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U.S. Department of State Weekly Digest Bulletin Inbox x U.S. Department of State <usstatebpa@public.govdelivery.com> 6:44 AM (9 hours ago)  to me Deputy Secretary Sullivan’s Meeting with Republic of Korea’s Foreign Minister Kang 11/24/2019 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Deputy Secretary Sullivan’s Meeting with Republic of Korea’s Foreign Minister Kang 11/24/2019 10:29 AM EST Office of the Spokesperson The following is attributable to Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus: On November 23, Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan met with Republic of Korea’s Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha in Nagoya, Japan on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The Deputy Secretary and Foreign Minister pledged to maintain close coordination to ensure the final, fully verified denuclearization of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and reaffirmed the importance of U.S.-ROK-Japan trilateral cooperation – especially in the security and economic realm. Deputy Secretary Sullivan and Foreign Minister Kang also praised the enduring strength of the U.S.-ROK Alliance and reiterated their commitment to cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, as outlined in the Joint U.S.-ROK Factsheet released on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit November 2. Bosnia and Herzegovina National Statehood Day 11/24/2019 You are subscribed to Secretary's Remarks for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Bosnia and Herzegovina National Statehood Day 11/24/2019 06:00 PM EST Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State On behalf of the United States, I extend our best wishes to the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina as you celebrate your National Statehood Day. As you commemorate your statehood, we celebrate the strong partnership between our two countries. Our relationship helps form the foundation for peace in the Western Balkans and we hope to strengthen and deepen this relationship even further.  The United States also strongly supports Bosnia and Herzegovina’s path towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration and we commend the steps you have taken to advance down that path.  Your efforts in this regard will help ensure regional peace and prosperity. Our bilateral engagement benefits not only our two countries, but also the Transatlantic community as a whole.  We look forward to many more years of friendship and cooperation, and we congratulate you on your National Day. Bosnia and Herzegovina National Statehood Day 11/24/2019 You are subscribed to Europe and Eurasia for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Bosnia and Herzegovina National Statehood Day 11/24/2019 06:00 PM EST Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State On behalf of the United States, I extend our best wishes to the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina as you celebrate your National Statehood Day. As you commemorate your statehood, we celebrate the strong partnership between our two countries. Our relationship helps form the foundation for peace in the Western Balkans and we hope to strengthen and deepen this relationship even further.  The United States also strongly supports Bosnia and Herzegovina’s path towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration and we commend the steps you have taken to advance down that path.  Your efforts in this regard will help ensure regional peace and prosperity. Our bilateral engagement benefits not only our two countries, but also the Transatlantic community as a whole.  We look forward to many more years of friendship and cooperation, and we congratulate you on your National Day. Bosnia and Herzegovina National Statehood Day 11/24/2019 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Bosnia and Herzegovina National Statehood Day 11/24/2019 06:00 PM EST Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State On behalf of the United States, I extend our best wishes to the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina as you celebrate your National Statehood Day. As you commemorate your statehood, we celebrate the strong partnership between our two countries. Our relationship helps form the foundation for peace in the Western Balkans and we hope to strengthen and deepen this relationship even further.  The United States also strongly supports Bosnia and Herzegovina’s path towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration and we commend the steps you have taken to advance down that path.  Your efforts in this regard will help ensure regional peace and prosperity. Our bilateral engagement benefits not only our two countries, but also the Transatlantic community as a whole.  We look forward to many more years of friendship and cooperation, and we congratulate you on your National Day. Public Schedule – November 25, 2019 11/24/2019 You are subscribed to Public Schedule for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Public Schedule – November 25, 2019 11/24/2019 09:18 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 Omani Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, at the Department of State. (CAMERA SPRAY AT TOP)Preset time for video cameras:  8:15 a.m. from the 23rd Street Entrance Lobby.Final access time for writers and still photographers: 8:30 a.m. from the 23rd Street Entrance Lobby. DEPUTY SECRETARY JOHN SULLIVAN Deputy Secretary Sullivan attends meetings and briefings, at the Department of State. USAID ADMINISTRATOR MARK GREEN 10:00 a.m. Administrator Green and Mars, Inc., Board Member Frank Mars sign a Memorandum of Understanding to expand cooperation to reduce global poverty sustainably, at the U.S. Agency for International Development. (OPEN TO INVITED PRESS) Please contact press@usaid.gov for additional information. UNDER SECRETARY FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS DAVID HALE 11:00 a.m.  Under Secretary Hale officiates the swearing-in ceremony for Joseph Cella as U.S. Ambassador to Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, and Tuvalu, at the Department of State. (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE) 3:00 p.m. Under Secretary Hale meets with Italian Ambassador to the United States Armando Varricchio, at the Department of State. (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE) ACTING ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR EUROPEAN AND EURASIAN AFFAIRS PHILIP T. REEKER 2:00 p.m. Acting Assistant Secretary Reeker meets with Latvian Ambassador to the United States Māris Selga, at the Department of State. (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE) ***THE DAILY PUBLIC SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE*** U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan Called Back for Consultations 11/25/2019 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan Called Back for Consultations 11/25/2019 10:24 AM EST Morgan Ortagus, Department Spokesperson The Department of State has called back U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan Thomas Hushek for consultations related to the recent failure of parties to form the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity by the extended deadline of November 12.  