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> 9:42 π.μ. (πριν από 1 ώρα) προς εγώ Counselor Chollet’s Travel to Indonesia and Thailand 03/19/2023 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Counselor Chollet’s Travel to Indonesia and Thailand 03/19/2023 10:42 AM EDT Office of the Spokesperson Counselor Derek Chollet and an interagency delegation will travel to Indonesia and Thailand March 20-24. During his travel, Counselor Chollet will engage with senior government leaders and key stakeholders on bilateral and regional issues, including efforts to address the worsening crisis in Burma and to seek peaceful and just resolution rooted in the will of the people of Burma. In Jakarta, Counselor Chollet will meet with senior Indonesian government officials to discuss the U.S.-Indonesia Strategic Partnership and reiterate our shared commitment to cooperating on economic, security, and energy initiatives. He will also discuss Indonesia’s objectives as the ASEAN chair this year, and highlight United States’ commitment to ASEAN centrality, a free and open Indo-Pacific, and support for the security and prosperity of our partners. In Bangkok, Counselor Chollet will meet with senior Thai government officials to underscore the United States’ deep commitment to the U.S.-Thailand alliance. He will discuss how we can strengthen bilateral cooperation on a range of issues, including reaffirming ASEAN centrality, expanding health and climate cooperation, and strengthening cooperation to achieve peace in Burma. Counselor Chollet looks forward to engaging with government and civil society leaders, non-governmental organizations, and youth leaders in both nations to advance our people-to-people ties and uphold our commitment to democracy and human rights. For media inquiries please contact EAP-Press@state.gov. Counselor Chollet’s Travel to Indonesia and Thailand 03/19/2023 You are subscribed to Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Counselor Chollet’s Travel to Indonesia and Thailand 03/19/2023 10:42 AM EDT Office of the Spokesperson Counselor Derek Chollet and an interagency delegation will travel to Indonesia and Thailand March 20-24. During his travel, Counselor Chollet will engage with senior government leaders and key stakeholders on bilateral and regional issues, including efforts to address the worsening crisis in Burma and to seek peaceful and just resolution rooted in the will of the people of Burma. In Jakarta, Counselor Chollet will meet with senior Indonesian government officials to discuss the U.S.-Indonesia Strategic Partnership and reiterate our shared commitment to cooperating on economic, security, and energy initiatives. He will also discuss Indonesia’s objectives as the ASEAN chair this year, and highlight United States’ commitment to ASEAN centrality, a free and open Indo-Pacific, and support for the security and prosperity of our partners. In Bangkok, Counselor Chollet will meet with senior Thai government officials to underscore the United States’ deep commitment to the U.S.-Thailand alliance. He will discuss how we can strengthen bilateral cooperation on a range of issues, including reaffirming ASEAN centrality, expanding health and climate cooperation, and strengthening cooperation to achieve peace in Burma. Counselor Chollet looks forward to engaging with government and civil society leaders, non-governmental organizations, and youth leaders in both nations to advance our people-to-people ties and uphold our commitment to democracy and human rights. For media inquiries please contact EAP-Press@state.gov. G7 Foreign Ministers’ Statement On the launch of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile by North Korea 03/19/2023 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. G7 Foreign Ministers’ Statement On the launch of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile by North Korea 03/19/2023 11:54 AM EDT 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, the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, condemn in the strongest terms North Korea’s March 16 launch of yet another Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), which undermines regional and international peace and security. Since last year, North Korea has intensified its escalatory actions through a record number of ballistic missile launches and its continued irresponsible and destabilizing rhetoric regarding the use of nuclear weapons. Earlier this year, North Korea publicly stated its intent to further expand and enhance its unlawful nuclear and missile programs. We reiterate our demand that North Korea abandon its nuclear weapons, existing nuclear programs, and any other weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs in a complete, verifiable, and irreversible manner and fully comply with all obligations under the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs). North Korea cannot and will never have the status of a nuclear-weapon State in accordance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. We urge North Korea to engage in meaningful diplomacy toward denuclearization and accept the repeated offers of dialogue put forward by Japan, the United States, and the Republic of Korea. We deeply regret to see the stark contrast between the frequency of North Korea’s repeated blatant violations of UNSCRs and the UN Security Council’s (UNSC) corresponding inaction because of some members’ obstruction. North Korea’s reckless behavior demands a swift and unified response by the international community, including further significant measures by the UNSC. We call on all UN Member States to fully and effectively implement all UNSCRs, and for the UNSC Members to follow through on their commitments. The G7 remains concerned about the dire