Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Nadia Bilbassy of Al Arabiya
01/29/2023
Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Nadia Bilbassy of Al Arabiya
01/29/2023 01:55 PM EST
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Cairo, Egypt
U.S. Embassy
QUESTION: (In Arabic.) Mr. Secretary, thank you very much for giving us this exclusive interview. We appreciate your time.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: It’s very good to be with you.
QUESTION: I wanted to start with Iran. The administration said that this is not the right time to go back to the JCPOA. Your President described it as dead. Yet, you don’t prefer the military option. How can you stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon?
SECRETARY BLINKEN: First, Iran had an opportunity to get back into the JCPOA at the end of this past summer. Unfortunately, they rejected what was on the table and had been agreed to by everybody. Their either wouldn’t move forward with it. Now our focus is on the many things that have happened since, including the horrific repression of the Iranian people on the streets of Iran as young people, women in particular, have been standing up for their basic rights, and very important communities across Iranian society are doing the same thing and are being repressed violently by the regime.
At the same time, we’re also seeing Iran support Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine, providing it with drones and potentially other weapons systems. So that’s where the focus is and that’s the concern of many countries around the world.
At the same time, yes, we continue to believe that the most effective way to deal with the international community’s concerns about Iran’s nuclear program is through diplomacy. Diplomacy is never off the table. But President Biden has also made clear that we’re determined that Iran not acquire a nuclear weapon, and every option remains on the table to ensure that that doesn’t happen. But our preferred path would be diplomacy.
QUESTION: Including military option?
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Everything is on the table.
QUESTION: You talked about the regime. The regime has been executing demonstrators after a sham trial. How can you support people who have been calling for help actually from the West and particularly from the United States?
SECRETARY BLINKEN: We have been, with many other countries, standing up and speaking out for those who are simply trying to have their voices heard and their rights upheld. We’ve gone after those who have been involved in repressing them, and through sanctions, through designating them in various ways. We’ve sought to help the Iranian people be able to continue to communicate with each other as well as with the rest of the world through communications technology. And of course, we continue to look for ways to disrupt the malicious activities that they’re engaged in.
But I think there’s tremendous solidarity around the world with the Iranian people, who are simply trying to have their basic rights respected by the regime.
QUESTION: So is this military maneuvering or exercise with the Israelis and other people in the Gulf meant to deter Iran activities in the region?
SECRETARY BLINKEN: All of our military efforts are designed with the idea of deterrence in mind – that is, to try to make sure that a would-be aggressor thinks twice, thinks three times, and then doesn’t do it. That’s what deterrence is all about. And it’s important to be able to demonstrate that and to make sure that you’re ready if aggression comes. And if deterrence doesn’t work, that you’re also in a position to effectively defend yourself.
QUESTION: The United States always support people who want to change the regime that oppresses them. Why not the case with Iran?
SECRETARY BLINKEN: We support the Iranian people, but these decisions are theirs. They’re not ours. They’re not anyone else’s. One of the things that we don’t want to do is to somehow make this about us. That’s exactly what the Iranian regime wants. They want to say to their own people, “Oh, no, this is somehow the work, the design of some outside power,” the United States or someone else. It’s not. It reflects a profound misunderstanding of their own people if they believe that somehow we’re responsible for this, and it reflects a profound weakness. They’re afraid of their own people.
QUESTION: I want to move to Saudi Arabia. How would you describe the relationship with Saudi Arabia after the OPEC production decision, et cetera, and your threat actually to review the relationship with Riyadh?
SECRETARY BLINKEN: We’ve had a relationship – an important relationship with Saudi Arabia for decades, for generations, across administrations in our own country and across leaders in Saudi Arabia. It’s one that evolves. And from our perspective, the important thing to do is to make sure that that relationship fully reflects our own interests and values, and that is something that’s not static. It’s constantly evolving.
We had the concerns that we expressed about the OPEC+ decision back in October. I think since then we’ve seen Saudi Arabia do some very positive things – for example, providing very significant support, humanitarian support to Ukraine in the face of this Russian aggression; voting for the – in effect – for the UN Charter at the United Nations against the Russian aggression; the work that we’re doing together to try to end the war in Yemen, one of the worst humanitarian situations in the world. That’s very significant, but it’s something that will constantly evolve and we’ll constantly be looking at to make sure that it effectively represents and advances our own interests.
