Joint Statement on Global Food Security
11/14/2022
Joint Statement on Global Food Security
11/14/2022 10:47 AM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The text of the following statement was released by the High Representative of the European Union Josep Borrell, the Secretary of State of the United States of America Antony J. Blinken, and the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom James Cleverly.
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The world faces acute food and nutrition challenges. Conflict, climate change and the lasting impacts of COVID-19 are having devastating effects on local and global food systems and the people who rely on them. Russia’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine has significantly worsened these challenges and vulnerabilities.
The European Union, the United States of America and the United Kingdom, alongside other G7 members and our international partners, are at the forefront of global efforts to address food insecurity that is affecting millions of vulnerable people in developing countries, whilst also driving up living costs in our own countries.
We have always been clear that the target of our sanctions is Russia’s war machine and not the food or fertiliser sectors. To that end, we have provided clarity to industry and partners. This includes the UK’s publication of a General Licence as well as the U.S. General Licence 6B ; and updated and detailed EU guidance . These provisions make clear that banks, insurers, shippers, and other actors can continue to bring Russian food and fertilizer to the world.
We call on our global partners, and on the actors, industries and services involved in agricultural trade, to take note of these provisions; to act in accordance with them; to bring Ukrainian and Russian food and fertilizer to meet acute demand; and to continue to advance the accessibility of food to all.
We reiterate our call on all countries to demonstrate their support for the Black Sea Grain Initiative. We call on the parties to the Initiative to extend its term and scale up its operations to meet the evident demand. And we reiterate our support for other efforts by the United Nations to facilitate access to food and fertiliser in global markets.
Overall, we are united in our commitment and resolve to address food insecurity. We are working to meet humanitarian needs, keep food and fertilisers moving, provide emergency funding, improve resilience, and to accelerate the transition to sustainable food systems to withstand future challenges. We are taking action alongside partners to mobilise the international community, including through the UN-led Global Crisis Response Group (GCRG) on Food, Energy and Finance, the G7 Global Alliance for Food Security (GAFS), the Roadmap – Call to Action and the EU-led Solidarity Lanes.
Targeting Russia’s Global Military Procurement Network and Kremlin-Linked Networks
11/14/2022
Targeting Russia’s Global Military Procurement Network and Kremlin-Linked Networks
11/14/2022 10:25 AM EST
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
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 and the Treasury are targeting international facilitators and enablers, including a procurement network in Europe and Asia.
Specifically, the Department of State is designating AO PKK Milandr (Milandr) pursuant to Section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the electronics sector of the Russian economy. This entity is a Russian developer and manufacturer of integrated microcircuits, specializing in the production of microelectronics products. Milandr is part of Moscow’s military research and development structure and has participated in Russian weapons expositions. In parallel, the Department of the Treasury is designating three entities tied to Milandr: Armenia-based Milur Electronics LLC, which has been used as a Milandr front company to conduct Milandr’s business with foreign partners; Taiwan-based Sharp Edge Engineering Inc., a front company used to purchase microelectronic components from Asian companies; and Switzerland-based Milur SA, which has been used by employees and business associates of Milandr to coordinate financial transfers to Milur Electronics LLC. Treasury additionally designated two Milur SA officials and the General Director of both Milandr itself and Milur Electronics.
The Department of the Treasury is designating family members of U.S.-sanctioned Russian elite Suleiman Kerimov, including his son Said Kerimov; his adult daughters Gulnara Kerimova and Amina Kerimova; and his wife Firuza Kerimova. Treasury is also designating Nariman Gadzhiev, a primary financial facilitator for Kerimov, and a UAE-based holding company linked to Gadzhiev.
Additionally, Treasury is also designating four France-based real estate companies owned by Gulnara Kerimova; Swiss national Laurin Katz, who serves as president of these four companies; a Switzerland-based entity linked to Katz; and Malta- and Russia-based aircraft management company Emperor Aviation Ltd, which has coordinated luxury travel for Kerimov’s immediate family, including Gulnara Kerimova, even after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Treasury is also identifying as blocked property eight luxury aircraft operated by Emperor Aviation.