While in Washington, Ambassador Hushek will meet with senior U.S. government officials as part of the re-evaluation of the U.S. relationship with the Government of South Sudan given the latest developments.  The United States stands with the people of South Sudan in their pursuit of peace and will work in partnership with the region to support efforts to achieve peace and a successful political transition in South Sudan. U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Special Representative for Global Health Diplomacy Ambassador Deborah L. Birx On-Camera Briefing 11/25/2019 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Special Representative for Global Health Diplomacy Ambassador Deborah L. Birx On-Camera Briefing 11/25/2019 10:45 AM EST Office of the Spokesperson U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Special Representative for Global Health Diplomacy Ambassador Deborah L. Birx will hold an on-camera, on-the-record briefing TODAY, Monday, November 25, at 2:30 p.m. in the Press Briefing Room at the Department of State. This event is open press coverage.  Journalists who plan to cover this event in person must be seated in the Press Briefing Room by 2:15 p.m.  The Press Briefing Room is accessible from the 23rd Street entrance of the Department. Media representatives may attend this event upon presentation of one of the following: (1) a U.S. Government-issued photo media credential (e.g., Department of State, White House, Congress, Department of Defense or Foreign Press Center), or (2) an official photo identification card issued by their news organization, or (3) a letter from their employer on official letterhead verifying their current employment as a journalist. Additionally, they must present an official government photo identification card (i.e., U.S. driver’s license or passport). The event will be streamed live on www.state.gov. On International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 11/25/2019 You are subscribed to Secretary's Remarks for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. On International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 11/25/2019 11:18 AM EST Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State In observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, and the accompanying 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the United States is proud to reaffirm its commitment to defending the rights of women and girls around the world to live free from violence.  The United States recognizes the inherent dignity that every woman and girl possesses and is committed to defending the safety and security of women and girls around the world and to cultivating their development as future leaders of our world. Gender-based violence is a global issue that harms millions of women and girls annually, as well as their communities and families.  It pervades all aspects of life – it exists in educational environments, the workforce, and in the home.  It undermines global peace and security and weakens the social fabric that binds families and communities together, preventing countries from achieving social stability and economic development.  Ending gender-based violence requires a coordinated effort and the steadfast dedication of governments, the private sector, and civil society to create an enduring impact. This year, the theme for the 16 days of Activism is “Orange the World: Generation Equality Stands Against Rape,” a concerted effort to mobilize against the heinous crime of rape.  The United States recognizes that issues of sexual violence and rape are rampant in times of both war and peace.  Now is the time to put an end to gender-based violence, to stand with survivors, and to empower victims.  The United States is committed to ending gender-based violence and urges countries around the world to stand united in this effort – for the sake of national security, global prosperity, and the rights and dignity of women and girls worldwide. On International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 11/25/2019 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. On International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 11/25/2019 11:18 AM EST Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State In observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, and the accompanying 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the United States is proud to reaffirm its commitment to defending the rights of women and girls around the world to live free from violence.  The United States recognizes the inherent dignity that every woman and girl possesses and is committed to defending the safety and security of women and girls around the world and to cultivating their development as future leaders of our world. Gender-based violence is a global issue that harms millions of women and girls annually, as well as their communities and families.  It pervades all aspects of life – it exists in educational environments, the workforce, and in the home.  It undermines global peace and security and weakens the social fabric that binds families and communities together, preventing countries from achieving social stability and economic development.  Ending gender-based violence requires a coordinated effort and the steadfast dedication of governments, the private sector, and civil society to create an enduring impact. This year, the theme for the 16 days of Activism is “Orange the World: Generation Equality Stands Against Rape,” a concerted effort to mobilize against the heinous crime of rape.  The United States recognizes that issues of sexual violence and rape are rampant in times of both war and peace.  Now is the time to put an end to gender-based violence, to stand with survivors, and to empower victims.  The United States is committed to ending gender-based violence and urges countries around the world to stand united in this effort – for the sake of national security, global prosperity, and the rights and dignity of women and girls worldwide. Joint Statement of the United States and Bulgaria on the Strategic Partnership Framework 11/25/2019 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Joint Statement of the United States and Bulgaria on the Strategic Partnership Framework 11/25/2019 05:16 PM EST Office of the Spokesperson The following is the text of a joint statement by the Governments of the United States of America and Bulgaria The United States and the Republic of Bulgaria have forged a strong and enduring relationship as friends, strategic partners, and Allies that share transatlantic commitments.  Recognizing the significant challenges currently facing our two countries and the international order, we affirm the need to develop and solidify the cultural, economic, institutional, and military ties that bind us together to enhance our mutual security, prosperity, and opportunity.  