U.S. Department of State Weekly Digest Bulletin

 

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Εκτύπωση όλων Σε νέο παράθυρο U.S. Department of State Weekly Digest Bulletin Εισερχόμενα Αναζήτηση για όλα τα μηνύματα με ετικέτα Εισερχόμενα Καταργήστε την ετικέτα Εισερχόμενα από αυτήν τη συζήτηση U.S. Department of State <usstatebpa@public.govdelivery.com> 2:32 μ.μ. (πριν από 3 ώρες) προς εγώ Αγγλικά Εβραϊκά     Μετάφραση μηνύματος Απενεργοποίηση για: Αγγλικά Supporting Human Rights in North Korea 09/17/2023 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. Supporting Human Rights in North Korea 09/17/2023 08:05 AM EDT Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson As we observe the 20th annual North Korea Freedom Week, we recognize the courage of the North Korean defector and human rights community, which continues to speak on behalf of the millions of North Koreans suffering abuses who are unable to advocate for themselves. The DPRK continues to exploit its own citizens, including through mass mobilizations of school children and forced labor, and divert resources that could benefit them to build up its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs. We remain deeply concerned about the plight of North Korean asylum seekers, including some 2,000 North Koreans detained in China who are at risk of repatriation to the DPRK. North Koreans forcibly repatriated are reportedly commonly subjected to torture, arbitrary detention, forced abortion, other forms of gender-based violence, and summary execution. The international community must act to promote accountability for those responsible for the DPRK’s human rights violations and abuses. Addressing the DPRK’s egregious human rights situation remains a priority for the United States, and we continue to work with the international community to highlight abuses and violations, promote accountability and increase access to independent information into, out of, and within the DPRK. Supporting Human Rights in North Korea 09/17/2023 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Supporting Human Rights in North Korea 09/17/2023 08:05 AM EDT Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson As we observe the 20th annual North Korea Freedom Week, we recognize the courage of the North Korean defector and human rights community, which continues to speak on behalf of the millions of North Koreans suffering abuses who are unable to advocate for themselves. The DPRK continues to exploit its own citizens, including through mass mobilizations of school children and forced labor, and divert resources that could benefit them to build up its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs. We remain deeply concerned about the plight of North Korean asylum seekers, including some 2,000 North Koreans detained in China who are at risk of repatriation to the DPRK. North Koreans forcibly repatriated are reportedly commonly subjected to torture, arbitrary detention, forced abortion, other forms of gender-based violence, and summary execution. The international community must act to promote accountability for those responsible for the DPRK’s human rights violations and abuses. Addressing the DPRK’s egregious human rights situation remains a priority for the United States, and we continue to work with the international community to highlight abuses and violations, promote accountability and increase access to independent information into, out of, and within the DPRK. Public Schedule – September 18, 2023 09/17/2023 You are subscribed to Public Schedule for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Public Schedule – September 18, 2023 09/17/2023 07:42 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson                                              ***THE DAILY PUBLIC SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE***  SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN Secretary Blinken is on travel to New York from September 17-22, 2023.   9:00 a.m. Secretary Blinken hosts a working breakfast with the Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council member states in New York City, New York. (POOLED CAMERA SPRAY AT TOP)   10:45 a.m. Secretary Blinken meets with Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council President Rashad al-Alimi in New York City, New York. (POOLED CAMERA SPRAY AT TOP)   12:00 p.m. Secretary Blinken delivers remarks at the Resettlement Diplomacy Network Ministerial in New York City, New York. (POOLED CAMERA SPRAY AT TOP)   1:15 p.m. Secretary Blinken delivers remarks at the Artificial Intelligence for Accelerating Progress on Sustainable Development Goals Event in New York City, New York. (OPEN PRESS COVERAGE) The event will be streamed live on the Department homepage and YouTube Channel.    2:30 p.m. Secretary Blinken meets with People’s Republic of China Vice President Han Zheng in New York City, New York. (POOLED CAMERA SPRAY AT TOP)   4:00 p.m. Secretary Blinken delivers remarks at the Addressing the Public Health and Security Threat of Synthetic Drugs Through Global Cooperation Event in New York City, New York. (POOLED PRESS COVERAGE) The event will be streamed live on the Department homepage and YouTube Channel.      