humanitarian situation in North Korea and is committed to working with all relevant partners toward the goal of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and to upholding the rules-based international order. End Text G7 Foreign Ministers’ Statement On the launch of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile by North Korea 03/19/2023 You are subscribed to Europe and Eurasia for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. G7 Foreign Ministers’ Statement On the launch of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile by North Korea 03/19/2023 11:54 AM EDT 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, the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, condemn in the strongest terms North Korea’s March 16 launch of yet another Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), which undermines regional and international peace and security. Since last year, North Korea has intensified its escalatory actions through a record number of ballistic missile launches and its continued irresponsible and destabilizing rhetoric regarding the use of nuclear weapons. Earlier this year, North Korea publicly stated its intent to further expand and enhance its unlawful nuclear and missile programs. We reiterate our demand that North Korea abandon its nuclear weapons, existing nuclear programs, and any other weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs in a complete, verifiable, and irreversible manner and fully comply with all obligations under the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs). North Korea cannot and will never have the status of a nuclear-weapon State in accordance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. We urge North Korea to engage in meaningful diplomacy toward denuclearization and accept the repeated offers of dialogue put forward by Japan, the United States, and the Republic of Korea. We deeply regret to see the stark contrast between the frequency of North Korea’s repeated blatant violations of UNSCRs and the UN Security Council’s (UNSC) corresponding inaction because of some members’ obstruction. North Korea’s reckless behavior demands a swift and unified response by the international community, including further significant measures by the UNSC. We call on all UN Member States to fully and effectively implement all UNSCRs, and for the UNSC Members to follow through on their commitments. The G7 remains concerned about the dire humanitarian situation in North Korea and is committed to working with all relevant partners toward the goal of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and to upholding the rules-based international order. End Text Joint Communique from the March 19 meeting in Sharm El Sheikh 03/19/2023 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Joint Communique from the March 19 meeting in Sharm El Sheikh 03/19/2023 03:01 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson The following text reflects the Joint Communique following today’s meeting in Sharm El Sheikh Egypt: At the invitation of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Jordanian, Israeli, Palestinian and U.S. political and security senior officials met in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt today, 19 March 2023, in furtherance of the understanding reached in Aqaba, Jordan on 26 February 2023. The five Parties held thorough discussions on ways and means to de-escalate tensions on the ground between Palestinians and Israelis, in order to pave a way forward towards the peaceful settlement between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Towards achieving this purpose, and beginning implementation, the Parties have agreed to the following: 1 – The Parties reaffirmed their commitment to advancing security, stability and peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike, and recognized the necessity of de-escalation on the ground, the prevention of further violence, as well as of pursuing confidence building measures, enhancing mutual trust, creating political horizon, and addressing outstanding issues through direct dialogue. 2 – The Government of Israel and the Palestinian National Authority reaffirmed their joint readiness and commitment to immediately work to end unilateral measures for a period of 3-6 months.  This includes an Israeli commitment to stop discussion of any new settlement units for 4 months, and to stop authorization of any outposts for 6 months. 3 – The two sides reaffirmed, in this regard, their unwavering commitment to all previous agreements between them, in particular, the legal right of the Palestinian National Authority to carry out the security responsibilities in Area (A) of the West Bank, in accordance with existing agreements, and will work together towards realizing this objective. 4 – The two sides agreed to develop a mechanism to curb and counter violence, incitement, and inflammatory statements and actions, which will report to the quintet leadership in April, in a resumed session of the meeting in Sharm El Sheikh. 5 – The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to all previous agreements between them, and reaffirmed their agreement to address all outstanding issues through direct dialogue. 6 – The Parties agreed to establish a mechanism to take the necessary steps towards improving the economic conditions of the Palestinian people, per previous agreements,  and to significantly enhance the fiscal situation of the Palestinian National Authority, which will report to the quintet leadership in April, in a resumed session of the meeting in Sharm El Sheikh. 7 – They also reiterated the commitment of upholding unchanged the historic status quo at the Holy Sites in Jerusalem, both in word and in practice, and reaffirmed in this context the importance of the Hashemite Custodianship/special role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.  