We further express our continuing conviction that our relationship remains rooted in our shared commitment to democratic principles and values, including the rule of law and respect for human rights. Taking into account the substantial progress we have achieved in recent years and looking to the future, we aim to undertake additional efforts to realize further the potential benefits of our strategic partnership in the following areas: Security and Defense Cooperation Recognizing the need to enhance our collective security, Bulgaria intends to continue to undertake investments to modernize its military forces, increase interoperability, and meet its declared NATO capability targets.  In line with the defense spending pledge made by all Allies at the 2014 NATO Wales Summit, Bulgaria intends to continue to implement its credible plan to reach defense spending targets by 2024. Both countries intend to build upon the success of our 2006 Defense Cooperation Agreement to co-develop a roadmap to advance bilateral defense cooperation to counter maritime, cyber, and hybrid threats in the Black Sea region over the next decade.  This 10-year roadmap will support Bulgaria’s modernization efforts through the provision of security assistance, facilitating access to advanced U.S. defense technology and expanding the scope of military exercises, engagements, and training to bolster further our interoperability and respective capabilities. Viewing with concern the security situation in the Black Sea, the United States welcomes Bulgaria’s offer to provide a maritime coordination function at Varna in support of NATO’s Tailored Forward Presence initiative.  Both countries share a desire to pursue additional cooperation, bilaterally and through NATO, to bolster Bulgaria’s maritime operations capabilities and thereby bolster our collective security along NATO’s southeastern flank. The United States and Bulgaria expect to convene a high-level strategic dialogue to discuss further the implementation of these goals. Economic, Trade, and Energy Cooperation Energy security is national security.  The way to ensure Bulgaria’s energy security and lower energy prices lies through real market liberalization and reforms.  We want to engage in continued dialogue on this process.  Our shared goal is for Bulgaria to become a true gas hub and key source of regional energy security, free of monopolists, foreign or domestic, and operating on market principles.  U.S. experience can help Bulgaria create a truly dynamic energy market. The two countries intend to work together on addressing the challenges of the future.  Recognizing Bulgaria’s interest in moving toward more efficient, cleaner sources of energy, we want to cooperate on increasing the supply of gas from reliable sources and diversifying the nuclear energy sector, as well as on increasing the share of sustainable renewables in the overall energy matrix.  Continued commercial exchanges in this realm are expected to bolster Bulgaria’s energy security and lower energy prices for the Bulgarian consumer.  We recognize the importance of civil nuclear power as a reliable and clean energy source and look forward to working together to find solutions to Bulgaria’s energy needs.  To take maximum advantage of secure and affordable gas offered by U.S. liquefied natural gas producers, Bulgaria needs the right infrastructure.  Together, we intend to monitor and work to ensure decisive progress on the Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria and the Alexandroupolis Floating Storage and Regasification Unit in Greece. In the interest of deepening our economic relationship and strengthening our commercial links, we intend to enhance our sustained dialogue on investment climate issues.  Our goal is to help foster connections between our two countries’ entrepreneurs and to further improve Bulgaria’s investment climate, helping attract additional U.S. investment and know-how.  We intend to ensure that investors are treated fairly and that any investment disputes are resolved in a just manner that reinforces investors’ confidence.  As part of this dialogue, we intend to identify ways to solidify the positive performance and to extend recent gains in Bulgaria’s Intellectual Property Rights enforcement regime. Strengthening Democracy and the Rule of Law Good governance forms the basis of our shared security and prosperity.  The United States intends to support Bulgaria as it addresses corruption that limits economic growth and trust in public institutions through robust judicial and law enforcement cooperation and technical assistance and training.  These efforts aim to prevent and prosecute high-level corruption, transnational organized crime, and financial crimes in Bulgaria.  Bulgaria plans to foster strong economic development by upholding the primacy of law and the sanctity of contracts.  The United States and Bulgaria also intend to partner to protect media freedoms. Romania’s Presidential Elections 11/25/2019 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Romania’s Presidential Elections 11/25/2019 05:26 PM EST Morgan Ortagus, Department Spokesperson The United States congratulates the Government of Romania and its citizens on a successful presidential election.  We look forward to working with President Iohannis to strengthen our strategic partnership further. As the 30th anniversary of Romania’s revolution and return to the West approaches, the United States welcomes further opportunities to improve our security, energy, and economic ties for the benefit of both our countries.  We also thank our NATO Ally Romania for its steadfast support of international security efforts in the region and globally. Secretary Michael R. Pompeo’s Meeting with Omani Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah 11/25/2019 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 Meeting with Omani Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah 11/25/2019 05:23 PM EST Office of the Spokesperson The below is attributable to Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus: Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met today with Omani Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, in Washington, D.C.  Secretary Pompeo thanked the Minister for Oman’s partnership, including its recent participation in the Middle East Strategic Alliance General Conference and for Oman’s cooperation on security and counterterrorism issues.  On Yemen, Secretary Pompeo and the Minister discussed the recent agreement between the Republic of Yemen government and the Southern Transition Council, facilitated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  The Secretary and the Minister agreed that only a political solution would bring an end to the conflict and ensure peace, prosperity, and security in Yemen.  They also discussed the importance of a united Gulf Cooperation Council to advancing prosperity, security, and stability in the region. Conclusion of the 2019 Kimberley Process Plenary 11/25/2019 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Conclusion of the 2019 Kimberley Process Plenary 11/25/2019 05:44 PM EST Office of the Spokesperson The United States participated in the annual Kimberley Process (KP) Plenary in New Delhi, India, from November 18–22.  