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U.S. Department of State Weekly Digest Bulletin Inbox x U.S. Department of State <usstatebpa@public.govdelivery.com> 7:23 AM (10 hours ago)  to me Public Schedule – January 27, 2020 01/26/2020 You are subscribed to Public Schedule for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Public Schedule – January 27, 2020 01/26/2020 09:08 PM EST Office of the Spokesperson ***THE DAILY PUBLIC SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE*** SECRETARY MICHAEL R. POMPEO 11:30 a.m.  Secretary Pompeo attends President Donald J. Trump’s expanded bilateral meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, at the White House. (MEDIA DETERMINED BY THE WHITE HOUSE) 12:30 p.m. Secretary Pompeo attends President Donald J. Trump’s bilateral meeting with Lieutenant General (res.) MK Benjamin Gantz, at the White House. (MEDIA DETERMINED BY THE WHITE HOUSE) DEPUTY SECRETARY STEPHEN E. BIEGUN Deputy Secretary Biegun attends meetings and briefings, at the Department of State. UNDER SECRETARY FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS DAVID HALE Under Secretary Hale attends meetings and briefings, at the Department of State. ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS AFFAIRS MANISHA SINGH Assistant Secretary Singh is on travel to Florida and The Bahamas from January 22-28.  Please click here for more information. ACTING ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR EUROPEAN AND EURASIAN AFFAIRS PHILIP T. REEKER Acting Assistant Secretary Reeker is on travel to Poland on January 27, 2020. ACTING ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR WESTERN HEMISPHERE AFFAIRS MICHAEL KOZAK 12:00 p.m. Acting Assistant Secretary Kozak attends lunch with the Mexican Ambassador to the United States Martha Bárcena Coqui, in Washington, D.C. (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE) ***THE DAILY PUBLIC SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE*** Additional U.S. Contribution to Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation 01/27/2020 You are subscribed to Secretary's Remarks for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Additional U.S. Contribution to Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation 01/27/2020 10:35 AM EST Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State To honor Holocaust victims, to preserve the Auschwitz and Birkenau Memorial and Museum so future generations never forget, and to further efforts to combat contemporary forms of anti-Semitism, the Department of State, working with Congress, intends to contribute an additional $2 million to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation.  This contribution is in addition to the $15 million the United States provided over a five-year period, which ended in 2018, to support the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation.  This funding demonstrates our commitment to Holocaust education, remembrance, dialogue, and research. The United States encourages other nations to join us in supporting the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation.  We firmly believe it is humanity’s duty to honor Holocaust survivors, guard the memory of Holocaust victims and all other victims of Nazi persecution, and fight back against anti-Semitism, and attempts to ignore and revise history.  We urge all to take active steps to make sure the horrors of the Holocaust are not repeated and future crimes against humanity are prevented. Additional U.S. Contribution to Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation 01/27/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Additional U.S. Contribution to Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation 01/27/2020 10:35 AM EST Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State To honor Holocaust victims, to preserve the Auschwitz and Birkenau Memorial and Museum so future generations never forget, and to further efforts to combat contemporary forms of anti-Semitism, the Department of State, working with Congress, intends to contribute an additional $2 million to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation.  This contribution is in addition to the $15 million the United States provided over a five-year period, which ended in 2018, to support the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation.  This funding demonstrates our commitment to Holocaust education, remembrance, dialogue, and research. The United States encourages other nations to join us in supporting the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation.  We firmly believe it is humanity’s duty to honor Holocaust survivors, guard the memory of Holocaust victims and all other victims of Nazi persecution, and fight back against anti-Semitism, and attempts to ignore and revise history.  We urge all to take active steps to make sure the horrors of the Holocaust are not repeated and future crimes against humanity are prevented. The United States and The Bahamas Sign Air Transport Agreement 01/27/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. The United States and The Bahamas Sign Air Transport Agreement 01/27/2020 11:53 AM EST Office of the Spokesperson On January 27, 2020, in Nassau, The Bahamas, Assistant Secretary Manisha Singh and Bahamian Minister of Tourism and Aviation Dionisio D’Aguilar signed the Air Transport Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, the first bilateral air transport agreement negotiated by the two countries.  The Agreement establishes a modern civil aviation relationship with The Bahamas consistent with U.S. Open Skies international aviation policy.  It includes unrestricted capacity and frequency of services, open route rights, a liberal charter regime, and open code-sharing opportunities.  The Agreement entered into force upon signature. In support of the U.S.