Switzerland’s National Day
08/01/2022
Switzerland’s National Day08/01/2022 12:01 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Switzerland as you celebrate your National Day and honor the founding of your confederation.
The United States deeply values our partnership with Switzerland and our shared commitment to advancing peace and prosperity around the world. We have been called “sister republics” because we share a mutual respect for democratic principles and the promotion of human rights, which are strengthened by the innumerable economic and cultural ties that bind us. We appreciate Switzerland’s leadership in international diplomacy, especially your support for the people of Ukraine as they respond to Russia’s brutal war. We also appreciate Switzerland’s role as our Protecting Power in Iran and your contributions to global peace and security.
I look forward to continuing to strengthen our cooperation and collaboration in the year ahead and beyond. Happy National Day!
Biden-Harris Administration Announces $550 Million in New U.S. Military Assistance for Ukraine
08/01/2022
Biden-Harris Administration Announces $550 Million in New U.S. Military Assistance for Ukraine08/01/2022 03:20 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
More than five months into Russia’s brutal and unprovoked assault the people of Ukraine inspire the world as they defend their country and their freedom. The United States continues to stand with Allies and partners from more than 50 countries in providing vital security assistance to support Ukraine’s defense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russia’s aggression.
Today, pursuant to a delegation of authority from the President, I am authorizing our seventeenth drawdown since August 2021 of up to $550 million in arms and equipment from U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) inventories for Ukraine’s self-defense. Today’s announcement includes more ammunition for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and 155mm artillery systems that Ukraine’s forces are using so effectively on the battlefield to defend their country. This drawdown will bring total U.S. military assistance to Ukraine to approximately $8.7 billion since the beginning of this Administration.
Our commitment to the people of Ukraine will not waver. We stand united with Ukraine.
Imposing Additional Costs on Russia for its Continued War against Ukraine
08/02/2022
Imposing Additional Costs on Russia for its Continued War against Ukraine08/02/2022 12:52 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The United States is committed to working alongside our allies and partners to further impose severe consequences on President Putin and his enablers for Russia’s unconscionable war against Ukraine.
VISA RESTRICTIONS
The Department of State is announcing a series of actions to promote accountability for actions by Russian Federation officials and others that implicate violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty to include:Visa restrictions on 893 Russian Federation officials, including members of the Federation Council and members of Russia’s military, pursuant to a policy under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) that restricts visa issuance to those who are believed to have supported, been actively complicit in, or been responsible for ordering or otherwise directing or authorizing actions that threaten or violate the sovereignty, territorial integrity, or political independence of Ukraine.Visa restrictions on 31 foreign government officials who have acted to support Russia’s purported annexation of the Crimea region of Ukraine pursuant to a policy under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of INA that restricts visa issuance to those who are believed to have supported, been actively complicit in, or been responsible for ordering or otherwise directing or authorizing actions that threaten or violate the sovereignty, territorial integrity, or political independence of Ukraine.
DESIGNATION OF PUTIN ENABLERS
The Department of State is designating oligarchs DMITRIY PUMPYANSKIY, ANDREY MELNICHENKO, and ALEXANDER PONOMARENKO.ALEXANDER ANATOLEVICH PONOMARENKO is being designated pursuant to Section 1(a)(i) of Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 for operating or having operated in the aerospace sector of the Russian Federation economy. He is an oligarch with close ties to other oligarchs and the construction of Vladimir Putin’s seaside palace. Ponomarenko has been previously designated by the U.K., E.U., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
DMITRIY ALEKSANDROVICH PUMPYANSKIY is being designated pursuant to Section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the financial services sector of the Russian Federation economy. Pumpyanskiy has been previously designated by the U.K., E.U., and New Zealand.The yacht AXIOMA is being identified as blocked property in which Dmitriy Aleksandrovich Pumpyanskiy has an interest.
ANDREY IGOREVICH MELNICHENKO is being designated pursuant to Section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the financial services sector of the Russian Federation economy. He has previously been designated by the U.K., E.U., and New Zealand.
The Department of State is designating four individuals and one entity that are or are enabling illegitimate, political leaders installed by Russia or its proxy forces to undermine political stability in Ukraine in support of Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine. The four individuals and the entity are being designated pursuant to Section 1(a)(ii)(F) of E.O. 14024, for being responsible for or complicit in, or having directly or indirectly engaged or attempted to engage in, activities that undermine the peace, security, political stability, or territorial integrity of the United States, its allies, or its partners, for or on behalf of, or for the benefit of, directly or indirectly, the Government of the Russian Federation.SALVATION COMMITTEE FOR PEACE AND ORDER collaborates with the Government of Russia to support Russia’s control of the Kherson region and discourage resistance.
KOSTYANTYN VOLODYMYROVYCH IVASHCHENKO is the illegitimate mayor of Russia-controlled Mariupol. Pro-Russia separatist forces of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) installed Ivashchenko. According to Ukrainian authorities, Ivashchenko coordinated pro-Russia separatist efforts to destroy evidence of war crimes in Mariupol.