They emphasized the necessity of both Israelis and Palestinians to actively prevent any actions that would disrupt the sanctity of these sites, inter alia during the upcoming Holy Month of Ramadan, which coincides with Easter and Passover this year. 8 – The Parties reaffirmed the importance of maintaining the meetings under this format, and are looking forward to cooperating with a view to consolidating the basis for direct negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis, towards achieving comprehensive, just and lasting peace, and promote cooperation and coexistence between all people of the Middle East.  They will convene again in Egypt. 9 – The Parties expressed their appreciation to the Arab Republic of Egypt for organizing and hosting this meeting, as well as their efforts to ensure that it produces positive results, and for its primary role aiming to achieve a peaceful settlement of the Palestinian question and maintain calm and stability in the region.  They also thanked the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the United States of America for their crucial and significant role in reaching understandings with a view to preventing escalation and creating a horizon for peace. United States Support of the EU-facilitated Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue 03/19/2023 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. United States Support of the EU-facilitated Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue 03/19/2023 06:09 PM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State The United States welcomes the accord Kosovo and Serbia reached through European Union facilitation on the implementation of their February 27 Agreement on the Path to Normalization of Relations. We commend the President of Serbia and Prime Minister of Kosovo for their leadership in reaching this agreement.  Fulfilling Kosovan and Serbian obligations under the Basic Agreement, as part of sustained commitment to reconciliation, will secure significant opportunities for the people of both countries and accelerate their paths to European Union membership. The United States will remain actively engaged, in coordination with EU partners, to support Serbia and Kosovo in making implementation work in pursuit of a predictable and peaceful relationship. We will continue to support the advancement of stability and prosperity in the Western Balkans. We thank the EU for facilitating the talks and the Government of North Macedonia for hosting the parties and supporting finalization of this agreement. United States Support of the EU-facilitated Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue 03/19/2023 You are subscribed to Secretary's Remarks for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. United States Support of the EU-facilitated Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue 03/19/2023 06:09 PM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State The United States welcomes the accord Kosovo and Serbia reached through European Union facilitation on the implementation of their February 27 Agreement on the Path to Normalization of Relations. We commend the President of Serbia and Prime Minister of Kosovo for their leadership in reaching this agreement.  Fulfilling Kosovan and Serbian obligations under the Basic Agreement, as part of sustained commitment to reconciliation, will secure significant opportunities for the people of both countries and accelerate their paths to European Union membership. The United States will remain actively engaged, in coordination with EU partners, to support Serbia and Kosovo in making implementation work in pursuit of a predictable and peaceful relationship. We will continue to support the advancement of stability and prosperity in the Western Balkans. We thank the EU for facilitating the talks and the Government of North Macedonia for hosting the parties and supporting finalization of this agreement. United States Support of the EU-facilitated Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue 03/19/2023 You are subscribed to Europe and Eurasia for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. United States Support of the EU-facilitated Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue 03/19/2023 06:09 PM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State The United States welcomes the accord Kosovo and Serbia reached through European Union facilitation on the implementation of their February 27 Agreement on the Path to Normalization of Relations. We commend the President of Serbia and Prime Minister of Kosovo for their leadership in reaching this agreement.  Fulfilling Kosovan and Serbian obligations under the Basic Agreement, as part of sustained commitment to reconciliation, will secure significant opportunities for the people of both countries and accelerate their paths to European Union membership. The United States will remain actively engaged, in coordination with EU partners, to support Serbia and Kosovo in making implementation work in pursuit of a predictable and peaceful relationship. We will continue to support the advancement of stability and prosperity in the Western Balkans. We thank the EU for facilitating the talks and the Government of North Macedonia for hosting the parties and supporting finalization of this agreement. Public Schedule – March 20, 2023 03/19/2023 You are subscribed to Public Schedule for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Public Schedule – March 20, 2023 03/19/2023 08:40 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson ***THE DAILY PUBLIC SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE***   SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN 11:30 a.m. Secretary Blinken delivers remarks on the release of the 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices at the Department of State. (OPEN PRESS COVERAGE) The Secretary’s remarks will be livestreamed on www.state.gov and www.YouTube.com/statedept. Preset time for video cameras is 11:00 a.m. from the 23rd Street entrance lobby. Final access time for writers and still photographers is 11:15 a.m. from the 23rd Street entrance lobby. 