a valued partner. We condemn the acts of violence and destruction of property and call for restraint by both the authorities and protestors. We ask for all Kazakhstanis to respect and defend constitutional …
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The People’s Republic of China, the French Republic, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America consider the avoidance of war between Nuclear-Weapon States and the reduction of strategic risks as our foremost responsibilities. We affirm that a nuclear war cannot be won and must …
Read More» President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine. President Biden made clear that the United States and its allies and partners will respond decisively if Russia further invades Ukraine. The leaders expressed support for diplomatic efforts, starting next week with the bilateral Strategic Stability Dialogue, at NATO through the NATO-Russia Council, and …
Read More» On behalf of our family, we wish a merry Christmas to everyone in the United States and around the world who is celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and the promise of hope and renewal. During this season of joy, we are inspired by the countless Americans who are a reminder that the things we …
Read More» National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke today with Head of Presidential Administration Andriy Yermak of Ukraine. They discussed their shared concerns and common approach regarding Russia’s military build-up near Ukraine’s border. Mr. Sullivan welcomed yesterday’s OSCE announcement regarding the “strong determination” of Ukrainian government forces and Russia-led forces in eastern Ukraine to fully adhere to …
Read More» The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Secretary Blinken spoke with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg today to discuss their shared concern about Russia’s military build-up on the borders of Ukraine. They discussed NATO’s dual-track approach to Russia, noting the Alliance remains ready for meaningful dialogue with Russia while standing united to defend and …
Read More» NED PRICE, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON The United States welcomes yesterday’s OSCE announcement regarding the “strong determination” of Ukrainian government forces and Russia-led forces in eastern Ukraine to fully adhere to the Measures to Strengthen the Ceasefire agreement of July 22, 2020. We hope the resultant peace will create the diplomatic space necessary to de-escalate regional tensions …
Read More» NED PRICE, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON On December 20, the United States Navy 5th Fleet seized upwards of 1,400 AK-47 assault rifles and 226,600 rounds of ammunition from a vessel originating from Iran. This ship was on a route historically used to illegally smuggle weapons to the Houthis in Yemen. The smuggling of arms from Iran to the Houthis represents a flagrant violation of the UN targeted arms embargo and is yet another example of how malign Iranian activity is prolonging the war in Yemen. Iran’s support for armed groups throughout the region threatens international and regional …
Read More» ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE The Department of State has issued the 2020 Country Reports on Terrorism (CRT), which provides a detailed look at the counterterrorism environment last year, fulfilling an important Congressional mandate. Each year, the CRT provides insight on important issues in the fight against terrorism and helps the United States make …
Read More» Since August 31, the State Department has continued its around-the-clock efforts to relocate U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents currently in Afghanistan who want to depart, as well as Afghan allies who worked with us over the course of our 20-year military mission in Afghanistan and their families. As Secretary Blinken has said, there is no deadline for this work, which at the State Department is led by the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts, Ambassador Beth Jones. This update provides the …
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OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON The text of the following statement was released initially by the Governments of the United States of America, Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, …
Read More» NED PRICE, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON We are closely following the treatment of former President Mikheil Saakashvili since his arrest on October 1. We commend the oversight work of the Georgian Public Defender in establishing an independent medical team to evaluate Mr. Saakashvili’s health and to review the state of medical facilities at the prison hospital. We …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE On November 15, 2021, the Russian Federation recklessly conducted a destructive test of a direct-ascent anti-satellite missile against one of its own satellites. This test has so far generated over fifteen hundred pieces of trackable orbital debris and will likely generate hundreds of thousands of pieces of …
Read More» NED PRICE, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON The United States condemns in the strongest terms today’s attack on worshippers at Friday prayers in Kunduz, Afghanistan. We offer our deepest condolences to the victims and their families. The Afghan people deserve a future free of terror.
Read More» OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON Today in The Hague, the United States and 44 other countries submitted questions to the Russian Federation regarding the poisoning of Mr. Aleksey Navalny on Russian soil last year. The presentation of these questions coincides with the Ninety-Eighth Session of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Executive Council, a 41-member policy-making body charged …
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Question about general assessment of the election process Ambassador Kelly C. Degnan: I’m here in Gldani as an election observer. This is one of several precincts that I’ve been able to come and observe during the course of the day. I’m happy to say that the ones that I’ve been to see have been calm. …
Read More» ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE Yesterday, the premier human rights conference of the Europe-Eurasia region should have opened in Warsaw, Poland. Unfortunately, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s (OSCE) 2021 Human Dimension Implementation Meeting (HDIM) did not convene due to a decision by the Russian government to block the meeting. We deeply …
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The United States will ship an additional 500 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to countries around the world and form new partnerships to accelerate the recovery from COVID-19, President Biden announced September 22. “The good news is, we know how to beat this pandemic: vaccines, public health measures, and collective action,” Biden said at a global COVID-19 summit convened virtually on the …
Read More» NED PRICE, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON The United States welcomes the announcement from our partner and ally France that its troops killed Adnan Abu Walid Al-Sahrawi. We commend France’s continued commitment to countering terrorism and protecting civilians in West Africa in coordination with our African partners. As the leader of ISIS in the Greater Sahara, Walid Al-Sahrawi bears responsibility for the violence that has taken the lives of countless civilians and military personnel in the Sahel, including the …
Read More» ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE On this International Day of Democracy, we underscore our support for democracy as we strive toward a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable world. The United States places democracy and human rights at the center of our foreign policy; they are essential elements in achieving and sustaining peace and stability the world …
Read More» ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE As part of our commitment to the people of Afghanistan, the United States is providing nearly $64 million in new humanitarian assistance to the people affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. This brings total U.S. humanitarian aid in Afghanistan and for Afghan refugees in the region to nearly …
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The text of the following statement was released initially by the Governments of the United States of America, Albania, Australia, Belgium, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Canada, Central African Republic, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Estonia, Eswatini, Federated States …
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ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE Today’s bombings around the Kabul airport were a devastating reminder of the dangerous conditions in which our servicemembers and diplomats are operating as we conclude the United States’ 20-year military mission in Afghanistan. As the President said, the servicemembers who were killed and wounded today are heroes. They put …
Read More» ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good afternoon. I’d like to give you all an update on the situation in Afghanistan and our ongoing efforts there, particularly as they relate to U.S. citizens, and then I’m very happy to take your questions. Let me begin with my profound appreciation for our diplomats and service …
Read More» OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON The following is the text of a joint statement released by the Department of State and Department of Defense on Afghanistan. Begin text: At present we are completing a series of steps to secure the Hamid Karzai International Airport to enable the safe departure of U.S. and allied personnel from Afghanistan via civilian and military …
Read More» OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON The following is the text of a joint statement on Afghanistan initially released by the following: Albania, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Burkina Faso, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Estonia, The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federated States of …
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Harassment and censorship of independent media and government critics is common in the Russian Federation. A so-called “foreign agents” law, passed in 2012 and repeatedly expanded, allows the Justice Ministry to label groups or individuals “foreign agents,” exposing them to fines and harassment that stymie their work. In July, Russian authorities prosecuted human rights advocate Semyon Simonov , who exposed …
Read More» One year ago today, the people of Belarus sought to make their voices heard and shape their own future through that most basic expression of democracy—an election. Rather than respect the clear will of the Belarusian people, the Lukashenka regime perpetrated election fraud, followed by a brutal campaign of repression to stifle dissent. From detaining …
Read More» ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE On the one-year anniversary of Belarus’s fraudulent presidential election, the United States government has taken decisive action against forty-four individuals and entities in order to hold Alyaksandr Lukashenka and his regime to account for its continued, violent repression of Belarusians inside and outside the country. These steps are a further consequence …
Read More» ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE Today we somberly remember the terror attacks that took place on August 7, 1998, in Kenya and Tanzania. Nearly simultaneously, terrorists detonated bombs next to the U.S. Embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam. Their attacks killed 224 men, women, and children, and injured over 4,500 others. In an …
Read More» NED PRICE, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON The United States condemns in the strongest terms Hizballah’s rocket attacks into Israel. This violence puts Israelis and Lebanese at risk and jeopardizes Lebanon’s stability and sovereignty. The United States remains engaged with Israeli and Lebanese officials, as well as the Lebanese Armed Forces. We call upon the Lebanese government urgently to prevent such …