QUESTION: So many issues in the region. Iraq. We have a new prime minister, Mr. Sudani. How can you help him if you want to undermine Iran influence in Iraq? How can the U.S. —
SECRETARY BLINKEN: I’ve spoken with Prime Minister Sudani and we’re very much engaged with the Iraqi Government. I think there are two things that are important. First, of course, is an enduring partnership to continue to deal with Daesh as necessary to make sure that it cannot engage in actions that kill innocent people. And we remain very engaged in supporting the Iraqi Security Forces and making sure that they have the means to take on what remains of Daesh and to make sure that it can’t rebound.
But we also have a much broader partnership with Iraq, and we have a Strategic Framework Agreement with Iraq that we’re implementing – working on, for example, on trying to help Iraq further develop its economy. That’s something we take very seriously. We want to see this comprehensive framework that we’ve established actually take – have real meaning, and hopefully help to improve the lives of the Iraqi people.
I also think it’s very important that Iraq continue to be fully reintegrated into the larger Arab community, and that we see countries playing very important roles in leading that effort, including Egypt.
QUESTION: Sure. And on Libya, do you see two governments in Tripoli and Benghazi? Would you support one unified government?
SECRETARY BLINKEN: What we support at this point is the need to get to an election so that there can be a clear and legitimate government that reflects the Libyan people. And that’s clearly what the Libyan people want. So the special representative of the secretary-general of the United Nations has a plan to try to move to an election at the earliest possible moment. That’s the most critical next step. That’s how you get, finally, unity in the country and a government that’s clearly legitimate and responsive to what the people want.
QUESTION: And finally, I think my time is up, but I want to ask you about the – Türkiye and Palestine. On Türkiye, do you support their incursion in northern Syria? And how do you see this rapprochement between the Turks and others towards Assad regime?
SECRETARY BLINKEN: So two things. When it comes to northern Syria, we’ve urged everyone to try to calm the waters. And what we don’t need, I don’t think what anyone needs is a military incursion in northern Syria. That risks, of course, doing tremendous damage to civilians and innocent people. It actually potentially would disrupt the efforts to continue to keep Daesh at bay and take the focus off of that, where it needs to be. And so it’s not, frankly, in anyone’s interests.
Türkiye has legitimate security interests. There’s no disputing that. But those interests can be dealt with effectively without, I think, a military intervention.
QUESTION: And the Assad regime?
SECRETARY BLINKEN: And when it comes to the Assad regime, look, we’re very clear. We don’t support normalization. The challenge is this: The United Nations has proposed a process, a step-by-step process leading to the implementation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, a political way forward. We support that. Unfortunately, the Assad regime does not and has refused to engage in that process. Unless and until it does, it’s very hard to see how you can move forward.
QUESTION: Finally, you’re going to Ramallah and Jerusalem. How can you defuse the tension? Do you fear a third intifada? How can you activate a meaningful meaning of the two-state solution?
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Look, I’ll have more to say about that in the next couple of days when we go there. I think we’ve seen horrific terrorist attacks in the last couple of days that we condemn and deplore. President Biden has spoken to this. We also see civilian loss of life that is very deeply disturbing. And the most important thing in the near term is to try to get some calm. But I’ll have more to say to that in the next couple of days. I want the chance to speak to the Israeli Government, to the Palestinian Authority leadership, to hear from people as well who are being affected by this in their daily lives.
QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, thank you so much for your time. We appreciate it.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you. Very good to be with you. Thank you.
QUESTION: Thank you.
Assistant Secretary Donfried’s Travel to Italy, Vatican City, and Poland
01/30/2023
Assistant Secretary Donfried’s Travel to Italy, Vatican City, and Poland
01/30/2023 08:51 AM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Dr. Karen Donfried will travel to Italy, Vatican City, and Poland January 30 to February 3 to emphasize the United States’ commitment to our European Allies and partners, democracy, and transatlantic security as well as our continued support for Ukraine.
After arriving in Italy, Assistant Secretary Donfried will travel to the Vatican to meet with Holy See Foreign Minister-equivalent Archbishop Paul Gallagher. In Rome, the Assistant Secretary will have a series of meetings with senior Italian officials and civil society to discuss transatlantic issues and our shared commitment to Ukraine. In Naples, she will meet with local leaders and visit U.S. forces at NAVEUR/NAVAF/Sixth Fleet Headquarters.