-Caribbean 2020 strategy, this Agreement with The Bahamas will further expand our strong economic and commercial partnership, promote people-to-people ties, and create new opportunities for airlines, travel companies, and customers.  Air carriers can provide more affordable, convenient, and efficient air services to travelers and shippers, promoting tourism and commerce.  The Agreement commits both governments to high standards of aviation safety and security.  It also represents a step forward for the liberalization of civil aviation in the Caribbean and The Bahamas’ connectivity with the world. Information on U.S. aviation policy and our air transport agreements is available on the Department of State’s website here: https://www.state.gov/civil-air-transport-agreements/. Global Winner for Zoohackathon 2019 01/27/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Global Winner for Zoohackathon 2019 01/27/2020 11:58 AM EST Office of the Spokesperson The U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that Team Quantum from Colombia is the Zoohackathon 2019 global winner.  The runner-up is Team Navy Pangolin from Indonesia, and Team Jhony32 from Brazil took third place. In 2019, fifteen Zoohackathon events took place in 14 countries around the world.  Over 1,000 participants came together to generate more than 135 tech solutions to bolster on-the-ground efforts to fight the scourge of wildlife trafficking.  Wildlife trafficking threatens national security; undermines the rule of law; robs communities of legitimate economic livelihoods; and pushes species to the brink of extinction.  Technology and innovation are key to tackling this crime. Team Quantum created a solution that combines hardware and software to monitor the amount of timber carried by logging trucks.  The system measures the weight of the wood, checks the vehicles’ locations, and sends the information to a server.  If an anomaly is detected (when compared to the government-issued permit), the system alerts the relevant authorities and companies about the irregularity. Team Navy Pangolin created a data extraction and verification tool powered by artificial intelligence that automatically processes online news articles and extracts key information about wildlife seizures for use by analysts. Team Jhony32 created a mobile application that uses a machine learning algorithm to identify endangered species and enables public reporting of wildlife trafficking incidents.  The reports include photos and GPS locations to help target law enforcement efforts. Congratulations to the global winners. For more information about Zoohackathon, visit www.zoohackathon.com or contact OES-PA-DG@state.gov. Secretary Pompeo’s Call with Iraqi Prime Minister Abd al-Mahdi 01/27/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Pompeo’s Call with Iraqi Prime Minister Abd al-Mahdi 01/27/2020 03:17 PM EST Office of the Spokesperson The below is attributable to Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus: Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abd al-Mahdi.  Secretary Pompeo expressed his outrage at the continued assaults by Iran’s armed groups against U.S. facilities in Iraq, including yesterday’s rocket attacks against our Embassy, which resulted in one injury.  The Secretary underlined once again that these attacks demonstrate a wanton disregard for Iraqi sovereignty and a failure to rein in these dangerous armed groups.  He appreciated Prime Minister Abd al-Mahdi’s commitment to strengthen security to protect American personnel and diplomatic facilities.  The Secretary noted that we view last night’s attack on the Embassy as an attempt to distract Iraqi and international attention away from the brutal suppression of peaceful Iraqi protesters by Iran and its proxies.  Secretary Pompeo encouraged the Prime Minister to maintain Iraqi sovereignty, and reaffirmed the United States’ enduring commitment to the Iraqi people, our willingness to discuss the scope of our forces in Iraq over time, and our desire for a strong and prosperous Iraq, as outlined in our bilateral Strategic Framework Agreement. Assistant Secretary Marie Royce Travels to India 01/27/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Assistant Secretary Marie Royce Travels to India 01/27/2020 03:35 PM EST Office of the Spokesperson Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Marie Royce will travel to India from January 28-February 3 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Fulbright Program in India. In New Delhi, Assistant Secretary Royce will visit an Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation project and the American Center in New Delhi. She will also participate in events to promote studying at U.S. universities, meet with Indian government officials and local partners to discuss two-way student mobility and exchange opportunities, and highlight our enduring strategic partnership with India. Later, Assistant Secretary Royce will deliver keynote remarks at a reception hosted by the U.S.-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Fulbright scholarly exchange program (known as the Fulbright-Nehru program) in India.  She will discuss partnerships with the Indian Ministries of Human Resource Development and Culture and Tourism. In Ranchi, eastern India, Assistant Secretary Royce will kick off the final event of a week-long field hockey and leadership camp for girls in Ranchi.  In partnership with ECA’s Sports Envoy program, the Collaboratory, Arts Envoy, and local government and civil society, the camp empowers girls from the Indian state of Jharkhand to prevent human trafficking in their communities through relationship-building with law enforcement, digital social messaging, and performative storytelling. Assistant Secretary Royce will meet with local entrepreneurs, exchange program participants and alumni in both cities to discuss their program experiences and impactful work in their communities. For further information, contact ECA-Press@state.gov.  