Treasury is designating Alexander-Walter Studhalter, a key player in Kerimov’s financial network, eight Studhalter-linked entities across five European countries, and his two adult sons who hold leadership positions in one of their father’s companies.
Treasury’s designations further include Russian businessman and investor Murat Aliev, a former executive at a Kerimov investment firm, and seven associated companies. Inga Rettich, the director of one of these companies who also works for Studhalter, is being designated as well.
Finally, Treasury is designating two Switzerland-based holding companies tied to U.S.-sanctioned Andrey Grigoryevich Guryev, a known associate of Vladimir Putin and a former Russian senator.
The United States will continue to crack down on Russia’s attempts to evade international sanctions to fund its war machine. Businesses worldwide are advised to do their due diligence in order to avoid being targeted for sanctions.
For more information on today’s action, please see the Department of the Treasury’s press release.
Imposing Sanctions on Entities and Individuals in Response to Iran’s Transfer of Military UAVs to Russia
11/15/2022
Imposing Sanctions on Entities and Individuals in Response to Iran’s Transfer of Military UAVs to Russia
11/15/2022 04:37 PM EST
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
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 Treasury are designating a total of three Iranian entities, including those manufacturing and delivering the UAVs supplied by Iran to Russia. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Aerospace Force, which likely helped facilitate Iran’s supply of military UAVs to Russia, is being designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 Section 1(a)(ii)(F). Qods Aviation Industries, which produces the Mohajer-6, is also being designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 Section 1(a)(ii)(F). Shahed Aviation Industries Research Center, which produces the Shahed-series UAV variants, including the Shahed-136 one-way attack UAV that Russian forces used in recent attacks in Kyiv, Odesa, and the Kharkiv region of Ukraine, is being designated pursuant to Section 1(a)(iii) of E.O. 13382. The European Union and the United Kingdom sanctioned Shahed Aviation Industries last month.
In addition, Russian individuals and entities are being targeted. The Department of State is designating Private Military Company (PMC) Wagner pursuant to E.O. 14024 Section (1)(a)(1)(i) for operating in the defense and related materiel sector of the Russian Federation economy. PMC Wagner was previously designated by Treasury in 2017 pursuant to E.O. 13660 for recruiting and sending soldiers to fight alongside separatists in eastern Ukraine. The European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada have also sanctioned PMC Wagner. Earlier this year, Wagner sought to purchase Iranian UAVs, almost certainly to support its operations in Ukraine – just one example of Wagner being used as a low cost, low-risk instrument of the Kremlin to advance its goals. Treasury also designated two individuals, Abbas Djuma and Tigran Khristoforovich Srabionov, pursuant to E.O. 14024 for being involved in Wagner’s acquisition of Iranian UAVs to support combat operations in Ukraine.
Finally, today’s action also includes the designation of third-party entities involved in the transfer of Iranian UAVs to Russia for use in Ukraine, further demonstrating that the United States is willing to target international actors involved in supporting Russia’s war machine. The Department of the Treasury is designating two entities, UAE-based Success Aviation Services FZC (Success Aviation) and i Jet Global DMCC (i Jet), pursuant to E.O. 14024. Both Success Aviation and i Jet collaborated with U.S.-sanctioned Iranian firm Safiran Airport Services even after it was designated to coordinate flights between Iran and Russia, including flights for the Russian Airforce as well as those associated with transporting Iranian UAVs, personnel, and related equipment from Iran to Russia. The actions against the UAE-based targets are being taken in cooperation with the UAE government.
The Iranian government’s military support to Russia fuels the conflict in Ukraine, and its transfer of these UAVs is in clear violation of UN Security Council resolution 2231. The United States will continue to work to disrupt and delay these transfers and impose costs on actors engaged in this activity.
