Treasury Sanctions the Head of the Wagner Group in Mali

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY PRESS RELEASES MAY 25, 2023 WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Ivan Aleksandrovich Maslov (Maslov), the head of Russian Private Military Company ‘Wagner’ (Wagner Group) paramilitary units and its principal administrator based in Mali. The Wagner Group and its leader, …

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Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at a UN Security Council High-Level Open Debate on Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield U.S. Representative to the United Nations New York, New York May 23, 2023 AS DELIVERED Thank you very much, President Berset. And I particularly want to thank Switzerland for making the pressing issue of conflict-induced food security a centerpiece of its presidency. This is also a very high priority for the U.S. …

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Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on Ukraine

Ambassador Robert Wood Alternate Representative for Special Political Affairs New York, New York May 18, 2023 AS DELIVERED Thank you, Madam President, and I thank Mr. Ebo for his detailed briefing. We gather again just weeks after discussing this same topic and, unfortunately, little has changed. We’re here again listening to Russia’s allegations that arms …

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Statement from President Joe Biden on International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia

WHITE HOUSE MAY 17, 2023 Everyone is entitled to be treated with dignity and equality—no matter whom they love, or how they identify. On the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, we reaffirm our commitment to this ongoing work and stand with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) people around the world. …

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Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield and Ambassador Jim O’Brien at a Foreign Press Center Briefing on the Black Sea Grain Initiative

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield U.S. Representative to the United Nations New York, New York May 11, 2023 AS DELIVERED MODERATOR: Welcome to the New York Foreign Press Center. We’re honored to have two distinguished briefers with us today who will speak on the Black Sea Grain Initiative: Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. Representative to the United Nations; …

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Media Note: Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield Announces United States to Join Council of Europe’s Register of Damage for Ukraine

United States Mission to the United Nations Office of Press and Public Diplomacy For Immediate Release May 15, 2023 Media Note: Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield Announces United States to Join Council of Europe’s Register of Damage for Ukraine The United States has expressed its intent to join the Council of Europe’s “Register of Damage Caused by …

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Release of Aggregate Numbers of Strategic Offensive Weapons

MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON MAY 15, 2023 Continuing with its tradition of transparency despite Russia’s purported suspension of New START, the United States has voluntarily released aggregate numbers of U.S. strategic offensive arms under the New START Treaty’s central limits on nuclear weapons. The United States continues to view transparency among nuclear weapon states as extremely valuable for reducing the …

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The importance of an independent press

By ShareAmerica Free, independent media allow the public to make informed decisions, hold leaders accountable and hear a diversity of opinions — all free of government influence. Journalists in the United States can report on public health questions, question elected officials — sometimes aggressively — and raise controversial issues without fear of reprisal. “Information and …

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Remarks at Russia’s Arria-formula Meeting on the Situation of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine

Trina Saha Deputy Political Coordinator New York, New York May 12, 2023 AS DELIVERED The United States takes seriously allegations of violations of human rights, including the freedom of religion or belief. We expect all countries to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms. However, it is hard to take seriously Russia’s meeting today as a …

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Statement from President Joe Biden Ahead of the Fifth Review Conference of the Chemical Weapons Convention

WHITE HOUSE MAY 12, 2023 Chemical weapons have wrought unthinkable horrors upon our world, and should never again be developed or deployed—period. That’s the commitment the world made when the Chemical Weapons Convention created the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in 1997—and it’s a commitment we must renew every day until our world …

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Europe moves away from Russia’s oil and gas

By ShareAmerica The European Union is producing all-time highs of wind and solar energy as the 27-country group works to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels from Russia. Four months after Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the European Commission launched REPowerEU . This campaign aims to: Boost the use of renewable energy. …

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Sanctioning Russian Federation and Iranian State Actors Responsible for the Wrongful Detention of U.S. Nationals

PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE APRIL 27, 2023 The United States has no higher commitment than bringing home wrongfully detained Americans. Today, we are promoting accountability for those responsible for wrongfully detaining U.S. nationals abroad. Our actions are a clear and direct warning to those around the world who wrongfully detain U.S. …

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Statement from President Joe Biden on Armenian Remembrance Day

WHITE HOUSE APRIL 24, 2023 Today, we pause to remember the lives lost during the Meds Yeghern—the Armenian genocide— and renew our pledge to never forget. On April 24, 1915, Ottoman authorities arrested Armenian intellectuals and community leaders in Constantinople—the start of a systematic campaign of violence against the Armenian community. In the years that …