5:00 p.m. Secretary Blinken delivers remarks at the Ministerial Meeting on Atlantic Cooperation in New York City, New York. (POOLED CAMERA SPRAY AT TOP)   6:15 p.m. Secretary Blinken meets with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in New York City, New York. (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE)   7:35 p.m. Secretary Blinken meets with Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko in New York City, New York. (POOLED CAMERA SPRAY AT TOP)   8:00 p.m. Secretary Blinken participates in a G7 working dinner in New York City, New York. (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE)   Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma; Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria J. Nuland; Counselor Derek Chollet; Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez; Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Bonnie D. Jenkins; Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Elizabeth Allen; Under Secretary For Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya; Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Molly Phee; Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel J. Kritenbrink; Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf; Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu; Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian A. Nichols; Assistant Secretary for Conflict and Stabilization Operations Anne Witkowsky; Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs Ramin Toloui; Assistant Secretary for Energy Resources Geoffrey R. Pyatt; Assistant Secretary for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Todd D. Robinson; Assistant Secretary for International Organization Affairs Michele Sison; Assistant Secretary for Population, Refugees, and Migration Julieta Valls Noyes; Acting Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Yuri Kim; Acting Assistant Secretary for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Jennifer R. Littlejohn; Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry; Special Presidential Representative for U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit Implementation Johnnie Carson; Special Envoy for Global Food Security Cary Fowler; and Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Michael Hammer attend meetings and events surrounding the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.   BRIEFING SCHEDULE No Department Press Briefing. Chile National Day 09/18/2023 You are subscribed to Secretary's Remarks for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Chile National Day 09/18/2023 12:01 AM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State On behalf of the United States of America and the American people, I send our best wishes to the people of Chile as they celebrate 213 years of independence. I also send heartfelt gratitude for the close and productive partnership that our two countries have shared for more than two centuries. Our shared commitment to human rights, democracy, transparency, and free markets have helped our two nations overcome the many domestic, regional, and global challenges that we have confronted, and set the stage for our deep and abiding friendship. As we commemorate this shared history between the Chilean and American people, it is my honor to wish a happy Independence Day to all Chileans. Chile National Day 09/18/2023 You are subscribed to Department Press Briefings for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Chile National Day 09/18/2023 12:01 AM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State On behalf of the United States of America and the American people, I send our best wishes to the people of Chile as they celebrate 213 years of independence. I also send heartfelt gratitude for the close and productive partnership that our two countries have shared for more than two centuries. Our shared commitment to human rights, democracy, transparency, and free markets have helped our two nations overcome the many domestic, regional, and global challenges that we have confronted, and set the stage for our deep and abiding friendship. As we commemorate this shared history between the Chilean and American people, it is my honor to wish a happy Independence Day to all Chileans. Chile National Day 09/18/2023 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Chile National Day 09/18/2023 12:01 AM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State On behalf of the United States of America and the American people, I send our best wishes to the people of Chile as they celebrate 213 years of independence. I also send heartfelt gratitude for the close and productive partnership that our two countries have shared for more than two centuries. Our shared commitment to human rights, democracy, transparency, and free markets have helped our two nations overcome the many domestic, regional, and global challenges that we have confronted, and set the stage for our deep and abiding friendship. As we commemorate this shared history between the Chilean and American people, it is my honor to wish a happy Independence Day to all Chileans. U.S. Department of State Recognizes 19 HBCUs as 2023 Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders 09/18/2023 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. U.S. Department of State Recognizes 19 HBCUs as 2023 Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders 09/18/2023 09:41 AM EDT In carrying out the U.S. Government’s efforts to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) both in policy and practice, the U.S. Department of State