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THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon. Last week, I laid out what we need to do to beat the COVID-19 vi- — pandemic and the challenges posed by the Delta variant. This is a very different variant than what we’ve dealt with previously. It’s highly transmissible, and it’s causing a new wave of cases. It accounts for …
Read More» The United States is deeply disturbed and exasperated by the unilateral decision of the Georgian Dream party to withdraw from the April 19th Agreement, a document established through six months of difficult but collaborative negotiations, and one that gives an urgently-needed way forward for the Georgian people and their democracy. One hundred fifteen MPs from at …
Read More» NED PRICE, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON The United States is deeply concerned with the increasingly harsh surveillance, harassment, and intimidation of U.S. and other foreign journalists in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), including foreign journalists covering the devastation and loss of life caused by recent floods in Henan. The U.S. government reiterates the condolences of the …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE The United States is taking action to promote accountability for entities and individuals that have perpetuated the suffering of the Syrian people. The United States is sanctioning eight Syrian prisons, five Assad regime officials in the institutions that run those facilities, two militia groups, and two militia …
Read More» ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE Today we commemorate the 70th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention. At this time of historic global forced displacement, the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change have exacerbated the challenges refugees face, making the international commitments in the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol more vital than ever. We are committed to …
Read More» NED PRICE, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON Protests in Iran that began with a water shortage — owing to drought and governmental mismanagement and neglect — in the Khuzestan province have now spread across various cities including Tehran, Karaj and Tabriz. The Iranian people are now putting a spotlight not only on their unmet needs, but also their …
Read More» NED PRICE, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON The United States is deeply troubled by the Georgian Parliament’s July 12 approval of six Supreme Court nominees, in contravention of the April 19 agreement between ruling and opposition party representatives. Mediated by the EU and the United States under the auspices of European Council President Charles Michel, the April 19 …
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2:11 p.m. EDT MR PRICE: Good afternoon. QUESTION: Good afternoon. MR PRICE: All right. Happy Tuesday, everyone. Just a couple things here at the top. I wanted to start with developments in our own hemisphere. As you know, President Biden and Secretary Blinken have made human rights central to our foreign policy, and I would like to address …
Read More» NED PRICE, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON Today marks 26 years since the genocide in Srebrenica. The American people join the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina in solemn remembrance of the over 8,000 victims who were murdered. We stand with the families of those who lost their loved ones and with those who tirelessly seek justice in their …
Read More» ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE Women are a powerful force for peace and essential partners in advancing international security. The United States has long championed the safe, meaningful participation of women in our diplomatic, development, and defense efforts. As underscored by the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Act of 2017 and our support of …
Read More» ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE Yesterday, I was honored to co-host with Italy a productive meeting on Syria, during which I reiterated the imperative of ensuring that vital humanitarian assistance reaches all Syrians in need. I underscored the importance of reauthorizing and expanding the ability of the United Nations to provide this life-saving assistance to the Syrian people across borders — a …
Read More» At the Global Coalition Ministerial in Rome on June 28, the U.S. Department of State wishes to reaffirm its commitment to the Coalition and its goals. The 83-member Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS has worked diligently since 2014 to reduce the threat ISIS poses to international security and our homelands. The Coalition’s combined efforts have …
Read More» The following statement was released by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, and Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Marc Garneau. Begin text: We remain deeply concerned about the ongoing crisis in Venezuela and its regional and global impact. The peaceful solution to that …
Read More» MR. ZIENTS: Good morning, and thanks for joining us. We’re joined by Drs. Fauci, Walensky, and Murthy, who I will turn to in a few moments. First, today, I want to report on the progress we are making in our fight to end the pandemic, specifically as it relates to the President’s goals for July …
Read More» Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will join Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Luigi Di Maio in co-hosting a meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS on June 28 to discuss efforts in the campaign to achieve the enduring defeat of ISIS. Ministers will discuss ways to …
Read More» These doses are the remaining part of the 80 million President Biden pledged to allocate by the end of June Today, the Biden-Harris Administration is announcing the distribution list for 55 million of the 80 million doses of America’s own vaccine supply President Biden has pledged to allocate by the end of June in service …
Read More» NED PRICE, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON We condemn in the strongest terms yesterday’s attacks on the al Shifaa Hospital in Afrin, Syria. This barbaric attack took the lives of children, medical staff, and first responders. Civilians and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, must never be the target of military action. Additionally, we note that this hospital’s coordinates have …
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» In the midst of a revolution, less than a year after declaring our independence, the Congress consecrated what would become an enduring emblem of American unity by adopting a national flag on June 14, 1777. In the 244 years since, the United States has grown and changed across the generations — and our flag has …
Read More» 500 million life-saving vaccines to be delivered by June of next year, including 200 million to be delivered by the end of 2021 Donation will serve as the foundation for a coordinated effort by the world’s democracies to vaccinate people around the world Today, President Biden will announce that the United States will purchase …
Read More» ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE Our ocean covers more than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface, supports billions of livelihoods worldwide, and provides more than half the oxygen we breathe. The United States has set a goal of conserving 30 percent of our lands and waters by 2030. Efforts to expand marine protected areas …
Read More» ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE Today marks the 32nd anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre. Named after the nearby Gate of Heavenly Peace, the square is instead synonymous with the brutal actions by the Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 1989 to silence tens of thousands of individuals advocating to have a …
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» (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, and U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) today concluded their trip to Eastern Europe. They traveled to Lithuania, Ukraine and Georgia to reaffirm U.S. commitment to …
Read More» As the United States continues our efforts to get every eligible American vaccinated and fight COVID-19 here at home, we also recognize that ending this pandemic means ending it everywhere. As long as this pandemic is raging anywhere in the world, the American people will still be vulnerable. And the United States is committed to …
Read More» Belarus’s forced diversion of a commercial Ryanair flight, traveling between two member states of the European Union, and subsequent removal and arrest of Raman Pratasevich, a Belarusian journalist traveling abroad, are a direct affront to international norms. The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms both the diversion of the plane and the subsequent …
Read More» Office of the Spokesperson The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the margins of the Arctic Council Ministerial. The Secretary noted that the United States sought a more stable and predictable relationship with Moscow. To that end, Secretary Blinken …
Read More» THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon. There are three things I want to speak briefly today with you all about: the new — new milestone in our progress against COVID-19 here at home, steps we’re taking to fight COVID internationally, and an important tax cut for families with children under the age of 18. And that’s where …
Read More» ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE This year’s May 17 marks 16 years since the first International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOTB). In the intervening period, the United States has endeavored to reaffirm the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all persons, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex persons. To be …
Read More» ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE I extend my warmest wishes to all Muslims in the United States and around the world celebrating Eid al-Fitr. On this Eid al-Fitr, we reflect on the values of charity, community, cooperation, and compassion, and, in the face of a global pandemic, we honor the Muslims worldwide who came …
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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» ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE On behalf of the American people, I wish to offer my deepest condolences to the royal family and the people of the United Kingdom on the passing of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness embodied an uncompromising sense of duty to country, from …
Read More» The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Republic of Iraq. Begin Text: The delegation of the Republic of Iraq, led by Dr. Fuad Hussein, Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the delegation of the United States Government, led by Secretary of State Antony …
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By Helen Efrem When the president’s Cabinet meets, its members sit around a mahogany conference table. The president sits at the center of the right side of the table, and the vice president sits opposite him. From administration to administration, there is some variation in who sits at the table, based on positions that are given Cabinet-level …
Read More» ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE SECRETARY BLINKEN: (In progress) and thank you, Dr. Ballour, both for the lifesaving service you performed for your fellow Syrians amidst the most harrowing circumstances, and for your powerful, determined efforts to bring the experiences of the Syrian people to the world – and to push for their rights …
Read More» MR PRICE: Good afternoon, everyone. I apologize we’re running a couple minutes late here but thank you for joining us as we discuss tomorrow’s virtual meeting of the foreign ministers of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS Small Group. The meeting, as you know, will be co-hosted by Secretary Blinken and his Belgian counterpart, Deputy …
