U.S. Department of State Weekly Digest Bulletin

 

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U.S. Department of State Weekly Digest Bulletin Εισερχόμενα U.S. Department of State <usstatebpa@public.govdelivery.com> 8:49 π.μ. (πριν από 43 λεπτά) προς εγώ Secretary Blinken and Secretary Austin’s Travel to Ukraine 04/25/2022 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Blinken and Secretary Austin’s Travel to Ukraine 04/25/2022 04:24 AM EDT Office of the Spokesperson The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III visited Kyiv, Ukraine yesterday to demonstrate the United States’ unwavering commitment to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in their struggle against Russian aggression. While in Kyiv, Secretary Blinken and Secretary Austin met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Defense Oleksiy Reznikov, Head of Presidential Administration Andriy Yermak, Chief of Defense General Valeriy Zaluzhny, and Ambassador Oksana Markarova. They discussed America’s stalwart support for the Ukrainian government and Ukrainian people, including through our significant assistance to Ukraine’s security, governance, economic, and humanitarian needs. Secretary Blinken also voiced renewed support for Ukraine’s efforts to end the Russian aggression through diplomacy and dialogue, noting that our continued support will strengthen Ukraine’s hand on the battlefield and at the negotiating table. During their meeting, Secretary Blinken shared that President Biden will nominate Bridget Brink, currently the U.S. Ambassador to Slovakia, to be the next U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine. If confirmed, Ambassador Brink will lead our diplomatic mission in Ukraine with dedication and distinction. She previously served as Senior Advisor and Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs and as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassies in Tashkent, Uzbekistan and Tbilisi, Georgia. Her decades of experience make her uniquely suited for this moment in Ukraine’s history. Underscoring our intensive diplomatic engagement, Secretary Blinken also relayed that U.S. diplomats will be returning to Ukraine this week. The increased U.S. presence demonstrates our support for Ukraine and is part of the U.S. commitment to return our diplomats to our Embassy in Kyiv as soon as possible. This action will strengthen the Department’s ongoing commitment to facilitate humanitarian relief efforts and the delivery of assistance to the Government of Ukraine, while providing enhanced support to U.S. citizens. Secretary Blinken informed President Zelenskyy that the United States intends to obligate more than $713 million in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) for Ukraine and 15 other Allied and partner nations in Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkan region. This includes $650 million in funding provided by the Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022. More than $322 million in this obligation is for Ukraine and will provide support for the capabilities Ukraine needs as Russia’s forces train their focus on the Donbas; this assistance will also help Ukraine’s armed forces transition to more advanced weapons and air defense systems. This assistance will also help NATO Allies with backfilling capabilities they have donated to Ukraine from their own stockpiles. Additionally, Secretary Blinken told President Zelenskyy that on April 24 the Department notified Congress of a Foreign Military Sale of up to $165 million for non-standard ammunition for Ukraine. Since the start of Russia’s renewed invasion of Ukraine on February 24, the United States has committed roughly $3.7 billion in security assistance and has provided more than $4.3 billion since the start of the Biden Administration. As part of our continuing assistance, Secretary Austin also informed the Government of Ukraine that the U.S. Department of Defense will expand military training for Ukrainian service members in the region on certain weapons systems being provided. He highlighted U.S. efforts to accelerate the delivery of these weapons, which are now arriving within days of announcement. And he underscored that, along with our Allies and partners, the United States will continue to coordinate the shipment of additional heavy weaponry, ammunition and spare parts from other nations. Secretary Austin also previewed for Ukrainian leaders the agenda for this week’s Defense Consultative Meeting in Germany. Convened by the United States, the Consultative Meeting will examine the operational picture on the ground and review near-term Ukrainian defense needs, while providing attendees an opportunity to examine ways in which Ukraine’s longer term national security interests can be best met. Both Secretary Blinken and Secretary Austin shared their admiration for the everyday heroism exhibited by the Ukrainian people – whether the soldier on the frontlines, those who are ministering the wounded, sick, or vulnerable or the defiant grandmothers resisting Russian aggression. They noted that the bravery of Ukrainians in defending freedom and democracy inspires us all and underscored our confidence that an even stronger Ukraine will emerge from this conflict. Public Schedule – April 25, 2022 04/25/2022 You are subscribed to Public Schedule for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Public Schedule – April 25, 2022 04/25/2022 04:37 AM EDT Office of the Spokesperson ***THE DAILY PUBLIC SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE***   SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN Secretary Blinken is on travel to Poland and Ukraine from April 23-25, 2022. DEPUTY SECRETARY WENDY R. SHERMAN Deputy Secretary Sherman attends meetings and briefings at the Department of State. DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR MANAGEMENT AND RESOURCES BRIAN P. MCKEON  Deputy Secretary McKeon attends meetings and briefings at the Department of State. UNDER SECRETARY FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS VICTORIA J. NULAND  Under Secretary Nuland is on travel to Brazil from April 23-26, 2022. Please click here for more information. UNDER SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH, ENERGY, AND THE ENVIRONMENT JOSE W. FERNÁNDEZ Under Secretary Fernández is on travel to Brazil from April 25-27, 2022. Please click here for more information. ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR EUROPEAN AND EURASIAN AFFAIRS KAREN DONFRIED Assistant Secretary Donfried is on travel to Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia from April 25-29, 2022. Please click here for more information. ACTING ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR NEAR EASTERN AFFAIRS YAEL LEMPERT Acting Assistant Secretary Lempert is on travel to Jordan, Israel, the West Bank, and Egypt from April 19-26, 2022.  Please click here for more information. BRIEFING SCHEDULE No Department Press Briefing Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Head of Cabinet of the President of the European Council Bernard 04/25/2022 You are subscribed to Europe and Eurasia for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Head of Cabinet of the President of the European Council Bernard 04/25/2022 03:37 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met today with Frédéric Bernard, head of cabinet of the President of the European Council, in Washington, D.C.  Deputy Secretary Sherman welcomed the EU’s strong financial, humanitarian, and military support to Ukraine and the unprecedented U.S.- EU and transatlantic unity in response to Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine.  The Deputy Secretary also reaffirmed the United States’ continued strong support for Ukraine’s European aspirations. Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Head of Cabinet of the President of the European Council Bernard 04/25/2022 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Head of Cabinet of the President of the European Council Bernard 04/25/2022 03:37 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met today with Frédéric Bernard, head of cabinet of the President of the European Council, in Washington, D.C.  Deputy Secretary Sherman welcomed the EU’s strong financial, humanitarian, and military support to Ukraine and the unprecedented U.S.- EU and transatlantic unity in response to Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine.  The Deputy Secretary also reaffirmed the United States’ continued strong support for Ukraine’s European aspirations. On the Occasion of the Panchen Lama’s 33rd Birthday 04/25/2022 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. On the Occasion of the Panchen Lama’s 33rd Birthday 04/25/2022 05:46 PM EDT Ned Price, Department Spokesperson Today marks the 33rd birthday of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama, who remains missing since PRC authorities abducted him as a six-year-old child on May 17, 1995.  The PRC continues to deny members of the Tibetan community access to the Dalai Lama-designated Panchen Lama, the second most revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism, and instead continues to promote a state-selected proxy. We urge PRC authorities to account for Gedhun Choekyi Nyima’s whereabouts and well-being immediately and to allow him to fully exercise his human rights and fundamental freedoms, in line with the PRC’s international commitments.  The United States supports Tibetans’ religious freedom and their unique religious, cultural, and linguistic identity, including Tibetans’ right to select, educate, and venerate their own leaders, like the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama, according to their own beliefs and without government interference. Turkey’s Conviction of Osman Kavala 04/25/2022 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Turkey’s Conviction of Osman Kavala 04/25/2022 08:15 PM EDT Ned Price, Department Spokesperson The United States is deeply troubled and disappointed by the court’s decision to convict Osman Kavala today.  His unjust conviction is inconsistent with respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law.  We again call on Turkey to release Osman Kavala, in keeping with European Court of Human Rights rulings, as well as to free all others arbitrarily incarcerated.  We remain gravely concerned by the continued judicial harassment of civil society, media, political and business leaders in Turkey, including through prolonged pretrial detention, overly broad claims of support for terrorism, and criminal insult cases.  The people of Turkey deserve to exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms without fear of retribution.  The right to exercise freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association is enshrined in Turkey’s constitution and its international law obligations and OSCE commitments.  We urge the government to cease politically motivated prosecutions and to respect the rights and freedoms of all Turkish citizens. Turkey’s Conviction of Osman Kavala 04/25/2022 You are subscribed to Europe and Eurasia for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Turkey’s Conviction of Osman Kavala 04/25/2022 08:15 PM EDT Ned Price, Department Spokesperson The United States is deeply troubled and disappointed by the court’s decision to convict Osman Kavala today.  