For more information on today’s action, please see the Department of the Treasury’s press release.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan
11/15/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan
11/15/2022 07:24 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke yesterday with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The Secretary welcomed efforts by both Armenia and Azerbaijan to support bilateral peace discussions following talks on November 7. He underscored the need for both sides to maintain momentum for the negotiations and avoid provocations. He also urged continued progress on concrete deliverables to support the peace process.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Azerbaijani President Aliyev
11/16/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Azerbaijani President Aliyev
11/16/2022 08:51 AM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to discuss outcomes and next steps on the Armenian-Azerbaijani bilateral peace discussions. The Secretary underscored U.S. support for the peace process and urged the two sides to schedule further talks, as agreed in Washington. He urged President Aliyev to maintain the ceasefire and limit provocations, while exploring confidence building measures with Armenia to set the stage for peace.
Assistant Secretary Kang travels to Helsinki and Stockholm
11/16/2022
Assistant Secretary Kang travels to Helsinki and Stockholm
11/16/2022 03:18 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
Assistant Secretary for International Security and Nonproliferation Eliot Kang will travel to Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden on November 16-18 for bilateral discussions on nonproliferation and critical technology protection issues.
Assistant Secretary Kang will meet with senior officials from the Swedish and Finnish Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Energy, and Economic Affairs, and others to discuss deepening cooperation on issues of mutual national security concern.
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Liechtenstein Foreign Minister Hasler
11/16/2022
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Liechtenstein Foreign Minister Hasler
11/16/2022 05:13 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met today with Liechtenstein Foreign Minister Dominique Hasler in Washington, D.C. They discussed the multiple waves of missile attacks that Russia perpetrated on Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure. They also spoke about Liechtenstein’s priorities for its chairmanship of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers in November 2023. The Deputy Secretary and Foreign Minister discussed ways in which the United States and Liechtenstein can continue to partner to promote shared values and strengthen multilateral coordination.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai Before Their Meeting
11/17/2022
Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai Before Their Meeting
11/17/2022 08:03 AM EST
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Bangkok, Thailand
Queen Sirikit National Convention Center
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Let me just say very quickly, great meeting everyone, and I really want to commend Thailand and the Thai foreign minister for very successfully hosting APEC both today but also throughout this year – a challenging year, but Thailand did a remarkable job. And I think together we’ve found ways to continue to advance sustainable economic growth for everyone in our region coming off of COVID, dealing with the many challenges to growth, including energy and food prices, which are of course exacerbated by the Russian aggression against Ukraine.
We have an enduring partnership between the United States and Thailand. We’ll celebrate our 190th anniversary next year of our diplomatic relations. Our trade relations are strong. And of course it was a noteworthy year in U.S.-Thai relations – the communiqué that we signed (inaudible) and the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, cooperation in the Mekong, and we’ve partnered on difficult issues.
And I know that Vice President Harris very much looks forward to being here. She is arriving this evening and we’re grateful to you for hosting her as well. Thank you.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba
11/17/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba
11/17/2022 11:03 AM EST
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 about the Kremlin’s latest unconscionable strikes against Ukraine, which again damaged and destroyed civilian infrastructure, as well as the explosion in eastern Poland.
The Secretary reiterated that Russia bears full responsibility and culpability for its war against Ukraine and that Ukraine has the inviolable right to protect its citizens and sovereign territory against such attacks. He reaffirmed the United States’ firm and unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and pledged continued economic, humanitarian, and security assistance for Ukraine to defend itself and provide for its people. The Secretary and Foreign Minister Kuleba agreed to remain in close contact as the Polish investigation into the explosion in eastern Poland unfolds.
Verdict in Dutch Trial Against MH17 Suspects
11/17/2022
Verdict in Dutch Trial Against MH17 Suspects
11/17/2022 12:41 PM EST
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
The United States welcomes today’s decision finding three members of Russian proxy forces in eastern Ukraine guilty for their roles in the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17. The decision by the District Court of The Hague is an important moment in ongoing efforts to deliver justice for the 298 individuals who lost their lives on July 17, 2014.