Representatives from most of the 82 KP countries also participated in the Plenary, which was chaired this year by India. The KP is an international, multi-stakeholder initiative created to increase transparency and oversight in the diamond industry in order to eliminate trade in conflict diamonds, or rough diamonds sold by rebel groups or their allies to fund conflict against legitimate governments. The KP reform process did not reach consensus on a new, expanded definition of conflict diamonds that would include violence by a broader set of actors, including state security forces.  The United States is committed to a strong and sustainable diamond industry and has expressed concern that the current definition’s limited focus on rebel groups does not sufficiently protect the legitimacy of the rough diamond supply chain. The United States worked closely with the Central African Republic (CAR) Government and other KP members to make limited provisional modifications to the current KP oversight mechanism focused on the CAR.  Under these modifications, the CAR Government can now export rough diamonds from the eight KP-compliant zones in the western CAR at will.  The exports will be subject to quarterly reviews by the KP CAR Monitoring Team.  In addition, importers must notify the Monitoring Team when they receive rough diamonds from CAR.  Due to lack of government control and widespread rebel activity in the east, KP-compliant exports from eastern CAR are not possible. International endorsement for due diligence and responsible sourcing with respect to natural resources such as diamonds has been expressed in the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas, the Lusaka Declaration pertaining to responsible treatment of natural resources in Africa, and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.  The United States continues to encourage our partners to express positions in the KP that reflect these endorsements. U.S. Delegation Meets with General Khalifa Haftar 11/25/2019 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. U.S. Delegation Meets with General Khalifa Haftar 11/25/2019 08:41 PM EST Office of the Spokesperson Senior U.S. officials met with General Khalifa Haftar on November 24 to discuss steps to achieve a suspension of hostilities and a political resolution to the Libyan conflict. The delegation included Deputy National Security Advisor for Middle Eastern and North African Affairs Victoria Coates, Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Affairs at the U.S. Department of Energy Matthew Zais, and USAFRICOM Deputy Director for Strategy, Engagement, and Programs Brigadier General Steven deMilliano. The officials underscored the United States’ full support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Libya and expressed serious concern over Russia’s exploitation of the conflict at the expense of the Libyan people. These frank discussions build on recent talks with Tripoli-based officials aiming to establish a common basis for progress between the parties on the issues that divide them, in the context of moving toward a ceasefire.  These include concrete efforts to address militias and extremist elements, and the distribution of resources so they benefit all Libyans.  The United States urges the parties to seize this opportunity to build a secure and prosperous future for Libya. Secretary Pompeo to Deliver Remarks to the Media in the Press Briefing Room 11/26/2019 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Pompeo to Deliver Remarks to the Media in the Press Briefing Room 11/26/2019 09:18 AM EST Office of the Spokesperson U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo will deliver remarks to the media TODAY Tuesday, November 26 at 11:00 a.m. in the Press Briefing Room at the Department of State. This event is open press coverage.  Journalists who plan to cover this event in person must be seated in the Press Briefing Room by 10:45 a.m.  The Press Briefing Room is accessible from the 23rd Street entrance of the Department. Media representatives may attend this event upon presentation of one of the following: (1) a U.S. Government-issued photo media credential (e.g., Department of State, White House, Congress, Department of Defense or Foreign Press Center), or (2) an official photo identification card issued by their news organization, or (3) a letter from their employer on official letterhead verifying their current employment as a journalist.  Additionally, they must present an official government photo identification card (i.e., U.S. driver’s license or passport). The event will be streamed live on www.state.gov. Public Schedule – November 26, 2019 11/26/2019 You are subscribed to Public Schedule for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Public Schedule – November 26, 2019 11/26/2019 09:23 AM EST Office of the Spokesperson                                       ***THE DAILY PUBLIC SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE*** SECRETARY MICHAEL R. POMPEO 11:00 a.m.  Secretary Pompeo delivers remarks to the media in the Press Briefing Room, at the Department of State. (OPEN PRESS COVERAGE) Journalists who plan to cover this event in person must be seated in the Press Briefing Room by 10:45 a.m.  The Secretary’s remarks will be live streamed on www.state.gov. 12:00 p.m.  Secretary Pompeo meets with Vice President Mike Pence, at the White House. (MEDIA DETERMINED BY THE OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT) 12:45 p.m. Secretary Pompeo has lunch with President Donald Trump, at the White House. (MEDIA DETERMINED BY THE WHITE HOUSE) DEPUTY SECRETARY JOHN SULLIVAN Deputy Secretary Sullivan attends meetings and briefings, at the Department of State. USAID ADMINSTRATOR MARK GREEN 9:30 a.m.  Administrator Green participates in a fireside chat at an event for the One Year Anniversary of the USAID Global Accelerator to End Tuberculosis, at the National Academy of Sciences, in Washington, D.C. (OPEN PRESS COVERAGE) Please contact press@usaid.gov for additional information. UNDER SECRETARY FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS DAVID HALE Under Secretary Hale attends meetings and briefings, at the Department of State. ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR EAST ASIAN AND PACIFIC AFFAIRS DAVID STILWELL 11:00 a.m. Assistant Secretary Stilwell meets with Mongolian Ambassador to the United States Otgonbayar Yondon, at the Department of State. (CLOSED PRESS COVRAGE) 2:30 p.m. Assistant Secretary Stilwell meets with Motion Picture Association Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Charles Rivkin, at the Department of State. (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE) ACTING ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR EUROPEAN AND EURASIAN AFFAIRS PHILIP T. REEKER 2:00 p.m. Acting Assistant Secretary Reeker meets with Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zeljko Komsic, at the Department of State. (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE) 4:15 p.m. Acting Assistant Secretary Reeker meets with President of the American-Central European Business Association (ACEBA) Eric Stewart, at the Department of State. (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE)                                       ***THE DAILY PUBLIC SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE*** Secretary Michael R. Pompeo Remarks to the Press 11/26/2019 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 Remarks to the Press 11/26/2019 01:57 PM EST Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State Washington, D.C. Press Briefing Room SECRETARY POMPEO:  Good morning, everyone.  