4:15 p.m. Secretary Blinken meets with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita at the Department of State. (POOLED PRESS COVERAGE) DEPUTY SECRETARY WENDY R. SHERMAN Deputy Secretary Sherman attends meetings and briefings at the Department of State. ACTING DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR MANAGEMENT AND RESOURCES JOHN BASS Acting Deputy Secretary Bass attends meetings and briefings at the Department of State. UNDER SECRETARY FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS VICTORIA J. NULAND Under Secretary Nuland attends meetings and briefings at the Department of State. UNDER SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH, ENERGY, AND THE ENVIRONMENT JOSE W. FERNANDEZ Under Secretary Fernandez is on travel to Colombia, Panama, and Brazil from March 17-23, 2023. ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR NEAR EASTERN AFFAIRS BARBARA LEAF Assistant Secretary Leaf is on travel to Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, and Tunisia from March 15-25, 2023. ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION AFFAIRS MICHELE SISON Assistant Secretary Sison is on travel to Switzerland from March 15-20, 2023. ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR POPULATION, REFUGEES, AND MIGRATION JULIETA VALLS NOYES Assistant Secretary Noyes is on travel to Belgium from March 16-21, 2023. BRIEFING SCHEDULE No Department Press Briefing. Tunisia National Day 03/20/2023 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Tunisia National Day 03/20/2023 08:00 AM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I extend my congratulations to the people of Tunisia on the 67th anniversary of their nation’s independence. As Tunisians mark more than 12 years since their revolution, the United States remains deeply committed to the fundamental freedoms, democratic institutions, and inclusive political dialogue that both Americans and Tunisians have fought hard to achieve.  We also stand by Tunisians as they face continued economic challenges, exacerbated by Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, and undertake economic reform efforts to foster stronger and more inclusive economic growth.  We will continue to support both the aspirations of the Tunisian people for a democratic and prosperous future, and to support ongoing efforts to protect human rights and rule of law as the foundations of a just and equitable society. Tunisia National Day 03/20/2023 You are subscribed to Secretary's Remarks for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Tunisia National Day 03/20/2023 08:00 AM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I extend my congratulations to the people of Tunisia on the 67th anniversary of their nation’s independence. As Tunisians mark more than 12 years since their revolution, the United States remains deeply committed to the fundamental freedoms, democratic institutions, and inclusive political dialogue that both Americans and Tunisians have fought hard to achieve.  We also stand by Tunisians as they face continued economic challenges, exacerbated by Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, and undertake economic reform efforts to foster stronger and more inclusive economic growth.  We will continue to support both the aspirations of the Tunisian people for a democratic and prosperous future, and to support ongoing efforts to protect human rights and rule of law as the foundations of a just and equitable society. The Departure of Dr. Karen Donfried 03/20/2023 You are subscribed to Europe and Eurasia for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. The Departure of Dr. Karen Donfried 03/20/2023 09:59 AM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State For the last 18 months, Dr. Karen Donfried has led the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs with the utmost skill and commitment during a pivotal time. As she prepares to depart the Department at the end of the month, I thank Karen for her tremendous service to the Department and the American people. Karen has deftly managed our relationships with many of our most important allies and partners at a time when Kremlin aggression threatened decades of peace and prosperity. Her policy acumen, integrity, and drive defined her leadership as Assistant Secretary and represent the highest values of public service. An exceptional leader, Karen has nurtured and empowered her team, positioning the Bureau and, in turn, the Department to pursue most effectively the interests and defend the values we share with our European allies. On behalf of the Department, I thank Karen for her distinguished service and wish her well in her next endeavors. The Departure of Dr. Karen Donfried 03/20/2023 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. The Departure of Dr. Karen Donfried 03/20/2023 09:59 AM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State For the last 18 months, Dr. Karen Donfried has led the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs with the utmost skill and commitment during a pivotal time. As she prepares to depart the Department at the end of the month, I thank Karen for her tremendous service to the Department and the American people. Karen has deftly