Today’s decision is the result of sustained work by a Joint Investigation Team comprised of authorities from the Netherlands, Australia, Belgium, Malaysia, and Ukraine, and reflects the Netherlands’ firm commitment to establish the truth and pursue accountability in this case. While this is a solid step towards justice, more work lies ahead to meet the UN Security Council’s demand in resolution 2166 that “those responsible…be held to account.”
Joint Statement of the First Meeting of the U.S.-France Comprehensive Dialogue on Space
11/17/2022
Joint Statement of the First Meeting of the U.S.-France Comprehensive Dialogue on Space
11/17/2022 02:25 PM EST
The following joint statement was released by the Governments of the United States and France at the first meeting of the U.S.-France Comprehensive Dialogue on Space.
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Pursuant to their shared goal of advancing bilateral space cooperation as declared by their leaders, the Government of the United States of America and the Government of France held their first meeting of the Comprehensive Dialogue on Space in Paris on November 10, 2022.
This meeting was co-chaired by representatives from the Executive Office of the President’s National Space Council and National Security Council for the United States, and by representatives from the Secretariat-General for Defense and National Security (SGDSN) and the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs from the French side. Principal participants were the Departments of State, Defense, Commerce, Homeland Security, and Transportation; the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence from the U.S. side, and the Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty; the Ministry of Armed Forces (MINARM); the National Centre for Space Studies (CNES); the French Space Command (CdE); and the Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR) from the French side.
The convening of this first Comprehensive Dialogue on Space begins an initiative announced by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and French President Emmanuel Macron in November 2021 to ensure a whole-of-government approach to bilateral space cooperation. This Dialogue underscores the importance of the U.S.-France alliance’s more than 60-year relationship in space and recognizes the growing nexus of civil, commercial, and national security space activities and the increasingly interconnected nature of all three sectors.
At the inaugural meeting, U.S. and French officials exchanged information on respective space policies, including the U.S. Space Priorities Framework and U.S. National Security Strategy and France’s national-level space policies and strategies. Both sides reiterated their strong determination to expand already robust bilateral cooperation in a variety of areas, including addressing the climate crisis; consulting on the development and implementation of guidelines and norms, rules, and principles of responsible behavior to promote the long-term sustainability of the outer space environment and the security and stability of space activities; advancing national security space cooperation; and enabling a sustainable space economy that preserves the benefits of space for future generations.
The participants held extensive discussions about challenges to our shared economic and national security interests. Both sides are determined to continue their close coordination in strengthening the global governance of space activities by promoting the development and implementation of guidelines and norms, rules, and principles of responsible behavior for the long-term sustainability of the outer space environment and the security and stability of space activities.
Both sides resolved to deepen the bilateral coordination of national security space capabilities. They also resolved to strengthen the coordination of national security space activities within NATO and with allies and partners around the globe. Both sides also confirmed their interest in working together to strengthen the security of space systems and protect space-related critical infrastructure.
The participants discussed ongoing bilateral cooperation in space exploration and science and opportunities to strengthen our partnership in these areas. Both sides are determined to continue collaboration on scientific missions to enhance understanding of our solar system and investigate the origins of our universe, including through NASA’s Artemis program. The participants also noted important science and Moon to Mars advances through the Mars Sample Return program. The participants also discussed potential cooperation on lunar surface activities.
Both sides celebrated France’s signature of the Artemis Accords in June 2022 and the September 2022 in-person gathering of Artemis Accords signatories in Paris. The participants affirmed their shared commitment to maintaining a robust dialogue with Artemis Accords signatories and utilizing multilateral fora to advance the peaceful, responsible, and sustainable exploration and use of outer space.