His unjust conviction is inconsistent with respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law.  We again call on Turkey to release Osman Kavala, in keeping with European Court of Human Rights rulings, as well as to free all others arbitrarily incarcerated.  We remain gravely concerned by the continued judicial harassment of civil society, media, political and business leaders in Turkey, including through prolonged pretrial detention, overly broad claims of support for terrorism, and criminal insult cases.  The people of Turkey deserve to exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms without fear of retribution.  The right to exercise freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association is enshrined in Turkey’s constitution and its international law obligations and OSCE commitments.  We urge the government to cease politically motivated prosecutions and to respect the rights and freedoms of all Turkish citizens. Public Schedule – April 26, 2022 04/25/2022 You are subscribed to Public Schedule for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Public Schedule – April 26, 2022 04/25/2022 08:23 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson                                      ***THE DAILY PUBLIC SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE***   SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN 10:00 a.m. Secretary Blinken testifies before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on “The Department of State and Related Programs FY23 Budget Request,” on Capitol Hill. (MEDIA DETERMINED BY HOST) 5:00 p.m. Secretary Blinken meets with Czech Republic Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský at the Department of State. (POOLED CAMERA SPRAY AT TOP) DEPUTY SECRETARY WENDY R. SHERMAN Deputy Secretary Sherman attends meetings and briefings at the Department of State. DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR MANAGEMENT AND RESOURCES BRIAN P. MCKEON  Deputy Secretary McKeon attends meetings and briefings at the Department of State. UNDER SECRETARY FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS VICTORIA J. NULAND  Under Secretary Nuland is on travel to Brazil from April 23-26, 2022.  Please click here for more information. UNDER SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH, ENERGY, AND THE ENVIRONMENT JOSE W. FERNÁNDEZ Under Secretary Fernández is on travel to Brazil from April 25-27, 2022.  Please click here for more information. ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR EUROPEAN AND EURASIAN AFFAIRS KAREN DONFRIED Assistant Secretary Donfried is on travel to Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia from April 25-29, 2022.  Please click here for more information. ACTING ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR NEAR EASTERN AFFAIRS YAEL LEMPERT Acting Assistant Secretary Lempert is on travel to Jordan, Israel, the West Bank, and Egypt from April 19-26, 2022.  Please click here for more information. BRIEFING SCHEDULE 2:30 p.m. Department Press Briefing with Spokesperson Ned Price. (OPEN PRESS COVERAGE) The Department Press Briefing will be live-streamed on www.state.gov and www.youtube.com/statedept.   Tanzania Union Day 04/26/2022 You are subscribed to Secretary's Remarks for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Tanzania Union Day 04/26/2022 12:01 AM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State On behalf of the American people, I would like to join Tanzania in celebrating the 58th anniversary of the formation of the United Republic of Tanzania. The United States and Tanzania enjoy a longstanding and deep bilateral partnership, and on this day of celebration we renew our commitment to greater collaboration between our two nations. As Tanzania also will soon celebrate 30 years of multiparty democracy, we look forward to working with Tanzania to further its democratic ideals while strengthening our economic ties and continuing important progress in the areas of health, education, governance, and many more. I send my best wishes to the Tanzanian people for a healthy, peaceful, prosperous, and democratic future. Tanzania Union Day 04/26/2022 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Tanzania Union Day 04/26/2022 12:01 AM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State On behalf of the American people, I would like to join Tanzania in celebrating the 58th anniversary of the formation of the United Republic of Tanzania. The United States and Tanzania enjoy a longstanding and deep bilateral partnership, and on this day of celebration we renew our commitment to greater collaboration between our two nations. As Tanzania also will soon celebrate 30 years of multiparty democracy, we look forward to working with Tanzania to further its democratic ideals while strengthening our economic ties and continuing important progress in the areas of health, education, governance, and many more. I send my best wishes to the Tanzanian people for a healthy, peaceful, prosperous, and democratic future. Special Advisor for the Summit of the Americas Christopher Dodd Travel to Barbados 04/26/2022 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Special Advisor for the Summit of the Americas Christopher Dodd Travel to Barbados 04/26/2022 10:10 AM EDT Office of the Spokesperson Special Advisor for the Summit of the Americas Christopher Dodd traveled to Bridgetown, Barbados, April 19-20 to meet with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders to discuss regional priorities in advance of the Ninth Summit of the Americas this June in Los Angeles, California. Senator Dodd engaged with CARICOM leaders in-person and virtually. The Senator spoke with Heads of Government from The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. Discussion focused on such topics as energy security, climate change, disaster preparedness, and economic recovery.  