VOLODYMYR VASILYOVICH SALDO is the head of the Russia-created Kherson Military-Civilian Administration. His self-declared aim is to move the Kherson region towards unification with Russia. He has previously been designated by the E.U. and Japan.
KYRYLO SERHIYOVYCH STREMOUSOV is the deputy head of the Russia-created Kherson Military-Civilian Administration. He has acted to introduce the use of Russian Federation currency and laws in the Kherson region, in addition to the issuance of Russian Federation citizenship in the region. Stremousov has previously been designated by the E.U. and Japan.
SERGEY VLADIMIROVICH YELISEYEV is the head of the Russia-installed Kherson regional government and has sought to move the Kherson region towards unification with Russia. Yesileyev was a Russian government official and member of the Russian security apparatus.
Pursuant to Section 1(a)(vii) of E.O. 14024, the Department of State is designating JOINT STOCK COMPANY STATE TRANSPORTATION LEASING COMPANY (JSC GTLK) for being owned, controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, the Government of the Russian Federation. JSC GTLK is a Russian state-owned enterprise that the Russian Ministry of Transportation oversees. It is the largest transportation leasing company in Russia. JSC GTLK is an important part of Russia’s transportation networks due to its leases of railroad cars, vessels, and aircraft on favorable terms to support Russia’s development strategy. JSC GTLK has been previously designated by the U.K. and E.U.
Pursuant to Section 1(a)(vii) of E.O. 14024, the Department of State is designating the following four JSC GTLK subsidiaries for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, JSC GTLK. These companies leased JSC GTLK’s transportation equipment outside of Russia and /or enabled JSC GTLK to access capital from western financial markets to fund its activities.GTLK EUROPE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY
GTLK EUROPE CAPITAL DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY
GTLK MIDDLE EAST FREE ZONE COMPANY
GTLK ASIA LIMITED
DESIGNATION OF DEFENSE AND HIGH-TECHNOLOGY ENTITIES
Under the leadership of U.S.-designated Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Russian Federation has systematically focused on exploiting high-technology research and innovations to advance Russia’s defense capabilities. Putin has also repeatedly underscored his concerns about Russia’s access to microelectronics. Advanced technologies such as microelectronics are used in numerous weapon systems used by Russia’s military. Today, the Department of State is imposing sanctions on numerous Russian high-technology entities as a part of the United States’ efforts to impose additional costs on Russia’s war machine.
The Department of State is designating the FEDERAL STATE INSTITUTION OF HIGHER VOCATIONAL EDUCATION MOSCOW INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS AND TECHNOLOGY (MOSCOW INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS AND TECHNOLOGY) (MIPT) pursuant to Section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the defense and related materiel sector of the Russian Federation economy. MIPT has developed drones for Russia’s military that are intended to be used in direct contact with enemy forces, has won an award from Russia’s Ministry of Defense for developing technologies in the interests of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, and promotes that it focuses on conducting innovative research and development in the defense and security fields. MIPT has worked with a leading Russian fighter aircraft developer to design a visualization system related to fighter aircraft and has a laboratory that supports Russia’s military space sector. MIPT is also part of a consortium of Russian institutions involved in training specialists for Russia’s defense-industrial complex and has collaborated on research projects with a Russian defense research organization.
The Department of State is designating the SKOLKOVO FOUNDATION pursuant to E.O. Section 1(a)(i) of 14024 for operating or having operated in the technology sector of the Russian Federation economy. The Skolkovo Foundation was established by a Russian Federation law in 2010 to manage the Skolkovo Innovation Center, which consists of the Technopark Skolkovo Limited Liability Company and the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech), which are also being designated as part of this action. Since its founding, the Skolkovo Foundation has focused on supporting the development of technologies to contribute to technology sectors prioritized by the Russian Federation government including strategic computer technologies, technologies for maintaining Russia’s defense capabilities including with regard to advanced and sophisticated weapons, and space technologies related to Russia’s national security. As additional information, the Skolkovo Innovation Center has hosted U.S.-designated Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state-controlled arms export agency, as a part of Rosoboronexport’s efforts to export weapons to foreign clients.