Both sides celebrated the United States’ signature of the Space for Climate Observatory Charter in June 2022, fulfilling the commitment made by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris during her November 2021 visit to France. Both sides recognized the important role of Earth observation and space science, to include weather observation and global environment observation from space, in supporting climate change mitigation and adaptation, and noted the upcoming launch of the NASA-CNES Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission. The participants noted that SWOT will be the first global survey of Earth’s surface water, providing data for extreme events and long-term environmental changes that will improve our understanding of our changing climate. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to global climate leadership through the open dissemination of Earth observation data and decided to continue to develop operational tools to make this data actionable for governments and local communities. Both sides recognized the already unprecedented science return from the James Webb Space Telescope launched on December 25, 2021, which was made possible by robust contributions from both the U.S. and French sides. Both sides expressed their intent to explore future potential cooperation activities in the field of Earth observation, in particular regarding the Atmosphere Observing System mission.
The participants recognized the important contributions of the private sector in expanding our capabilities in outer space and welcomed efforts to strengthen industry cooperation. Both sides acknowledged their shared desire to create a safe and transparent environment for commercial activities in outer space, including evolving and emerging space activities, by clarifying government and private sector roles and responsibilities and supporting a timely and responsive regulatory environment. To create a free and fair market competition internationally, both sides noted the need to update and harmonize space policies, regulations, and other measures that govern commercial activities worldwide.
The participants also discussed multilateral cooperation, including our work in the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) and the United Nations General Assembly Open-Ended Working Group on Reducing Space Threats (OEWG), two distinct but complementary fora. Participants recognized that the fora have vital and complementary roles to play in ensuring that human activity in outer space is safe, secure, and sustainable so that space systems can continue to deliver benefits to humanity into the future. Both the United States and France reaffirmed their commitment to working through UNCOPUOS to promote the responsible and sustainable use of outer space for peaceful purposes. For both sides, implementing the UNCOPUOS Guidelines for the Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities is a priority. The United States and France look forward to continued engagement on this topic in the recently formed UNCOPUOS Long-Term Sustainability working group. Both sides also underlined the importance of continued close coordination, bilaterally and with like-minded partners, to support the work of the OEWG and its success in 2023. They stressed that the development and implementation of voluntary norms of responsible behavior, combined with enhanced mutual understanding, dialogue, transparency, and sharing of space domain awareness, will help to reduce risks of misunderstanding and unintended escalation. In this regard, both sides welcomed the United Nations General Assembly First Committee’s recent endorsement of the draft resolution UNGA A/C.1/77/L.62 on destructive direct-ascent anti-satellite missile testing.
Both governments recognized the importance of the Comprehensive Dialogue on Space and reaffirmed that this Dialogue would support cooperative relations between the two countries across ministries, departments, and agencies.
Both sides concurred on holding the second meeting of the Dialogue in Washington, D.C. in 2023.
End text.
Latvia National Day
11/18/2022
Latvia National Day
11/18/2022 12:01 AM EST
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Latvia as you celebrate the 104th anniversary of your independence.
The United States and Latvia are strong NATO Allies with a partnership founded on a shared belief in the importance of inclusive democracy, economic freedom, and sovereignty. The United States is grateful for Latvia’s many contributions to our collective security and mutual defense, and its determination to maintain a firm and united response to Russia’s aggression. The United States supported Latvia’s sovereignty and independence through the darkest days of the Soviet occupation and stood with the people of Latvia as they worked to rebuild their country after regaining their freedom. Today, we are working together to provide critical security and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine as Russia wages its brutal, unprovoked war, which is an affront to the UN Charter principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity that underpin international peace and wellbeing.
This year our two countries celebrated 100 years of diplomatic relations and reaffirmed our commitment to democracy, freedom, the rule of law, security, and prosperity. I am confident our partnership will endure and grow stronger as we stay focused on the hard work of delivering results for our people and strengthening our democracies to meet the challenges of the years to come.
On this special day, the American people send best wishes to all Latvians, and look forward to the next hundred years of our shared commitment to one another and to the cause of freedom.