I want to comment this morning on a few terrorism-related matters, a terrorist regime, and a couple other items as well. Before I begin, though, I want to confirm with a heavy heart that a United States citizen, Anil Raj of California, was killed in a terrorist attack on a UN vehicle in Kabul on November 24th.  There were five other civilians who were injured, including staff. We extend our condolences to the family and friends of the victim following this tragic incident and send our best wishes for a speedy recovery for those who were injured. Attacks targeting UN personnel working to help the Afghan people are unconscionable, and we condemn this act in the strongest possible terms. Today also marks the 11th anniversary of the Mumbai terror attack. We remember the 166 innocent victims, including six Americans.  The brutality of the attack shocked the entire world.  It is an effort – it is – excuse me – it is an affront – it’s an affront to the victims and their families that those who planned the Mumbai attack still have not been convicted. Moving on to the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism, the Islamic Republic of Iran.  President Trump and I have been following closely the protests that have recently broken out across that country. The Iranian people are, once again, on the streets because of the regime’s poor economic management.  And instead of addressing their grievances, Tehran has responded with violence and by blaming those outside of the country. Last week, the regime shut down the internet to prevent the truth about the protests from getting out.  I asked Iranians – I asked Iranians to share their messages with the United States so we could expose and sanction abuses of the Iranian regime. We have received to date nearly 20,000 messages, videos, pictures, notes of the regime’s abuses through Telegram messaging services.  I hope they will continue to be sent to us. We will continue to sanction Iranian officials who are responsible for these human rights abuses, just like we did last week to Iran’s Minister of Communications. The Iranian regime also continues to export cruelty outside its own borders.  Last week, an Iranian dissident, Massoud Malvi, was assassinated in Istanbul after he defected to Turkey from Iran. The killing of Mr. Malvi is yet another tragic example in a long string of suspected Iran-backed assassination attempts outside of Iranian soil.  The regime’s brutality and amorality know no international boundaries. To the courageous people of Iran who refuse to stay silent about 40 years of abuse by the ruling regime, I say simply this:  The United States hears you.  We support you and we will continue to stand with you in your struggle for a brighter future for your people and for your great nation. As part of our long-standing strategic partnership with Egypt, we continue to raise the fundamental importance of respect for human rights, universal freedoms, and the need for a robust civil society. We call on the Egyptian Government to respect freedom of the press and to release journalists detained in a raid last weekend. Turning to the Chinese Communist Party.  We’ve all seen the “Xinjiang Papers” released in recent days.  They detail the Chinese party’s brutal detention and systematic repression of Uighurs and members of other Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang. These reports are consistent with an overwhelming and growing body of evidence that the Chinese Communist Party is committing human rights violations and abuses against individuals in mass detention. We call on the Chinese Government to immediately release all those who are arbitrarily detained and to end its draconian policies that have terrorized its own citizens in Xinjiang. It’s not just Muslims that are the largest – that are the target of the CCP’s hostility.  Christians, Tibetans, and other minority groups have also felt the CCP’s heavy hand of repression. On a different note regarding China, we congratulate the people of Hong Kong on free, fair, and peaceful district council elections on the 24th of November. The United State continues to support democratic values, fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong as guaranteed by the “one country, two systems” framework, and aspirations of the Hong Kong people. I also have a short announcement on Cuba. Today, the United States is taking action to prevent Cubametales from circumventing U.S.  sanctions. Cubametales is a Cuban state-run company and the primary facilitator of illegal oil imports from Venezuela.  To further contain their action, we are putting sanctions on another Cuban company, Corporacion Panamericana S.A., pursuant to Executive Order 13850. Cubametales was sanctioned back on July of 2019.  It has since had trouble finding companies willing to conduct business with it. It has relied on this company to evade sanctions as it carries out the oil for repression scheme between Cuba and Venezuela, a scheme declared illegal by the legitimate government of Venezuela. The Venezuelan and Cuban people continue to suffer at the hands of despotic actors who put their own interests above the interests of their people. Today’s action will further squeeze the illegal, profitmaking scheme Cuba carries out to help the illegitimate dictator Nicolas Maduro and his unraveling network of corrupt advisors. And finally, after the holidays, I’ll be hitting the road for some important diplomatic activities. First, I’ll head to beautiful Louisville, Kentucky.  The University of Louisville will host me for remarks at the McConnell Distinguished Speaker Series.  And I’ll share some thoughts on what the Trump Administration is continuing to do here in the Western Hemisphere to protect the American people. Then I’ll travel to London with the President for a NATO Leaders Meeting, where the President and other allied leaders will talk about a whole host of ways to strengthen the Alliance – which is celebrating its 70th anniversary. And then I’ll travel on to Morocco.  It’s one of our strongest partners in the region.  And I’m looking forward to reviewing our countries’ strong economic, security partnership and discussing future areas of cooperation. And then finally, onto Portugal, to Lisbon.  As is the case with so many of our European friends, our robust ties are built on shared values of freedom and democracy.  And I look forward to that visit as well. And with that, I’m happy to take a few questions. MS ORTAGUS:  Matt. QUESTION:  Thank you.  Happy Thanksgiving, Mr. Secretary. SECRETARY POMPEO:  Happy Thanksgiving, Matt. QUESTION:  And thank you for coming down.  This is twice in two weeks.  It’s a good tradition to get into. I just want to ask you very briefly about the – Hong Kong and the Xinjiang papers.  The President is kind of – I don’t want to say waffling, but he hasn’t made up his mind about this legislation that came out of Congress on this.  Is this – it would involve sanctions.  And I’m just wondering, is this something that you are personally supportive of, those sanctions?  