managed our relationships with many of our most important allies and partners at a time when Kremlin aggression threatened decades of peace and prosperity. Her policy acumen, integrity, and drive defined her leadership as Assistant Secretary and represent the highest values of public service. An exceptional leader, Karen has nurtured and empowered her team, positioning the Bureau and, in turn, the Department to pursue most effectively the interests and defend the values we share with our European allies. On behalf of the Department, I thank Karen for her distinguished service and wish her well in her next endeavors. Secretary Blinken’s Call with Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan 03/20/2023 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 Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan 03/20/2023 10:28 AM EDT Office of the Spokesperson The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan today to offer continued U.S. assistance in facilitating bilateral peace discussions with Azerbaijan.  Secretary Blinken thanked Prime Minister Pashinyan for Armenia’s continued commitment to peace and encouraged concrete steps forward in finding solutions to outstanding issues.  He reiterated U.S. support for direct talks and diplomacy to support a lasting and sustainable peace in the South Caucasus and stressed that there is no military solution. Secretary Blinken’s Call with Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan 03/20/2023 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 Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan 03/20/2023 10:28 AM EDT Office of the Spokesperson The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan today to offer continued U.S. assistance in facilitating bilateral peace discussions with Azerbaijan.  Secretary Blinken thanked Prime Minister Pashinyan for Armenia’s continued commitment to peace and encouraged concrete steps forward in finding solutions to outstanding issues.  He reiterated U.S. support for direct talks and diplomacy to support a lasting and sustainable peace in the South Caucasus and stressed that there is no military solution. Additional U.S. Military Assistance for Ukraine 03/20/2023 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. Military Assistance for Ukraine 03/20/2023 11:44 AM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State This week, as Russia’s unconscionable war of aggression against Ukraine continues at greathuman cost, we are again reminded of the boundless courage and steadfast resolve of theUkrainian people, and the strong support for Ukraine across the international community. Today, pursuant to a delegation of authority from President Biden, I am authorizing our 34thdrawdown of U.S. arms and equipment for Ukraine valued at $350 million. This military assistance package includes more ammunition for U.S.-provided HIMARS and howitzers that Ukraine is usingto defend itself, as well as ammunition for Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, HARM missiles, anti-tank weapons, riverine boats, and other equipment. We applaud the more than 50 countries that have come together to provide support for Ukraine asit defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russia alone could end its war today.  Until Russia does we will stand united with Ukraine for as long as it takes. Additional U.S. Military Assistance for Ukraine 03/20/2023 You are subscribed to Europe and Eurasia for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Additional U.S. Military Assistance for Ukraine 03/20/2023 11:44 AM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State This week, as Russia’s unconscionable war of aggression against Ukraine continues at greathuman cost, we are again reminded of the boundless courage and steadfast resolve of theUkrainian people, and the strong support for Ukraine across the international community. Today, pursuant to a delegation of authority from President Biden, I am authorizing our 34thdrawdown of U.S. arms and equipment for Ukraine valued at $350 million. This military assistance package includes more ammunition for U.S.-provided HIMARS and howitzers that Ukraine is usingto defend itself, as well as ammunition for Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, HARM missiles, anti-tank weapons, riverine boats, and other equipment. We applaud the more than 50 countries that have come together to provide support for Ukraine asit defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russia alone could end its war today.  Until Russia does we will stand united with Ukraine for as long as it takes. Secretary Antony J. Blinken on the 2022  Country Reports on Human Rights Practices 03/20/2023 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Antony J. Blinken on the 2022  Country Reports on Human Rights Practices 03/20/2023 02:35 PM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Washington, D.C. Press Briefing Room MR PATEL:  Good morning, everybody.  And welcome back to those of us that were on the road with us last week. The Secretary will make some very brief remarks and take a couple of questions before he has to head back upstairs for some engagements.  Assistant Secretary Barclay and Ambassador Van Schaack, though, will hang back downstairs to answer some more Q&A once the Secretary departs. Secretary, the floor is yours. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Vedant, thank you.  Well, good morning, everyone. Let me just start with some very good news this morning, and that is the release of Jeffrey Woodke after more than six years in captivity.  I want to thank the Government of Niger, where I was just last week, for its important assistance in bringing him home.  