U.S. Response to Iran’s Attack on Israel
04/14/2024
U.S. Response to Iran’s Attack on Israel
04/14/2024 12:30 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
The United States condemns Iran’s attack on Israel in the strongest terms. While we do not seek escalation, we will continue to support Israel’s defense, and as the President made clear, we will defend U.S. personnel. I will be consulting with allies and partners in the region and around the world in the hours and days ahead.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud
04/14/2024
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud
04/14/2024 06:18 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. Secretary Blinken and the Foreign Minister discussed last night’s unprecedented air attack against Israel by Iran. The Secretary reiterated that while the United States does not seek escalation, we will continue to support Israel’s defense. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister agreed on the importance of a coordinated diplomatic response. The two agreed to stay in close touch on those efforts.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan
04/14/2024
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan
04/14/2024 06:30 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan regarding yesterday’s blatant and unprecedented attack by Iran and its proxies on Israel. Secretary Blinken thanked Foreign Minister Fidan for his ongoing engagement to prevent further escalation in the region. The Secretary reaffirmed America’s ironclad commitment to the security of Israel and highlighted that we remain vigilant to all threats and will not hesitate to take all necessary action to protect our people.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Shoukry
04/14/2024
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Shoukry
04/14/2024 06:26 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister discussed the unprecedented air attack on Israel by Iran. Secretary Blinken and the Foreign Minister underscored the importance of avoiding escalation and coordinating on a diplomatic response. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Shoukry also discussed the importance of ongoing efforts to increase humanitarian assistance to Gaza, protect Palestinian civilians, and achieve an immediate ceasefire that secures the release of all hostages.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Jordanian Foreign Minister Safad
04/14/2024
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Jordanian Foreign Minister Safad
04/14/2024 06:22 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi today to discuss Iran’s unprecedented air attack on Israel and the need to avoid further escalation in the region. They also reaffirmed the importance of diplomatic efforts to achieve an enduring end to the crisis in Gaza that provides lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike. Secretary Blinken thanked Jordan for its leadership in providing life-saving humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians, including through joint U.S.-Jordan airdrops and overland deliveries.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan
04/14/2024
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan
04/14/2024 06:30 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan regarding yesterday’s blatant and unprecedented attack by Iran and its proxies on Israel. Secretary Blinken thanked Foreign Minister Fidan for his ongoing engagement to prevent further escalation in the region. The Secretary reaffirmed America’s ironclad commitment to the security of Israel and highlighted that we remain vigilant to all threats and will not hesitate to take all necessary action to protect our people.
United States Special Representative for Racial Equity and Justice Cormier Smith Visits Switzerland and New York
04/14/2024
United States Special Representative for Racial Equity and Justice Cormier Smith Visits Switzerland and New York
04/14/2024 07:10 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
U.S. Special Representative for Racial Equity and Justice Desirée Cormier Smith will travel to Geneva and New York City April 15-23.
In Geneva, the Special Representative and Ambassador Michèle Taylor will represent the United States as heads of delegation at the third meeting of the UN Permanent Forum for People on African Descent. There the Special Representative will deliver remarks at the opening session, meet with civil society leaders from the United States and around the world, and host a side event on the importance of racial equality in education.
In New York, the Special Representative will represent the United States at the annual UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues to highlight the importance of elevating the voices of Indigenous youth leaders in policy discussions on environmental issues, climate change, Traditional Knowledge, and human rights.
To learn more about Special Representative Cormier Smith’s mandate and work, follow @US_SRREJ on Twitter.
For media inquiries, please contact DRL-Press@state.gov.
United States Special Representative for Racial Equity and Justice Cormier Smith Visits Switzerland and New York
04/14/2024
United States Special Representative for Racial Equity and Justice Cormier Smith Visits Switzerland and New York
04/14/2024 07:10 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
U.S. Special Representative for Racial Equity and Justice Desirée Cormier Smith will travel to Geneva and New York City April 15-23.