And are you willing to take action, sanctions or otherwise, in relation to the Uighurs? And then if I could – and I’ll accept that you will not like this question or think that it’s irrelevant or unimportant, sort of stipulate your annoyance, I expect – last Friday, this department released call – telephone call logs and some correspondence that show that you had two brief conversations with Rudy Giuliani in late March.  This has led to speculation in reports that you were actually involved in the campaign to get – to recall Ambassador Yovanovitch from Ukraine.  Wondering, did you discuss Ambassador Yovanovitch in those calls with Mayor Giuliani?  And did the State Department then mislead or misinform Congress as to the circumstances of her departure in the two letters that were sent to Steny Hoyer and Eliot Engel? Thank you. SECRETARY POMPEO:  As for Hong Kong, I think the administration has been pretty clear about our expectations about how Beijing will treat people throughout their country.  We have human rights standards that we apply all across the world, and Hong Kong is no different.  In addition, in Hong Kong we have the commitments that the Chinese Government made as part of their obligations to maintain one country and two systems.  That’s what we’re continuing to work towards. Congress has now taken action.  Since it’s before the President, I won’t get out in front of what he will do before too long.  But suffice to say, I think the administration’s policies have been pretty unambiguous, and our support for the Chinese Communist Party’s continued commitment to the promises that they made remains unwavering.  And I think you saw that from the people of Hong Kong this past week.  That’s what they’re asking for, too, the continued maintenance of the understandings that were committed to under international law. I don’t have much to say with respect to the Ukraine investigation, other than this.  We’ve continued to comply with all the legal requirements.  You saw we released documents – I guess it was last week now.  We’ll continue to do that as required by law and as appropriate, so that appropriate oversight can be conducted. But with respect to the larger set of issues, we had a very clear policy with respect to Ukraine, and we executed it successfully.  There are still many challenges.  Still have Russians in the Donbas.  We still have a president in Ukraine working to make sure that we move through the challenges that the country’s had with its corruption for an awfully long time now.  The State Department’s been working on that for my now year and a half plus here, and we’ll continue to work on it.  And every action that I took and have taken will continue to be driven towards that objective. QUESTION:  Thank you. MS ORTAGUS:  Voice of America. QUESTION:  Mr. Secretary — MS ORTAGUS:  Go ahead.  No, Voice of America.  Thank you. QUESTION:  Hi.  I’m with the Voice of America.  So Reporters Without Border strongly condemned today the Iranian intelligence threats against journalists working for the international media like Voice of America, BBC, Radio Free Europe, Manoto.  With intimidation on social media and relatives in Iran summoned for interrogation, what’s your take on it? SECRETARY POMPEO:  So I’ve seen those reports, and I’ve certainly seen the Iranians engage in activity that is fundamentally at odds with the central understandings we have here in America about how the press ought to be treated. So I don’t know that I have much more to add other than the entirety of how the President has thought about the Middle East and the malevolent activity of the Islamic Republic of Iran drives towards working to eradicate what you’ve just described.  What we’ve advocated for inside of the Islamic Republic of Iran is a change in the behavior of the regime:  Behave like a normal nation which permits its people to engage in commerce, to take care of their families, that would have normal press freedoms.  Those are the very, very objectives that are policy has been aimed at for the entire time of the Trump administration.  We’ll keep working on it.  When I see those reports, it reminds me that our work is certainly not yet complete. MS ORTAGUS:  Nick. QUESTION:  Mr. Secretary, two questions. SECRETARY POMPEO:  Yes, sir. QUESTION:  One on Turkey.  Now that Turkey is testing the S-400, it looks to be on F16s, is that cause for concern?  And will the U.S. take any action in response, possibly levying sanctions? And the other – just going back to Ukraine – do you believe that the U.S. and Ukraine should investigate the theory that it was Ukraine and not Russia that hacked the DNC emails in 2016? SECRETARY POMPEO:  So I’ll take your second question first.  Any time there is information that indicates that any country has messed with American elections, we not only have a right but a duty to make sure we chase that down.  And I served as the CIA director for the first year and a half of this administration.  I can assure you there were many countries that were actively engaged in trying to undermine American democracy, our rule of law, the fundamental understandings we have here in the United States.  And you should know we were diligently, diligently working to make sure that we addressed each of them with every tool of American power that we had. And so whomever it is – by the way, it’s not just – I said nations, I think.  It’s not just state actors.  There are non-state actors too who are out there acting in ways that are deeply inconsistent with what we’re trying to do to protect our elections.  America should leave no stone unturned.  So whatever nation it is that we have information that so much as suggests that there might have been interference or an effort to interfere in our elections, we have an obligation to make sure that the American people get to go to the ballot box, cast their ballots in a way that is unimpacted by these malevolent actors trying to undermine our Western democratic values. Your first question about Turkey and the S-400 – yeah, it’s concerning.  We are hopeful.  We’re still talking to the Turks.  We’re still trying to figure our way through this thing.  I don’t want to get out in front of what the President may or may not do, but we have made very clear to the Turkish Government our desire to see them move away from the – putting into full operationalization the S-400 weapon system. MS ORTAGUS:  Nike. QUESTION:  Thank you, Morgan. SECRETARY POMPEO:  Yes, ma’am. QUESTION:  Happy Thanksgiving to you, Mr. Secretary. SECRETARY POMPEO:  Thank you.  Happy Thanksgiving to you as well. QUESTION:  On Hong Kong, a quick follow-up.  Would you recommend President Trump to endorse the bipartisan legislation on the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act?  The reason I ask is because if it’s enacted, it will require secretary of state to certify if Hong Kong retains enough autonomy for favorable trading terms. And separately, if I may, on Xinjiang, as you just mentioned, the new leak of documents published by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists – ICIJ – revealed the strategy behind a campaign of re-education of Muslim minority groups.  Would you say the U.S. pressures have had any effect on China’s actions in Xinjiang, and does the new document allow more concrete actions to take against China?  