recognized 19 HBCUs from 13 states and Washington, D.C. today, as “Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders” for their engagement with the Fulbright Program during the 2022-23 academic year. The 19 HBCU Institutional Leaders are: Alcorn University, Claiborne County, MS; Bennett College, Greensboro, NC; Bluefield State University, Bluefield, WV; Central State University, Wilberforce, OH; Delaware State University, Wilmington, DE; Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC; Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL; Howard University, Washington, D.C.; Jackson State University, Jackson, MS; Jarvis Christian University, Wood County, TX; The LeMoyne-Owen College, Memphis, TN; Lincoln University, Chester County, PA; Mississippi Valley State University, Leflore County, MS; Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD; North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC; Spelman College, Atlanta, GA; Texas Southern University, Houston, TX; Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL; and Virginia State University, Ettrick, VA. The Fulbright Program is the U.S. Government’s flagship international academic exchange program with a longstanding commitment to diversity, working to ensure that participants reflect the United States and societies abroad. In addition to its strong partnership with HBCUs, the Fulbright Program works closely with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange, the American Association of Community Colleges, Diversity Abroad, and many more organizations. There has been a long history of engagement between the Fulbright Program and HBCUs. The inaugural Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board included Fisk University President Dr. Charles S. Johnson and the first Fulbright cohort included four participants affiliated with HBCUs. Since its inception in 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 400,000 students, scholars, artists, and teachers from all types of institutions the opportunity to study, teach, and conduct research abroad. Fulbrighters build connections, gain experience, exchange ideas, and address global challenges. Individuals and U.S. host institutions may go online  to learn more about the Fulbright Program. Interested media may contact the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at eca-press@state.gov. On Iran’s Release of Unjustly Detained U.S. Citizens 09/18/2023 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. On Iran’s Release of Unjustly Detained U.S. Citizens 09/18/2023 11:00 AM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Siamak Namazi, Emad Shargi, Morad Tahbaz, and two other U.S. citizens who wish to remain private have departed Iran and are on their way back to the United States to be reunited with their families. They are joined by two of their relatives, also U.S. citizens, who had been prevented from leaving Iran until Today. Several of these individuals have spent years imprisoned as part of the Iranian regime’s cruel practice of wrongful detention, but today they are all returning home to their loved ones. From day one of this Administration, the President and I have made clear that we have no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens at home and abroad. Under President Biden’s leadership, we have now secured the release of more than 30 wrongfully detained Americans around the world. I am grateful to everyone from the State Department and across the government who worked tirelessly to bring home our U.S. citizens. We will not rest until we have brought home every wrongfully detained American. I also extend my thanks to the many partners who helped make this possible. I would like to express our deep appreciation for the indispensable role played by the State of Qatar over the last two years in mediating this arrangement. I extend our sincere thanks to the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and senior Qatari officials for their steadfast involvement and assistance in securing the release of U.S. citizens and establishing the Humanitarian Channel in Qatar for Iran to purchase humanitarian goods like food, medicine, medical devices, and agricultural products. The United States also expresses its deep appreciation to the Swiss Confederation for its tireless efforts to represent U.S. consular interests and its long-standing assistance as our protecting power in the Islamic Republic of Iran. In particular, we thank Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis for his personal commitment. We also thank the Republic of Korea for its close coordination and partnership, as well as Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said and the Sultanate of Oman, whose interventions were crucial to finalizing this arrangement, and the United Kingdom for their support. Today is also a solemn day. While we celebrate the release of these five U.S. citizens, we recognize that Bob Levinson still remains unaccounted for more than 16 years after his abduction from Kish Island, Iran. The Iranian regime has inflicted unimaginable pain on Bob’s family, and they have yet to account for his fate. We once again call upon the Iranian regime to give a full accounting of what happened to Bob Levinson. Bob’s legacy lives on in the Levinson Act, which bolsters our ability to bring home hostages and wrongfully detained U.S. nationals held overseas, and