I also want to thank our team, starting with Special Envoy Roger Carstens, all of those who have been working at the department to bring him home, tireless efforts, and I’m very pleased that we are now seeing that come to fruition today. As you know, I have no higher priority or focus than bringing home any unjustly detained American, wherever that is in the world.  We won’t rest until they’re all home and, like Jeffrey, reunited with their families. This morning, I’ll be launching the 2022 Human Rights Report.  But just before I turn to that, I want to speak to what’s happening right now in Moscow. Today, and throughout this week, President Xi is meeting with President Putin in Russia.  We expect that China may use this visit to reiterate calls for a ceasefire under its peace proposal. The United States welcomes any initiative that advances a just and durable peace.  China’s proposal includes elements that we have long supported, including ensuring nuclear safety, resolving the humanitarian crisis, protecting civilians. And indeed, the first element calls for upholding sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of all countries. The fundamental element of any plan for ending the war in Ukraine and producing a just and durable peace must be upholding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, in accordance with the United Nations Charter. Any plan that does not prioritize this critical principle is a stalling tactic at best or is merely seeking to facilitate an unjust outcome.  That is not constructive diplomacy. Calling for a ceasefire that does not include the removal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory would effectively be supporting the ratification of Russian conquest.  It would recognize Russia’s attempts to seize a sovereign neighbor’s territory by force.  It would enable Russia to further entrench positions in Ukraine.  And a ceasefire now, without a durable solution, would allow President Putin to rest and refit his troops and then restart the war at a time more advantageous to Russia. The world should not be fooled by any tactical move by Russia – supported by China or any other country – to freeze the war on its own terms.  Such a move would violate the UN Charter and delay – defy, excuse me – the will of the 141 countries who have condemned Russia’s war in the United Nations General Assembly. One party to this conflict – Ukraine – has already put forward a just peace formula.  If China is committed to supporting an end to the war based on the principles of the UN Charter as called for in point one of its plan, it can engage with President Zelenskyy and Ukraine on this basis and use its influence to compel Moscow to pull back its forces. Russia’s purported annexation of sovereign Ukrainian territory, including vast areas it doesn’t even control, and its ongoing, brutal attacks on civilians make clear that President Putin currently has no interest in such a peace. That President Xi is traveling to Russia days after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for President Putin suggests that China feels no responsibility to hold the Kremlin accountable for the atrocities committed in Ukraine, and instead of even condemning them, it would rather provide diplomatic cover for Russia to continue to commit those very crimes. Now, every year, I come to this podium for the launch of the Human Rights Report.  I do so because the report embodies the importance of human rights for American diplomacy and for our vision of an open, free, prosperous, and secure world. Human rights are universal.  They aren’t defined by any one country, philosophy, or region.  They apply to everyone, everywhere. This report makes a factual, objective, and rigorous accounting of human rights conditions around the world, looking at nearly 200 countries and territories.  And, importantly, it applies the same standards to everyone: our allies and partners, and countries with which we have differences. The goal of this report is not to lecture or to shame.  Rather, it is to provide a resource for those individuals working around the world to safeguard and uphold human dignity when it’s under threat in so many ways.  And while this report looks outward to countries around the world, we know the United States faces its own set of challenges on human rights. Our willingness to confront our challenges openly, to acknowledge our own shortcomings – not to sweep them under the rug or pretend they don’t exist – that is what distinguishes us and other democracies. The report makes clear that, in 2022, in countries across every region, we continued to see a backsliding in human rights conditions – the closing of civic space, disrespect for fundamental human dignity. The report details the appalling and ongoing abuses committed by the regime in Iran against its own people.  In the wake of the tragic death of Mahsa Amini, authorities have killed hundreds of peaceful protestors, including dozens of children, and have arbitrarily detained thousands. Iranian forces are using torture and gender-based violence against arrested protesters.  Journalists and lawyers are harassed and pre-emptively detained.  Sham trials and hasty executions are used to further intimidate the people of Iran. The international community has come together to condemn and confront Iran’s brutal crackdown, and we’ll continue to act in support of the right of the Iranian people to speak out for their fundamental freedoms. In Afghanistan, the Taliban relentlessly discriminates against and represses women and girls, so far issuing 80 decrees and – that restrict women’s freedom of movement and their right to education and work.  