The Department of State is designating the SKOLKOVO INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (SKOLTECH) pursuant to Section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the technology sector of the Russian Federation economy. Skoltech is a pioneer in cutting-edge technologies and seeks to foster new technologies to address critical issues facing the Russian Federation. As additional information, for nearly a decade, Skoltech has had a close relationship with Russia’s defense sector. Contributors to Skoltech’s endowment include numerous sanctioned Russian weapon development entities including JSC Tactical Missiles Corporation, Uralvagonzavod (which makes Russian tanks), JSC MIC Mashinostroyenia (which manufactures Russian missiles), JSC United Aircraft Corporation (which manufactures Russia’s combat aircraft), JSC Concern Sozvezdie (which produces electronic warfare systems for the Russian military), JSC Almaz-Antey (which manufactures Russia’s surface-to-air missiles systems), and JSC Corporation Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology (which manufactures Russian missiles). Over the course of the last decade, Skoltech has had partnerships with numerous Russian defense enterprises – including Uralvagonzavod, United Engine Corporation, and United Aircraft Corporation – which have focused on developing composite materials for tanks, engines for ships, specialized materials for aircraft wings, and innovations for defense-related helicopters. Skoltech has also presented advanced robotics at the Russian Ministry of Defense’s premier defense exhibition.
The Department of State is designating TECHNOPARK SKOLKOVO LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY pursuant to Section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the technology sector of the Russian Federation economy. Technopark Skolkovo Limited Liability Company is one of the largest technology development parks in Eurasia and hosts events related to technology.
The Department of State is designating numerous additional Russian high-technology entities as a part of our effort to isolate Russia’s technology sector in order to limit its contributions to Russia’s war machine.
Specifically, the Department of State is designating the following entities pursuant to Section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the technology sector of the Russian Federation economy:JOINT STOCK COMPANY PENZENSKY NAUCHNO ISSLEDOVATELSKY ELEKTROTEKHNICHESKY HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION is one of the largest Russian enterprises engaged in the development and production of cryptographic information protection technology. As additional information, Joint Stock Company Penzensky Nauchno Issledovatelsky Elektrotekhnichesky Higher Education Institution organized a technology-related symposium with a Russian weapons-related organization.
JSC ZELENOGRAD NANOTECHNOLOGY CENTER conducts nanotechnology research, and develops manufacturing technologies and high-tech products, including developing and manufacturing products in the field of microelectronics and microsystems engineering.
JOINT STOCK COMPANY INSTITUTE OF ELECTRONIC CONTROL COMPUTERS NAMED AFTER I.S. BRUK is involved in the development of Russian microprocessors, computing systems, and nanotechnology. As additional information, a microprocessor chip developed by entities including Joint Stock Company Institute of Electronic Control Computers Named After I.S. Bruk was promoted at a Russian military-industrial complex conference.
FEDERAL STATE INSTITUTION FEDERAL SCIENTIFIC CENTER SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR SYSTEM ANALYSIS OF THE RUSSIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES conducts activities related to the development of nanotechnology, information technology, and computing, and is also involved in activities related to semiconductors.
SCIENTIFIC AND PRODUCTION ASSOCIATION OF MEASURING EQUIPMENT JSC is involved in digital circuitry activities and microelectronics for space technologies.
The Department of State is designating the following entities pursuant to Section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the electronics sector of the Russian Federation economy:MITISHINSKIY SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF RADIO MEASURING INSTRUMENTS is a leader of Russia’s radio-electronic industry; its staff has conducted research regarding components for electronics systems; and it has been involved in developing regulations for Russia related to specialized electronic components.
JOINT STOCK COMPANY RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF ELECTRONIC AND MECHANICAL DEVICES specializes in the development and production of complex, high-technology electronic and mechanical devices and electrical measuring devices. As additional information, it has developed electronic components for Russia’s Ministry of Defense.
JSC SVETLANA POLUPROVODNIKI is a Russian electronics entity involved in the manufacture and design of integrated circuits and semiconductor devices (integrated circuits are components of electronic devices and semiconductors are components involved in the manufacture of electronic devices).
JOINT STOCK COMPANY DESIGN CENTER SOYUZ is a Russian electronics entity that specializes in the design and development of semiconductors and integrated circuits.
OJSC SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF PRECISION MECHANICAL ENGINEERING is a Russian electronics entity that develops process equipment for Russia’s electronic industry, including for semiconductor production. OJSC Scientific Research Institute of Precision Mechanical Engineering provides services related to process implementation for nano- and micro-electronics activities.
PUBLIC JOINT STOCK COMPANY KREMNY is a Russian electronics entity that produces components for power electronics as a part of the Russian Federation’s import substitution program. As additional information, Public Joint Stock Company Kremny has been described by Russian authorities as a Russian defense industry enterprise.
JOINT STOCK COMPANY INSTITUTE FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH MICROELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT PROGRESS develops and manufactures microelectronic devices.
JOINT STOCK COMPANY VORONEZHSKY FACTORY POLUPROVODNIKOVYKH PRIBOROV SBORKA is one of Russia’s largest suppliers of electronic components.
OPEN JOINT STOCK COMPANY SCIENTIFIC AND PRODUCTION ENTERPRISE PULSAR is a Russian electronics entity that develops electronic components including components related to semiconductors and microelectronics.
LLC SCIENTIFIC PRODUCTION ENTERPRISE DIGITAL SOLUTIONS is a Russian electronics entity that specializes in electronic engineering.