United States Endorses Political Declaration Relating to Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict
11/18/2022
United States Endorses Political Declaration Relating to Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict
11/18/2022 11:06 AM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
Today in Dublin, Ireland, the United States joined more than 50 other States in endorsing the Political Declaration on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences Arising from the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas. The United States thanks the Government of Ireland for its dedication in leading this important effort. We also express our appreciation to all States, civil society organizations, and international organizations that contributed to the negotiation of this Declaration.
Protecting civilians from harm in connection with military operations is a moral imperative. It is also critical to preserving civil society and restarting economic growth after the conflict is over. The United States is instituting major changes to our domestic policies and practices in this area, most notably through the Department of Defense Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan released on August 25. We are eager to strengthen our collaboration with allies and partners as part of the follow-on mechanism established in the Declaration, through which States will meet on a regular basis to review the implementation of the Declaration and participate in military-to-military exchanges.
The atrocities committed by Russia’s forces as part of its aggression against Ukraine have made a global unified approach on this issue urgent. Russia’s attacks on civilian infrastructure and cities across Ukraine have destroyed parks, schools, apartment buildings, train stations, hospitals, and other public spaces. All States endorsing this Declaration are unified in their commitment to strengthen the protection of civilians during armed conflict and improve the implementation of international humanitarian law.
For more information, please consult the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs website, or contact the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, at pm-cpa@state.gov, and follow us on Twitter @StateDeptPM.
Targeting Russian Corruption in the Guatemalan Mining Sector
11/18/2022
Targeting Russian Corruption in the Guatemalan Mining Sector
11/18/2022 11:52 AM EST
Ned Price, Department Spokesperson
The United States took action today to promote accountability for Russia-linked actors engaging in corruption in Guatemala. We remain steadfast in our commitment to identify acts of corruption that threaten the United States and the democratic institutions of our partners and allies.
Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on one Russian individual, Dmitry Kudryakov, and one Belarusian individual, Irina Gennadievna Litviniuk, for their role in corruptly exploiting the Guatemalan mining sector, as well as three associated entities connected with their corruption schemes. Kudryakov, along with Litviniuk, allegedly led multiple bribery schemes over several years involving politicians, judges, and government officials to advance Russian mining interests. These individuals and entities are designated pursuant to Executive Order 13818, which builds upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption around the world.
Corruption is a key vector for Russian harmful influence. These designations target an egregious Russian corruption network in order to disrupt its exploitative practices within the Guatemalan mining industry. The United States stands steadfastly with the people of Guatemala and supports their efforts to protect their country’s natural resources. We will not hesitate to use the tools at our disposal to help ensure that those who profit from corruption face tangible and significant consequences.
For more information on today’s action, please see the Department of the Treasury’s press release.
Joint Statement on the Resolution on Iran adopted by the IAEA Board of Governors
11/18/2022
Joint Statement on the Resolution on Iran adopted by the IAEA Board of Governors
11/18/2022 01:31 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The text of the following statement was released by the spokespeople for the Foreign Ministries of France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States concerning the Resolution on Iran adopted by the IAEA Board of Governors.
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We, the Governments of France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States, welcome the IAEA Board of Governors’ adoption of a resolution on Iran. This resolution was adopted in response to Iran’s insufficient cooperation with the IAEA on serious and outstanding issues relating to Iran’s legal obligations under its Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Safeguards Agreement.
This is the second resolution adopted by the IAEA Board of Governors on these matters this year. In doing so, the Board has sent a clear message that it is essential and urgent that Iran fulfils its NPT-required safeguards obligations and take the actions specified without delay.
Iran must provide technically credible explanations for the presence of uranium particles identified at three undeclared locations in Iran and clarify the whereabouts of the related nuclear material and/or contaminated equipment.
The resolution reaffirms the Board’s unwavering support for the IAEA’s longstanding efforts with Iran to resolve these critical matters.
As we have made clear, if Iran does this and the Director General is able to report that the unresolved safeguards issues are no longer outstanding, the Board could then close its consideration of this matter.
We hope Iran takes this opportunity to cooperate with the IAEA in good faith toward closing these outstanding matters so that no further Board action on these issues will be necessary.