Assistant Secretary Donfried will then travel to Warsaw to participate in the U.S.-Poland Strategic Dialogue at the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs on February 2. The Dialogue will reinforce our bilateral security and civil nuclear cooperation rooted in our shared commitment to democratic values. While in Warsaw, Assistant Secretary Donfried will also have a series of meetings with senior Polish officials to reaffirm our cooperation with Poland and discuss our shared commitment in supporting Ukraine.
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Dutch Secretary General Huijts
01/30/2023
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Dutch Secretary General Huijts
01/30/2023 03:05 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met with Dutch Secretary General Paul Huijts today in Washington, DC to reaffirm our unwavering transatlantic unity and cooperation, and to reiterate our shared commitment to hold Russia accountable for its unjustified and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine.
They also discussed opportunities for cooperation on securing cyberspace, enhancing preparedness for global health threats, and promoting gender equity and equality.
Sanctioning Evasion Network Supporting Russia’s Military-Industrial Complex
02/01/2023
Sanctioning Evasion Network Supporting Russia’s Military-Industrial Complex
02/01/2023 11:48 AM EST
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
The United States, in coordination with our allies and partners, will continue to fully enforce our sanctions against Russia’s war machine and those that support its efforts. These actions will decrease Russia’s ability to wage war and weaken its military-industrial complex.
Today, the Department of the Treasury is designating 22 persons, across multiple jurisdictions, who are connected to a sanctions evasion network supporting Russia’s defense sector, including prominent gray arms dealer Igor Vladimirovich Zimenkov. Today’s actions, taken pursuant to Executive Order 14024, are another example of our determination to crack down on sanctions evasion efforts.
It has become increasingly difficult for Russia’s military-industrial complex to re-supply the Kremlin’s war machine, forcing it to rely on nefarious suppliers, such as Iran and the DPRK. By trying to use proxies to circumvent U.S. sanctions, Russia demonstrates that our sanctions are having impact. Our work will continue.
Today’s action was also taken as part of the U.S. commitment to the Russian Elites, Proxies, and Oligarchs (REPO) Task Force, a multilateral effort to identify and seize assets of Russian proxies around the world. The REPO Task Force aims to maximize the effect of multilateral sanctions, ensuring that Russia is unable to easily evade the consequences wrought by its destructive and needless war against Ukraine.
For more information on today’s actions, see the Department of the Treasury’s press release.
Introduction of New Senior Advisor for Caucasus Negotiations
02/01/2023
Introduction of New Senior Advisor for Caucasus Negotiations
02/01/2023 12:25 PM EST
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
I am appointing Louis L. Bono, a member of the Senior Foreign Service, as Senior Advisor for Caucasus Negotiations. In this capacity, Mr. Bono will work with regional leaders to advance the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan and to address Russia’s ongoing occupation of sovereign Georgian territory. Mr. Bono brings a wealth of multilateral and bilateral experience to the position, having served as Acting Representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency and the United Nations Offices in Vienna and Chargė d’Affaires, ad interim to the Holy See. He has also served as Director of the Basrah Regional Office, on the National Security Council, and as an advisor to the Deputy Secretary of State and to the Under Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs. He is retired from the Army Reserves, where he was an instructor at West Point and the Army War College.
The United States is committed to helping Armenia and Azerbaijan negotiate a comprehensive peace agreement, including a long-term political settlement to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Mr. Bono will engage bilaterally, with likeminded partners, including the European Union, and with international organizations, such as the OSCE, to facilitate direct dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan. His appointment also reaffirms the importance the United States places on Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the role of the Geneva International Discussions on Georgia, the only international format addressing Russia’s ongoing occupation of 20 percent of Georgia’s territory.
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Chief of Staff for Navalny, Leonid Volkov
02/01/2023
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Chief of Staff for Navalny, Leonid Volkov
02/01/2023 03:17 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met with Leonid Volkov, Chief of Staff to Russian opposition politician and anti-corruption activist Aleksey Navalny today in Washington. She expressed the U.S. government’s support for Navalny’s freedom and concern about his health.
The Deputy Secretary underscored the importance of democratic processes and respect for human rights, noting the Russian government’s unprecedented crackdown on freedom of expression and the political rights of its citizens. She commended Navalny’s bravery in speaking out against corruption, his resilience in the face of relentless harassment and a near-fatal poisoning, and his fortitude in enduring his unjustified imprisonment. The Deputy Secretary expressed support for Russians, both inside and outside of Russia, who continue to advocate for democratic processes, human rights, and an end to the Russian Government’s brutal and unprovoked war against Ukraine.