President Biden’s Executive Order 14078, which builds on the Levinson Act and reinforces the tools to deter and disrupt hostage-taking and wrongful detention by other countries. We will use the Levinson Act and other tools to promote accountability for Iran and other regimes for the cruel practice of wrongful detention. Finally, I want to reiterate the State Department’s clear warning to U.S. citizens: do not travel to Iran. While this group of U.S. citizens has been released, there is no way to guarantee a similar result for other Americans who decide to travel to Iran despite the U.S. government’s longstanding warning against doing so. We continue to work with likeminded countries to deter future hostage-taking and hold Iran and other regimes accountable for such actions, including through actions we are taking today. U.S. citizens should not travel to Iran for any reason, and I call on any U.S. citizens in Iran to depart immediately. On Iran’s Release of Unjustly Detained U.S. Citizens 09/18/2023 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. On Iran’s Release of Unjustly Detained U.S. Citizens 09/18/2023 11:00 AM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Siamak Namazi, Emad Shargi, Morad Tahbaz, and two other U.S. citizens who wish to remain private have departed Iran and are on their way back to the United States to be reunited with their families. They are joined by two of their relatives, also U.S. citizens, who had been prevented from leaving Iran until Today. Several of these individuals have spent years imprisoned as part of the Iranian regime’s cruel practice of wrongful detention, but today they are all returning home to their loved ones. From day one of this Administration, the President and I have made clear that we have no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens at home and abroad. Under President Biden’s leadership, we have now secured the release of more than 30 wrongfully detained Americans around the world. I am grateful to everyone from the State Department and across the government who worked tirelessly to bring home our U.S. citizens. We will not rest until we have brought home every wrongfully detained American. I also extend my thanks to the many partners who helped make this possible. I would like to express our deep appreciation for the indispensable role played by the State of Qatar over the last two years in mediating this arrangement. I extend our sincere thanks to the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and senior Qatari officials for their steadfast involvement and assistance in securing the release of U.S. citizens and establishing the Humanitarian Channel in Qatar for Iran to purchase humanitarian goods like food, medicine, medical devices, and agricultural products. The United States also expresses its deep appreciation to the Swiss Confederation for its tireless efforts to represent U.S. consular interests and its long-standing assistance as our protecting power in the Islamic Republic of Iran. In particular, we thank Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis for his personal commitment. We also thank the Republic of Korea for its close coordination and partnership, as well as Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said and the Sultanate of Oman, whose interventions were crucial to finalizing this arrangement, and the United Kingdom for their support. Today is also a solemn day. While we celebrate the release of these five U.S. citizens, we recognize that Bob Levinson still remains unaccounted for more than 16 years after his abduction from Kish Island, Iran. The Iranian regime has inflicted unimaginable pain on Bob’s family, and they have yet to account for his fate. We once again call upon the Iranian regime to give a full accounting of what happened to Bob Levinson. Bob’s legacy lives on in the Levinson Act, which bolsters our ability to bring home hostages and wrongfully detained U.S. nationals held overseas, and President Biden’s Executive Order 14078, which builds on the Levinson Act and reinforces the tools to deter and disrupt hostage-taking and wrongful detention by other countries. We will use the Levinson Act and other tools to promote accountability for Iran and other regimes for the cruel practice of wrongful detention. Finally, I want to reiterate the State Department’s clear warning to U.S. citizens: do not travel to Iran. While this group of U.S. citizens has been released, there is no way to guarantee a similar result for other Americans who decide to travel to Iran despite the U.S. government’s longstanding warning against doing so. We continue to work with likeminded countries to deter future hostage-taking and hold Iran and other regimes accountable for such actions, including through actions we are taking today. U.S. citizens should not travel to Iran for any reason, and I call on any U.S. citizens in Iran to depart immediately. Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council President al-Alimi 09/18/2023 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. Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council President al-Alimi 09/18/2023 11:47 AM EDT Office of the Spokesperson The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) President Rashad al-Alimi today in New York.  Secretary Blinken and President al-Alimi discussed their shared commitment to achieving a durable end to the conflict in Yemen and easing the suffering of Yemenis.  