Follow along on Twitter at @ECA_AS. Attacks on the People of Idlib 01/27/2020 You are subscribed to Secretary's Remarks for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Attacks on the People of Idlib 01/27/2020 07:36 PM EST Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State The United States is monitoring with grave concern the situation in northwest Syria where the combined forces of Russia, the Iranian regime, Hizballah, and the Assad regime reportedly are conducting a large-scale assault upon the people of Idlib and western Aleppo provinces. These forces reportedly are conducting indiscriminate aerial bombardment and ground attacks that have trapped thousands of civilians under bombardment in Marat an-Numan, leaving them nowhere to flee.  In other areas, tens of thousands are reportedly fleeing from their homes.  The destabilizing actions of Russia, the Iranian regime, Hizballah, and the Assad regime are directly preventing the establishment of a ceasefire in northern Syria, as called for in UNSCR 2254, and the safe return of hundreds of thousands of displaced persons in northern Syria to their homes. The United States condemns these unjustifiable attacks against the people of northwest Syria.  We call for an immediate ceasefire and full access to the affected areas by humanitarian organizations to alleviate the suffering of the hundreds of thousands that have fled the incessant bombing.  The United States is prepared to take the strongest diplomatic and economic actions against the Assad regime and any state or individual that aids its brutal agenda. Attacks on the People of Idlib 01/27/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Attacks on the People of Idlib 01/27/2020 07:36 PM EST Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State The United States is monitoring with grave concern the situation in northwest Syria where the combined forces of Russia, the Iranian regime, Hizballah, and the Assad regime reportedly are conducting a large-scale assault upon the people of Idlib and western Aleppo provinces. These forces reportedly are conducting indiscriminate aerial bombardment and ground attacks that have trapped thousands of civilians under bombardment in Marat an-Numan, leaving them nowhere to flee.  In other areas, tens of thousands are reportedly fleeing from their homes.  The destabilizing actions of Russia, the Iranian regime, Hizballah, and the Assad regime are directly preventing the establishment of a ceasefire in northern Syria, as called for in UNSCR 2254, and the safe return of hundreds of thousands of displaced persons in northern Syria to their homes. The United States condemns these unjustifiable attacks against the people of northwest Syria.  We call for an immediate ceasefire and full access to the affected areas by humanitarian organizations to alleviate the suffering of the hundreds of thousands that have fled the incessant bombing.  The United States is prepared to take the strongest diplomatic and economic actions against the Assad regime and any state or individual that aids its brutal agenda. Public Schedule – January 28, 2020 01/27/2020 You are subscribed to Public Schedule for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Public Schedule – January 28, 2020 01/27/2020 10:10 PM EST Office of the Spokesperson                                      ***THE DAILY PUBLIC SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE*** SECRETARY MICHAEL R. POMPEO 9:00 a.m. Secretary Pompeo meets with Benin President Patrice Talon, at the Department of State. (CAMERA SPRAY AT TOP) Preset time for video cameras 8:30 a.m. from the 23rd Street Entrance Lobby. Final access time for journalists and still photographers 8:45 a.m. from the 23rd Street Entrance Lobby. 10:20 a.m. Secretary Pompeo meets with Laos Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, at the Department of State. (CAMERA SPRAY AT TOP) Preset time for video cameras 9:45 a.m. from the 23rd Street Entrance Lobby. Final access time for journalists and still photographers 10:05 a.m. from the 23rd Street Entrance Lobby. DEPUTY SECRETARY STEPHEN E. BIEGUN 1:20 p.m. Deputy Secretary Biegun meets with United Nations Under Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo, at the Department of State. (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE) USAID ADMINISTRATOR MARK GREEN 9:30 a.m. Administrator Green meets with Laos Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, at the U.S. Agency for International Development. (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE) UNDER SECRETARY FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS DAVID HALE 3:30 p.m. Under Secretary Hale meets with United Nations Under Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo, at the Department of State. (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE) UNDER SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH, ENERGY, AND THE ENVIRONMENT KEITH KRACH 11:45 a.m. Under Secretary Krach meets with Laos Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, at the Department of State. (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE) 1:00 p.m. Under Secretary Krach meets with United KingdomK Director for Economic Diplomacy and G7 Foreign Affairs Sous Sherpa Lewis Neal, at the Department of State. (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE) ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR NEAR EASTERN AFFAIRS DAVID SCHENKER Assistant Secretary Schenker is on travel to Israel and Oman from January 27-30, 2020.  Please click here for more information. ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS AFFAIRS MANISHA SINGH Assistant Secretary Singh is on travel to Florida and The Bahamas from January 22-28, 2020.  Please click here for more information. ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR POLITICAL-MILITARY AFFAIRS R. CLARKE COOPER 11:15 a.m. Assistant Secretary Cooper delivers remarks to Raytheon International’s Leadership Team, in Arlington, Virginia. (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE) ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS MARIE ROYCE Assistant Secretary Royce is on travel to India from January 28-February 3, 2020. Please click here for more information. CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER STUART M. MCGUIGAN 9:30 a.m. Chief Information Officer McGuigan delivers remarks at the Federal Insights Exchange Session hosted by the American Council for Technology-Industry Advisory Council, at the American Institute of Architects, in Washington, D.C. (MEDIA DETERMINED BY HOST) ACTING ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR EUROPEAN AND EURASIAN AFFAIRS PHILIP T. REEKER Acting Assistant Secretary Reeker is on travel to Poland from January 27-28, 2020.                                     ***THE DAILY PUBLIC SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE*** Escalation of Violence in Yemen 01/28/2020 You are subscribed to Secretary's Remarks for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Escalation of Violence in Yemen 01/28/2020 09:42 AM EST Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State The United States government is alarmed by renewed violence in Yemen. Over the past few weeks de-escalatory efforts produced a significant reduction in fighting and showed to the Yemeni people that an end to hostilities is possible. However, renewed fighting is unacceptable and threatens to undermine this hard-earned progress. It also produces instability that terrorist groups and other malign actors can exploit for their own purposes, at the expense of the Yemeni people and the region as a whole. We call on all parties to put the needs of the Yemeni people first and immediately return to restraint. The Houthis must cease attacks on Saudi territory.  De-escalation is a vital steppingstone for UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths’ efforts to bring the parties in Yemen to a political settlement. The United States will continue to work with our international partners to bring peace, prosperity, and security to Yemen. Escalation of Violence in Yemen 01/28/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Escalation of Violence in Yemen 01/28/2020 09:42 AM EST Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State The United States government is alarmed by renewed violence in Yemen. Over the past few weeks de-escalatory efforts produced a significant reduction in fighting and showed to the Yemeni people that an end to hostilities is possible. However, renewed fighting is unacceptable and threatens to undermine this hard-earned progress. It also produces instability that terrorist groups and other malign actors can exploit for their own purposes, at the expense of the Yemeni people and the region as a whole. We call on all parties to put the needs of the Yemeni people first and immediately return to restraint. The Houthis must cease attacks on Saudi territory.  De-escalation is a vital steppingstone for UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths’ efforts to bring the parties in Yemen to a political settlement. The United States will continue to work with our international partners to bring peace, prosperity, and security to Yemen. Acting Assistant Secretary Reeker’s Travel to Germany 01/28/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Acting Assistant Secretary Reeker’s Travel to Germany 01/28/2020 12:24 PM EST Office of the Spokesperson Acting Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Philip T. Reeker is traveling to Germany on February 1 to participate in EUCOM’s European Strategy Conference and workshops.  The conference is an opportunity to strengthen regional collaboration on European and global strategy issues within the U.S. government and with Allied-nation representatives. For press inquiries, please contact EUR-Press-DL@state.gov. Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting with Benin President Talon 01/28/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting with Benin President Talon 01/28/2020 01:19 PM EST Office of the Spokesperson The below is attributable to Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus:‎ Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met today with Beninese President Patrice Talon in Washington, D.C.  Secretary Pompeo and President Talon discussed regional security cooperation to counter violent extremist threats stemming from the neighboring Sahel.  The Secretary and the President also addressed the importance of shared democratic values as the basis of our bilateral partnership.  Finally, they discussed ways to improve U.S.-Benin private sector ties and increase bilateral trade. Secretary Pompeo’s Call with Qatari Amir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani 01/28/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Pompeo’s Call with Qatari Amir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani 01/28/2020 03:36 PM EST Office of the Spokesperson The below is attributable to Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus: Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with the Amir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.  The Secretary and the Amir discussed recent regional developments, the U.S.-Qatar bilateral relationship, and Iran’s destabilizing behavior. Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting with Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith 01/28/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting with Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith 01/28/2020 05:00 PM EST Office of the Spokesperson The below is attributable to Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus:‎ Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met today with Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith in Washington, DC.  Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Saleumxay discussed efforts to strengthen the U.S.-Laos Comprehensive Partnership by deepening political, security, economic, and people-to-people ties.  The Secretary and the Foreign Minister affirmed a shared commitment to promote a strong, prosperous, and independent Indo-Pacific region.  They also discussed plans for the upcoming meeting between President Trump and ASEAN leaders, as well as U.S. plans for expanding engagement in the Mekong region. Secretary Michael R. Pompeo With Ben Shapiro of The Ben Shapiro Show 01/28/2020 You are subscribed to Secretary's Remarks for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Michael R. Pompeo With Ben Shapiro of The Ben Shapiro Show 01/28/2020 08:08 PM EST Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State QUESTION:  Welcome back to the Ben Shapiro Show.  We’re joined on the line by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.  Obviously, the Secretary has very busy day.  Secretary, really appreciate your time, sir. SECRETARY POMPEO:  Ben, it’s great to be back on the show with you. QUESTION:  So let’s start by sort of going through some of the details of the Trump peace plan, the deal of the century.  Obviously, you would expect the resistance from the usual points of view, but what are the actual kind of barebones of the plan being presented by President Trump today? SECRETARY POMPEO:  Ben, the President’s taken on one of the longest challenges, toughest challenges in foreign policy.  And it is the most detailed, most realistic plan ever presented.  And what’s important for everyone to know is there’s now a live offer on the table – and this hasn’t been the case before – a live offer on the table for the Palestinians to consider over a four-year period. I can go through a bunch of the details.  For the first time, there’s a plan that ensures Israeli security, that’s endorsed by the Israeli security establishment.  Israel will be able to defend itself.  It creates a viable path for the Palestinians to get a state, conditioned on a reasonable set of milestones being achieved over a reasonable period of time.  Jerusalem remains an open city under Israeli control and sovereignty inside the security barrier.  And no change in the status on the Temple Mount; the status quo will be preserved there. We think this is a reasonable basis for the parties to begin to engage in a vision that can lead to peace and prosperity and security. QUESTION:  Now Secretary Pompeo, what the plan really represents, for those who are knowledgeable about the region at all, is a reflection of just basic realities on the ground.  Jerusalem cannot be divided; there’s no physical way to divide it.  When it was divided in the past, before 1967, it was barred to entry for Jews as well as many Christians.  The notion that Israel is going to dismantle major Jewish areas outside of the 1967 lines not only ignores Israel having an actual claim to that land – it’s a disputed claim by the Palestinians, but they do have a legitimate claim – it recognizes that Israel is not going to dismantle cities that have tens of thousands of people living in them.  It also recognizes that the Palestinians are not going to be abandoning the West Bank, or Judea and Samaria, or the Gaza Strip anytime soon, and it recognizes the security challenges that are faced when in what is an extremely crowded neighborhood. Does the fact that there are so many people who are kicking back against the plan I think is recognition of the fact that people are unwilling to recognize realities on the ground, particularly with issues like the so-called right of return, this idea that suddenly Israel is going to allow millions of Palestinians to demographically settle in Israel and then vote for the dissolution of the state. SECRETARY POMPEO:  Ben, what we’ve tried to do and what the President Trump tried to do in this process is to take history into account and the reality on the ground as it stands today into account.  And I think you just ticked through half a dozen ways in which this plan does that.  It shows incredible respect and dignity for the Palestinian people, too.  It simply asks them, whether that’s in the West Bank or in the Gaza Strip, to stop paying terrorists, stop inciting hatred, to recognize Israel as a Jewish state.  These are things that are fundamental, that are facts, that are unchanging, and delivers the possibility of a peaceful outcome. There are – there’s no one under this plan that will be required to uproot.  No Israeli will be required to uproot; no Palestinian will be required to uproot.  These are just recognizing fundamental facts, and we think presents a basis upon which to build. I know there’ll be people that will push back.  But what we’ve seen in the region so far to date is a lot of individuals who had an expectation for what they thought might be in the plan realizing that this vision for peace and for the region is one that is worthy of consideration. QUESTION:  Well, this is one of the things about the peace plan that I find so interesting, is the fact that there are a bunch of Arab states that showed up, actually brought envoys to this event – obviously, Oman, the UAE – there were several different countries that actually showed up who never in the past would have shown up to anything remotely like — SECRETARY POMPEO:  That’s right.  The Bahraini ambassador was there.  That’s correct, Ben.  Yep. QUESTION:  Right, exactly.  