Read More» Joint Statement by the Secretary of State of the United States of America and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/ Vice President of the European Commission MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON MARCH 24, 2021 The following statement was released by United States Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and the EU High Representative for …
Read More» Testimony by Deputy Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Kara McDonald Senate Foreign Relations Committee Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation Hearing on “Bolstering Democracy in Georgia” March 23, 2021 DOWNLOAD TESTIMONY (PDF – 92.3KB)
Read More» March 24, 2021 (Washington, DC) – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) – a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) and Chair of the SFRC Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation – and U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI), the subcommittee’s ranking member, held a hearing on bolstering democracy in Georgia in light of the …
Read More» Testimony by Deputy Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Kara McDonald Senate Foreign Relations Committee Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation Hearing on “Bolstering Democracy in Georgia” March 23, 2021 Mr. George Kent DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, U.S. Department of State Washington , D.C. DOWNLOAD TESTIMONY (PDF- 294 KB)
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» East Room 8:01 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT: Good evening, my fellow Americans. Tonight, I’d like to talk to you about where we are as we mark one year since everything stopped because of this pandemic. A year ago, we were hit with a virus that was met with silence and spread unchecked. Denials for days, …
Read More» ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE Ten years ago, Japan suffered unimaginable tragedy following the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear accident on March 11, 2011. The United States stands in solidarity with Japan to remember those lost and still missing, and to honor the resilience of the Japanese people who rebuilt their homes, their livelihoods, and their …
Read More» ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE Today at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, we made clear our concerns about the abuses the Iranian government continues to perpetrate against its citizens, including the unjust detention of far too many in deplorable conditions. The United States is committed to promoting accountability for those responsible for such actions. Therefore, I am announcing the designation of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) interrogators Ali Hemmatian and …
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The United States will embrace its role as a world leader and rally international partners to take on pressing global challenges. In his first major speech, March 3, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration’s foreign policy will reflect American values, including a commitment to democracy, human rights and the rule of …
Read More» ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE On this World Wildlife Day, we recognize the importance of the world’s forests, which are home to 80 percent of the globe’s terrestrial biodiversity and contribute to the livelihoods of over one billion people. They also absorb nearly a third of all the planet-warming carbon dioxide emitted globally each …
Read More» ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE The United States joins the European Union in condemning and responding to the Russian Federation’s use of a chemical weapon in the attempted assassination of Russian opposition figure Aleksey Navalny in August 2020 and his subsequent imprisonment in January 2021. We share the EU’s concerns regarding Russia’s deepening authoritarianism and …
Read More» CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS ACT SANCTIONS Today, the Secretary of State determined that the Government of the Russian Federation has used a chemical weapon against its own nationals, in violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. As a result, the following sanctions will be imposed (full or partial waivers are noted below) after the 15-day Congressional …
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SPECIAL BRIEFING JULIE M. STUFFT, CONSULAR AFFAIRS ACTING DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR VISA SERVICES VIA TELECONFERENCE MR PRICE: Good morning, everyone, and thanks for joining us for this briefing to discuss the current status of immigrant visa processing at our embassies and consulates around the world, especially given the recent recission of Presidential Proclamation 10014. …
Read More» Today, after a rigorous, open, and objective scientific review process, the Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization for a third safe and effective vaccine to help us defeat the COVID-19 pandemic — the Janssen COVID-19 (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine. This is exciting news for all Americans, and an encouraging development in our …
Read More» South Court Auditorium Eisenhower Executive Office Building 3:19 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT: Well, thank you all. Dr. Fauci, thanks for your leadership, thanks for being here. Two weeks ago, I spent some time with you and Dr. Francis Collins — excuse me — the Director of the National Institute of Health, at NIH, and gave …
Read More» ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE The United States is committed to a world in which human rights are protected, their defenders are celebrated, and those who commit human rights abuses are held accountable. Promoting respect for human rights is not something we can do alone, but is best accomplished working with our allies and …
Read More» NED PRICE, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON The United States is deeply troubled by the arrest of opposition leader Nika Melia and other members of the opposition in Georgia. Polarizing rhetoric, force and aggression are not the solution to Georgia’s political differences. We call on all sides to avoid actions that could further escalate tensions and to engage …
Read More» THE PRESIDENT: Each day, I receive a small card in my pocket that I carry with me in my schedule. It shows the number of Americans who have been infected by or died from COVID-19. Today, we mark a truly grim, heartbreaking milestone: 500,071 dead. That’s more Americans who have died in one year in …
Read More» Infectious diseases are transnational health and national security threats. While the world is reeling from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Ebola has again emerged, simultaneously, in both Central and West Africa. The world cannot afford to turn the other way. We must do everything in our power to respond quickly, effectively, and with commensurate resources to …
Read More» ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE We are outraged by today’s rocket attack in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. Initial reports indicate that the attacks killed one civilian contractor and injured several members of the Coalition, including one American service member and several American contractors. We express our condolences to the loved ones of the civilian …
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By Noelani Kirschner The misrule, oppression and corruption of the illegitimate regime headed by Nicolás Maduro has caused widespread economic suffering and societal collapse in Venezuela. The 2019–2020 National Survey of Living Conditions (ENCOVI, for Encuesta Nacional de Condiciones de Vida) — published by researchers at Andrés Bello Catholic University in Caracas — details how basic infrastructure, …
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By Noelani Kirschner Since 2017, the U.S. has sanctioned people, businesses, and oil entities associated with the former Maduro regime, both inside and outside of Venezuela. Why are sanctions necessary and who actually feels their impact? U.S. sanctions are designed to ensure that Maduro and his cronies don’t profit from illegal gold mining , state-operated oil operations, or other business …
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President Biden is ensuring the United States remains a safe haven for refugees and that those who apply to immigrate to the country under humanitarian programs are treated with dignity and respect. In a February 4 executive order , Biden took steps to strengthen the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) , a collaboration between government and community groups that reflects America’s core value of taking …
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MR. ZIENTS: Thank you for joining us. I’m Jeff Zients, White House COVID Coordinator. I’m pleased to be joined today by Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith, Chair of the Biden-Harris COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force. We’ve just completed our weekly call with governors from around the country who — where we provided updated on our efforts to …
Read More» ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE The Biden administration has recommitted the United States to a foreign policy centered on democracy, human rights, and equality. Effective use of multilateral tools is an important element of that vision, and in that regard the President has instructed the Department of State to reengage immediately and robustly with …
Read More» Few people did as much to shape the trajectory of American diplomacy and American influence in the 20th century as George Shultz. He was a gentleman of honor and ideas, dedicated to public service and respectful debate, even into his 100th year on Earth. That’s why multiple presidents, of both political parties, sought his counsel. …
Read More» ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE George Shultz was a legend. As Secretary of State, he helped achieve the greatest geopolitical feat of the age: a peaceful end to the Cold War. He negotiated landmark arms control agreements with the Soviet Union and, after leaving office, continued to fight for a world free of nuclear weapons. He also urged serious action on the climate crisis at a time when too few leaders took that position. He was a visionary. An ardent champion of diplomacy, Secretary Shultz …
Read More» NED PRICE, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON The United States in recent years has joined the international community on February 6 in observing the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C). The United States remains committed to ending this egregious human rights abuse and supporting survivors of FGM/C, both at home and around the world. According to the United …
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President Biden is vowing to strengthen America’s international relationships and tackle global challenges with the help of other nations. In a major foreign policy speech, Biden said the United States will work with the international community to tackle global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change , and to advance freedom and dignity for people around the world. “America’s …
Read More» The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov today. Secretary Blinken and Minister Lavrov discussed the New START extension and the need for new arms control that addresses all of Russia’s nuclear weapons and the growing threat from China. The Secretary reiterated …
Read More» ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE President Biden pledged to keep the American people safe from nuclear threats by restoring U.S. leadership on arms control and nonproliferation. Today, the United States took the first step toward making good on that pledge when it extended the New START Treaty with the Russian Federation for five years. Extending the New START Treaty ensures we have verifiable …