The Taliban’s December edict barring female employees of non-governmental organizations from the workplace imperils the tens of millions of Afghans who depend on humanitarian assistance for their very survival. Human rights have further eroded in Burma, where the military regime brutalizes the population.  Thousands of activists have been killed by the authorities – including four pro-democracy leaders executed last summer. The PRC continues its abuses, including genocide and crimes against humanity against Uyghurs, repression of Tibetans, crackdown on basic rights in Hong Kong, and targeting of individuals on the mainland for exercising fundamental freedoms. In Cuba, courts have issued draconian jail sentences to hundreds of people for protesting for their rights.  And in Nicaragua, the authoritarian government continues to detain political prisoners and hold them in appalling prison conditions. The 2022 Human Rights Report is also a reminder of the extraordinary courage of so many – activists, journalists, lawyers, government officials, regular citizens – who stand up to these abuses.  Many do so at great personal risk of retaliation, harassment, detention, torture, even death. In February, we celebrated ten Global Human Rights Defender awardees – individuals from around the world who are promoting and defending fundamental freedoms, from combatting slavery, to advocating for families of those forcibly disappeared, to demanding better wages and working conditions for low-income laborers, to representing political prisoners on death row.  This report honors them. I’m also proud of my colleagues here at the State Department – in Washington and at every post around the world – for not only reporting and documenting human rights abuses but also drawing on the power and purpose of American diplomacy to advance human dignity. Now, as you know, I recently traveled to Ethiopia, where I had a very productive discussion with Prime Minister Abiy and his team.  I also met with Getachew Reda, the TPLF signatory to the November 2nd Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, who was just selected to be the leader of its interim administration.  I commended both sides for reaching that agreement and the significant progress made in its implementation. With this agreement in place, the fighting has stopped, humanitarian assistance is flowing, services are being restored, human rights in northern Ethiopia are significantly down, Eritrean forces are leaving, the Ethiopian Government is taking the first steps toward transitional justice. But, as I discussed with both sides during my visit, to build a durable peace, there must be acknowledgment of the atrocities committed by all parties, as well as accountability together with reconciliation. The conflict in northern Ethiopia was devastating.  Men, women, and children were killed.  Women and girls were subject to horrific forms of sexual violence.  Thousands were forcibly displaced from their homes.  Entire communities were specifically targeted based on their ethnicity. Many of these actions were not random or a mere byproduct of war.  They were calculated and deliberate. After the department’s careful review of the law and the facts, I’ve determined that members of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces, Eritrean Defense Forces, Tigray People’s Liberation Front forces, and Amhara forces committed war crimes during the conflict in northern Ethiopia. Members of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces, the Eritrean Defense Forces, and Amhara forces also committed crimes against humanity, including murder, rape and other forms of sexual violence, and persecution. Members of the Amhara forces committed the crime against humanity of deportation or forcible transfer and committed ethnic cleansing through their treatment of Tigrayans in western Tigray. We welcome the commitment that the parties to the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement have made to acknowledge the atrocities committed and their devastating consequences. The Government of Ethiopia is taking the first steps by publicly releasing a detailed green paper of transitional justice options based upon best practices and building upon the experiences of other states emerging from periods of mass violence.  It has invited experts from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to join the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission to deploy a team of human rights monitors to conflict-affected areas to ensure that such acts have truly ceased. The government is also holding public consultations about transitional justice, which, as I discussed with the prime minister, should be inclusive of all stakeholders and provide victims a voice.  The process is benefiting from the advice of experts in the field, including members of my team who participated in a workshop on transitional justice with other international specialists just last week. Finally, and crucially, we urge the Government of Ethiopia and the Government of Eritrea, as well as the TPLF, to hold those responsible for these atrocities accountable. These steps – acknowledgement, accountability, reconciliation – are key to breaking the cycle of ethnic and political violence that has gripped Ethiopia and prevented it from reaching its unlimited potential for so long. The United States will partner with Ethiopia as it implements a credible transitional justice process for the benefit of all victims and affected communities.  We will stand with Ethiopia as it honestly faces the abuses in its past, provides accountability for the harms committed against its citizens, and moves toward a future of lasting peace. With that, happy to take a couple of questions before turning it over to my colleagues. MR PATEL:  Matt, go ahead. SECRETA ... [Περικομμένο μήνυμα]  Προβολή ολόκληρου του μηνύματος ΑπάντησηΠροώθηση