The United States will continue to closely follow the Russian Government’s treatment of opposition politicians such as Aleksey Navalny and Vladimir Kara-Murza, as well as the hundreds of other political prisoners held by Russia, and will continue to call for their release.
State Department Engages with Gold Industry to Discuss Sanctions
02/01/2023
State Department Engages with Gold Industry to Discuss Sanctions
02/01/2023 03:41 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
Yesterday, Ambassador James O’Brien, Head of the Office of Sanctions Coordination, led an interagency discussion with leading companies and associations across the gold sector. The meeting focused on the importance of the gold industry’s robust implementation of Russia-focused sanctions and of applying broader due diligence standards, including to Russia-backed actors, such as the Wagner Group, around the globe. The United States remains committed to imposing economic consequences on Russia for its unprovoked war in Ukraine and destabilizing activities across Africa. The meeting also focused on the role gold plays in supporting other regimes of concern, including in Latin America and Africa, and illicit networks, as well as how the industry can mitigate the role of malign actors while also supporting economic development programs, with a focus on labor and human rights.
For further information, visit https://www.state.gov/holding-russia-and-belarus-to-account/.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Serbian President Vucic
02/01/2023
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Serbian President Vucic
02/01/2023 05:23 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. Secretary Blinken thanked President Vucic for his constructive engagement on the EU proposal to normalize relations with Kosovo. The Secretary and President Vucic agreed that regional stability is essential for securing Serbia’s European future.
Counselor Chollet’s Meeting with Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Members Cvijanovic, Komsic, and Becirovic
02/01/2023
Counselor Chollet’s Meeting with Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Members Cvijanovic, Komsic, and Becirovic
02/01/2023 07:12 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
Counselor of the State Department Derek Chollet and U.S. Special Representative to the Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar met with Members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zeljka Cvijanovic, Zeljko Komsic, and Denis Becirovic today in Washington, D.C. Counselor Chollet welcomed the first joint visit of the Presidency to the United States since 2005 as an opportunity to seize upon the new government’s momentum to address corruption, destabilizing actors, and work together to advance critical reforms. The Counselor emphasized the United States’ continued commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and multiethnic character and its future integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions. The Counselor encouraged the presidency to find concrete solutions pragmatically and reiterated that unity among the international community in support of Ukraine was critical.
Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Kerry’s Travel to the United Kingdom
02/02/2023
Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Kerry’s Travel to the United Kingdom
02/02/2023 04:32 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry will travel to London, United Kingdom, on February 3 to continue engagement with representatives from government and the business and finance sectors on cooperative efforts to address the climate crisis.
For media inquiries, please contact ClimateComms@state.gov.
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Swedish State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Knutsson
02/02/2023
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Swedish State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Knutsson
02/02/2023 06:00 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met Swedish State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Jan Knutsson today in Washington, D.C. The Deputy Secretary reiterated U.S. support for Sweden and Finland’s NATO accession and conveyed our firm belief that Sweden and Finland are ready to join the Alliance. The Deputy Secretary and State Secretary discussed continued and sustained support for Ukraine, addressing challenges posed by the People’s Republic of China, and U.S.-EU cooperation during Sweden’s presidency of the Council of the European Union. The United States and Sweden will continue to strengthen their close bilateral relationship in the face of regional and global challenges.
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Estonian Secretary General Vseviov
02/02/2023
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Estonian Secretary General Vseviov
02/02/2023 06:06 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met with the Secretary General of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jonatan Vseviov today in Washington, D.C. Deputy Secretary Sherman and Secretary General Vseviov emphasized the importance of continued support for Ukraine and of imposing costs on Russia. They also discussed security cooperation and energy security.
Critical New U.S. Security Assistance to Ukraine
02/03/2023
Critical New U.S. Security Assistance to Ukraine
02/03/2023 01:35 PM EST
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
The United States is announcing today two new security assistance packages to help Ukraine continue to defend itself against Russia’s brutal war. These packages include critical air defense and counter-drone capabilities to help Ukraine defend its people, as well as armored infantry vehicles and more equipment that Ukraine is using so effectively, including Javelin anti-tank missiles, artillery ammunition, and conventional and long-range rockets for U.S.-provided HIMARS.