Thank you. SECRETARY POMPEO:  Yeah.  So your first question is – I can’t really answer it because you point out quite correctly in the second part of that question that that issue will come to me if this were to become law, if the President signs it or it becomes law.  That will come to me; I’ll have to make this determination.  I don’t want to prejudge that.  I want to make sure that the process here can be run in a fair, neutral way and no one thinks that the secretary of state got out in front of the analysis that will be tasked annually to do under that statute to evaluate whether the requirements there can be certified too. So we’re aware of it.  Our teams already have a lot of the foundational activity in place that we can perform, I think, a pretty thorough analysis pretty quickly to see if that certification could be made if, in fact, this becomes law.  And when we do, we’ll make that – that will be a published certification.  We’ll send it to Capitol Hill as required by statute. Your second question is about – really about what’s the effects of these – this newly released information.  I think there are really a couple.  First, I think it confirms what we’ve been saying here at the State Department and the United States Government for some time now about what’s taking place there – the very significant human rights abuses.  I think it confirms it, shows that it’s not random and it is intentional and that it is ongoing.  And so I think those papers simply confirm that.  I think the world can see that, which leads me to the second point. I think it’s the case now that you’ll see many more countries around the world acknowledging what’s taking place there and working alongside of the United States to create space and improve human rights conditions for the people of Xinjiang.  I’m hopeful that those papers – the release of those papers will encourage others to join in what we view as a very important outcome that we’re trying to achieve. MS ORTAGUS:  Go ahead, Gillian. QUESTION:  Mr. Secretary — SECRETARY POMPEO:  Yes, ma’am. QUESTION:  — do you have a comment for the department on the new numbers reports coming out of Xinjiang?  There’s new information out there that the Communist Party has detained over time up to a million Uighurs.  Does State Department have anything on that number? SECRETARY POMPEO:  So our best analysis that the number of a million is a reasonable number to think about the number of persons that have been over the extended period of time held or detained or wrongfully denied their fundamental human rights.  I think – we think that number is about right. QUESTION:  So it’s – and just a quick follow-up, sir.  The President tweeted just a short while ago that he’d encourage you, essentially, to testify in the impeachment investigation.  Is that something you’re considering? SECRETARY POMPEO:  When the time is right, all good things happen.  (Laughter.) QUESTION:  Is that a good thing? MS ORTAGUS:  Let’s end with Michel. QUESTION:  Thank you.  Thank you, Mr. Secretary.  Iraq is cracking down on protestors with the live ammunitions, and the Lebanon clashes between Hizballah, Amal, and the demonstrators.  What steps are you considering to help peaceful demonstrations in both countries?  And on Lebanon, any updates on the military aids to the Lebanese Army?  One more on Iran.  Will the U.S. be able to provide internet access to the Iranian people soon? SECRETARY POMPEO:  So let’s see.  As for internet access, it’s come back on just a bit.  We’ve encouraged the leadership of the Islamic Republic regime to turn it back on so people can communicate.  It’s worth noting that while that was done to tamp down the protests that took place and, frankly, deny the world access to see some of it, it’s not working.  Indeed, it’s working at cross-purposes.  I talked about the 20,000 messages we’ve received, which we believe all came from inside the Islamic Republic of Iran.  We expect we’ll get thousands and thousands more over the coming days as well.  So there is the capacity for Iranians to communicate outside of the country. The second piece is it shouldn’t surprise anyone that when you turn your internet off, the little bit of commercial activity that is already taking place inside of Iran is diminished.  Lots of commerce all around the world takes place through electronic communications, and the inability to speak there will further decrease the Iranian economy, which will further deny them to have the resources to conduct terror campaigns around the world. The second question – the first question was about Iraq. QUESTION:  Iraq and Lebanon demonstrations. SECRETARY POMPEO:  Yeah.  I don’t have anything to say on the Lebanon funding issue today.  But as for Iraq, we’ve been in contact with all the various elements inside of Iraq that we have deal with.  Our mission there is largely a counterterrorism mission and that’s what our troops are on the ground for.  That’s who the Vice President went to visit this week.  He went to the Kurdistan region as well – all in an effort to try and help the Iraqi people stand up a free and independent and sovereign Iraq.  That’s our goal for the Iraqi people, and we’re prepared to work with the Iraqi leadership – Prime Minister al-Mahdi, President Barham Salih, Speaker Halbousi – all of the Iraqi leadership to try and deliver that on behalf of the Iraqis. We’ve made no – we have no qualms in talking about the fact that we think the Iranian presence there is harmful to that, decreases the risk that the Iraqi people can have the sovereignty that they so richly deserve, and we’re confident that the Iraqi leadership wants the same thing that we’re helping them work towards. MS ORTAGUS:  Okay. QUESTION:  Thank you. SECRETARY POMPEO:  Great.  Thanks, everybody.  Have a — QUESTION:  No questions about Louisville with Senator McConnell.   Any significance to that? SECRETARY POMPEO:  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, everyone.  (Laughter.) Secretary Michael R. Pompeo Remarks to the Press 11/26/2019 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 Remarks to the Press 11/26/2019 01:57 PM EST Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State Washington, D.C. Press Briefing Room SECRETARY POMPEO:  Good morning, everyone.  I want to comment this morning on a few terrorism-related matters, a terrorist regime, and a couple other items as well. Before I begin, though, I want to confirm with a heavy heart that a United States citizen, Anil Raj of California, was killed in a terrorist attack on a UN vehicle in Kabul on November 24th.  There were five other civilians who were injured, including staff. We extend our condolences to the family and friends of the victim following this tragic incident and send our best wishes for a speedy recovery for those who were injured. Attacks targeting UN personnel working to help the Afghan people are unconscionable, and we condemn this act in the strongest possible terms. Today also marks the 11th anniversary of the Mumbai terror attack. We remember the 166 innocent victims, including six Americans.  The brutality of the attack shocked the entire world.  