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Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on Threats to International Peace and Security

Ambassador Robert Wood Alternate Representative for Special Political Affairs New York, New York March 31, 2023 AS DELIVERED Thank you, Mr. President. And I thank the High Representative for her informative and sobering briefing this morning. It is unfortunate that this meeting was necessary today. That President Putin is escalating Russia’s dangerous and destabilizing behavior. …

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U.S. National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby’s Interview with TV Rain

TV RAIN: Mr. Kirby, thank you very much for this opportunity. There are a lot of questions, but I’ll start with the hot news. Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, has announced the withdrawal, albeit a temporary suspension, as he put it, of the suspension of the strategic offensive arms treaty. Do you think this …

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Russia’s War Against Ukraine – One Year Later

PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE FEBRUARY 24, 2023 One year ago today, President Putin ordered a full-scale invasion of Ukraine following months of deceit about why Russia had amassed huge numbers of soldiers on Ukraine’s border. It was then that Russia’s forces illegally crossed into Ukraine’s sovereign territory to wage a war …

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G7 Foreign Ministers’ Statement on the Illegal Annexation of Sovereign Ukrainian Territory

MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 The text of the following statement was released by the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union. Begin Text We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, …

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G7 Foreign Ministers’ Statement at the 2023 Munich Security Conference

MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON FEBRUARY 21, 2023 Statement by Hayashi Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan in his capacity as Chair of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting at the Munich Security Conference. Begin Text: The G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the …

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Op-Ed by the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves: America’s Hidden Tool is Hobbling Russia’s War Machine with Multilateral Impact

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, February 1, 2023 U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Public Affairs Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce is continuing to take action against Russia and those who enable Russia’s war in Ukraine. We added trade restrictions to seven Iranian entities involved in Iran’s drone program for supporting Russia’s war efforts and trying to use …

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Sanctioning Evasion Network Supporting Russia’s Military-Industrial Complex

PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE FEBRUARY 1, 2023 The United States, in coordination with our allies and partners, will continue to fully enforce our sanctions against Russia’s war machine and those that support its efforts. These actions will decrease Russia’s ability to wage war and weaken its military-industrial complex. Today, the Department …

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U.S. Treasury Targets Global Sanctions Evasion Network Supporting Russia’s Military-Industrial Complex

PRESS RELEASES Treasury Targets Global Sanctions Evasion Network Supporting Russia’s Military-Industrial Complex February 1, 2023   WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed full blocking sanctions against 22 individuals and entities across multiple countries related to a sanctions evasion network supporting Russia’s military-industrial complex. Today’s action, …

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Countering the Wagner Group and Degrading Russia’s War Efforts in Ukraine

PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE JANUARY 26, 2023 The United States is sanctioning individuals and entities linked to Russia’s para-military Wagner Group and its head, Yevgeniy Prigozhin – including its key infrastructure and associated front companies, its battlefield operations in Ukraine, producers of Russia’s weapons, and those administering Russia-occupied areas of Ukraine. …

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Significant New U.S. Military Assistance to Ukraine

PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE JANUARY 19, 2023 The United States is announcing a significant new security assistance package to help Ukraine continue to defend itself against Russia’s brutal war. Pursuant to a delegation of authority from the President, I am authorizing our 30 th drawdown of U.S. arms and equipment for …

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G7 Foreign Ministers’ Statement

MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON NOVEMBER 20, 2022 The text of the following statement was released by the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union. Begin Text: On the launch of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile by …

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Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at a UN Security Council Briefing on Russia’s War Against Ukraine

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield U.S. Representative to the United Nations New York, New York November 16, 2022 AS DELIVERED Thank you, Mr. President. And thank you, Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo, for your valuable briefing today. Colleagues, I want to start by noting the tragic explosion that killed two people in Poland near the Ukrainian border. We extend our …

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Imposing Sanctions on Entities and Individuals in Response to Iran’s Transfer of Military UAVs to Russia

PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE NOVEMBER 15, 2022 Today we are imposing sanctions in response to Iran’s support of Russia’s unprovoked war against Ukraine, including Tehran’s transfer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Russia, which are being used by Moscow to strike civilian infrastructure and cities. The Departments of State and the …

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Statement by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Russia’s Missile Strikes