CARICOM leaders acknowledged the importance of incorporating Caribbean voices and addressing these issues at the upcoming Summit of the Americas. The Summit of the Americas, the only meeting that brings together the leaders of North, South, and Central America and the Caribbean, will play a central role in shaping the future of the hemisphere.  The region’s governments, civil society, and private sector will work to develop a shared vision built around the theme for this year’s meeting, “Building a Sustainable, Resilient, and Equitable Future.” For press inquiries, contact WHA_Press@state.gov. Secretary Blinken’s Call with Polish Foreign Minister Rau 04/26/2022 You are subscribed to Europe and Eurasia for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Blinken’s Call with Polish Foreign Minister Rau 04/26/2022 10:26 AM EDT Office of the Spokesperson The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke yesterday with Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau.  Secretary Blinken expressed his appreciation for Poland’s role in facilitating his travel with Secretary of Defense Austin to Ukraine yesterday to meet with President Zelenskyy and Ukrainian leadership.  Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Rau discussed the Secretary’s meetings in Kyiv and our shared and unwavering commitment to Ukraine and the people of Ukraine in their struggle against Russia’s aggression. U.S.-Honduras Strategic Dialogue 04/26/2022 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. U.S.-Honduras Strategic Dialogue 04/26/2022 10:38 AM EDT Office of the Spokesperson Yesterday in Washington, DC, Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya and Honduran Foreign Minister Enrique Reina launched the United States-Honduras Strategic Dialogue.  Vice President Kamala Harris proposed this Strategic Dialogue during her meeting with President Xiomara Castro on January 27, following the President’s inauguration.  Yesterday’s Strategic Dialogue, the first in a planned series of meetings between our governments,  advances joint priorities on economic recovery; fostering anti-corruption and good governance; improving human rights protections and reducing gender-based violence; and ensuring humane management of irregular migration while addressing its root causes. In yesterday’s Dialogue the United States detailed plans to help Honduras overcome the social and economic effects of COVID-19 through continued provision of vaccines and medical equipment, including specific efforts to help students return to the classroom.  The United States also outlined plans to help Honduras unlock its economic potential and generate inclusive job growth.  Building on the Castro Administration’s notable anti-corruption commitments, we discussed efforts to launch a new internationally-backed anti-corruption commission.  The United States also announced plans to continue working with Honduras to promote respect for human rights, including addressing gender-based violence.  These efforts will help address the root causes of migration, while we advance joint efforts to promote safe, orderly, humane migration. This Strategic Dialogue process builds on longstanding U.S. support for the people of Honduras.  U.S. assistance helps improve food security, provides vaccines against COVID-19, makes schools and health clinics more accessible, trains police and investigators to ensure justice for all Hondurans, and assists Hondurans in increasing their own border security.  We will continue supporting the people of Honduras as they strengthen democratic institutions, generate equitable economic opportunities, and create the futures they desire for themselves and their families. Secretary Blinken’s Call with Polish Foreign Minister Rau 04/26/2022 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Blinken’s Call with Polish Foreign Minister Rau 04/26/2022 10:26 AM EDT Office of the Spokesperson The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke yesterday with Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau.  Secretary Blinken expressed his appreciation for Poland’s role in facilitating his travel with Secretary of Defense Austin to Ukraine yesterday to meet with President Zelenskyy and Ukrainian leadership.  Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Rau discussed the Secretary’s meetings in Kyiv and our shared and unwavering commitment to Ukraine and the people of Ukraine in their struggle against Russia’s aggression. Opening Remarks by Secretary Antony J. Blinken Before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee 04/26/2022 You are subscribed to Europe and Eurasia for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Opening Remarks by Secretary Antony J. Blinken Before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee 04/26/2022 12:23 PM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Washington, D.C. 106 Dirksen Senate Office Building SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Risch, thank you.  It’s very good to be with you, to be with every member of this committee today.  Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you about the administration’s proposed budget for the State Department. And as both of you noted, I just returned from Kyiv with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, where, together, we demonstrated the United States’ commitment to the government and to the people of Ukraine.  