President al-Alimi was joined by PLC Vice President  Aidrous al-Zubaidi.  The Secretary welcomed the Republic of Yemen Government’s commitment building on and expanding the truce, which has brought tangible benefits to Yemenis across the country for 18 months.  Secretary Blinken expressed determination that the truce result in a permanent, nationwide ceasefire and the launch of an inclusive, Yemeni-Yemeni political process under UN auspices.  Only a political agreement among the Yemeni parties, which also meets Yemenis’ calls for justice and accountability, can bring peace and prosperity to the country.  The Secretary reiterated U.S. support for the PLC and its initiatives to improve services and daily life for Yemenis. Designating Iranian Persons Connected to Wrongful Detentions 09/18/2023 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. Designating Iranian Persons Connected to Wrongful Detentions 09/18/2023 11:53 AM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State While we celebrate the release of Emad Shargi, Siamak Namazi, Morad Tahbaz, and two other U.S. citizens from their unjust detention in Iran, we are also taking action to hold the regime accountable for its abhorrent practice of unjustly detaining other countries’ citizens and to deter future wrongful detention by Iran and other regimes. Pursuant to the sanctions authorities provided by the Levinson Act and Executive Order 14078, the United States is today designating Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) in connection with the MOIS’s involvement in the wrongful detention of U.S citizens and former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for his support to MOIS. During Ahmadinejad’s term in office, Iran’s MOIS abducted and detained Bob Levinson with authorization by senior Iranian officials. The regime’s refusal to account for what happened to Bob caused unbearable pain and suffering to his family and those who care about him. We call on Iran to give a full accounting of what happened to Bob Levinson, from his initial captivity to his probable death. We are also taking steps to impose visa restrictions on three Iranian government officials believed to be responsible for or complicit in serious abuses or violations of human rights, as well as hostage-taking or wrongful, arbitrary, or otherwise unjust detention of U.S. and foreign nationals pursuant to authority in Section 212 (a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). We are further announcing the designation of Iranian prison officials Ali Chaharmahali and Dariush Bakshi pursuant to Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act of 2023 for their involvement in gross violations of human rights, namely the cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment of detainees in Iran’s prison system. These individuals and their immediate family members are ineligible for entry into the United States. The United States has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens. We will continue to work to bring home U.S. nationals wrongfully detained overseas and hold accountable those who are involved in the wrongful detention of U.S. nationals abroad. The Department of State is designating MOIS for being responsible for or complicit in, to have directly or indirectly engaged in, or to be responsible for ordering, controlling, or otherwise directing the hostage-taking of a U.S. national or the wrongful detention of a U.S national abroad. The Department of the Treasury is designating Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of MOIS. Sanctions actions are being taken pursuant to E.O. 14078 “Bolstering Efforts to Bring Hostages and Wrongfully Detained U.S. Nationals Home.” For more information on the sanctions action, see the Department of the Treasury’s press release . Designating Iranian Persons Connected to Wrongful Detentions 09/18/2023 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Designating Iranian Persons Connected to Wrongful Detentions 09/18/2023 11:53 AM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State While we celebrate the release of Emad Shargi, Siamak Namazi, Morad Tahbaz, and two other U.S. citizens from their unjust detention in Iran, we are also taking action to hold the regime accountable for its abhorrent practice of unjustly detaining other countries’ citizens and to deter future wrongful detention by Iran and other regimes. Pursuant to the sanctions authorities provided by the Levinson Act and Executive Order 14078, the United States is today designating Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) in connection with the MOIS’s involvement in the wrongful detention of U.S citizens and former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for his support to MOIS. During Ahmadinejad’s term in office, Iran’s MOIS abducted and detained Bob Levinson with authorization by senior Iranian officials. The regime’s refusal to account for what happened to Bob caused unbearable pain and suffering to his family and those who care about him. We call on Iran to give a full accounting of what happened to Bob Levinson, from his initial captivity to his probable death. We are also taking steps to impose visa restrictions on three Iranian government officials believed to be responsible for or complicit in serious abuses or violations of human rights, as well as