THE WHITE HOUSE BRIEFING ROOM STATEMENTS AND RELEASES The United States strongly condemns Russia’s latest missile attacks against Ukraine, which appear to have struck residential buildings in Kyiv and additional sites across the country. It is not lost on us that, as world leaders meet at the G-20 in Bali to discuss the issues of …

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Targeting Russia’s Global Military Procurement Network and Kremlin-Linked Networks

PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE NOVEMBER 14, 2022 In response to Moscow’s unprovoked war against Ukraine, the United States will continue to disrupt Russia’s military supply chains and impose high costs on President Putin’s enablers, as well as all those who support Russia’s brutality against its neighbor. Today, the Departments of State …

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Joint Statement on Ukraine

MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON OCTOBER 23, 2022 The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, France, and the United Kingdom. We, the Foreign Ministers of France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, reiterate our steadfast support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in …

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The Trial of Félicien Kabuga for Genocide in Rwanda

NED PRICE, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 PRESS STATEMENT The United States welcomes the opening statements in the trial of Félicien Kabuga at the Hague branch of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT), the successor mechanism to the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR). Indicted for genocide and crimes against humanity, Kabuga is …

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G7 Foreign Ministers’ Statement on the Illegal Annexation of Sovereign Ukrainian Territory

MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 The text of the following statement was released by the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union. Begin Text We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, …

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Imposing Swift and Severe Costs in Response to Russia’s Violations of Ukraine’s Sovereignty

PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 The United States unequivocally rejects Russia’s fraudulent attempt to change Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders, including by holding sham “referenda” in Ukraine’s Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya regions. This is a clear violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. In response, the United …

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Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield’s Remarks at the UNSC Stakeout Following a Vote on a Resolution Condemning Russia’s Sham Referenda

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield U.S. Representative to the United Nations New York, New York September 30, 2022 AS DELIVERED Let me thank all of you for waiting to see us this afternoon. The illegal referenda that Russia held in Ukraine and the purported annexations of Ukrainian territory by force are a violation of the UN Charter and international law. They change nothing about the status and borders of Ukraine. That is the firmly-held conviction of the United States. This is the firmly-held conviction of the Secretary-General. And as you saw just …

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Statement from President Biden on Russia’s Attempts to Annex Ukrainian Territory

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 The United States condemns Russia’s fraudulent attempt today to annex sovereign Ukrainian territory. Russia is violating international law, trampling on the United Nations Charter, and showing its contempt for peaceful nations everywhere. Make no mistake: these actions have no legitimacy. The United States will always honor Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders. We will …

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Russia’s Sham Referenda in Ukraine

ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 PRESS STATEMENT The Kremlin’s sham referenda are a futile effort to mask what amounts to a further attempt at a land grab in Ukraine. To be clear: the results were orchestrated in Moscow and do not reflect the will of the people of Ukraine. The United …

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$457.5 Million in New U.S. Civilian Security Assistance for Ukraine

ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE SEPTEMBER 26, 2022 PRESS STATEMENT The United States today committed an additional $457.5 million in civilian security assistance to enhance the efforts of Ukrainian law enforcement and criminal justice agencies to improve their operational capacity and save lives as they continue to help defend the Ukrainian people, their freedom, …

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Statement from President Biden on Russia’s Sham Referenda in Ukraine

THE WHITE HOUSE BRIEFING ROOM SEPTEMBER 23, 2022 STATEMENTS AND RELEASES The United States will never recognize Ukrainian territory as anything other than part of Ukraine. Russia’s referenda are a sham – a false pretext to try to annex parts of Ukraine by force in flagrant violation of international law, including the United Nations Charter. …

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Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the United Nations Security Council Ministerial Meeting on Ukrainian Sovereignty and Russian Accountability

ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS NEW YORK, NEW YORK SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 REMARKS SECRETARY BLINKEN: (Via interpreter) Thank you very much, Madam President, for having brought this council together at this very grave moment of the crisis of the war of Russia on Ukraine. (In English) Mr. Secretary General, thank you …

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Remarks by President Biden Before the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly

United Nations Headquarters New York, New York SEPTEMBER 21, 2022 11:08 A.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Mr. President, Mr. Secretary-General, my fellow leaders, in the last year, our world has experienced great upheaval: a growing crisis in food insecurity; record heat, floods, and droughts; COVID-19; inflation; and a brutal, needless war — a war …

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The Kremlin’s Troop Mobilization

PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE SEPTEMBER 21, 2022 President Putin’s call to partially mobilize Russian citizens, directing them to fight in Ukraine, reflects the Kremlin’s struggles on the battlefield, the unpopularity of the war, and Russians’ unwillingness to fight in it. President Putin is not operating from a position of strength; rather, …

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G7 Non-Proliferation Directors’ Group on Nuclear Safety and Security at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant

MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON AUGUST 30, 2022 The text of the following statement was released by the G7 Non-Proliferation Directors Group of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union. Begin Text: The G7 Non-Proliferation Directors Group recalls the …

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Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia

JULY 09, 2021 President Biden spoke today with President Putin. The leaders commended the joint work of their respective teams following the U.S.-Russia Summit that led to the unanimous renewal of cross-border humanitarian assistance to Syria today in the UN Security Council. President Biden also spoke with President Putin about the ongoing ransomware attacks by …

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Joint Statement on Belarus

MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON JUNE 21, 2021 The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Canada and the United Kingdom, and the European External Action Service. Begin Text: We are united in our deep concern regarding the Lukashenka regime’s continuing attacks on human rights, …

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Holding the Lukashenka Regime and its Enablers to Account

PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE JUNE 21, 2021 The United States has taken action against dozens of Belarusian individuals and entities in response to last month’s forced diversion of a commercial Ryanair flight between two European Union member states and the politically motivated arrest of journalist Raman Pratasevich and Sofiya Sapega. These …

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FACT SHEET: United States and G7+ Plan to Defeat the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2022 and Prevent the Next Pandemic

11 June, 2021 Today, President Biden welcomed the historic commitment of the leaders of the G7 and guest countries to provide more than 1 billion additional COVID-19 vaccines for the world, starting this summer, of which the United States will contribute half a billion doses. This commitment forms the basis of a comprehensive set of …

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Treasury Sanctions Russia with Sweeping New Sanctions Authority

April 15, 2021 WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury took multiple sanctions actions under a new Executive Order (E.O.) targeting aggressive and harmful activities by the Government of the Russian Federation.  Treasury’s actions include the implementation of new prohibitions on certain dealings in Russian sovereign debt, as well as targeted sanctions on …

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Secretary Antony J. Blinken On Release of the 2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices

“President Biden has committed to putting human rights back at the center of American foreign policy, and that’s a commitment that I and the entire Department of State take very seriously.  We will bring to bear all the tools of our diplomacy to defend human rights and hold accountable perpetrators of abuse.  The reports we’re releasing today are just one way to …

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Opening Remarks by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken Before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs

REMARKS ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE WASHINGTON, D.C. MARCH 10, 2021 SECRETARY BLINKEN: Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member McCaul, thank you so much for your warm welcome. It’s very, very good to be back before this committee, to be back in this room. And I really do appreciate the opportunity to talk today about the …

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Remarks by President Biden on America’s Place in the World

U.S. Department of State Headquarters Harry S. Truman Building Washington, D.C. February 4, 2021 2:45 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT:  Mr. Secretary, it’s great to be here with you.  And I’ve been looking forward a long time to be able to call you “Mr. Secretary.” Good afternoon, everyone.  It’s an honor to be back at the …

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The President’s National Space Policy

The President’s National Space Policy , released yesterday, outlines America’s principles and goals regarding our national interests and activities in space. The policy reaffirms America’s leadership in outer space, emphasizes the importance of the commercial space sector to economic growth, and reaffirms the importance of all nations acting responsibly for the safety, stability, security, and long-term sustainability …

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Ambassador Sullivan on Human Rights Day

“We all must continue to strive for global respect for the inalienable rights belonging to all individuals, regardless of their race, gender, sexual identity, disability, or any other characteristic. Over the course of my career, I have seen the progress that can be made when nations invest in the protection of human rights of all …

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Imposing Sanctions on Entities and Individuals Advancing Russia’s Malign Influence

Today, the United States imposed sanctions on a network connected to Russian operative Yevgeniy Prigozhin by targeting entities and individuals working on his behalf to advance Russia’s influence in the Central African Republic (CAR).  The United States is also targeting actors involved in supporting the activities of the Federal Security Service, also known as the …

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The United States Imposes Sanctions on Russian Financier’s Global Sanctions Evasion Network

For Immediate Release Statement by Secretary Michael R. Pompeo July 15, 2020 Today, the United States took action to further limit Yevgeniy Prigozhin’s destabilizing global activity by designating entities that have enabled his ability to evade sanctions – this time, in Sudan.  These designations include Private Military Company (PMC) Wagner’s apparent cover entity in Sudan, …