I have to tell you the trip left an indelible impression.  We had a chance to talk about it a little bit before the hearing. As we took the train across the border and rode westward into Ukraine, we saw mile after mile of Ukrainian countryside, territory that just a couple of months ago the Russian Government thought that it could seize in a matter of weeks – today, firmly Ukraine’s.  In Kyiv, we saw the signs of a vibrant city coming back to life: people eating outside, sitting on benches, strolling.  It was right in front of us.  The Ukrainians have won the battle for Kyiv, and for all the suffering that they’ve endured, for all the carnage that Russia’s brutal invasion continues to inflict, Ukraine was and will continue to be a free and independent country. It’s impossible not to be moved by what the Ukrainians have achieved.  It’s also impossible not to believe that they will keep succeeding, because they know why they fight.  Seeing this, I have to tell you I felt some pride in what the United States has done to support the Ukrainian Government and its people, and an even firmer conviction that we must not let up. Moscow’s war of aggression against Ukraine has underscored the power and purpose of American diplomacy.  Our diplomacy is rallying allies and partners around the world to join us in supporting Ukraine with security, economic, humanitarian assistance; imposing massive costs on the Kremlin; strengthening our collective security and defense; addressing the war’s mounting global consequences, including the refugee and food crises that you both alluded to. We will, we have to continue to drive that diplomacy forward, to seize what I believe are strategic opportunities, as well as address risks presented by Russia’s overreach as countries are reconsidering their policies, their priorities, their relationships.  The budget request before you predated this crisis, but fully funding it is critical in my judgment to ensuring that Russia’s war in Ukraine is a strategic failure for the Kremlin and serves as a powerful lesson to those who might consider following its path. As we’re focused intensely on this urgent crisis, the State Department continues to carry out the missions traditionally associated with diplomacy, like responsibly managing great power competition with China, facilitating a halt to fighting in Yemen and Ethiopia, pushing back against the rising tide of authoritarianism and the threat that it poses to human rights. We also face evolving challenges that require us to develop new capabilities, such as the emergence and re-emergence of infectious disease, an accelerating climate crisis, and of course a digital revolution that holds both enormous promise but also some peril. Last fall, I had an opportunity to set out a modernization agenda for the department and for U.S. diplomacy to respond to these complex demands.  In no small part thanks to the FY22 budget approved by Congress, we’ve been able to make real progress on this agenda, though much remains to be done. To give just a few examples, we have strengthened our capacity to shape the ongoing technological revolution so that it actually protects our interests, it boosts our competitiveness, it upholds our values.  With bipartisan congressional support and encouragement, we recently launched a new Bureau for Cyberspace and Digital Policy, with 60 team members to start.  And I am grateful to Congress, to this committee, for long supporting this effort, for the ideas that you shared in how best to do it. We’re also making headway on ensuring that our diplomats reflect America’s remarkable diversity, which is one of our greatest strengths, including in our diplomacy.  We have, as the Chairman noted, our first ever chief diversity and inclusion officer, who is spearheading an effort to analyze and address the obstacles that prevent underrepresented groups from joining and advancing at State.  We’ve expanded the Pickering and Rangel fellowships and created, for the first time – thanks to the support of Congress and this committee – paid internships at State, along with strong congressional input and support for all of these efforts. And we’re showing results.  We recently welcomed a new cohort of 179 exceptional Foreign Service professionals.  That’s putting our department on track for its largest annual intake in a decade. My first 15 months in this job have only strengthened my own conviction that these and other reforms are not just worthwhile; they’re essential to our national security and to delivering for the people we represent. Today’s meeting marks, by our count, the 100th time that I’ve had an opportunity to brief Congress, which is one of the ways I’ve worked to meet the commitment that I made in my confirmation before this committee to restore Congress’s role as a partner both in our foreign policymaking and in revitalizing the State Department. Ensuring that we can deliver on the agenda will require sustained funding, some new authorities, and maybe most important of all, partnership from Congress.  That’s why I’m grateful for the chairman and ranking member’s request to establish a formal dialogue on the State Department authorization, a request that we have delivered on and we’re going to look forward to working in detail with you as the authorization process moves forward. If we want to deepen our capability in key areas like climate, like pandemic preparedness, like multilateral diplomacy; if we want to expand on Secretary Powell’s vision of a Foreign Service training float; and equip our workforce with the training, with the tools, with the technology that we need for today’s challenges – we need some additional resources, and those are set out in the budget. If we want to be able to swiftly stand up new missions, deploy diplomats when and where they’re needed – and I very much agree with the ranking member on this – and make those decisions based on risk management rather than on risk aversion – we need to reform the State Embassy Construction and Counterterrorism Act and the Accountability Review Board statute.  