Read More» ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE The United States is deeply concerned by Russian authorities’ decision to sentence opposition figure Aleksey Navalny to two years and eight months imprisonment, replacing his suspended sentence with jail time. Like every Russian citizen, Mr. Navalny is entitled to the rights provided in the Russian constitution, and Russia has international obligations to respect equality before the …
Read More» The United States condemns the terrorist attacks this past weekend in Azaz, al-Bab, and Afrin that resulted in the deaths of at least 20 civilians, including children. We extend our sincere condolences to the families of civilians killed and wish a quick recovery to those wounded in these despicable and senseless acts of violence. The …
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By Leigh Hartman For Antony Blinken, America’s new top diplomat, returning to the U.S. Department of State brings the opportunity to continue both professional and family traditions. Blinken, whom the U.S. Senate confirmed as secretary of state January 26, will lead the State Department, where he served during the Clinton and Obama administrations. His career in public …
Read More» OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON The text of the following statement was released by the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union. Begin Text: We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United …
Read More» Briefing With Acting Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Ian Brownlee And CDC Director for Global Migration and Quarantine Marty Cetron On New COVID Testing Requirements for International Travelers IAN G. BROWNLEE, ACTING ASSISTANT SECRETARY BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS MARTY CETRON, CDC DIRECTOR FOR GLOBAL MIGRATION AND QUARANTINE VIA TELECONFERENCE MR PRICE: Good afternoon, everyone. …
Read More» The United States strongly condemns the latest attack on Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We are gathering more information, but it appears to have been an attempt to target civilians. Such attacks contravene international law and undermine all efforts to promote peace and stability. As we work to de-escalate tensions in the region through principled diplomacy, including …
Read More» NATIONAL SECURITY DIRECTIVE – 1 SUBJECT: United States Global Leadership to Strengthen the International COVID-19 Response and to Advance Global Health Security and Biological Preparedness The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a grave reminder that biological threats, whether naturally occurring, accidental, or deliberate, can have significant and potentially existential consequences for humanity. This directive …
Read More» Vice President Kamala Harris spoke by phone today with World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to discuss the decision by the United States to reverse its withdrawal from the WHO in one of the first acts following inauguration, fulfill its financial obligations, and work as a constructive partner to strengthen and reform …
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 …
Read More» DANIEL B. SMITH, ACTING SECRETARY OF STATE We condemn in the strongest possible terms today’s terrorist attacks in Baghdad. The dual bombings killed at least 32 people and injured many more. They were vicious acts of mass murder and a sobering reminder of the terrorism that continues to threaten the lives of innocent Iraqis. We extend our deepest condolences to the families …
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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 …
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By Leigh Hartman The United States is rejoining the Paris Agreement, renewing its commitment to partnering with other nations to tackle the global threat of climate change. After his January 20 inaugural address, President Biden signed formal documentation returning the United States to the December 12, 2015, Paris Agreement, a critical framework for avoiding potentially disastrous consequences from climate …
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By Lenore T. Adkins Joseph R. Biden Jr., a former vice president and a longtime Capitol Hill lawmaker known for reaching across the political aisle to get things done, takes office on January 20 as the 46th president of the United States. Biden served eight years as former President Barack Obama’s vice president and defeated incumbent President Donald …
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By Lauren Monsen Kamala Devi Harris, a senator who has represented California in the U.S. Congress since 2017, will break barriers when she is inaugurated as vice president of the United States on January 20. She will be the first woman — and the first person of African, Jamaican and South Asian ancestry — to occupy that …
Read More» The below is attributable to Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus: Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke yesterday with Venezuelan Interim President Juan Guaido. Secretary Pompeo and Interim President Guaido discussed their mutual goal of a peaceful democratic transition in Venezuela and the United States’ unwavering support for his leadership and for the liberty and dignity of …
Read More» Today, the United States is imposing sanctions on the Russia-based entity KVT-RUS and identifying the vessel FORTUNA as blocked property. KVT-RUS is being sanctioned pursuant to Section 232 of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) for knowingly selling, leasing, or providing to the Russian Federation goods, services, technology, information, or support for the construction of Russian …
Read More» By Leigh Hartman For Antony Blinken, the incoming administration’s pick for America’s top diplomat, returning to the U.S. State Department brings the opportunity to continue both professional and family traditions. If confirmed by the Senate, Blinken would resume a career at the State Department, where he served during the Clinton and Obama administrations. His career in public …
Read More» The White House THE PRESIDENT: My fellow Americans: Four years ago, we launched a great national effort to rebuild our country, to renew its spirit, and to restore the allegiance of this government to its citizens. In short, we embarked on a mission to make America great again — for all Americans. As I conclude …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE The United States of America has led the world in holding the perpetrators of the most heinous human rights abuses accountable. From the Nuremberg Trials, to the creation of the Genocide Convention in 1948, to the declaration of ISIS’s recent genocide against the Yazidis, Christians, and other religious minorities …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE The United States strongly condemns Russia’s decision to arrest Aleksey Navalny. We note with grave concern that his detention is the latest in a series of attempts to silence Navalny and other opposition figures and independent voices who are critical of Russian authorities. Confident political leaders do not fear …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE Iranian conventional arms proliferation poses a persistent threat to regional and international security, as evidenced by Iran’s continued military support and confirmed arms transfers that fuel ongoing conflict in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and elsewhere. On September 21, we announced the implementation of Executive Order 13949 that provides the …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE In June 2020, the State Department sanctioned the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) pursuant to Executive Order 13382 (WMD Proliferators and Their Supporters). At that time, we underscored the fact that IRISL is the preferred shipping line for Iranian proliferators and procurement agents. We have warned industry …
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» OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON For more than a year, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has systematically prevented a transparent and thorough investigation of the COVID-19 pandemic’s origin, choosing instead to devote enormous resources to deceit and disinformation. Nearly two million people have died. Their families deserve to know the truth. Only through transparency can we learn what caused this …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE The United States has repeatedly called for a transparent and thorough investigation into the origin of COVID-19. Understanding the origin of this pandemic is essential for global public health, economic recovery, and international security. To assist the vital work of the World Health Organization (WHO) investigative team that arrived …
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Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is banning highly effective coronavirus vaccines from Iran because they are made in the United States and other Western countries. “I really do not trust” them, Khamenei said January 8, announcing the ban on two widely used vaccines produced in the United States and the United Kingdom, the Associated Press reports . “Sometimes …
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While many democracies swap in new leaders in a sprint, the U.S. ambles along with a transition period of 11 weeks. But slow as that might seem, it’s shorter than the four months the Constitution originally left for the handoff of power from an incumbent to a new president. Picking up the pace The original …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE SECRETARY POMPEO: Good morning, everyone. Thank you, Wang Xiyue, for that very kind introduction and those remarkable words, words that were your own. We’re blessed to have you here today. Look, as a lot – as you said, a lot of people worked really hard to get you home. America never gives …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE Today, the United States is imposing sanctions on two organizations controlled by the Supreme Leader of Iran, the Execution of Imam Khomeini’s Order (EIKO) and Astan Quds Razavi (AQR). While masquerading as charitable organizations, EIKO and AQR control large portions of the Iranian economy, including assets seized from political …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE Today, the United States is imposing sanctions on seven individuals and four entities that are part of a Russia-linked foreign influence network associated with Andrii Derkach, who was designated on September 10, 2020, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13848 for his attempt to influence the 2020 U.S. Presidential election. Derkach, …
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» On January 13, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. ET, Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University (ASU) and the U.S. Department of State will host a virtual panel discussion on the importance of investing in women’s economic empowerment. Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs Marie Royce and Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues Kelley …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE The American people honor the memory of the passengers and crew of Ukrainian International Airlines flight PS752, whose lives were abruptly and senselessly taken one year ago by an unjustified Iranian shootdown. The United States joins the Governments of Ukraine, Canada, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Afghanistan in paying …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE In December Iran’s parliament passed a law requiring expulsion of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) nuclear inspectors unless all sanctions are lifted. Today a member of the parliamentary leadership repeated that threat: all IAEA watchdog inspectors will be ejected unless sanctions are lifted. Once again the Iranian regime is …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE On December 6, 2020, the illegitimate Maduro regime staged fraudulent legislative elections in Venezuela. Sixty countries around the world either came together to issue joint statements, including those released by the European Union, the Organization of American States, the Lima Group, and the International Contact Group or issued their …