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Transatlantic Community Imposes Sanctions on Russia

Today, the United States, EU, and Canada took coordinated action in response to Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine by imposing sanctions on individuals who orchestrated the unjustified November 25 attack on three Ukrainian naval vessels near the Kerch Strait. Additionally, the United States imposed sanctions on six Russian defense firms, including shipbuilding companies; two individuals …

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Treasury Targets Russian Operatives over Election Interference, World Anti-Doping Agency Hacking, and Other Malign Activities

“Treasury is sanctioning Russian intelligence operatives involved in cyber operations to interfere with the 2016 election and a wide range of other malign activities.  We are taking action against operatives working on behalf of a sanctioned oligarch, hacking the World Anti-Doping Agency and other international organizations, and engaging in other subversive actions,” said Steven T. …

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President Donald J. Trump Is Reimposing All Sanctions Lifted Under the Unacceptable Iran Deal

The White House Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release November 2, 2018 “The United States has launched a campaign of economic pressure to deny the regime the funds it needs to advance its bloody agenda.” – President Donald J. Trump REIMPOSING ALL SANCTIONS: President Donald J. Trump is reimposing the toughest sanctions ever …

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Remarks by President Trump on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action

THE PRESIDENT: My fellow Americans: Today, I want to update the world on our efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. The Iranian regime is the leading state sponsor of terror. It exports dangerous missiles, fuels conflicts across the Middle East, and supports terrorist proxies and militias such as Hezbollah, Hamas, the Taliban, …

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Treasury Designates Russian Oligarchs, Officials, and Entities in Response to Worldwide Malign Activity

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), in consultation with the Department of State, today designated seven Russian oligarchs and 12 companies they own or control, 17 senior Russian government officials, and a state-owned Russian weapons trading company and its subsidiary, a Russian bank.

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Remarks by Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan at the Ukraine’s MFA Diplomatic Academy

Good afternoon. It is an honor to be here in Ukraine, in Kyiv, and in particular, to be joined by so many students. It’s great to see you all here today. Thank you to the Deputy Director of the Diplomatic Academy Dr. Natalia Shulga, and to the Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya, and to the …

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Ambassador Haley Delivers Remarks at a UN Security Council Meeting on Syria

“The Assad regime has become a front for Iran, Hezbollah, and their allies to advance the irresponsible and dangerous agenda for the Middle East. On every front of this conflict, we find fighters imported by Iran from Lebanon, Iraq, and Afghanistan. When we see the Assad regime starving civilians in eastern Ghouta or pummeling schools …

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President Donald J. Trump Announces a National Security Strategy to Advance America’s Interests

“Our government’s first duty is to its people, to our citizens — to serve their needs, to ensure their safety, to preserve their rights, and to defend their values.” – President Donald J. Trump A NEW NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY FOR A NEW ERA: Less than a year after taking office, President Donald J. Trump is …

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Statement by President Trump on Jerusalem

In 1995, Congress adopted the Jerusalem Embassy Act, urging the federal government to relocate the American embassy to Jerusalem and to recognize that that city — and so importantly — is Israel’s capital. This act passed Congress by an overwhelming bipartisan majority and was reaffirmed by a unanimous vote of the Senate only six months …

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Under Secretary Shannon’s Meeting With Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov

Following the recent meeting between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hamburg, Germany, and multiple bilateral senior-level engagements, Under Secretary Thomas A. Shannon, Jr. met his Russian counterpart Sergei Ryabkov Monday to continue discussing areas of mutual concern. The conversation was tough, forthright, and deliberate, reflecting both parties’ commitment to a resolution. …

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On the Record Statement by Spokesperson Heather Nauert: U.S.-Russia Relations

We regret that Russia has decided to turn away from an opportunity to discuss bilateral obstacles that hinder U.S.-Russia relations. During the Secretary’s April visit to Moscow, he and Foreign Minister Lavrov agreed to establish a senior-level working group to discuss bilateral issues of concern. Undersecretary Shannon had planned to travel to St. Petersburg this …

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Embassy Statement on the Reinforcing of Existing Sanctions

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) yesterday reinforced existing sanctions on Russia by designating or identifying a range of individuals and entities related to Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine and occupation of Crimea.  The action was designed to counter attempts to circumvent our sanctions, and to maintain alignment of …