In Geneva, the Special Representative and Ambassador Michèle Taylor will represent the United States as heads of delegation at the third meeting of the UN Permanent Forum for People on African Descent. There the Special Representative will deliver remarks at the opening session, meet with civil society leaders from the United States and around the world, and host a side event on the importance of racial equality in education.
In New York, the Special Representative will represent the United States at the annual UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues to highlight the importance of elevating the voices of Indigenous youth leaders in policy discussions on environmental issues, climate change, Traditional Knowledge, and human rights.
To learn more about Special Representative Cormier Smith’s mandate and work, follow @US_SRREJ on Twitter.
For media inquiries, please contact DRL-Press@state.gov.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with UK Foreign Secretary Cameron and German Foreign Minister Baerbock
04/14/2024
Secretary Blinken’s Call with UK Foreign Secretary Cameron and German Foreign Minister Baerbock
04/14/2024 09:01 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock regarding yesterday’s blatant and unprecedented attack by Iran and its proxies on Israel. They agreed on the importance of condemning these attacks in the strongest possible terms and preventing further escalation in the region. The Secretary reaffirmed America’s unequivocal ironclad commitment to the security of Israel, highlighting that we will remain vigilant to all threats and will not hesitate to take all necessary action to protect our people.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with UK Foreign Secretary Cameron and German Foreign Minister Baerbock
04/14/2024
Secretary Blinken’s Call with UK Foreign Secretary Cameron and German Foreign Minister Baerbock
04/14/2024 09:01 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock regarding yesterday’s blatant and unprecedented attack by Iran and its proxies on Israel. They agreed on the importance of condemning these attacks in the strongest possible terms and preventing further escalation in the region. The Secretary reaffirmed America’s unequivocal ironclad commitment to the security of Israel, highlighting that we will remain vigilant to all threats and will not hesitate to take all necessary action to protect our people.
Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink’s Meetings in Beijing, the People’s Republic of China (PRC)
04/15/2024
Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink’s Meetings in Beijing, the People’s Republic of China (PRC)
04/15/2024 11:33 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink and National Security Council Senior Director for China and Taiwan Affairs Sarah Beran held meetings with PRC officials in Beijing April 14-16.
Together with U.S. Ambassador to the PRC Nicholas Burns, the Assistant Secretary and Senior Director met with Ministry of Foreign Affairs Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu and Director General of the North American and Oceanian Affairs Department Yang Tao. The two sides had in-depth, candid and constructive discussions as part of ongoing efforts to maintain open channels of communication and responsibly manage competition. The visit builds on recent high-level diplomacy with the PRC to manage areas of difference as well as areas of cooperation, while reducing the risk of miscalculation. The two sides discussed a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues, including the Middle East, PRC support for Russia’s defense industrial base, cross-Strait issues, the South China Sea, and the DPRK. The United States emphasized its commitment to advancing its interests and values and those of its allies and partners.
Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink and Senior Director Beran also met with Taiwan Affairs Office Deputy Director Qiu Kaiming to discuss cross-Strait issues. The Assistant Secretary and Senior Director underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and reiterated there has been no change to the U.S. one China policy, which is guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the three Joint Communiques, and the Six Assurances.
The two also met with members of the U.S. Embassy community.
Tags
Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs China Office of the Spokesperson Official International Travel
West Bank Violence
04/15/2024
West Bank Violence
04/15/2024 12:13 PM EDT
Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson
We strongly condemn the murder of 14-year-old Israeli Binyamin Achimair and extend our sympathies to his family and friends.
We are also increasingly concerned by the violence against Palestinian civilians and their property that ensued in the West Bank after Achimair’s disappearance, resulting in dozens of injuries, property damage, and the killing of two Palestinians, 25-year-old Jihad Abu Aliya and 17-year-old Omar Ahmad Abdulghani Hamed. We strongly condemn these murders, and our thoughts are with their loved ones.