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By Leigh Hartman The United States is leading international efforts to help low-income countries focus resources on recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Countries worldwide have faced increasing health care costs and falling revenues in 2020. So the United States, in partnership with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, led other large economies in a …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE Today, the United States is imposing sanctions on 17 companies and one individual in connection with Iran’s metals industry. The Iranian regime uses revenue from its metals sector to fund the regime’s destabilizing activities around the world. The Department of State is designating China-based Kaifeng Pingmei New Carbon Materials …
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The United States is calling out “egregious violations” of religious freedom worldwide, as many regimes continue to criminalize expressions of religious faith. On December 7, U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo designated the governments of Iran, China, North Korea and a half dozen other nations as “countries of particular concern” for engaging in or …
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By Noelani Kirschner American diplomats represent U.S. values abroad and embody a core tenet of American life: diversity. In the United States, anyone — regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation or socioeconomic background — can become a diplomat and represent America abroad as a member of the U.S. Foreign Service. One of the many ways the …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE Today, the Department of State is announcing the addition of Banco Financiero International S.A. (BFI) to the Cuba Restricted List, effective upon publication in early January. BFI is a Cuban military-controlled commercial bank that benefits directly from financial transactions at the expense of the Cuban people. The Cuban military …
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By Leigh Hartman Fifth-generation wireless technology is transformative and has the potential to reshape industries. From remote health care to self-driving cars, to critical services such as electrical grids and water systems, 5G has the potential to touch every part of our lives . We need to be able to trust that 5G equipment and software companies will not threaten the national security, privacy or human rights of …
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Venezuelans at home and abroad stood up for democracy, rejecting efforts by the illegitimate Maduro regime to exert authoritarian control over the National Assembly elections. The United States congratulated the Venezuelan opposition party — led by legitimate interim President Juan Guaidó — for successfully holding the consulta popular — or “ the people’s referendum ” — from December …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE The United States strongly condemns the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) sham prosecution and conviction of citizen journalist Zhang Zhan on December 28. We call on the PRC government to release her immediately and unconditionally. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has shown once again it will do whatever it …
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By Leigh Hartman The United States is imposing restrictions on Chinese entities and officials that help the People’s Republic of China surveil and persecute its people, steal trade secrets, and bully other nations in the South China Sea. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo on December 18 announced new measures against 60 companies or organizations that support …
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The United States continues to protect Europe’s access to energy sources, as it has since World War II. Europe needs access to diversified, open energy markets for economic growth. Natural gas imports , civil nuclear infrastructure and renewable energy sources developed through sound strategies are among the most trusted sources. Europe is entering a new era of energy …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE President Trump took decisive action last month to protect American investors and pension holders from funding Communist Chinese military companies (CCMCs) through Executive Order (13959) Addressing the Threat from Securities Investments that Finance Communist Chinese Military Companies. The Trump Administration is coordinating closely to counter the threat these companies present …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE Today, the United States is taking action against individuals and entities involved in efforts to undermine Belarusian democracy. Specifically, the U.S. Departments of State and of Treasury have exercised their respective authorities against 40 individuals and four entities involved in electoral fraud and human rights abuses surrounding the fraudulent …
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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The United States has imposed sanctions on two senior Iranian intelligence officers involved in the kidnapping and detention of Robert Levinson, the longest-held hostage in U.S. history. U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin on December 14 announced sanctions against Mohammad Baseri and Ahmad Khazai , senior officials in Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security, who were involved in Levinson’s abduction, detention and …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE Today, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) added three Cuban military-owned companies to its Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List). All property and interests in property of these entities that are in the United States or in the possession or control of …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE China’s authoritarian rulers impose draconian restrictions on the Chinese people’s freedoms of expression, religion or belief, association, and the right to peaceful assembly. The United States has been clear that perpetrators of human rights abuses like these are not welcome in our country. Today, I am announcing the imposition …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE The United States strongly condemns the latest attack by Iran-backed militias on the International Zone in Baghdad. While no Embassy personnel were harmed, the attack caused at least one Iraqi civilian casualty and damaged Iraqi civilian property. We wish those hurt a speedy recovery. As Iraq struggles with COVID-19 and an …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE It has now been a year since China first identified a patient in Wuhan stricken with an unknown pneumonia, now known as COVID-19. Since then, the United States and other free nations, such as Germany and the United Kingdom, have led a remarkable and unprecedented vaccine development effort that …
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» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE Petroleum and petrochemicals are major sources of revenue for the Iranian regime, revenue it employs to oppress the Iranian people and to advance its malign foreign agenda. Today, the Department of State is imposing sanctions on Vietnam Gas and Chemicals Transportation Corporation, a vessel manager, pursuant to Executive Order …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE We congratulate the Venezuelan people on the success of the Consulta Popular or “People’s Referendum.” Millions of Venezuelans came together to raise their voice and demand a democratic future for their country. In every city and small town in Venezuela, as well as hundreds of sites serving the Venezuelan diaspora abroad, …
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By Leigh Hartman President Trump is moving to prevent certain Chinese firms from exploiting U.S. capital markets to advance the Chinese Communist Party’s military, security and espionage objectives and capabilities. Beijing “is increasingly exploiting United States capital to resource and to enable the development and modernization of its military, intelligence and other security apparatuses,” Trump said in a …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE Earlier this month, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, in comments at the MED Dialogue, accused the United States of playing political games in the Mediterranean and stalling the appointment of a new UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Libya. It’s unfortunate and unhelpful that Mr. Lavrov again gets the facts …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE Today, the Department of State has designated the Saraya al-Mukhtar group as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist pursuant to Executive Order 13224 for posing a significant risk of committing acts of terrorism that threaten the national security and foreign policy of the United States. Saraya al-Mukhtar is an Iran-backed …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE Today, the United States is imposing sanctions on the Republic of Turkey’s Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) pursuant to Section 231 of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) for knowingly engaging in a significant transaction with Rosoboronexport, Russia’s main arms export entity, by procuring the S-400 surface-to-air …
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U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo is urging American universities to defend against the Chinese Communist Party’s research theft and other threats to academic freedom. Speaking at Georgia Tech in Atlanta on December 9, Pompeo warned that the CCP’s theft of research to boost its military poses risks for both universities and U.S. national security . He asked administrators, faculty and students …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE The United States condemns the law recently approved by Iran’s Majles and Guardian Council, which is nothing more than the regime’s latest ploy to use its nuclear program to try to intimidate the international community. If implemented, this law would result in Iran enriching uranium to the dangerous 20% …
Read More» The Department of State has designated Ashraf al-Qizani as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) under section 1(a)(ii)(B) of Executive Order (E.O.) 13224. Ashraf al-Qizani, also known as Abu ‘Ubaydah al-Kafi, serves as the emir of Jund al-Khilafah in Tunisia (JAK-T), an ISIS affiliate in Tunisia. Al-Qizani became the emir of JAK-T after the death …
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The United States expects to begin mass distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in the United States soon. During the Operation Warp Speed Vaccine Summit held at the White House on December 8, President Trump said he expects the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will authorize a vaccine produced by U.S. manufacturer Pfizer in the coming days, …
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 The President’s National Space Policy , released yesterday, outlines America’s principles and goals regarding our national interests and activities in space. The policy reaffirms America’s leadership in outer space, emphasizes the importance of the commercial space sector to economic growth, and reaffirms the importance of all nations acting responsibly for the safety, stability, …
Read More» OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON On the occasion of International Anticorruption Day and International Human Rights Day, the Department of State and the Department of the Treasury announced sanctions designations and visa restrictions on perpetrators of corruption and serious human rights abuse. Below is a summary of these actions taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13818 and Section 7031(c) of …