JOINT STOCK COMPANY DESIGN TECHNOLOGY CENTER ELEKTRONIKA specializes in the development, application, production, and delivery of electronic products, including for Russian government clients. One aspect of Joint Stock Company Design Technology Center Elektronika’s business involves designing semiconductor devices. Joint Stock Company Design Technology Center Elektronika is part of a Russian radioelectronics technology competencies cluster formed on the basis of JSC Concern Sozvezdie, which specializes in developing electronic warfare systems and other specialized equipment for Russia’s armed forces.
JOINT STOCK COMPANY VOLOGODSKY OPTIKO MEKHANICHESKY FACTORY produces “special purpose” electronic products. The phrase “special purpose” is often used by Russian entities to distinguish items related to military matters as opposed to civil applications.
The Department of State is designating FEDERAL STATE BUDGETARY SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTION RESEARCH AND PRODUCTION COMPLEX TECHNOLOGY CENTER pursuant to Section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the technology sector and the electronics sector of the Russian Federation economy. Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Research and Production Complex Technology Center develops and produces integrated circuits including application specific-integrated circuits, which are a type of high-technology electronic component, and also is involved in Russia’s semiconductor industry.
The Department of State is designating JSC SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE SUBMICRON pursuant to Section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the aerospace sector of the Russian Federation economy. JSC Scientific Research Institute Submicron specializes in the design and development of components for computer systems for aviation and space control systems, as well as the development of other digital and data systems for aviation and space systems. As additional information, the main customers of JSC Scientific Research Institute Submicron are Russia’s Ministry of Defense and Air Force.
The Department of State is designating ACADEMICIAN A.L. MINTS RADIOTECHNICAL INSTITUTE JOINT STOCK COMPANY pursuant to Section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the defense and related materiel sector of the Russian Federation economy. Academician A.L. Mints Radiotechnical Institute Joint Stock Company is involved in developing technologies and systems for Russian military air defense systems.
SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS
As a result of today’s action, all property and interests in property of the individuals above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. All transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or blocked persons are prohibited unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt. These prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any blocked person and the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.
Imposing Additional Costs on Russia for its Continued War against Ukraine
08/02/2022
Imposing Additional Costs on Russia for its Continued War against Ukraine08/02/2022 01:11 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
As Ukrainians continue to valiantly defend their homeland in the face of President Putin’s brutal war, Russia’s elite are running massive revenue-generating companies and funding their own opulent lifestyles outside of Russia. Today, the United States is taking additional actions to ensure that the Kremlin and its enablers feel the compounding effects of our response to the Kremlin’s unconscionable war of aggression.
The Department of State is designating Russian oligarchs, state-owned entities, and illegitimate authorities pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14024. The Department is designating three oligarchs: Dmitry Aleksandrovich Pumpyanskiy, Andrey Igorevich Melnichenko, and Alexander Anatolevich Ponomarenko. Additionally, the Department is designating Joint Stock Company State Transportation Leasing Company and four of its subsidiaries. The Department is also designating four individuals and one entity illegitimately operating in Ukraine’s territory in collaboration with Russia. Several of these targets are designated by allies and partners, further aligning our regimes.
We are also imposing additional costs on Russia’s war machine by designating 24 Russian defense and technology-related entities pursuant to E.O. 14024. Russia has systematically focused on exploiting high-technology research and innovations to advance Moscow’s war-fighting capabilities – the same defense capabilities that Russia’s military is using in its vicious attacks hitting Ukraine’s population centers and resulting in the deaths of civilians, including children. Our actions target some of Russia’s most important defense-related research and development institutions, semiconductor producers, and advanced computing and electronics entities. These actions will further isolate Russia’s defense and high-technology industries and limit their contributions to Moscow’s war machine.
Additionally, the Department of State is taking action to impose visa restrictions on individuals in relation to Russia’s war in Ukraine. This includes 893 Russian Federation officials, such as members of the Federation Council and military members, for threatening or violating Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, or political independence. It also includes 31 foreign government officials who have acted to support Russia’s purported annexation of the Crimea region of Ukraine and thereby threatened or violated Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Finally, Department of the Treasury is also imposing sanctions today targeting Kremlin-connected elites, a major multinational company, and a sanctions evasion operation, as well as identifying a yacht as blocked property pursuant to E.O. 14024. These elites and businesses operate in economic sectors that generate substantial revenue for the Russian regime, including from sources outside of Russia.
The United States will not waver in its support for the brave people of Ukraine and will continue to promote accountability for President Putin and his cronies whose actions have caused so much suffering and destruction in Ukraine.
For more information on today’s actions, please see the Department of the Treasury’s
press release and State Department
fact sheet.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Estonian Foreign Minister Reinsalu
08/02/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Estonian Foreign Minister Reinsalu08/02/2022 08:20 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu. Secretary Blinken congratulated Foreign Minister Reinsalu on his appointment as Foreign Minister and highlighted the strength of the partnership between Estonia and the United States as we marked the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations last week. The Secretary thanked Estonia for its exemplary support for Ukraine and for its steadfast cooperation as we work together to respond to threats to our shared democratic values from Russia and the People’s Republic of China.