Pursuant to a delegation of authority from the President, I am authorizing our 31st drawdown of U.S. arms and equipment for Ukraine since August 2021, valued at $425 million. In addition, the U.S. Department of Defense will be committing another $1.75 billion in support for Ukraine under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative to help strengthen Ukraine’s military.
The United States also continues to rally the world to support Ukraine. We have seen incredible solidarity from our allies and partners. We applaud the more than 50 countries who have come together in solidarity with Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Russia alone could end its unprovoked war today. Until it does so, we will stand united with Ukraine for as long as it takes.
Assistant Secretary Noyes Travel to Qatar and Albania
02/03/2023
Assistant Secretary Noyes Travel to Qatar and Albania
02/03/2023 01:58 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration Julieta Valls Noyes will travel to Qatar and Albania February 4-10. In Doha, Qatar, and Tirana and Shengjin, Albania, Assistant Secretary Noyes will meet with government officials and international organization partners on our refugee processing efforts, and with Afghans awaiting resettlement to the United States.
Joint Statement on the Strategic Dialogue Between the United States and Poland
02/03/2023
Joint Statement on the Strategic Dialogue Between the United States and Poland
02/03/2023 02:11 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and Poland on the occasion of the 14th session of the U.S.-Poland Strategic Dialogue.
Begin Text:
The Governments of the United States and Poland held the 14th session of the U.S.-Poland Strategic Dialogue in Warsaw on February 2, 2023.
Held one year after the previous session in Washington and nearly a year since Russia began its brutal invasion of Ukraine, this year’s U.S.-Poland Strategic Dialogue took place against the backdrop of the greatest threat to European security since World War II. Russia’s aggression in Ukraine has had a profound impact on the Euro-Atlantic community and has triggered significant adverse effects on a global scale. By violating the fundamental principles of the rules-based international order, Russia has demonstrated it is not a reliable partner and must be held accountable. We remain committed to ensuring Russia’s aggression against Ukraine remains a strategic failure. Belarus, the DPRK, and Iran should cease their support for Russia and the People’s Republic of China should halt its amplification of the Kremlin’s false narratives.
The United States and Poland reiterate that Russia must withdraw from all territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. We expressed our intention to continue to work closely to support Ukraine’s right to defend itself against Russia’s war of aggression. We reaffirm our commitment to continue to provide Ukraine with necessary military assistance to defend itself, support humanitarian relief, and work together to rebuild Ukraine. We reiterate our commitment to continued joint efforts – including through mechanisms such as the G7+ – to address Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure needs.
The United States and Poland intend to continue to hold consultations on further restrictive measures against Russia and Belarus, bilaterally and within other formats, such as the G7+, and we remain committed to strengthening sanctions until Russia stops its war against Ukraine and withdraws its forces from Ukraine. To bolster the sanctions regime targeting Russia, we are committed to identifying and tracking the practices of sanctions circumvention through third countries’ jurisdictions. By imposing further restrictive measures and ensuring their relevant execution we should prove to Russia and other potential aggressors that starting a war is not only morally wrong, but also leads to very severe economic consequences.
The U.S.-Poland Strategic Dialogue focused on shared values and interests, reaffirming the strong, steady, and broad bilateral cooperation between the United States and Poland. The working groups of the Strategic Dialogue discussed regional and collective security; political military issues; energy security, including climate change and nuclear energy cooperation; economic prosperity; cooperation in the framework of the Three Seas Initiative; and strengthening democratic values and institutions in Europe and Eurasia.
The United States and Poland reiterate our unwavering commitment to defend every inch of NATO territory. Both sides look forward to the July 2023 NATO Vilnius Summit and reaffirming Allied unity in the wake of Russia’s brutal war in Ukraine.
Our economic and trade partnership is strong and resilient. The United States and Poland strive to improve supply chains in key sectors, to strengthen cooperation on energy and technology, and to increase bilateral and transatlantic trade. The two sides discussed expanding cooperation in the field of high technology, including construction of the 5G network based on the OpenRAN model, production of semiconductors, and development of hydrogen technologies, as well as opportunities for further engagement on national security investment screening to protect these sensitive emerging technologies from national security risks while maintaining an open investment environment. In view of the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape, the United States and Poland are steadily strengthening and extending cooperation in cybersecurity in various formats and fora, both bilateral and multilateral. We also discussed strengthening cooperation within the framework of the Three Seas Initiative, promoting the potential of the Central and Eastern European region as a supplier of proven and safe solutions.