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On-the-Record-Briefing: Acting Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs Stuart Jones on Syria

Special Briefing Stuart Jones, Acting Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs Washington, DC May 15, 2017 MS NAUERT: Good morning, everyone. QUESTION: Good morning. MS NAUERT: It’s great to see you. Thanks, everyone, for assembling here so quickly today. Welcome to the State Department. We asked you here to provide you with some new information …

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Joint Statement by Secretary Tillerson, Secretary Mattis, Director Coats on DPRK’s weapons programs

Joint Statement by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Secretary of Defense James Mattis, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats   Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC April 26, 2017 Past efforts have failed to halt North Korea’s unlawful weapons programs and nuclear and ballistic missile tests. With each provocation, North Korea jeopardizes stability …

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Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Press Availability

SECRETARY TILLERSON: Good afternoon, all. The Trump administration is currently conducting across the entire government a review of our Iran policy. Today I’d like to address Iran’s alarming and ongoing provocations that export terror and violence, destabilizing more than one country at a time. Iran is the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism and is …

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Iran Continues To Sponsor Terrorism. Press Statement by Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson

“Iran remains a leading state sponsor of terror, through many platforms and methods. President Donald J. Trump has directed a National Security Council-led interagency review of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action that will evaluate whether suspension of sanctions related to Iran pursuant to the JCPOA is vital to the national security interests of the …

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The 30th Anniversary of the Missile Technology Control Regime. Statement by Acting Spokesperson Toner

Thirty years ago on April 16, 1987, the United States and its G-7 partners (Canada, France, the Federal Republic of Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom) announced the formation of the MTCR. The focus of this partnership is to restrict the transfer of missiles capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction and related technologies. …

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Ambassador Nikki Haley Chairs Historic UN Security Council Thematic Debate on Human Rights

As president of the United Nations Security Council, Ambassador Nikki Haley, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, chaired a thematic debate on human rights. The debate marked the first time the Security Council held a meeting dedicated exclusively to human rights and its link to international peace and security, giving Security Council members the …

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Statement from U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley on Reports of Detentions and Killings in Chechnya

“We continue to be disturbed by reports of kidnapping, torture, and murder of people in Chechnya based on their sexual orientation and those persecuted by association. If true, this violation of human rights cannot be ignored – Chechen authorities must immediately investigate these allegations, hold anyone involved accountable, and take steps to prevent future abuses…”

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Remarks With Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at a Press Availability

Press Availability Rex W. Tillerson Secretary of State Moscow, Russia April 12, 2017 FOREIGN MINISTER LAVROV: (Via interpreter) Good evening. This has been a long day. We have had talks with State Secretary of the U.S. Rex Tillerson. Right now, we have had a long conversation with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. It has lasted …

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Remarks With Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov Before Their Meeting

Rex W. Tillerson  Secretary of State Osobnyak Guest House Moscow, Russia April 12, 2017 FOREIGN MINISTER LAVROV: (Via translation) Addressed to media: Who was bringing you up? Who was giving you your manners? Addressed to U.S. delegation: Mr. Secretary of State, dear colleagues. We met in Bonn on February 16, where I told you about …

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Secretary Tillerson’s Remarks at a Press Availability in Italy

Press Availability Rex W. Tillerson Secretary of State Lucca, Italy April 11, 2017 SECRETARY TILLERSON:  Good morning.  I’ve got a statement.  I want to share it first, and then I’m happy to take a couple of questions.  Last week, Bashar al-Assad’s regime killed even more of its own people using chemical weapons.  Our missile strike …

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Secretary Tillerson’s Interview With George Stephanopoulos of ABC This Week

Interview Rex W. Tillerson Secretary of State West Palm Beach, Florida April 9, 2017   QUESTION: So what will President Trump do now? Will Thursday’s strike be followed by a new strategy to remove Assad from power? That was my first question for Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in his first interview on This Week. …

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Secretary Tillerson’s Interview With John Dickerson of CBS Face the Nation

Interview Rex W. Tillerson Secretary of State West Palm Beach, Florida April 9, 2017   QUESTION: We want to welcome Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to the broadcast. Mr. Secretary, thank you for being with us. As a start, what message was being sent to the Syrian leader with the U.S. military action? SECRETARY TILLERSON: …

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Briefing on President Trump’s Meetings with President Xi of China