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Accountability for War Crimes and Other Atrocities in Ukraine: Recent Reporting on Unjust Detentions and Disappearances in Kherson Oblast
11/18/2022
Accountability for War Crimes and Other Atrocities in Ukraine: Recent Reporting on Unjust Detentions and Disappearances in Kherson Oblast
11/18/2022 02:05 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The Conflict Observatory, a program supported by the U.S. Department of State, released an independent report today that details numerous instances of unjust detentions and disappearances in Kherson, Ukraine, as they relate to Russia’s ongoing filtration operations. Russia must halt these operations and withdraw its forces to end a needless war that it cannot and will not win – no matter how despicable and desperate its tactics.
Prepared by Conflict Observatory partner Yale Humanitarian Research Lab, the new report is available at ConflictObservatory.org. It presents publicly available information about the experiences of more than 220 individuals who are victims, survivors, or witnesses to torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, including gender-based violence, at the hands of Russia and Russia-backed forces. Survivors and witnesses identified at least five individuals who died, as a result of their mistreatment in detention. The report also identifies 12 detention and checkpoint locations across Kherson oblast and Crimea, and notes a disproportionately high incidence of reported mistreatment of members of the Crimean Tatar community.
The Conflict Observatory is a program that independently compiles and documents evidence to support investigations of those responsible for abuses. This report and others like it demonstrate and strengthen U.S. and international resolve to pursue accountability for war crimes and other atrocities in Ukraine. The United States supports unified and coordinated action for all existing efforts to examine mounting evidence of atrocities in Ukraine, including the International Criminal Court, the UN Commission of Inquiry, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, the expert missions established under the OSCE’s Moscow Mechanism, and the Joint Investigative Team coordinated through Eurojust. Additionally, through the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group, the United States is working closely with Ukraine and our partners to support Ukraine’s domestic war crimes investigations and prosecutions of perpetrators.
The United States remains unwavering in its support of the government and people of Ukraine as they defend their country and their freedom. There is only one country waging this unprovoked, premeditated war of choice with willful disregard for human life: Russia. The United States is committed to holding those responsible to account, no matter how long that takes. The people of Ukraine demand and deserve justice.
Joint Statement on M23 Advances in Eastern DRC
11/18/2022
Joint Statement on M23 Advances in Eastern DRC
11/18/2022 02:51 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The United States along with the Great Lakes Special Envoys of Belgium, France and the UK condemn in the strongest terms the continuing advance of the UN-sanctioned March 23 Movement (M23) illegal armed group in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The resumption of violence since 20 October, including in and around the towns of Rutshuru, Kiwanja, Rumangabo and Kibumba, undermines peace efforts and has caused further insecurity and significant human suffering. We call on the M23 to immediately withdraw, end any acts violating international law, and to cease hostilities.
We reiterate our support for regional diplomatic efforts, including the Nairobi and Luanda processes, that promote de-escalation and create the conditions for lasting peace in DRC. We encourage renewed dialogue through these mechanisms and for Congolese non-state armed groups to participate in the Nairobi process. All support to non-state armed actors must stop, including external support to M23. We call on countries in the region to use all means available to them to urge an immediate cessation of hostilities and immediate resumption of consultations on concrete steps to deescalate current tensions.
We reaffirm our commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in the Great Lakes region.
Monaco’s National Day
11/19/2022
Monaco’s National Day
11/19/2022 12:01 AM EST
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
On behalf of the United States of America, I offer my congratulations to the people of Monaco as you celebrate your National Day.
The Monégasque and American people have enjoyed a productive friendship since 1866. Our governments have worked together to promote human rights, freedom, and a comprehensive response to the climate crisis. H.S.H. Prince Albert II has been a prominent voice on environmental issues and has shown an unwavering commitment to protect our oceans from the threats of pollution and overfishing. The United States looks forward to continuing our partnership and collaboration with Monaco in these and other vital areas.
Please accept my best wishes as you celebrate a most joyous National Day.