First Grain Ship Departs the Black Sea
08/03/2022
First Grain Ship Departs the Black Sea08/03/2022 08:08 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Today, a commercial vessel carrying Ukrainian grain safely departed the Black Sea for the first time since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February. We again commend the United Nations and Turkey for mediating the diplomacy that resulted in today’s significant step, which raises hope of bringing the millions of tons of grain stuck at Ukraine’s ports to those facing food insecurity around the world.
But this is only a first step, and continued implementation of the July 21 UN-facilitated deal is essential to bolster food security around the world. Russia must meet its commitments, including by facilitating unimpeded exports of agricultural products from Black Sea ports. Russia must also end its attacks that are rendering farmland in Ukraine unusable and destroying agricultural infrastructure. As long as Russia continues its aggression, the Ukrainian people and the world’s most vulnerable will continue to suffer its effects.
Art in Embassies Announces New Temporary Exhibitions for Chief of Mission Residences
08/03/2022
Art in Embassies Announces New Temporary Exhibitions for Chief of Mission Residences08/03/2022 03:49 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Art in Embassies (AIE) recently completed the installations of three new temporary art exhibitions at Chief of Mission residences in Canada, Poland, and Slovenia. These installations reflect the Ambassadors’ backgrounds and interests and are a vital part of U.S. diplomacy, serving as touchpoints for diplomatic engagement between U.S. representatives and foreign visitors.
Ambassador David L. Cohen’s residential exhibition in Ottawa centers around works from the American Northeast, especially scenes of Philadelphia and Martha’s Vineyard. In Warsaw, Ambassador Brzezinski showcases dance, movement, and diversity in a variety of media and presentation styles, as well as in the age/generation, national origin, sexual orientation, and gender identity of the artists and their subjects. In Ljubljana, Ambassador Harpootlian’s residence features Southern artists whose works of realism and abstraction express the intersection of the natural world, the human spirit, and art.
To learn more about the exhibits, artists, and pieces, please visit:
Ottawa –
https://art.state.gov/portfolio/ottawa_2022/Warsaw –
https://art.state.gov/portfolio/warsaw_2022/Ljubljana –
https://art.state.gov/portfolio/ljubljana_2022/The U.S. Department of State established the Office of Art in Embassies in 1963, adapting a program that began ten years earlier by the Museum of Modern Art. The exhibitions and collections created by AIE play a vital role in our nation’s public diplomacy. The works are carefully selected to reflect the pride and innovation of America’s cultural sector and to make cross cultural connections in the regions and states in which they are displayed. In 2023, AIE will celebrate its 60th anniversary at the U.S. Department of State.
For further information, please contact Camille Benton at
BentonSC@state.gov or visit
art.state.gov.
De-Escalation In and Around Nagorno-Karabakh
08/03/2022
De-Escalation In and Around Nagorno-Karabakh08/03/2022 08:10 PM EDT
Ned Price, Department Spokesperson
The United States is deeply concerned by and closely following reports of intensive fighting around Nagorno-Karabakh, including casualties and the loss of life. We urge immediate steps to reduce tensions and avoid further escalation.
The recent increase in tensions underscores the need for a negotiated, comprehensive, and sustainable settlement of all remaining issues related to or resulting from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
G7 Foreign Ministers’ Statement on Energy Security
08/03/2022
G7 Foreign Ministers’ Statement on Energy Security08/03/2022 10:02 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
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 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, are steadfast in our condemnation of Russia’s brutal, unprovoked, unjustifiable, and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. We condemn and will not recognise Russia’s continued attempts to re-draw borders by force. This constitutes a blatant violation of international law, in particular a serious breach of the United Nations Charter, and seriously undermines the international rules-based system. We reiterate our demand that Russia put an end to this war of choice, immediately and unconditionally cease all hostilities, and withdraw its troops and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders.
We further condemn Russian attempts to weaponise its energy exports and use energy as a tool of geopolitical coercion. Russia is therefore not a reliable energy supplier. We will act in solidarity and close coordination to mitigate the impact of supply disruptions on economies and citizens globally and in our countries, especially in order to protect vulnerable groups. We are working to ensure Russia does not exploit its position as an energy producer to profit from its aggression at the expense of vulnerable countries. We will build on our recent actions to secure energy supplies, stabilise markets and mitigate the increases in energy prices driven by Russia’s actions and extraordinary market conditions. This includes our efforts to reduce our demand for Russian energy and our support for International Energy Agency voluntary collective actions. We remain committed to energy and resource diversification and promote competitive, reliable, affordable energy markets that are transparent and adhere to high environmental, social, and governance standards. We reiterate our support for an ambitious and expedited global clean energy transition towards net zero by 2050, consistent with a 1.5°C warming limit and implementation of the Glasgow Climate Pact. This is essential to achieving our shared climate, security, and economic recovery objectives. The more quickly we achieve this transition, the more secure our societies will be.
