Secretary Blinken’s Call with Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis
10/24/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis
10/24/2022 03:21 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The Secretary and Prime Minister Mitsotakis discussed efforts to support Ukraine’s security amid Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked war, and the importance of promoting stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Secretary expressed appreciation for Greece’s efforts as a key NATO Ally and partner.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Italian Foreign Minister Tajani
10/24/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Italian Foreign Minister Tajani
10/24/2022 03:46 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. Secretary Blinken congratulated Foreign Minister Tajani on his appointment, and expressed his eagerness to work together to strengthen the Transatlantic partnership. The ministers discussed the ongoing need to support Ukraine and respond to Russia’s brutal war of choice, defend human rights worldwide, and respond to economic and energy challenges.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba
10/24/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba
10/24/2022 10:30 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. The Secretary reaffirmed enduring U.S. support for Ukraine in the face of continued Russian aggression, atrocities, and rhetoric surrounding so-called “dirty bombs” in Ukraine. He noted our commitment to work with Allies and partners to continue meeting Ukraine’s security assistance needs on the battlefield.
Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Kerry’s Travel to the United Kingdom
10/25/2022
Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Kerry’s Travel to the United Kingdom
10/25/2022 09:39 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry will travel to London, United Kingdom, October 26-28, to participate in an on-stage conversation at Chatham House to discuss the United States’ international climate efforts. The event will be livestreamed here: https://www.chathamhouse.org/events/all/members-event/road-cop27-conversation-us-special-presidential-envoy-climate-john-kerry. Secretary Kerry will also engage in further discussions on climate cooperation ahead of COP27, which will be held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, November 6-18, 2022.
For media inquiries, please contact ClimateComms@state.gov.
Austria’s National Day
10/26/2022
Austria’s National Day
10/26/2022 12:01 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
On behalf of the United States of America, I wish the people of Austria a happy national day as you commemorate the Austrian State Treaty, signed 67 years ago.
Austria and the Austrian people are vital partners in addressing the many challenges and opportunities facing us today. Together, we are better able to advance our shared values and common priorities, whether tied to democracy and human rights, prosperity and innovation, or peace and security, including our shared commitment to a rules-based international order.
We join our Austrian friends in celebrating your national day and look forward to deepening and expanding our cooperation and partnership in the year ahead.
Response to Corruption and Election Interference in Moldova
10/26/2022
Response to Corruption and Election Interference in Moldova
10/26/2022 10:48 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
The United States is committed to supporting Moldova’s efforts to counter corruption, reform the justice sector, strengthen the independence and transparency of its democratic institutions, and promote accountability for those seeking to undermine its democracy. Today, we are designating two fugitive oligarchs along with a larger group of individuals and entities for their involvement in corruption and Kremlin-linked efforts to interfere in Moldova’s democratic elections.
Pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13818, which builds on and implements the Global Magnitsky Act, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating Vladimir Plahotniuc for being a former government official responsible for or complicit in, or who has directly or indirectly engaged in, corruption. Plahotniuc’s bribery of law enforcement officials reflects his longstanding efforts to capture and corrupt Moldova’s judicial and law enforcement institutions, while using his wealth and political influence to undermine political rivals and rule of law in the country. The State Department imposed visa restrictions on Plahotniuc in January 2020 for his involvement in significant corruption. Plahotniuc and his immediate family members are ineligible for visas to the United States.
OFAC is also designating Ilan Shor, leader of the Shor Party, pursuant to the primary U.S. Russia sanctions authority (E.O. 14024), for being responsible for or complicit in, or having directly or indirectly engaged or attempted to engage in interference in a foreign government election, for or on behalf of, or for the direct or indirect benefit of the Government of the Russian Federation. A beneficiary of a large-scale 2014 money laundering scheme related to the theft of $1 billion from Moldovan banks, Shor has worked with other corrupt oligarchs and Moscow-based entities to create political unrest in Moldova and sought to undermine Moldova’s bid for EU candidate status.
Pursuant to E.O. 14024, OFAC is designating 7 additional individuals and 12 entities that have been involved in the Kremlin’s attempts to interfere in Moldova’s elections. Russia has sought to advance its own interests by providing illicit financing – including funds earmarked for bribes and electoral fraud – to support pro-Kremlin political activity in Moldova.
Today’s designations reaffirm the U.S. commitment to tackling corruption as a first order national security threat and to promoting accountability for systemic efforts to undermine Moldova’s democratic institutions and elections. The United States will continue to hold accountable those threatening democracy abroad.
For more information on today’s action, please see the Department of the Treasury’s press release.
Repatriation of U.S. Citizen Remains from Ukraine
10/26/2022
Repatriation of U.S. Citizen Remains from Ukraine
10/26/2022 01:11 PM EDT
Ned Price, Department Spokesperson
The United States expresses our condolences to the family of the U.S. citizen killed in the fighting in Ukraine, whose remains have now been identified and released to Ukraine’s custody. They will soon be returned to the family. The United States is appreciative of Ukraine for including recovery of this individual’s remains in its negotiations with Russia. Out of respect for the privacy of the family, we will not release further details.
We once again reiterate that U.S. citizens should not travel to Ukraine due to Russia’s full-scale invasion and active armed conflict. U.S. citizens in Ukraine should depart immediately if it is safe to do so using any commercial or other privately available ground transportation options. U.S. citizens who travel to Ukraine, including to participate in the fighting there, face significant risks and the United States cannot guarantee their safety. We encourage U.S. citizens to devote their energies towards the many other opportunities that exist to help Ukraine and its people. For more information, please go to the “How to Help” section of our United with Ukraine webpage at: https://www.cidi.org/disaster-responses/war-in-ukraine/.