The White House Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release April 07, 2017  Briefing by Secretary Tillerson, Secretary Mnuchin, and Secretary Ross on President Trump’s Meetings with President Xi of China Tideline Resort and Spa Palm Beach, Florida 3:58 P.M. EDT MR. SPICER:  Hi, guys.  So this is being streamed back to both the …

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Statement on Attacks in Egypt

Press Statement Mark C. Toner Acting Spokesperson Washington, DC April 9, 2017   The United States condemns in the strongest terms the barbaric attacks on Christian places of worship in Tanta and Alexandria that killed dozens of innocent people and injured many more on this holy day of Palm Sunday. We express our condolences to the …

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The United States Concerned by Reports of Detentions and Deaths of LGBTI Individuals in Chechnya

Press Statement Mark C. Toner Acting Spokesperson Washington, DC April 7, 2017 We are increasingly concerned about the situation in the Republic of Chechnya, where there have been numerous credible reports indicating the detention of at least 100 men on the basis of their sexual orientation. Some reports indicate many of those arrested have been tortured, …

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United States Condemns Illegitimate Elections and Referenda in Georgia’s Occupied Territories

Press Statement Mark C. Toner Acting Spokesperson Washington, DC April 7, 2017   The United States condemns the decision to hold a referendum on April 9 regarding the amendment of South Ossetia’s constitutional name to the Republic of South Ossetia-Alania. We also condemn and do not recognize the results of the illegitimate elections conducted in Abkhazia …

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The United States Condemns the Terrorist Attack in Stockholm, Sweden

Press Statement Mark C. Toner Acting Spokesperson Washington, DC April 7, 2017 The United States strongly condemns today’s terrorist attack on the heart of Stockholm, Sweden. We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of those who were killed and our hope for a full recovery to those who were injured. Attacks like this are …

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Statement by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Syria

U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release April 6, 2017 Palm Beach, Florida Remarks Secretary of State Rex Tillerson   SECRETARY TILLERSON:  Good evening, all.  I particularly want to try to just give you a little bit of background on how we got to the statements by the President and the …

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Statement from Pentagon Spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis on U.S. strike in Syria

IMMEDIATE RELEASE        No. NR-126-17 April 6, 2017 Statement from Pentagon Spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis on U.S. strike in Syria At the direction of the president, U.S. forces conducted a cruise missile strike against a Syrian Air Force airfield today at about 8:40 p.m. EDT (4:40 a.m., April 7, in Syria).  The strike targeted Shayrat Airfield …

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Statement by President Trump on Syria

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary ________________________________________________________________ For Immediate Release         April 6, 2017   STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT TRUMP ON SYRIA Mar-a-Lago, Florida 9:40 P.M. EDT   THE PRESIDENT:  My fellow Americans:  On Tuesday, Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad launched a horrible chemical weapons attack on innocent civilians.  Using a deadly nerve agent, Assad choked out …

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Special Representative for North Korea Policy Joseph Yun in Moscow

Special Representative for North Korea Policy Joseph Yun meets with Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov in Moscow On April 5, Special Representative for North Korea Policy Joseph Yun met with Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov in Moscow to discuss North Korea and the threat its nuclear and ballistic missile programs pose to global security.  The conversation was …

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Statement by Secretary Tillerson on Chemical Weapons Attack in Syria

The United States strongly condemns the chemical weapons attack in Idlib province, the third allegation of the use of such weapons in the past month alone. There are reports of dozens dead, including many children. While we continue to monitor the terrible situation, it is clear that this is how Bashar al-Assad operates: with brutal, …

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Remarks by Ambassador John Tefft at the IV Arctic Forum: Territory of Dialogue

Good morning distinguished heads of state, officials, ladies and gentlemen. I want to thank the Russian State Commission on the Arctic for organizing this conference and for inviting me to address you as the United States representative. I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak to you about one of the great challenges of …

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Statement by Acting Spokesperson Toner on the the detention of peaceful protesters throughout Russia on Sunday

“The United States strongly condemns the detention of hundreds of peaceful protesters throughout #Russia on Sunday. Detaining peaceful protesters, human rights observers, and journalists is an affront to core democratic values. We were troubled to hear of the arrest of opposition figure Alexei Navalny upon arrival at the demonstration, as well as the police raids …

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The Global Coalition – Working to Defeat ISIS

Since its formation in 2014, the Global Coalition has worked diligently to reduce the threat ISIS poses to international security and our homelands. Coalition members are united in common cause to defeat ISIS through a robust approach, including working by, with, and through local partners for military operations; supporting the stabilization of territory liberated from …