We continue to explore further measures to prevent Russia from profiting from its war of aggression and to curtail Russia´s ability to wage war. As we phase out Russian energy from our domestic markets, we will seek to develop solutions that reduce Russian revenues from hydrocarbons, support stability in global energy markets, and minimise negative economic impacts, especially on low- and middle-income countries. We remain committed to considering a range of approaches, including options for a comprehensive prohibition of all services that enable transportation of Russian seaborne crude oil and petroleum products globally, unless the oil is purchased at or below a price to be agreed in consultation with international partners. In considering this and other options, we will also consider mitigation mechanisms alongside our restrictive measures to ensure the most vulnerable and impacted countries maintain access to energy markets including from Russia.
We will further reduce our reliance on civil nuclear and related goods from Russia, and assist countries seeking to diversify their supplies. In all these actions, we will support each other and coordinate our actions to preserve G7 unity and reinforce our collective energy security and resilience. We welcome efforts by partners with the aim of replenishing gas reserves and increasing energy security and resilience, amid Russia’s increased weaponization of energy. At the same time, we will continue our efforts with partners around the world to make energy savings and efficiency a global priority.
We remain steadfast in our solidarity with Ukraine and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to support the Government and people of Ukraine in their courageous defence of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and in their fight for a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic future.
End Text
At the Agribusiness Showcase and Announcement of Food Security Funding
08/04/2022
At the Agribusiness Showcase and Announcement of Food Security Funding08/04/2022 03:30 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
AmCam Exchange
AMBASSADOR MURPHY: (In Khmer.) Please have a seat.
Just thrilled to welcome all of you here to AmCam Exchange. I am the U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia Patrick Murphy, and I am incredibly honored and delighted to have a special guest to help us today engage on agriculture and food security.
First, just a quick word here about the Kingdom of Cambodia. Agriculture is the backbone of the Cambodian economy, and really a very important part of the cultural identity here. It’s a way of life. The sector accounts for more than 20 percent of GDP, employs over 3 million Cambodians directly, and has been an incredible source of resilience during the pandemic. I really want to emphasize that. Many migrant workers needed to return unexpectedly. Many people, particularly in the tourism sector, lost their jobs. Farmers absorbed and helped carry the kingdom through this pandemic.
As ambassador, I am charged with doing what I can to strengthen the relations between our two countries, and that means getting to meet lots of farmers and helping them expand trade between our two countries and bring technology, which really helps in this country with efficiencies and adding value to their products, and achieving more sustainable development. We’re very proud here of our U.S. Agency for International Development and our U.S. Department of Agriculture. Both agencies have programs in food security and, more broadly, agriculture. And it’s been critical to this resilience and in helping the sector’s economic potential.
Now, our special guest comes from Washington and brings a global perspective to food security issues. He has been very engaged with world leaders and counterparts around the globe to address emerging food security challenges. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the United States Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken. Mr. Secretary. (Applause.)
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good morning, everyone, and it’s wonderful to be with all of you here, to see you all here. Patrick, thank you not just for the introduction but for your remarkable leadership of this mission every single day. And thanks to everyone who’s joined us here today, especially our wonderful colleagues from USAID in our – in mission after mission around the world, where, as we would say, the rubber really meets the road. It is through our AID missions. They do remarkable work in place after place to create the most powerful connectivity possible between ourselves and our host countries, including here in Cambodia, by bringing to life powerful projects that make a difference in lives and livelihoods and futures.
So I’m glad to be with our USAID colleagues and our Cambodian partners. I met a few of them just a moment ago, and these are remarkable, dedicated entrepreneurs who are committed not just to their own success but to their country’s success. I got a chance to sample some of the remarkable products that they’re producing with assistance from the United States, and I can tell you firsthand this is good stuff. I happen to be an afficionado of cashews. Well, Cambodia is the number one cashew producer, exporter in the world, and I just tried some very good cashews, wonderful mango products and other things, beautiful vegetables, incredible things that are making a difference in lives.
So about 12 years ago, the United States launched an initiative called Cambodia Harvest, and that was part of our flagship global food security program called Feed the Future. The idea behind Feed the Future is that when it comes to chronic food insecurity, food aid is vital but it is not enough. We have the knowhow to improve farming across all climates, across all income levels, so that countries have their enduring capacity to produce their own food. It’s the classic example of the old adage about give a person a fish, feed them for a day; teach them to fish, feed them for a lifetime. Feed the Future is all about that: creating self-sufficiency, creating indigenous productive capacity, investing in that, investing in that future.