hostage-taking or wrongful, arbitrary, or otherwise unjust detention of U.S. and foreign nationals pursuant to authority in Section 212 (a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). We are further announcing the designation of Iranian prison officials Ali Chaharmahali and Dariush Bakshi pursuant to Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act of 2023 for their involvement in gross violations of human rights, namely the cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment of detainees in Iran’s prison system. These individuals and their immediate family members are ineligible for entry into the United States. The United States has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens. We will continue to work to bring home U.S. nationals wrongfully detained overseas and hold accountable those who are involved in the wrongful detention of U.S. nationals abroad. The Department of State is designating MOIS for being responsible for or complicit in, to have directly or indirectly engaged in, or to be responsible for ordering, controlling, or otherwise directing the hostage-taking of a U.S. national or the wrongful detention of a U.S national abroad. The Department of the Treasury is designating Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of MOIS. Sanctions actions are being taken pursuant to E.O. 14078 “Bolstering Efforts to Bring Hostages and Wrongfully Detained U.S. Nationals Home.” For more information on the sanctions action, see the Department of the Treasury’s press release . Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council President al-Alimi 09/18/2023 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 Meeting with Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council President al-Alimi 09/18/2023 11:47 AM EDT Office of the Spokesperson The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) President Rashad al-Alimi today in New York.  Secretary Blinken and President al-Alimi discussed their shared commitment to achieving a durable end to the conflict in Yemen and easing the suffering of Yemenis.  President al-Alimi was joined by PLC Vice President  Aidrous al-Zubaidi.  The Secretary welcomed the Republic of Yemen Government’s commitment building on and expanding the truce, which has brought tangible benefits to Yemenis across the country for 18 months.  Secretary Blinken expressed determination that the truce result in a permanent, nationwide ceasefire and the launch of an inclusive, Yemeni-Yemeni political process under UN auspices.  Only a political agreement among the Yemeni parties, which also meets Yemenis’ calls for justice and accountability, can bring peace and prosperity to the country.  The Secretary reiterated U.S. support for the PLC and its initiatives to improve services and daily life for Yemenis. Secretary Antony J. Blinken Before His Meeting with Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council President Rashad al-Alimi 09/18/2023 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 Before His Meeting with Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council President Rashad al-Alimi 09/18/2023 01:14 PM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State New York City, New York Palace Hotel SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, good morning, colleagues, and thank you all for joining us this morning.  And thank you, even more important than that, for your shared commitment to advancing peace.  Under your leadership in Yemen, 18 months of calm have now improved lives for millions of Yemenis – and more important, not just improved lives but saved lives. Inclusive Yemeni-Yemeni talks mediated by the UN I think are now essential to reaching a lasting peace.  And I’ve just come from a meeting between the United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council, and what I heard was a strong unanimity of views about the importance of this moment, the opportunity that now lies before the Yemeni people to finally move toward a durable peace.  And I know all of us will be working in a positive way to support those efforts. In our judgment, the path forward is clear:  Only negotiations, not hostilities, will bring security and prosperity to the people of Yemen.  We support Mr. President’s PLC and we support direct talks among all Yemenis to reach a durable resolution.  And we will do and continue to do whatever we can to support the vitally important efforts that you are all engaged in.  I very much appreciate the presence, Mr. President, of you, of the vice president.  Mr. Vice President, welcome.  Good to have you with us today and look forward to a good conversation. Mr. President. Secretary Antony J. Blinken at a Meeting with Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council Member States 09/18/2023 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 at a Meeting with Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council Member States 09/18/2023 01:09 PM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State New York City, New York Palace Hotel SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, good morning, everyone.  I can think of no better way, at least for me, to kick off this High-level Week than with all of you, so welcome.  