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Statement by Ministers of the Global Coalition: Meeting on the Defeat of ISIS

Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC March 22, 2017 The following is the text of a statement by the Ministers of the Global Coalition: Meeting on the Defeat of ISIS. Begin text: 1. Foreign Ministers of the Global Coalition met in Washington today at the invitation of U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson …

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U.S. Charges Russian FSB Officers and Their Criminal Conspirators for Hacking

A grand jury in the Northern District of California has indicted four defendants, including two officers of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), for computer hacking, economic espionage and other criminal offenses in connection with a conspiracy, beginning in January 2014, to access Yahoo’s network and the contents of webmail accounts. The defendants are Dmitry …

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U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Haley on the Anniversary of the Syrian Civil War

Ambassador Nikki Haley: “Today marks the beginning of the seventh horrific year of the Syrian crisis. Syria’s people are suffering some of the worst forms of cruelty imaginable: air strikes, barrel bombs, sniper fire, chemical weapons attacks targeting civilians, and denial of access to food and water. The conflict has killed hundreds of thousands of …

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Statement by Acting Spokesperson Toner on the Third Anniversary of Russia’s Crimean “Referendum”

Statement by Mark Toner, Acting State Department Spokesperson: “Three years ago, Russia seized and occupied Crimea. Russia then staged an illegitimate referendum in which residents of Crimea were compelled to vote while heavily armed foreign forces occupied their land. The United States does not recognize Russia’s “referendum” of March 16, 2014, nor its attempted annexation …

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Remarks by Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson on the President’s Executive Order Signed Today

Rex W. Tillerson Secretary of State Ronald Reagan Building Washington, DC March 6, 2017 SECRETARY TILLERSON: Hello. Good morning and thank you for joining us. The executive order signed by the President earlier today, Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States, is a vital measure for strengthening our national security. It …

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Just the facts: The State Department’s annual human rights reports

The annual  Country Reports on Human Rights Practices  are the State Department’s most-read publication by far. Over 1 million readers access them online every year. And, says Michael Kozak, a senior adviser in the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, those readers can sort the accompanying  online database  by country or by issue, like the human rights of women or …

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Presidential Memorandum for the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security

Implementing Immediate Heightened Screening and Vetting of Applications for Visas and Other Immigration Benefits, Ensuring Enforcement of All Laws for Entry into the United States, and Increasing Transparency among Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government and for the American People.

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Remarks by Vice President Mike Pence at the Munich Security Conference

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Vice President ___________________________________________________________________ For Immediate Release                          February 18, 2017   REMARKS BY VICE PRESIDENT MIKE PENCE AT THE MUNICH SECURITY CONFERENCE     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, Ambassador Ischinger.  Chancellor Merkel, Secretary General, distinguished colleagues, and honored guests, I bring greetings on behalf of the 45th President of …

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Official Statement on Russian Federation violations of INF Treaty Obligations

Mark Toner, Acting Spokesperson, U.S. Department of State: “We do not comment on intelligence matters. The United States takes seriously its international commitments and arms control obligations.   As detailed most recently in the 2016 Compliance Report, the Russian Federation remains in violation of its INF Treaty obligations not to possess, produce, or flight-test a ground-launched …

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Full Text: Executive Order Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq., and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, and to protect the American people from terrorist attacks by foreign nationals admitted to the …

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Ambassador Nikki Haley: Remarks to the United Nations Security Council on Ukraine

Ambassador Nikki Haley, speaking to the United Nations Security Council on February 2, 2017 “The dire situation in eastern Ukraine is one that demands clear and strong condemnation of Russian actions…The United States stands with the people of Ukraine, who have suffered for nearly three years under Russian occupation and military intervention. Until Russia and …

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Readout of the President’s Call with Russian President Vladimir Putin

President Donald J. Trump received a congratulatory call today from Russian President Vladimir Putin. The call lasted approximately one hour and ranged in topics from mutual cooperation in defeating ISIS to efforts in working together to achieve more peace throughout the world including Syria. The positive call was a significant start to improving the relationship …

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Annual Report on the Implementation of the Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act

Press Statement John Kirby Assistant Secretary and Department Spokesperson, Bureau of Public Affairs Washington, DC January 9, 2017 Today the State Department submitted to Congress, as required by the Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act, the fourth annual report on the U.S. Government’s actions to implement the Act. As part of this report, the State Department, …

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