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Countries around the world are calling the illegitimate Maduro regime’s recent attempt to undermine democracy in Venezuela a sham. On December 6, the Nicolás Maduro regime unconstitutionally staged National Assembly elections with the intention of overthrowing the democratically elected politicians who stand against Maduro and his cronies. The result was an undemocratic and illegal farce. …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE Religious freedom is an unalienable right, and the bedrock upon which free societies are built and flourish. Today, the United States – a nation founded by those fleeing religious persecution, as the recent Commission on Unalienable Rights report noted – once again took action to defend those who simply …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE The United States welcomes the formation and the first Leadership Committee meeting of the Afghanistan High Council for National Reconciliation today. Afghan leaders across the political spectrum have unified to make decisions and mobilize support for a just and lasting peace. All sides of the conflict should come together …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE The United States condemns any Iranian regime involvement in a chemical weapons program and will sanction those involved in any such activity. Today, the United States designated Iranian defense entity Shahid Meisami Group and its director, Mehran Babri, under Executive Order 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass …
Read More» Diplomatic Reception Room November 26, 2020 4:59 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT: Well, I’m thrilled to be online with heroic members of the United States Military. Incredible people. I want to wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving. We’re going to have a great year. We have a year coming up — the foundations are ready …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE The United States unequivocally condemns the wrongful convictions of the Citgo 6, in a proceeding that should be described as a kangaroo court. After canceling their initial appearance before a judge dozens of times over the last three years, the illegitimate Venezuelan legal system suddenly convicted and sentenced these …
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On behalf of the entire Trump Family, I want to wish every American a Healthy and Happy Thanksgiving! Today we gathered in the Rose Garden to continue a beloved annual tradition: the Official Presidential Pardon of a very fortunate Thanksgiving Turkey…. pic.twitter.com/O92pWUKrBv — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 24, 2020
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE Around the world, violence against women harms not only millions of women and girls every year, but also their communities and families. Violence against women, whether in the workforce, the home, a school environment, or as a result of conflict or crisis, is never acceptable. The United States recognizes …
Read More» November 17, 2020 The United States Welcomes Cessation of Hostilities Between Armenia and Azerbaijan and Announces New Assistance to Respond to the Nagorno-Karabakh Humanitarian Emergency The United States welcomes the cessation of active hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan. From the start of the recent hostilities, the United States called for an end to the violence …
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Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has prioritized funding the Iranian regime’s terrorist proxies and security forces over paying health care workers fighting COVID-19. Khamenei, in March, pledged to pull 1 billion euros from Iran’s National Development Fund to fight COVID-19, yet Iran’s Health Ministry has received only 27 percent of those funds and cannot pay health care workers’ salaries, IranWire reports, citing local news …
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The United States has issued new guidance to help companies ensure their security technologies are not co-opted by repressive regimes and used to violate or abuse human rights. The new guidance provides companies with precautions to consider before selling certain technologies and offers recommendations to mitigate the risk of human rights violations or abuses when sales go …
Read More» The text of the following joint statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, the Republic of Armenia, and the Republic of Azerbaijan on October 25, 2020. Begin Text: Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Deputy Secretary of State Stephen E. Biegun on October …
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» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE The international community has long recognized that the Iranian regime uses the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) to transport proliferation-sensitive items intended for Iran’s ballistic missile and military programs. A provision of UN Security Council Resolution 1929 mandates vigilance when doing business with IRISL and entities owned …
Read More» Today, the Missions to the United Nations of the United States, Peru, and Sierra Leone co-sponsored an event commemorating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the 20th anniversary of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. The Protocol – a legally binding international instrument …
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» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE Today, the United States is identifying the Iranian financial sector as subject to the terms of Executive Order (E.O.) 13902 and sanctioning 18 major Iranian banks, further depriving the Islamic Republic of Iran of funds to carry out its support for terrorist activities and nuclear extortion that threatens the …
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» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE The United States unreservedly condemns the latest attempted assassination of the mayor of Maidan Shar, in Wardak Province, Afghanistan, Mayor Zarifa Ghafari. She is a recipient of the 2020 International Women of Courage award, and this is the sixth assassination attempt she has survived. As I have said before, …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE Three years ago yesterday, on September 29, 2017, Assad regime forces, backed by Russia, killed at least 34 Syrians in the town of Armanaz. Since then, thousands of Bashar al-Assad’s bombs have been dropped on schools, hospitals, and markets across Syria. Too many lives have been lost in Assad’s futile search for …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE Today the U.S. Department of State announces reward offers of up to $5 million each for information leading to the arrests and/or convictions of Luis Alfredo Motta Dominguez and Eustiquio José Lugo Gómez. In 2015, Motta Dominguez was named President of the National Electricity Corporation (Corpoelec) in Venezuela, and …
Read More» MORGAN ORTAGUS, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON We are outraged by yesterday’s rocket attack in Baghdad that killed civilians, including a mother and her children. We express our condolences to the innocent Iraqi people and their families who were victims, once again, of these ruthless acts of violence. The Iraqi people deserve to live in safety and security, …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE Today, the Department of State is adding American International Services (AIS) to the Cuba Restricted List. AIS is a financial institution controlled by the Cuban military that processes remittances sent to the Cuban people. The Cuban military also uses AIS, its parent company FINCIMEX, and other entities to charge …
Read More» MORGAN ORTAGUS, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON Five years ago on September 25, 2015, General Secretary Xi Jinping stood in the White House Rose Garden and stated “China does not intend to pursue militarization” of the Spratly Islands, and China’s outposts would not “target or impact any country.” China has instead pursued a reckless and provocative militarization of …
Read More» “The world needs to unite around the central idea that the Islamic Republic of Iran is the greatest threat, and when that regime changes its behavior, we have the chance to create true global stability in the region. It’s what President @realDonaldTrump asked us to do.” – Secretary Pompeo Tweet, September 21, 2020 Major New Human …
Read More» Today, the United States imposed sanctions on a network connected to Russian operative Yevgeniy Prigozhin by targeting entities and individuals working on his behalf to advance Russia’s influence in the Central African Republic (CAR). The United States is also targeting actors involved in supporting the activities of the Federal Security Service, also known as the …
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The United States is imposing sanctions to block the Iranian regime’s nuclear, ballistic missile and conventional arms programs and to curb the spread of violence by Iran in the Middle East and beyond. President Trump issued an executive order September 21 supporting the indefinite extension of the U.N. arms embargo on Iran. Virtually all U.N. …
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INTRODUCTION The United States is working with a global coalition of countries in support of the Venezuelan people as they fight to restore democracy and rebuild the economy in their country, which currently suffers under the repressive and corrupt misrule of the dictator Nicolas Maduro and his illegitimate regime. We recognize and support interim President Juan Guaido and the National Assembly, which is the sole remaining legitimate …
Read More» The Trump Administration has made clear that the United States will do whatever it takes to prevent the Islamic Republic of Iran, the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism and anti-Semitism, from spreading death and mayhem throughout the Middle East and the world. Rather than wait for the day that Iran threatens the world with …
Read More» Today, America mourns the passing of a true public servant, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Justice Ginsburg led an inspiring life, and her storied career paved the way for women in the law. As an advocate and an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, she was a champion for women whose tireless determination reshaped our national …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE The United States remains the largest single donor of humanitarian and development assistance around the world, including for Venezuelans in need, because doing our part to respond to global crisis situations is a national security priority. The United States is demonstrating our continued commitment to the Venezuelan …
Read More» MS ORTAGUS: Thank you so much and good afternoon, everybody. I know we’re having this call right after we did the press conference with the Secretary and we have another briefing later today, so apologies that we’re piling all of you up today. We’re going to try to allow for as much time as possible for …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE Today, the Chinese Communist Party’s main propaganda newspaper, the People’s Daily, refused to run an Op-ed written by our Ambassador in Beijing, Terry Branstad, citing a litany of grievances. Ironically, the Op-ed called for more positive relations between our two countries and asked to “build relationships through unrestricted engagement and uncensored discussion.” The People’s Daily’s …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE The United States is deeply concerned by the reported abduction September 7 in Belarus of Coordination Council member Mariya Kalesnikava, Spokesman Anton Rodnenkou, and Executive Secretary Ivan Krautsou, and the attempted forced expulsion over the border to Ukraine September 8. We commend the courage of Ms. Kalesnikava and of the Belarusian people in peacefully asserting …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE The United States Responds to the Maduro Regime’s Attempts to Corrupt Democratic Elections in Venezuela Today, the United States is sanctioning, under Executive Order 13692, David Eugenio de Lima Salas, Reinaldo Enrique Muñoz Pedroza, Indira Maira Alfonzo Izaguirre, and Jose Luis Gutierrez Parra in light of their involvement in Maduro’s efforts to manipulate the Venezuelan National Assembly and …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE The Maduro regime’s announcement of conditional dismissal of criminal charges against roughly one-third of the political prisoners it holds does not solve, nor even address, Venezuela’s underlying political crisis. Hundreds of political prisoners remain, and like those now offered house arrest or an end (for the moment) to their criminal cases, none of these Venezuelans …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE Today, the Department of State imposed sanctions on five entities under section 3(a)(ii) of Executive Order (E.O.) 13846 for knowingly engaging in a significant transaction for the purchase, acquisition, sale, transport, or marketing of petroleum or petroleum products from Iran. The Department of State also imposed sanctions under section 5(a)(vii) of E.O. 13846 on three …