Some of you have already been doing things, but for me, this is the first meeting of this High-level Week, and I couldn’t be more pleased to be with friends and colleagues. To all of you, since we last had a chance to meet back in June in Riyadh, we have continued working to build a more stable, secure, and integrated region, benefiting people in the Gulf but also benefiting people around the world.  At the G20 just a couple of weeks ago, President Biden and other leaders, including from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, announced a landmark agreement – rail, shipping, digital, and energy corridor that will stretch across the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe. Through the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, we are facilitating greater trade and manufacturing, clean energy deployment, and high-speed rail and internet access – and in the process, strengthening food security, expanding opportunities for people in all concerned countries, and making our supply chains more secure. These efforts reflect our conviction that a more integrated Gulf and a more integrated Middle East can deliver genuinely transformational results for the region and for the world.  That’s why we all have a stake in addressing shared challenges and this powerful shared opportunity.  The UAE will be the host of the COP-28 in just a few months’ time – a first for the Gulf.  Through groups like the Negev Forum, we’re working to strengthen everything from water security to health security, and having a tangible impact on the lives of our people. But countries are also working to address the leading threat to regional security: Iran.  We’re cooperating to deter Tehran’s aggression and destabilizing activities, including the threat posed by its nuclear program.  And we’re working to uphold freedom of navigation, such as through a multinational task force that is protecting ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The United States and the GCC remain committed to a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians, and we continue to urge both parties to refrain from any unilateral steps that undermine its prospects.  We’re also working with countries in the region to broaden and deepen their normalization relations with Israel. In Yemen, the United States, along with Saudi Arabia and Oman, helped forge and maintain a UN-led truce.  We’re transitioning to a Yemeni-led process to advance a durable peace while working to address significant shortfalls in critical humanitarian relief where both countries can play a leading role. Meanwhile, last month UN agencies and Gulf partners successfully offloaded oil from the Safer tanker off the coast of Yemen, preventing the potentially catastrophic spill.  And I commend all of those involved in getting that resolved. Finally, we believe we have to continue to press the Assad regime in Syria to make meaningful and enduring progress toward resolving the Syrian conflict and addressing the acute needs of the Syrian people. This is only, very briefly, a fraction of our collective efforts to advance peace, security, and opportunity in the region and around the world.  That also includes working on the conflict in Sudan and pushing for a just and durable peace in Ukraine, reflecting the principles at the heart of the United Nations Charter, which brings us together this week in New York. The United States has invested in our relationships with you and with your countries, and we’re invested for the long haul. So we very much look forward to hearing from you today on how we can continue to build on our lasting partnerships.  And I’d now like to invite my colleague from Oman to say a few words. FOREIGN MINISTER AL-BUSAIDI:  Thank you, Mr. Secretary, for your opening remarks, for your welcome, and for your engagement.  We really (inaudible) something (inaudible).  And we’re really delighted to be here in New York to have this joint GCC-U.S. meeting today.  And so on behalf of the (inaudible) for the GCC, I would like to express our appreciation to the United States (inaudible) for hosting this meeting today, and we also hope that this will be another successful annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly. In this context, I also want to affirm our commitment to maintaining our good relationship and our friendship with your country, and, of course, with those whom we share this UN system (inaudible). The GCC welcomes a dialogue with everyone, and aims always to find points of agreement and convergence on which we can build substantive progress. We look forward to a very encouraging and constructive exchange of views today on so many topics – some of which you have alluded to, Mr. Secretary – and are confident that we can take further steps in the enhancement of our already existing relationship.  Thank you very much. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you, my friend.  And could I turn now to the secretary general of the GCC? SECRETARY GENERAL AL-BUDAIWI:  Thank you, Mr. Secretary.  (Inaudible), your highnesses and your excellencies, I would like to express my great pleasure to participate at this important gathering under the framework of GCC-U.S. Strategic Partnership to fuel the regional and global development since we met last in Riyadh in June.  In addition to global challenges, our region is facing the threat of nuclear proliferation, (inaudible) missiles (inaudible), and threats to maritime security and freedom of navigation, in addition to the political instability and internal conflicts in Yemen, Sudan, Syria, Lebanon, Afghanistan, and elsewhere, such as recent development with Iraq.  