With the right partnerships, countries become more food secure. People’s health improves. Poverty is reduced. The need for food aid itself goes down. Here in Cambodia, our two countries have worked together to increase crop yields, to improve the health of livestock, to promote climate resilience, to train farmers, to create new markets. And we’re seeing strong results. So as I met some of the individuals behind the numbers just now, they were kind enough to share some of the work that they’re doing, to share their cashews, their mangos with us. This event is actually a diversion because as we’re doing it, I made sure that my team is taking the wonderful baskets of produce so that we can bring them back with us.
But it – in all seriousness, you can see the demonstrable impact of the partnership, and that’s a powerful thing. We often deal in big issues of policy that sometimes are abstractions. It is particularly gratifying to see the tangible results of this partnership between the United States and Cambodia.
Through our partnership, Bun Sieng has helped provide technical support to farmers across the country. We’re grateful for that. Holly Mio’s (ph) team used grants for our program to expand the Dry Food Company internationally. And so we see that resonating around the world, not just here in Cambodia. Dara An built new cashew processing facilities with a Harvest grant. And Sothea Mao runs a food export and distribution business with our support; she signed a deal to distribute a local company’s fruit in Cambodia and beyond. So congratulations for the remarkable work that each of you is doing. We’re proud to be your partners.
We want to build on these successes. So today we’re announcing the next phase of our collaboration, and it’s called Harvest III. It will launch next week. It’s going to provide up to $25 million over the next five years. So what will it do? It will continue to help farmers boost their incomes – for example, by increasing access to tools like greenhouses, which can help lengthen growing seasons, improve the quality of what’s grown, and help products actually meet market standards. We want to reach more farmers, especially women and young people, to make sure that they’re reaping the benefits of these investments as well. And we’ll help connect more Cambodian farmers and businesses to markets both here at home and abroad.
More than 60 percent of Cambodians live in rural areas. You heard the ambassador speak to this. More than three-quarters of those households rely on agriculture, fisheries, or forestry as their main sources of income. Many of these workers have only limited access to markets or financing. We want to change that so that more people can enjoy Cambodian products and more farmers and entrepreneurs can grow their businesses.
With this new phase, we’re basically expanding our scale. The last stage of our program that was called Harvest II worked in select provinces. Harvest III will be nationwide. Harvest II focused on fruits, vegetables, spices. Harvest III will add grains, fish, other products. We’re almost tripling the amount of grant money available to our partners. We believe in this program. We believe in our partners. And we want to do a lot more good work together.
The needs are urgent. Far too many Cambodians still live in food insecurity. Far too many Cambodian children are malnourished. As a parent myself, whenever I see this, it goes right to the heart. I think each of us who’s fortunate, when we see a malnourished child, we think – if we have children, we think of our own. We think of our families. And we want to do everything we possibly can to make sure that no child on Earth is malnourished.
This is a humanitarian issue. It’s a health issue. It’s an economic issue. It’s also a security issue because widespread hunger makes communities and countries less secure, particularly now when food insecurity around the world is on the rise because of Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine, which has blocked millions of tons of Ukrainian crops from being shipped to global markets. It’s critical that we strengthen global food security and that we address the root causes of hunger, of malnutrition, and of poverty. That’s what the United States and our partners have been doing in Cambodia and in more than 40 countries where Feed the Future operates.
So let me say again how grateful we are to all of our partners across Cambodia, like our friends Bun, Holly, Sothea, Dara, who work hard every day to produce food, to grow their businesses as well, to support their families, to contribute to their communities, to share the bounty of Cambodia with people across the country but also around the world. It’s an honor to be part of your journey. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Secretary Antony J. Blinken And European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Josep Borrell Before Their Meeting
08/04/2022
Secretary Antony J. Blinken And European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Josep Borrell Before Their Meeting08/04/2022 04:09 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Sokha Hotel
SECRETARY BLINKEN: All right. Good afternoon, everyone. It’s particularly good to see my friend and partner Josep Borrell and all of our colleagues from the EU. We are partners of first resort when it comes to tackling the many challenges that are before us that are having an impact on the lives of our citizens, and one of the areas we’re working more closely together than ever is in the broader Indo-Pacific, where we have very common approaches and where we, I think, are effectively bringing those approaches together.
So it’s a good opportunity for me to be able to compare notes with Josep as we head into some of the meetings that we’re having here in Cambodia, including with our – with our ASEAN partners, and a number of things that are on the agenda that both the European Union and the United States are very focused on, to include, of course, the ongoing consequences of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine – for example, on food insecurity that’s felt literally around the world, challenges with energy prices as well exacerbated by Russia’s aggression – but also many issues in this region directly, including the situation in Burma that has gone from bad to worse with the horrific execution of democracy activists just a few days ago, but also a very important and affirmative agenda with ASEAN. We’re both committed to ASEAN centrality and we’re both working closely with colleagues from the ASEAN countries and ASEAN itself to advance a strong agenda that deals with both the challenges that people are facing on everything from climate to COVID to emerging technologies to dealing effectively with sustaining themselves.