That’s laid out as well. If we want to rapidly scale up in response to crises like refugee surges and epidemics while also avoiding costly overhead, we need more flexible domestic hiring authorities. This is not about advancing the goals of any one administration, any one party.  It’s about refocusing our mission and purpose on the forces that really affect the lives of our fellow citizens – their livelihoods, their security – for decades to come. So I very much appreciate this opportunity to speak today about why this matters, and look very much forward to continuing to make this committee, and Congress as a whole, a full partner in these efforts. Thank you. Opening Remarks by Secretary Antony J. Blinken Before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee 04/26/2022 You are subscribed to Secretary's Remarks for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Opening Remarks by Secretary Antony J. Blinken Before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee 04/26/2022 12:23 PM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Washington, D.C. 106 Dirksen Senate Office Building SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Risch, thank you.  It’s very good to be with you, to be with every member of this committee today.  Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you about the administration’s proposed budget for the State Department. And as both of you noted, I just returned from Kyiv with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, where, together, we demonstrated the United States’ commitment to the government and to the people of Ukraine.  I have to tell you the trip left an indelible impression.  We had a chance to talk about it a little bit before the hearing. As we took the train across the border and rode westward into Ukraine, we saw mile after mile of Ukrainian countryside, territory that just a couple of months ago the Russian Government thought that it could seize in a matter of weeks – today, firmly Ukraine’s.  In Kyiv, we saw the signs of a vibrant city coming back to life: people eating outside, sitting on benches, strolling.  It was right in front of us.  The Ukrainians have won the battle for Kyiv, and for all the suffering that they’ve endured, for all the carnage that Russia’s brutal invasion continues to inflict, Ukraine was and will continue to be a free and independent country. It’s impossible not to be moved by what the Ukrainians have achieved.  It’s also impossible not to believe that they will keep succeeding, because they know why they fight.  Seeing this, I have to tell you I felt some pride in what the United States has done to support the Ukrainian Government and its people, and an even firmer conviction that we must not let up. Moscow’s war of aggression against Ukraine has underscored the power and purpose of American diplomacy.  Our diplomacy is rallying allies and partners around the world to join us in supporting Ukraine with security, economic, humanitarian assistance; imposing massive costs on the Kremlin; strengthening our collective security and defense; addressing the war’s mounting global consequences, including the refugee and food crises that you both alluded to. We will, we have to continue to drive that diplomacy forward, to seize what I believe are strategic opportunities, as well as address risks presented by Russia’s overreach as countries are reconsidering their policies, their priorities, their relationships.  The budget request before you predated this crisis, but fully funding it is critical in my judgment to ensuring that Russia’s war in Ukraine is a strategic failure for the Kremlin and serves as a powerful lesson to those who might consider following its path. As we’re focused intensely on this urgent crisis, the State Department continues to carry out the missions traditionally associated with diplomacy, like responsibly managing great power competition with China, facilitating a halt to fighting in Yemen and Ethiopia, pushing back against the rising tide of authoritarianism and the threat that it poses to human rights. We also face evolving challenges that require us to develop new capabilities, such as the emergence and re-emergence of infectious disease, an accelerating climate crisis, and of course a digital revolution that holds both enormous promise but also some peril. Last fall, I had an opportunity to set out a modernization agenda for the department and for U.S. diplomacy to respond to these complex demands.  In no small part thanks to the FY22 budget approved by Congress, we’ve been able to make real progress on this agenda, though much remains to be done. To give just a few examples, we have strengthened our capacity to shape the ongoing technological revolution so that it actually protects our interests, it boosts our competitiveness, it upholds our values.  With bipartisan congressional support and encouragement, we recently launched a new Bureau for Cyberspace and Digital Policy, with 60 team members to start.  And I am grateful to Congress, to this committee, for long supporting this effort, for the ideas that you shared in how best to do it. We’re also making headway on ensuring that our diplomats reflect America’s remarkable diversity, which is one of our greatest strengths, including in our diplomacy.  