Read More» Briefing With Nerissa Cook, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of International Organization Affairs; Garrett Grigsby, Director of the Office of Global Affairs, Department of Health and Human Services; and Dr. Alma Golden, Assistant Administrator for Global Health, USAID On the U.S. Government’s Next Steps With Regard to Withdrawal From the World Health Organization …
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The U.S. is taking action against the Iranian regime’s weapons programs to stop it from spreading violence across the Middle East and beyond. U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo recently announced new sanctions blocking trade with Iran in certain metals that support the regime’s weapons programs. The U.S. has also moved to extend the …
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The People’s Republic of China must now reveal more about its role in supporting Confucius Institutes’ activities on U.S. college campuses, which include propaganda and censorship. The U.S. Department of State on August 13 designated the Washington-based headquarters of the Confucius Institute network a foreign mission of the PRC. Under the designation , the Confucius Institute U.S. Center …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE The United States is dismayed to learn that the Chinese Communist Party’s coercive bullying tactics against our friends in the United Kingdom continues. In the latest example, British bank HSBC has reportedly prevented Hong Kong-based executives at Next Media, a well-known publisher of pro-democracy publications, from accessing their credit cards and personal bank accounts. The …
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» Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Joey Hood and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Iraq David Copley, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs On the Recent U.S.-Iraq Strategic Dialogue MR BROWN: Thank you. Good afternoon everyone and thanks for joining us today for this on-the-record briefing on the U.S.-Iraq strategic dialogue which, as you’ll recall, Secretary Pompeo hosted …
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» “Our message is very, very simple: the United States will never allow the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism to freely buy and sell planes, tanks, missiles, and other kinds of conventional weapons. These UN sanctions will continue the arms embargo.” –Secretary Pompeo Remarks, August 20,2020 Statement by Secretary Pompeo On Designations for Iranian Human …
Read More» PRESIDENT TRUMP: Thank you very much. It’s great to have the Prime Minister of Iraq, a very highly respected gentleman all over the Middle East, and respected very much by our country, too. I can say that. And we will be discussing, today, the obvious: defense — and offense, I have to say. But we’ll …
Read More» We are outraged by the targeted assassinations of civil society activists and attacks on protesters in Basrah and Baghdad. It is unconscionable that the perpetrators of these horrible acts continue to act with impunity. Since October of last year, peaceful demonstrators have taken to the streets to urge government reform. They have been met with …
Read More» The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Republic of Iraq. Begin Text: The Government of Iraq, led by Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, and the Government of United States, led by Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, held a meeting of the Higher Coordinating Committee …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE The United States welcomes the guilty verdict handed down by the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) against Hizballah operative Salim Ayyash for his role in the February 14, 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. This act of terrorism also claimed the lives of 21 additional victims and resulted in injuries to 226 …
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 …
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President Trump has brokered a historic deal between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, normalizing relations between the two countries and laying a foundation for peace in the Middle East. “Our vision is one of peace, security, and prosperity — in this region, and in the world,” Trump said in an August 13 statement announcing …
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The United States has imposed sanctions against Chinese Communist Party officials for their role in the crackdown on Hong Kong’s autonomy and freedoms. The U.S. Department of the Treasury issued sanctions August 7 that target Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam and 10 other senior officials, including several who helped develop or implement the Hong Kong National Security Law passed …
Read More» AMBASSADOR CURRIE: Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you joining us here at the State Department. I am Kelley Currie, the Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues here, and it’s my pleasure to welcome you here to the department today as we recognize and celebrate the progress and partnerships achieved through the Women’s Global Development and Prosperity …
Read More» DOWNLOAD THE REPORT (PDF) (11.3 MB) The Department’s Global Engagement Center (GEC) is leading and coordinating efforts of the U.S. Federal Government to recognize, understand, expose, and counter foreign propaganda and disinformation. In line with its congressional mandate, the GEC is releasing a special report that provides an overview of Russia’s disinformation and propaganda ecosystem. The report outlines the …
Read More» SPECIAL BRIEFING CARL C. RISCH, ASSISTANT SECRETARY BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS KARIN KING, DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR OVERSEAS CITIZEN SERVICES VIA TELECONFERENCE MR BROWN: Hey, good afternoon, everyone. Thanks for joining us today for this on-the-record briefing with the State Department’s Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Carl Risch, who will discuss the department’s plans to …
Read More» MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON On August 6, in close coordination with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of State lifted the Global Level 4 Health Advisory. The Global Advisory, initially put in place on March 19, 2020, advised U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. …
Read More» MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON On August 6, in close coordination with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of State lifted the Global Level 4 Health Advisory. The Global Advisory, initially put in place on March 19, 2020, advised U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. …
Read More» SPECIAL BRIEFING LEA GABRIELLE, SPECIAL ENVOY AND COORDINATOR OF THE GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT CENTER GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT CENTER VIA TELECONFERENCE MR BROWN: Hey, yeah, Principal Deputy Spokesperson Cale Brown here. Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you for joining us for an on-the-record briefing by U.S. Special Envoy for the Global Engagement Center Lea Gabrielle. She joins us …
Read More» MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON The U.S. Department of State’s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program, which is administered by the Diplomatic Security Service, is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification or location of any person who works with or for a foreign government for the purpose of interfering with U.S. …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE The United States continues to lead the world in the fight against COVID-19, with $20.5 billion now allocated from across the U.S. Government to benefit the global response. This incredible effort, made possible by the generous American taxpayers, includes funding for vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics; preparedness efforts; and State Department and USAID foreign …
Read More» By Noelani Kirschner The Maduro regime encourages international terrorist groups to run free in Venezuela, according to a report by the U.S. Department of State. The 2019 Country Reports on Terrorism , released June 24, documents Colombian and religious terrorist organizations inside of Venezuela that are not only permitted to operate in the country but encouraged to stay by illegitimate leader …
Read More» By Leigh Hartman If your country is near the People’s Republic of China, there’s a good chance you have a territorial dispute with the PRC. In recent months, the PRC has attacked and killed Indian troops along the countries’ border, harassed Japanese vessels in the East China Sea, and sunk a Vietnamese fishing boat in the South …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE I’d like to extend my deepest condolences to all those affected by the massive explosion at the port of Beirut today. We are closely monitoring and stand ready to assist the people of Lebanon as they recover from this tragedy. Our team in Beirut has reported to me the extensive damage to a …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE The Chinese Communist Party cannot tolerate the free thinking of its own people, and increasingly is trying to extend its reach outside China’s borders. In the latest example, Chinese authorities have reportedly issued arrest warrants for six pro-democracy advocates resident outside of China, including a U.S. citizen. The United States and other free …
Read More» By ShareAmerica Iran’s regime is jailing relatives of political activists in an effort to silence critics at home and abroad, human rights advocacy groups say. The regime in July sentenced Alireza Alinejad, the brother of prominent regime critic Masih Alinejad, to eight years in prison on trumped up charges, according to the Center for Human Rights …
Read More» By ShareAmerica America, along with the rest of the world, is working swiftly to develop a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, the new coronavirus responsible for COVID-19. Many people are pinning their hopes on the development of a safe and effective vaccine for COVID-19 that can stop the spread of the virus. Through its Operation Warp Speed initiative , the Trump administration …
Read More» (State Dept./D. Thompson) By Lenore T. Adkins In the United States, reputable scientific journals set a high bar for scientists angling to publish their work, and for good reason. The journals don’t want to be duped into trumpeting bad science. Take Science Immunology , one of several peer-reviewed journals published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science , the world’s largest, multidisciplinary scientific society. (Note: …