So a lot to be – a lot to be discussed. And Josep, as always, it’s wonderful to be with you.
HIGH REPRESENTATIVE BORRELL: Thank you. Thank you, Tony. I like to be considered a friend of first resort. (Laughter.) It’s a nice expression. Usually you’re talking about the lender of last resort, and to be a friend of that resort is a good thing. We are friends of first resort. We count on each other. Our relationship, the transatlantic relationship, is stronger than ever.
We are working together defending and supporting Ukraine from the Russian aggressions. It will be a good occasion to explain to the world again that the food and energy crisis is not a consequence of our sanctions but the consequences of the war and of the Russian blockade with the (inaudible).
I think that we have to make a bigger effort in order to counter this Russian narrative. I think it’s important for the world to understand who is guilty for that, who is the one who owes us (inaudible).
And this partnership and relationship is also important for the events in the Indo-Pacific, facing the situation in these areas (inaudible) with respect to China. There’s some news on this front and we have to talk about it.
And then we’ll use this opportunity also to share with, again, the Secretary of State about the JCPOA negotiations which we’ve been trying to push and (inaudible) administrations. Let’s hope that it can be fruitful.
And also about the situation of the world economy, because the war in Ukraine has created a tectonic change and is sending shockwaves around the world, and everybody is paying the price for that. In Europe we will have to face the gas shortage. Thank you for (inaudible) this issue to substitute with American gas the Russian gas that we are going to have (inaudible).
Thank you for the opportunity and thank you for a strong confirmation and friendship.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thanks, everyone.
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar
08/04/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar08/04/2022 07:54 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar today on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The two exchanged views on global and regional issues, including Russia’s brutal aggression against Ukraine and the implications it has had on food insecurity around the world. They discussed Sri Lanka’s economic crisis and emphasized that both nations stand with the people of Sri Lanka and support their aspirations for a return to economic and political stability through democratic and constitutional processes. Secretary Blinken condemned the Burmese military regime’s execution of democracy activists, and they discussed promoting accountability for the regime’s atrocities as well as our collective efforts to put Burma back on the path to democracy. They also noted our shared efforts to promote a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu
08/04/2022
r Cavusoglu08/04/2022 07:46 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. Secretary Blinken commended the Turkish diplomatic efforts that led to the first shipment of Ukrainian grain leaving the Black Sea since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. He emphasized the importance of working together to see to it that additional ships are able to depart and underscored the importance of holding Moscow accountable for the commitments it made. The Secretary also raised the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, noting that the United States is ready to engage bilaterally, with likeminded partners, and through our role as an OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair to facilitate dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia and help achieve a long-term political settlement to the conflict. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Cavusoglu discussed ways to advance coordination and NATO unity regarding the threat of further Russian escalation and aggression against Ukraine.
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with European Union High Representative Borrell
08/04/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with European Union High Representative Borrell08/04/2022 07:58 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken today met with European Union High Representative Josep Borrell on the margins of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Secretary Blinken and High Representative Borrell discussed our shared commitment to support Ukraine and hold Russia accountable for its unjustified war and the resulting global impacts to energy markets and food security. The Secretary commended the High Representative for his efforts to achieve a mutual return to compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, and he noted that the United States remains sincere and steadfast in our desire to do so. They also discussed the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait for the Indo-Pacific and the world.
Conviction and Sentencing of U.S. Citizen Brittney Griner in Russia
08/04/2022
Conviction and Sentencing of U.S. Citizen Brittney Griner in Russia 08/04/2022 12:48 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Today’s conviction and sentencing by a Russian court of U.S. citizen Brittney Griner to nine years in prison further compounds the injustice of her wrongful detention. This step puts a spotlight on our significant concerns with Russia’s legal system and the Russian government’s use of wrongful detentions to advance its own agenda, using individuals as political pawns.
Nothing about today’s decision changes our determination that Brittney Griner is wrongfully detained, and we will continue working to bring Brittney and fellow wrongfully detained U.S. citizen Paul Whelan home. This is an absolute priority of mine and the Department’s.
We will also continue to press for fair and transparent treatment for all U.S. citizen detainees in Russia.
Russia, and any country engaging in wrongful detention, represents a threat to the safety of everyone traveling, working, and living abroad. The United States opposes this practice everywhere.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan
08/05/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan08/05/2022 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 Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Secretary Blinken assured Prime Minister Pashinyan that the United States is watching the situation in and around Nagorno-Karabakh closely. He urged direct dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan to resolve issues related to, or resulting from, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Azerbaijani President Aliyev
08/05/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Azerbaijani President Aliyev08/05/2022 03:45 PM EDT
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. Secretary Blinken called for de-escalation and urged direct dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia to resolve issues related to, or resulting from, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
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