And that signifies a change in mindset on the part of many of the Arab states that have been dedicated for decades to the proposition that the Jewish state was simply going to disappear, suddenly recognizing that that is never going to be a reality. SECRETARY POMPEO:  This has been something that I’ve worked on, the President’s worked on, that Jared Kushner has worked on, for three years now, trying to make clear that – just the ordinary nature of what needed to take place in the region, that the threat was from the Islamic Republic of Iran, that there were shared interests between Israel and many of the Arab states, and that there was a path forward for those states to live in peace and harmony in the region. QUESTION:  Now, meanwhile – quick note – the final question for you, the Palestinian Authority chief Mahmoud Abbas has already said that he’s rejecting the plan.  That, of course, is not a surprise, since the Palestinian leadership has rejected literally every peace plan ever presented to them, including incredibly generous offers in both 2000 and 2008.  So what exactly is the future of the plan if the Palestinians don’t decide to accept the plan and move forward with negotiations? SECRETARY POMPEO:  In the end, the Palestinian people are going to have to make a decision about whether they want to continue to difficult challenges they face today with the absence of prosperity, the terrorism that exists, and the corruption that has existed in the region for a long time, or if they want to turn the page and deliver an outcome for themselves and for their children and their grandchildren that’s better, a brighter future. That opportunity is now on the table.  They don’t have to do it today or tomorrow, but I am confident that as they stare at this, as the Palestinian people stare at what the opportunity is, a plan that might put as much as $50 billion into their places of living, a million new jobs created – when they stare at those opportunities, I am convinced that the Palestinian people will, over the coming weeks and months – and we’ve given them four years – will see that this is a better option for them.  I’m hopeful that they will.  I pray that they’ll make that choice. QUESTION:  Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, I know that you’re on a short time schedule.  I really appreciate your hard work on this.  Thanks so much for your time. SECRETARY POMPEO:  Ben, thank you so much, sir.  Have a great day. Secretary Michael R. Pompeo With Ben Shapiro of The Ben Shapiro Show 01/28/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Michael R. Pompeo With Ben Shapiro of The Ben Shapiro Show 01/28/2020 08:08 PM EST Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State QUESTION:  Welcome back to the Ben Shapiro Show.  We’re joined on the line by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.  Obviously, the Secretary has very busy day.  Secretary, really appreciate your time, sir. SECRETARY POMPEO:  Ben, it’s great to be back on the show with you. QUESTION:  So let’s start by sort of going through some of the details of the Trump peace plan, the deal of the century.  Obviously, you would expect the resistance from the usual points of view, but what are the actual kind of barebones of the plan being presented by President Trump today? SECRETARY POMPEO:  Ben, the President’s taken on one of the longest challenges, toughest challenges in foreign policy.  And it is the most detailed, most realistic plan ever presented.  And what’s important for everyone to know is there’s now a live offer on the table – and this hasn’t been the case before – a live offer on the table for the Palestinians to consider over a four-year period. I can go through a bunch of the details.  For the first time, there’s a plan that ensures Israeli security, that’s endorsed by the Israeli security establishment.  Israel will be able to defend itself.  It creates a viable path for the Palestinians to get a state, conditioned on a reasonable set of milestones being achieved over a reasonable period of time.  Jerusalem remains an open city under Israeli control and sovereignty inside the security barrier.  And no change in the status on the Temple Mount; the status quo will be preserved there. We think this is a reasonable basis for the parties to begin to engage in a vision that can lead to peace and prosperity and security. QUESTION:  Now Secretary Pompeo, what the plan really represents, for those who are knowledgeable about the region at all, is a reflection of just basic realities on the ground.  Jerusalem cannot be divided; there’s no physical way to divide it.  When it was divided in the past, before 1967, it was barred to entry for Jews as well as many Christians.  The notion that Israel is going to dismantle major Jewish areas outside of the 1967 lines not only ignores Israel having an actual claim to that land – it’s a disputed claim by the Palestinians, but they do have a legitimate claim – it recognizes that Israel is not going to dismantle cities that have tens of thousands of people living in them.  It also recognizes that the Palestinians are not going to be abandoning the West Bank, or Judea and Samaria, or the Gaza Strip anytime soon, and it recognizes the security challenges that are faced when in what is an extremely crowded neighborhood. Does the fact that there are so many people who are kicking back against the plan I think is recognition of the fact that people are unwilling to recognize realities on the ground, particularly with issues like the so-called right of return, this idea that suddenly Israel is going to allow millions of Palestinians to demographically settle in Israel and then vote for the dissolution of the state. SECRETARY POMPEO:  Ben, what we’ve tried to do and what the President Trump tried to do in this process is to take history into account and the reality on the ground as it stands today into account.  And I think you just ticked through half a dozen ways in which this plan does that.  It shows incredible respect and dignity for the Palestinian people, too.  