It is an effort – it is – excuse me – it is an affront – it’s an affront to the victims and their families that those who planned the Mumbai attack still have not been convicted. Moving on to the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism, the Islamic Republic of Iran.  President Trump and I have been following closely the protests that have recently broken out across that country. The Iranian people are, once again, on the streets because of the regime’s poor economic management.  And instead of addressing their grievances, Tehran has responded with violence and by blaming those outside of the country. Last week, the regime shut down the internet to prevent the truth about the protests from getting out.  I asked Iranians – I asked Iranians to share their messages with the United States so we could expose and sanction abuses of the Iranian regime. We have received to date nearly 20,000 messages, videos, pictures, notes of the regime’s abuses through Telegram messaging services.  I hope they will continue to be sent to us. We will continue to sanction Iranian officials who are responsible for these human rights abuses, just like we did last week to Iran’s Minister of Communications. The Iranian regime also continues to export cruelty outside its own borders.  Last week, an Iranian dissident, Massoud Malvi, was assassinated in Istanbul after he defected to Turkey from Iran. The killing of Mr. Malvi is yet another tragic example in a long string of suspected Iran-backed assassination attempts outside of Iranian soil.  The regime’s brutality and amorality know no international boundaries. To the courageous people of Iran who refuse to stay silent about 40 years of abuse by the ruling regime, I say simply this:  The United States hears you.  We support you and we will continue to stand with you in your struggle for a brighter future for your people and for your great nation. As part of our long-standing strategic partnership with Egypt, we continue to raise the fundamental importance of respect for human rights, universal freedoms, and the need for a robust civil society. We call on the Egyptian Government to respect freedom of the press and to release journalists detained in a raid last weekend. Turning to the Chinese Communist Party.  We’ve all seen the “Xinjiang Papers” released in recent days.  They detail the Chinese party’s brutal detention and systematic repression of Uighurs and members of other Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang. These reports are consistent with an overwhelming and growing body of evidence that the Chinese Communist Party is committing human rights violations and abuses against individuals in mass detention. We call on the Chinese Government to immediately release all those who are arbitrarily detained and to end its draconian policies that have terrorized its own citizens in Xinjiang. It’s not just Muslims that are the largest – that are the target of the CCP’s hostility.  Christians, Tibetans, and other minority groups have also felt the CCP’s heavy hand of repression. On a different note regarding China, we congratulate the people of Hong Kong on free, fair, and peaceful district council elections on the 24th of November. The United State continues to support democratic values, fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong as guaranteed by the “one country, two systems” framework, and aspirations of the Hong Kong people. I also have a short announcement on Cuba. Today, the United States is taking action to prevent Cubametales from circumventing U.S.  sanctions. Cubametales is a Cuban state-run company and the primary facilitator of illegal oil imports from Venezuela.  To further contain their action, we are putting sanctions on another Cuban company, Corporacion Panamericana S.A., pursuant to Executive Order 13850. Cubametales was sanctioned back on July of 2019.  It has since had trouble finding companies willing to conduct business with it. It has relied on this company to evade sanctions as it carries out the oil for repression scheme between Cuba and Venezuela, a scheme declared illegal by the legitimate government of Venezuela. The Venezuelan and Cuban people continue to suffer at the hands of despotic actors who put their own interests above the interests of their people. Today’s action will further squeeze the illegal, profitmaking scheme Cuba carries out to help the illegitimate dictator Nicolas Maduro and his unraveling network of corrupt advisors. And finally, after the holidays, I’ll be hitting the road for some important diplomatic activities. First, I’ll head to beautiful Louisville, Kentucky.  The University of Louisville will host me for remarks at the McConnell Distinguished Speaker Series.  And I’ll share some thoughts on what the Trump Administration is continuing to do here in the Western Hemisphere to protect the American people. Then I’ll travel to London with the President for a NATO Leaders Meeting, where the President and other allied leaders will talk about a whole host of ways to strengthen the Alliance – which is celebrating its 70th anniversary. And then I’ll travel on to Morocco.  It’s one of our strongest partners in the region.  And I’m looking forward to reviewing our countries’ strong economic, security partnership and discussing future areas of cooperation. And then finally, onto Portugal, to Lisbon.  As is the case with so many of our European friends, our robust ties are built on shared values of freedom and democracy.  And I look forward to that visit as well. And with that, I’m happy to take a few questions. MS ORTAGUS:  Matt. QUESTION:  Thank you.  Happy Thanksgiving, Mr. Secretary. SECRETARY POMPEO:  Happy Thanksgiving, Matt. QUESTION:  And thank you for coming down.  This is twice in two weeks.  It’s a good tradition to get into. I just want to ask you very briefly about the – Hong Kong and the Xinjiang papers.  The President is kind of – I don’t want to say waffling, but he hasn’t made up his mind about this legislation that came out of Congress on this.  Is this – it would involve sanctions.  And I’m just wondering, is this something that you are personally supportive of, those sanctions?  And are you willing to take action, sanctions or otherwise, in relation to the Uighurs? And then if I could – and I’ll accept that you will not like this question or think that it’s irrelevant or unimportant, sort of stipulate your annoyance, I expect – last Friday, this department released call – telephone call logs and some correspondence that show that you had two brief conversations with Rudy Giuliani in late March.  This has led to speculation in reports that you were actually involved in the campaign to get – to recall Ambassador Yovanovitch from Ukraine.  Wondering, did you discuss Ambassador Yovanovitch in those calls with Mayor Giuliani?  And did the State Department then mislead or misinform Congress as to the circumstances of her departure in the two letters that were sent to Steny Hoyer and Eliot Engel? Thank you. SECRETARY POMPEO:  As for Hong Kong, I think the administration has been pretty clear about our expectations about how Beijing will treat people throughout their country.  We have human rights standards that we apply all across the world, and Hong Kong is no different.  In addition, in Hong Kong we hav ... [Message clipped]  View entire message ReplyForward