We have, as the Chairman noted, our first ever chief diversity and inclusion officer, who is spearheading an effort to analyze and address the obstacles that prevent underrepresented groups from joining and advancing at State.  We’ve expanded the Pickering and Rangel fellowships and created, for the first time – thanks to the support of Congress and this committee – paid internships at State, along with strong congressional input and support for all of these efforts. And we’re showing results.  We recently welcomed a new cohort of 179 exceptional Foreign Service professionals.  That’s putting our department on track for its largest annual intake in a decade. My first 15 months in this job have only strengthened my own conviction that these and other reforms are not just worthwhile; they’re essential to our national security and to delivering for the people we represent. Today’s meeting marks, by our count, the 100th time that I’ve had an opportunity to brief Congress, which is one of the ways I’ve worked to meet the commitment that I made in my confirmation before this committee to restore Congress’s role as a partner both in our foreign policymaking and in revitalizing the State Department. Ensuring that we can deliver on the agenda will require sustained funding, some new authorities, and maybe most important of all, partnership from Congress.  That’s why I’m grateful for the chairman and ranking member’s request to establish a formal dialogue on the State Department authorization, a request that we have delivered on and we’re going to look forward to working in detail with you as the authorization process moves forward. If we want to deepen our capability in key areas like climate, like pandemic preparedness, like multilateral diplomacy; if we want to expand on Secretary Powell’s vision of a Foreign Service training float; and equip our workforce with the training, with the tools, with the technology that we need for today’s challenges – we need some additional resources, and those are set out in the budget. If we want to be able to swiftly stand up new missions, deploy diplomats when and where they’re needed – and I very much agree with the ranking member on this – and make those decisions based on risk management rather than on risk aversion – we need to reform the State Embassy Construction and Counterterrorism Act and the Accountability Review Board statute.  That’s laid out as well. If we want to rapidly scale up in response to crises like refugee surges and epidemics while also avoiding costly overhead, we need more flexible domestic hiring authorities. This is not about advancing the goals of any one administration, any one party.  It’s about refocusing our mission and purpose on the forces that really affect the lives of our fellow citizens – their livelihoods, their security – for decades to come. So I very much appreciate this opportunity to speak today about why this matters, and look very much forward to continuing to make this committee, and Congress as a whole, a full partner in these efforts. Thank you. Opening Remarks by Secretary Antony J. Blinken Before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee 04/26/2022 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Opening Remarks by Secretary Antony J. Blinken Before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee 04/26/2022 12:23 PM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Washington, D.C. 106 Dirksen Senate Office Building SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Risch, thank you.  It’s very good to be with you, to be with every member of this committee today.  Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you about the administration’s proposed budget for the State Department. And as both of you noted, I just returned from Kyiv with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, where, together, we demonstrated the United States’ commitment to the government and to the people of Ukraine.  I have to tell you the trip left an indelible impression.  We had a chance to talk about it a little bit before the hearing. As we took the train across the border and rode westward into Ukraine, we saw mile after mile of Ukrainian countryside, territory that just a couple of months ago the Russian Government thought that it could seize in a matter of weeks – today, firmly Ukraine’s.  In Kyiv, we saw the signs of a vibrant city coming back to life: people eating outside, sitting on benches, strolling.  It was right in front of us.  The Ukrainians have won the battle for Kyiv, and for all the suffering that they’ve endured, for all the carnage that Russia’s brutal invasion continues to inflict, Ukraine was and will continue to be a free and independent country. It’s impossible not to be moved by what the Ukrainians have achieved.  It’s also impossible not to believe that they will keep succeeding, because they know why they fight.  Seeing this, I have to tell you I felt some pride in what the United States has done to support the Ukrainian Government and its people, and an even firmer conviction that we must not let up. Moscow’s war of aggression against Ukraine has underscored the power and purpose of American diplomacy.  Our diplomacy is rallying allies and partners around the world to join us in supporting Ukraine with security, economic, humanitarian assistance; imposing massive costs on the Kremlin; strengthening our collective security and defense; addressing the war’s mounting global consequences, including ... [Περικομμένο μήνυμα]  Προβολή ολόκληρου του μηνύματος ΑπάντησηΠροώθηση