It simply asks them, whether that’s in the West Bank or in the Gaza Strip, to stop paying terrorists, stop inciting hatred, to recognize Israel as a Jewish state.  These are things that are fundamental, that are facts, that are unchanging, and delivers the possibility of a peaceful outcome. There are – there’s no one under this plan that will be required to uproot.  No Israeli will be required to uproot; no Palestinian will be required to uproot.  These are just recognizing fundamental facts, and we think presents a basis upon which to build. I know there’ll be people that will push back.  But what we’ve seen in the region so far to date is a lot of individuals who had an expectation for what they thought might be in the plan realizing that this vision for peace and for the region is one that is worthy of consideration. QUESTION:  Well, this is one of the things about the peace plan that I find so interesting, is the fact that there are a bunch of Arab states that showed up, actually brought envoys to this event – obviously, Oman, the UAE – there were several different countries that actually showed up who never in the past would have shown up to anything remotely like — SECRETARY POMPEO:  That’s right.  The Bahraini ambassador was there.  That’s correct, Ben.  Yep. QUESTION:  Right, exactly.  And that signifies a change in mindset on the part of many of the Arab states that have been dedicated for decades to the proposition that the Jewish state was simply going to disappear, suddenly recognizing that that is never going to be a reality. SECRETARY POMPEO:  This has been something that I’ve worked on, the President’s worked on, that Jared Kushner has worked on, for three years now, trying to make clear that – just the ordinary nature of what needed to take place in the region, that the threat was from the Islamic Republic of Iran, that there were shared interests between Israel and many of the Arab states, and that there was a path forward for those states to live in peace and harmony in the region. QUESTION:  Now, meanwhile – quick note – the final question for you, the Palestinian Authority chief Mahmoud Abbas has already said that he’s rejecting the plan.  That, of course, is not a surprise, since the Palestinian leadership has rejected literally every peace plan ever presented to them, including incredibly generous offers in both 2000 and 2008.  So what exactly is the future of the plan if the Palestinians don’t decide to accept the plan and move forward with negotiations? SECRETARY POMPEO:  In the end, the Palestinian people are going to have to make a decision about whether they want to continue to difficult challenges they face today with the absence of prosperity, the terrorism that exists, and the corruption that has existed in the region for a long time, or if they want to turn the page and deliver an outcome for themselves and for their children and their grandchildren that’s better, a brighter future. That opportunity is now on the table.  They don’t have to do it today or tomorrow, but I am confident that as they stare at this, as the Palestinian people stare at what the opportunity is, a plan that might put as much as $50 billion into their places of living, a million new jobs created – when they stare at those opportunities, I am convinced that the Palestinian people will, over the coming weeks and months – and we’ve given them four years – will see that this is a better option for them.  I’m hopeful that they will.  I pray that they’ll make that choice. QUESTION:  Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, I know that you’re on a short time schedule.  I really appreciate your hard work on this.  Thanks so much for your time. SECRETARY POMPEO:  Ben, thank you so much, sir.  Have a great day. Public Schedule – January 29, 2020 01/29/2020 You are subscribed to Public Schedule for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Public Schedule – January 29, 2020 01/29/2020 08:17 AM EST Office of the Spokesperson                                       ***THE DAILY PUBLIC SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE ***  SECRETARY MICHAEL R. POMPEO  Secretary Pompeo is on travel to the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan from January 29-February 4, 2020. Please click here for more information. 7:15 p.m. LOCAL Secretary Pompeo meets with United Kingdom Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, in London, United Kingdom. (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE) 8:00 p.m. LOCAL Secretary Pompeo has dinner with United Kingdom Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, in London, United Kingdom. (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE) DEPUTY SECRETARY STEPHEN E. BIEGUN Deputy Secretary Biegun attends meetings and briefings, at the Department of State. USAID ADMINISTRATOR MARK GREEN 4:30 p.m. Administrator Green meets with Benin President Patrice Talon at the U.S. Agency for International Development. (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE) UNDER SECRETARY FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS DAVID HALE Under Secretary Hale attends meetings and briefings, at the Department of State. ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR NEAR EASTERN AFFAIRS DAVID SCHENKER Assistant Secretary Schenker is on travel to Israel and Oman from January 27-30, 2020.  Please click here for more information. ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS AFFAIRS MANISHA SINGH 12:30 p.m. Assistant Secretary Singh meets with Qatari Ambassador to the United States Mohammed Bin Abdullah Al-Rumaihi, at the Department of State. (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE) ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR POLITICAL-MILITARY AFFAIRS R. CLARKE COOPER 4:15 p.m. Assistant Secretary Cooper meets with Director General of the European Union Military Staff (DGEUMS) Lieutenant General Esa Pulkkinen at the Department of State. (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE) ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS MARIE ROYCE Assistant Secretary Royce is on travel to India from January 28-February 3, 2020. Please click here for more information. ACTING ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR EUROPEAN AND EURASIAN AFFAIRS PHILIP T. REEKER Acting Assistant Secretary Reeker accompanies Secretary Pompeo on travel to the United Kingdom, Ukraine, and Belarus, from January 29-February 1, 2020.                                       ***THE DAILY PUBLIC SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE*** Secretary Michael R. Pompeo’s Call with People’s Republic of China Politburo Member Yang Jiechi 01/29/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Michael R. Pompeo’s Call with People’s Republic of China Politburo Member Yang Jiechi 01/29/2020 08:32 AM EST Office of the Spokesperson The below is attributable to Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus:‎ Secretary Michael R. Pompeo spoke by phone on January 29 with Yang Jiechi, Director of the Office of Foreign Affairs of the Communist Party of China.  Secretary Pompeo expressed condolences for the Chinese citizens who lost their lives as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.  The Secretary stressed that the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas continued to be his highest priority, and he thanked Director Yang for the PRC’s assistance in facilitating the evacuation of U.S. government personnel and private citizens from areas affected by the virus outbreak. Nauru’s Independence Day 01/29/2020 You are subscribed to Secretary's Remarks for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Nauru’s Independence Day 01/29/2020 11:02 AM EST Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I would like to extend my congratulations to the people of Nauru in recognition of the 52nd anniversary of your independence on January 31. The United States has enjoyed close ties with Nauru for over half a century, dating back to the days prior to your national independence.  Shared values are at the heart of our relationship, including a commitment to constitutional democracy and the rule of law.  We also share a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, in concert with other democracies in the region such as Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and Taiwan. I congratulate Nauru for holding successful elections in 2019 and I look forward to working with the Government of Nauru to overcome any obstacles that hinder deeper engagement.  Together, there is much we can do to broaden our common interests, to strengthen regional democratic institutions, and to generate sustainable and accessible economic growth alongside our Pacific partners. Nauru’s Independence Day 01/29/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Nauru’s Independence Day 01/29/2020 11:02 AM EST Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I would like to extend my congratulations to the people of Nauru in recognition of the 52nd anniversary of your independence on January 31. The United States has enjoyed close ties with Nauru for over half a century, dating back to the days prior to your national independence.  Shared values are at the heart of our relationship, including a commitment to constitutional democracy and the rule of law.  We also share a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, in concert with other democracies in the region such as Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and Taiwan. I congratulate Nauru for holding successful elections in 2019 and I look forward to working with the Government of Nauru to overcome any obstacles that hinder deeper engagement.  Together, there is much we can do to broaden our common interests, to strengthen regional democratic institutions, and to generate sustainable and accessible economic growth alongside our Pacific partners. Call for Recommendations: 2020 Secretary of State’s Award for Corporate Excellence 01/29/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Call for Recommendations: 2020 Secretary of State’s Award for Corporate Excellence 01/29/2020 11:35 AM EST Office of the Spokesperson On behalf of Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs is soliciting public input for recommendations for this year’s Secretary of State’s Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE).  Now in its 21st year, the ACE honors U.S. companies demonstrating leadership in their overseas operations, specifically recognizing U.S. firms that uphold the highest standards of responsible business conduct and whose operational practices and decision-making exemplify American values and international best practices.  Recommendations are due to embassies and consulates by March 6, 2020. For 2020, the categories for the Award for Corporate Excellence are: Award for Corporate Excellence for Innovation will honor a company’s commitment to using emerging technologies to provide breakthrough solutions and products in line with American values. Description:  The innovative ideas, solutions, and products that U.S. businesses produce help secure our nation’s position as a leader in global technology and secure our nation’s future.  This category aims to encourage innovation by U.S. businesses and its application in support of global development challenges in ways that transform the communities where these companies operate.  This category highlights prominent American company leaders in emerging technology sectors such as automated vehicles, blockchain, artificial intelligence, telecommunications, digital payments, digital assets, and cloud computing.  We seek to emphasize how American compani ... [Message clipped]  View entire message ReplyForward