Read More» By Lauren Monsen As U.S. colleges and universities plan for a new academic year, they are focusing on ways to keep international students safe while furthering their educations despite the new coronavirus pandemic. There are more than 1 million international students enrolled in U.S. higher-education institutions, according to the nonprofit Institute of International Education. They contributed more than $46 …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE The People’s Republic of China subsidizes the world’s largest commercial fishing fleet, which routinely violates the sovereign rights and jurisdiction of coastal states, fishes without permission, and overfishes licensing agreements. Given this unfortunate record of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, rule-breaking, and willful environmental degradation, it is more important than ever that the international community stands …
Read More» FACT SHEET OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON “Today, I expanded the scope of Iran metals sanctions targeting Iran’s nuclear, military, and ballistic missile programs. Knowingly transferring any of these 22 metals to Iran is now sanctionable. Our pressure will continue until Iran behaves like a normal nation.” –Secretary Pompeo, Tweet, July 30, 2020 STATEMENT BY SECRETARY POMPEO ON THE EXPANSION …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE The Chinese Communist Party’s human rights abuses in Xinjiang, China against Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities rank as the stain of the century. The Trump Administration has led the world’s effort to impose tangible costs on the PRC’s continuous campaign of repression, mass arbitrary detention, intrusive surveillance, forced labor, forced population control, involuntary …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE Iran’s nuclear, ballistic missile, and military programs pose a grave threat to international peace and security. To address these threats, I am announcing a major expansion of the scope of State Department-administered Iran metals-related sanctions. Today, the State Department is identifying 22 specific materials used in connection with Iran’s nuclear, military, or ballistic …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE The United States welcomes today’s announcement from the European Union’s High Representative Josep Borrell regarding the body’s first designations under its cyber sanctions framework. The United States and the EU share a vision for an open, interoperable, reliable and secure cyberspace, and for responsible behavior on the international stage. Destructive, disruptive, or otherwise …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE DIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON, DC SECRETARY POMPEO: Thank you very much. Today I’m here to present the – and testify about the President’s 2021 Budget. It requests nearly $41 billion for the State Department and USAID, enabling both agencies to protect U.S. citizens, increase American prosperity, and advance the development of democratic societies. And critically, …
Read More» SPECIAL BRIEFING MICHAEL G. KOZAK, ACTING ASSISTANT SECRETARY BUREAU OF WESTERN HEMISPHERE AFFAIRS VIA TELECONFERENCE MR BROWN: Hey. Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for joining us for this on-the-record briefing with Acting Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs Ambassador Michael Kozak. Ambassador Kozak will discuss the administration’s actions that have deepened democracy in the Western …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE Today, the State Department and Treasury Department continued the United States’ sanctions campaign against the Assad regime by releasing 14 new designations under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act and other authorities. This campaign began last month with the first round of Caesar Act designations. We have named today’s tranche of designations the Hama and Maarat Al-Numan sanctions. These names are meant to …
Read More» NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE: Gregory Autry, of California, to be Chief Financial Officer, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, vice Jeffrey DeWit, resigned. Mark C. Christie, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for a term expiring June 30, 2025, vice Bernard L. McNamee, term expired. Allison Clements, of Ohio, …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE On July 29, the Department of State released a report to Congress pursuant to the Justice for Uncompensated Survivors Today (JUST) Act of 2017, which was adopted by Congress with broad, bipartisan support and signed into law by President Trump in May 2018. The JUST Act Report highlights the important actions taken by countries to provide restitution of or …
Read More» By Leigh Hartman The U.S., like other nations, has embassies and consulates in those countries with which it has formal diplomatic relations. The embassy is located in or near the host nation’s capital and is usually headed by an ambassador. Embassies assist American citizens abroad, provide visas to visit the United States and promote business and cultural …
Read More» James S. Brady Press Briefing Room 5:20 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Today my administration has taken a momentous step toward achieving American pharmaceutical independence — a very, very big, big step — a focus of our campaign to bring America’s critical supply chains and medical manufacturing back to the USA. We’ve …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE Today, I am announcing the designation of former Venezuelan Minister of Electric Power and President of Corpoelec, Luis Alfredo Motta Dominguez, and former Venezuelan Deputy Minister of Finance, Investment, and Strategic Alliances for the Ministry of Electric Power and Director of Procurement of Corpoelec, Eustiquio Jose Lugo Gomez. They have been designated for accepting monetary benefits, including bribes and kickbacks, in exchange for awarding …
Read More» The following is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Cale Brown: Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia. Secretary Pompeo and Prime Minister Gakharia discussed the importance of the U.S. Georgia partnership and our close coordination in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Secretary Pompeo also highlighted the importance of …
Read More» First Lady Melania Trump is pleased to announce a significant renewal of the White House Rose Garden this summer. The restoration of this historic garden is a much-anticipated project meant to improve one of the most iconic locations on the White House grounds. The final design plan is the result of a collaboration by two …
Read More» Today the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) released its 2020 Drug-Free Communities (DFC) report, highlighting data proving the program continues to result in the consistent reduction of youth substance use rates. ONDCP released the Executive Summary and Annual Report for its DFC grant recipients, which work at the local level to prevent youth substance use, …
Read More» By Leigh Hartman – Jul 27, 2020 The free nations of the world must counter the Chinese Communist Party’s malign behavior, which threatens their people and prosperity. In a July 23 speech in Yorba Linda, California, U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo said that the belief that doing business with China would lead the Chinese Communist …
Read More» MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE Today, the U.S. Department of State celebrates its 231st anniversary as the nation’s first executive agency. This milestone is an opportunity to reflect on the essential role of U.S. diplomacy in advancing the interests, security, and economic prosperity of the American people. I commend the State Department team for their extraordinary work to promote and …
Read More» By Leigh Hartman – Jul 27, 2020 The U.S. has imposed sanctions against senior Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials responsible for “horrific and systematic abuses” against members of Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang. The July 9 sanctions , issued by the U.S. departments of Treasury and State, target Chen Quanguo, the party’s secretary in Xinjiang, who oversees internment camps where more than 1 …
Read More» By Noelani Kirschner – Jul 27, 2020 The Orinoco mining arc in Venezuela is rife with human rights abuses, including sexual exploitation and trafficking, and killings, according to a United Nations report. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet released a report on July 15 that collected victim and witness accounts. They detail abuses committed against miners and indigenous people in the arc. …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE JULY 26, 2020 Thirty years ago today, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law. The ADA broke down barriers to access and opportunity, enabling millions of Americans with disabilities to utilize their talents and skills and contribute to strengthening this country. Now Americans with disabilities have the right to access the same …
Read More» Communist China and the Free World’s Future (July 23) MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE YORBA LINDA, CALIFORNIA THE RICHARD NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM GOVERNOR WILSON: Well, thank you very much, Chris. Most generous. I’m not sure your grandfather would have recognized me. I have the great pleasure – in addition to welcoming all of you to the Nixon birthplace and …
Read More» The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania on the occasion of the 80th Anniversary of the Welles Declaration. Begin Text: Today we celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the Welles Declaration, which laid the foundation for the United States of America’s non-recognition …
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The Welles Declaration is a proud moment in the history of U.S. foreign policy and friendship with the peoples of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Eighty years ago, the United States pointedly refused to recognize the illegal incorporation of the Baltic states into the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union’s criminal act was accomplished through the signing …
Read More» Secretary Pompeo Interview Clip: Chinese Communist Party Failed COVID-19 Obligations (July 20)
Read More» Secretary Pompeo Speech Clip – South China Sea is not China’s Maritime Empire (July 20)
Read More» Secretary Pompeo Speech Clip – Russia and China Block Humanitarian Aid to Syria (July 20)
Read More» UN Special Rapporteur Gives More Cause to Distrust UN Human Rights Mechanisms (July 9) MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE We reject the report and opinions released today by UN Special Rapporteur Callamard related to the U.S. strike that killed Islamic Republic Guard Corps Qods Force commander Qassem Soleimani. Ms. Callamard’s conclusions are spurious. The strike that killed General Soleimani was in …
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FBI director: China’s economic espionage threatens free societies (July 9) America’s top law enforcement official is warning of the risks to free societies posed by the Chinese Communist Party’s espionage. This theft poses the greatest long-term threat to U.S. economic and national security, he says. In remarks to a Washington think tank July 7, …
Read More» Five Years of Injustice Following China’s 709 Crackdown (July 8) MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE On July 9, five years ago the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) launched a nationwide offensive targeting hundreds of defense lawyers and human rights defenders for detention, interrogation, and politically motivated criminal charges. The “709” crackdown, named for the date it began on July 9, 2015, …
Read More» International Students are Welcome in the U.S. (July 7) The United States has long been the destination of choice for international students, and we are pleased that many international students who had planned to study this fall in the United States may still have the opportunity to do so. The Department of Homeland Security …
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Report: CCP conducts mass sterilization of minority women (July 6) The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is conducting a campaign of mass sterilization of women as part of its repression of Uyghur and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang, a new report says. Using Chinese government documents and interviews with survivors, th