The Palestinian-Israeli conflict remains unresolved, with frequent flare-ups threatening (inaudible) peace and security and preventing it from reaching its full potential. Since we announced in May 2015, the GCC Strategic Partnership has sought the strength of our cooperation in all areas through maintaining regular engagement at all levels.  There have been five summits at the heads-of-state levels, numerous ministerial meetings, and specialized working groups to translate this partnership into effective, practical steps.  Our partnership has been mutually beneficial and has contributed to efforts to bring peace and prosperity in our region and to the rest of the world. Your highnesses and excellencies, GCC-U.S. partnership is anchored around solid historical ties, shared interests, and belief that the UN-centered multilateral system is the best foundation for peace and security.  The GCC Strategic Partnership with the United States is at the forefront of our priorities, and this meeting underscores that fact.  GCC and the United States had five joint summit (inaudible) in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2022.  Our meeting at the ministerial level have provided clear guidance on how our partnership should function and evolve. There have been more than 10 GCC-U.S. working groups and task forces convening areas such – covering areas such as integrated air and missile defense, maritime security, cyber security, logistic military (inaudible), military training exercises, special operation, counterterrorism, trade, investment, and other areas of cooperation.  These GCC-level groups are addition to – to bodies established bilaterally between the U.S. and member-states.  The integrated air and missile defense and maritime security joint working group met in Riyadh in February 13-14, 2023 to further enhance cooperation in these two important areas of military cooperation. In June, the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command hosted a two-day multilateral maritime security meeting for 90 senior military officers and diplomats from 22 nations, including GCC member-states.  The counterterrorism working group and the Iran working group, two of the most active bodies set up under the umbrella of GCC-U.S. partnership, also met in February.  In March, the GCC secretariat hosted the fourth GCC-U.S. trade investment dialogue, where specialized discussed – discussion, ways facilitate trade and promote investment. As agreed, we hope that before the end of this year (inaudible) the following ones, additional meeting of all working groups will take place to further achieve common objectives, including cyber security, military exercises, training, and streamlining (inaudible) of critical defense capability, as well as integrated air and missile defense and maritime security working groups. In conclusion, Mr. Secretary, I look forward to productive meeting that will move our partnership further to face the growing challenges.  Thank you so much. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Secretary General, thank you very much. Secretary Antony J. Blinken Before His Meeting with Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council President Rashad al-Alimi 09/18/2023 You are subscribed to Secretary's Remarks for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Antony J. Blinken Before His Meeting with Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council President Rashad al-Alimi 09/18/2023 01:14 PM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State New York City, New York Palace Hotel SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, good morning, colleagues, and thank you all for joining us this morning.  And thank you, even more important than that, for your shared commitment to advancing peace.  Under your leadership in Yemen, 18 months of calm have now improved lives for millions of Yemenis – and more important, not just improved lives but saved lives. Inclusive Yemeni-Yemeni talks mediated by the UN I think are now essential to reaching a lasting peace.  And I’ve just come from a meeting between the United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council, and what I heard was a strong unanimity of views about the importance of this moment, the opportunity that now lies before the Yemeni people to finally move toward a durable peace.  And I know all of us will be working in a positive way to support those efforts. In our judgment, the path forward is clear:  Only negotiations, not hostilities, will bring security and prosperity to the people of Yemen.  We support Mr. President’s PLC and we support direct talks among all Yemenis to reach a durable resolution.  And we will do and continue to do whatever we can to support the vitally important efforts that you are all engaged in.  I very much appreciate the presence, Mr. President, of you, of the vice president.  Mr. Vice President, welcome.  Good to have you with us today and look forward to a good conversation. Mr. President. Secretary Antony J. Blinken at a Meeting with Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council Member States 09/18/2023 You are subscribed to Secretary's Remarks for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. ... [Περικομμένο μήνυμα]  Προβολή ολόκληρου του μηνύματος ΑπάντησηΠροώθηση