Securing and Safeguarding Arms in Ukraine
10/27/2022
Securing and Safeguarding Arms in Ukraine
10/27/2022 12:55 PM EDT
Ned Price, Department Spokesperson
The armed forces of Ukraine have inspired the world with their tremendous skill, professionalism, and profound courage defending their country from Russia’s brutal and unjustified invasion. The United States along with our Allies and partners have expedited security assistance to Ukraine at a historic pace to ensure Ukraine is able to defend its territory. The Ukrainian government has committed to appropriately safeguarding and accounting for transferred defense equipment. As in any conflict, we remain vigilant to the possibility that criminal and non-state actors may attempt to illicitly acquire weapons from sources in Ukraine, including members of the Russian military, during or following the conflict.
Today the Department of State announces The U.S. Plan to Counter Illicit Diversion of Certain Advanced Conventional Weapons in Eastern Europe, a comprehensive effort to further:Safeguard and account for arms and munitions in Ukraine and neighboring countries when they are transferred, stored, and deployed;Enhance regional border management and security, andBuild capacity of security forces, law enforcement, and border control agencies in the region to deter, detect, and interdict illicit arms trafficking.
This Plan captures our commitment to responsible arms transfer practices, our enduring, ongoing, and effective security partnership with Ukraine and other partners, and decades of successful international cooperation to detect and interdict illicit weapons trafficking worldwide.
By starting this war, Russia bears responsibility for any resulting diversion. The most effective path towards reducing conflict and any risk of illicit diversion of arms would be for Russia to end the war that it started and withdraw its forces from all of Ukraine’s sovereign territory. The United States will continue to coordinate with an unsurpassed group of Allies and partners. Together, we will build on decades of international cooperation in security assistance, conventional weapons management, export control, border security, technology security, and law enforcement capacity building. By doing so, we will strengthen Ukraine’s hand on the battlefield and, when the time is right, at the negotiating table.
International Religious Freedom Day
10/27/2022
International Religious Freedom Day
10/27/2022 01:26 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
The United States joins the international community in marking the 24th occasion of International Religious Freedom Day. Freedom of religion or belief is a founding principle of our nation, enshrined in our Constitution. Americans cherish the right to worship, or not worship, as they see fit. The International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 further codified this fundamental right in U.S. law. Each year on October 27, we renew our focus on a human right that must never be taken for granted. We commit to redoubling our efforts to see that everyone everywhere can enjoy this human right as we do.
The U.S. government partners with civil society and governments in advocacy for religious freedom. These vital partners include the members of the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance, now numbering 42 countries – all committed to confronting violations of religious freedom around the world. Many governments and societies continue to target religious communities using unacceptable tools such as blasphemy and apostasy laws, criminalizing forms of speech and expression, and arbitrary abuses by authorities. Governments are increasingly imposing excessive and onerous regulation of religion and religious life. Countless faith communities around the world face intense social pressure and discrimination. Our united efforts can shine a light on the worst offenders and abuses of religious freedom, as we seek justice for victims and accountability for perpetrators of abuses or violations of religious freedom.
Today and every day, we must all work together to advance the freedom of religion or belief everywhere.
Czech Republic’s National Day
10/28/2022
Czech Republic’s National Day
10/28/2022 12:01 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
On behalf of the United States of America, I join the people of the Czech Republic in honoring the foundation of an independent, democratic Czechoslovak state 104 years ago.
We greatly appreciate the Czech Republic’s principled leadership during the Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Thank you for using the platform of the presidency to support Ukraine, hold Russia accountable, and strengthen transatlantic cohesion. The generosity of the Czech people is remarkable as you stand with and support the people of Ukraine, an echo of your own fight for freedom before 1989.
As trusted friends, partners, and Allies, the United States values the close coordination between our countries and I look forward to the continued growth of our bilateral relationship.
The U.S. Urges Kosovo to Extend License Plate Implementation Deadline
10/28/2022
The U.S. Urges Kosovo to Extend License Plate Implementation Deadline
10/28/2022 12:23 PM EDT
Ned Price, Department Spokesperson
The United States, alongside our international partners, urges the government of Kosovo to extend the implementation period for the new license plate regime. Kosovo has the right to implement the license plate regime under the Brussels Agreement, but an extension of the timeline is in the interest of making progress on the EU-facilitated dialogue to normalize Kosovo-Serbia relations. The United States is disappointed and concerned that the government of Kosovo has rejected requests to do so from its international partners. Kosovo and Serbia should urgently and flexibly work to reach a comprehensive agreement on normalized relations, centered on mutual recognition. It is important that both parties reduce inflammatory rhetoric and undertake concrete actions to demonstrate their commitment to constructive collaboration to ensure a stable and prosperous future for the region.
$275 Million in Additional U.S. Military Assistance for Ukraine
10/28/2022
$275 Million in Additional U.S. Military Assistance for Ukraine
10/28/2022 01:21 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
The United States continues to support Ukraine’s brave defenders with additional military assistance to help them protect their country.
Pursuant to a delegation of authority from the President, today I am authorizing our twenty-fourth drawdown of U.S. arms and equipment for Ukraine since August 2021. This $275 million drawdown includes additional arms, munitions, and equipment from U.S. Department of Defense inventories. This drawdown will bring the total U.S. military assistance for Ukraine to an unprecedented level of more than $18.5 billion since the beginning of the Administration.
The United States will continue to stand with more than 50 allies and partners in support of the people of Ukraine as they defend their freedom and independence with extraordinary courage and boundless determination. We are also working to provide Ukraine with the air defense capabilities it needs with the two initial U.S.-provided NASAMS ready for delivery to Ukraine next month and we are working with Allies and partners to enable delivery of their own air defense systems to Ukraine. The capabilities we are delivering are carefully calibrated to make the most difference on the battlefield for Ukraine today.
We stand United with Ukraine.