Participants in the Dialogue discussed immediate energy security concerns and the imperative of the transition to clean and sustainable energy. The United States and Poland intend to continue to work together to further diversify Europe’s natural gas supplies and to more broadly reduce Europe’s dependence on Russian fossil fuels. We confirm our readiness to further develop our cooperation in civil nuclear field both in the construction of large nuclear power plants in Poland as well as in advancing small modular reactors technology.
The United States and Poland reiterated their deep commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights and the United Nations human rights system, especially in the context of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The sides affirmed their commitment to continuing to work together to improve the human rights situation in the world, prevent and end violations and abuses, and hold those responsible to account.
The two sides also exchanged views on the current situation in the Indo-Pacific and the mounting challenges the region faces, particularly those which undermine our interests, security, values, and the rules-based international order. In the face of those challenges, we reaffirmed our commitment to working with our partners in and beyond the region to realize our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific that is more connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient.
The 14th U.S.-Poland Strategic Dialogue was hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland and included interagency and inter-ministerial representatives from both governments. Polish Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Wojciech Gerwel, Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasian Affairs Karen Donfried, and U.S. Ambassador to Poland Mark Brzezinski jointly opened the Strategic Dialogue. The meeting featured representatives from the Polish Ministries of Foreign Affairs, National Defense, Energy and Climate, and Development and Technology, as well as the Chancellery of the President, the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, and the National Security Bureau. On the American side, representatives participated from the Departments of State, Defense, and Energy.
Both sides expressed a strong interest in deepening the bilateral strategic partnership in the year ahead and through future strategic dialogues. We plan to hold the next annual meeting in Washington in 2024.
End Text.
Statement by France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States on the IAEA’s Latest Report on Iran’s Nuclear Program
02/03/2023
Statement by France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States on the IAEA’s Latest Report on Iran’s Nuclear Program
02/03/2023 06:03 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The following joint statement was released by the Governments of the France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Begin Text:
We, the governments of France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States, take note of the report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that Iran has implemented a substantial change in the configuration of some of its centrifuges without informing the Agency in advance. These centrifuges produce high-enriched uranium up to 60 percent and are located at the Fordow Enrichment Plant.
As stated by the Agency, this unnotified change is inconsistent with Iran’s obligations under its NPT-required Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement. Such lack of required notifications undermines the Agency’s ability to maintain timely detection at Iran’s nuclear facilities. The newly reported change in configuration of centrifuge cascades used to produce near-weapons-grade uranium underscores the need for Iran to meet all its safeguards reporting obligations and to accept whatever safeguards monitoring the IAEA sees as necessary in light of Iran’s production of such highly enriched uranium.
Iranian claims that this action was carried out in error are inadequate. We judge Iran’s actions based on the impartial and objective reports of the IAEA, not Iran’s purported intent.
We recall that the production of high-enriched uranium by Iran at the Fordow Enrichment Plant carries significant proliferation-related risks and is without any credible civilian justification.
Iran’s actions are all the more concerning since it has stopped the implementation of its commitments on transparency and verification under the JCPOA, including implementation of its Additional Protocol, for close to two years. Iran has also offered no credible answer yet to the IAEA’s outstanding questions as part of the IAEA’s safeguards investigation, despite the adoption of two resolutions on this issue by the Board of Governors last year.
We call on Iran to comply with all its legally-binding international obligations under its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA and to fully cooperate with the Agency in the application of effective safeguards at Fordow.
End Text.
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Poland’s National Security Advisors
02/04/2023
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Poland’s National Security Advisors
02/04/2023 09:13 AM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met with Poland’s national security advisors – Marcin Przydacz, Head of the International Policy Bureau, and Jacek Siewiera, Head of the National Security Bureau – today in Washington. They highlighted the two countries’ deep and strong partnership, and Poland’s steadfast leadership welcoming and hosting millions of refugees, supporting Ukraine, and standing up for our common values in the face of Russia’s unprovoked aggression.
Deputy Secretary Sherman and the national security advisors discussed vital assistance for Ukraine and the need to hold Russia accountable for its brutal war. They also addressed other issues of mutual concern and opportunities for continued bilateral and multilateral cooperation, building on the U.S.-Poland Strategic Dialogue held yesterday in Warsaw.
|