The violence must stop. Civilians are never legitimate targets. We call on the authorities to take measures to protect all communities from harm, and we urge Israel and the Palestinian Authority to do everything possible to de-escalate tensions.
Tags
Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Israel Office of the Spokesperson Palestinian Territories
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ali Tamim Co-chair a U.S.-Iraq Higher Coordinating Committee Meeting
04/15/2024
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ali Tamim Co-chair a U.S.-Iraq Higher Coordinating Committee Meeting
04/15/2024 12:08 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ali Tamim
Washington, D.C.
Harry S. Truman Building
MODERATOR: Hi. Good morning, everyone. Welcome to the 8th U.S.-Iraq Higher Coordinating Committee session. It’s my honor to introduce Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you. Well, good morning, everyone, and so good to see you all here today. Before getting to the HCC, let me just comment briefly on the events of the last few days. Over the weekend, as you know, Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones against Israel. This was an attack unprecedented in its scope and in its scale – in its scope because it represented the first direct attack by Iran on Israel; and in its scale because, as I said, there were more than 300 munitions fired, including ballistic missiles as well as land attack cruise missiles and drones. Thanks to Israeli air defenses as well as support from other countries, including U.S. military assets, virtually all of the incoming projectiles were destroyed and shot down.
As President Biden underscored to Prime Minister Netanyahu, the U.S. is committed – committed to Israel’s defense. And I think what this weekend demonstrated is that Israel did not have to and does not have to defend itself alone when it is the victim of an aggression, the victim of an attack. In the 36 hours since, we have been coordinating a diplomatic response to seek to prevent escalation. Strength and wisdom need to be the same sides – the – different sides of the same coin. I’ve been in close communication with counterparts in the region, and we will continue to do so in the hours and days ahead. We don’t seek escalation, but we’ll continue to support the defense of Israel and to protect our personnel in the region.
Now, for today, let me say how pleased we are to welcome our Iraqi colleagues here to Washington, and I’m particularly glad to have the deputy prime minister here with us this morning to kick off what is the second U.S.-Iraq Higher Coordination Committee with the Sudani government. We just had an excellent meeting with Prime Minister Sudani. I’m grateful to him for receiving us this morning, and of course we look forward to meeting shortly between the prime minister and the President. But I think everything we’re seeing today highlights the importance, the value we attach to the relationship between the United States and Iraq – a partnership that’s genuinely 360 degrees in everything that it covers in bringing us together. The prime minister’s visit to Houston and to Detroit is another indication of the breadth and depth of the relationship, not only between our countries but also between our people.
Through the HCC and the meetings today, we are working to strengthen and expand that 360-degree partnership. We’re focusing on a half a dozen issues, including energy security, democracy, the rule of law, climate, and water. The American private sector remains very interested in engaging and investing, in lending its expertise to Iraq, especially when it comes to energy. Through these efforts, we look forward to helping advance the prime minister’s affirmative agenda and seeing Iraq succeed. So this HCC carries forward the vision of a long-term relationship of cooperation and friendship that was laid out in the 2008 Strategic Framework Agreement. Our mission today, our goal today, is to make concrete progress on that vision, to continue to transform it into reality, and a reality that benefits people in Iraq, benefits people in the United States, benefits people in the region.
And with that, it’s a great pleasure to welcome Minister Tamim and to have you here today. Mr. Minister.
DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER TAMIM: (Via interpreter) In the name of God, the most merciful, the most gracious, ladies and gentleman, peace be upon you, all of you. Your Excellency, Secretary Tony Blinken, the Secretary of the United States Department of States, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to express my gratitude and thanks for the warm reception. And I hope today will achieve results that will be in the interest of both nations. Excellency Blinken, the higher coordinated committing – committee that is – ensuing meetings and these – on the side sessions that will contribute in transforming our relationship, strategic relationship, to a different phase that will activate the Strategic Framework Agreement, that will align with the services government led by our Prime Minister Sudani, where we are intending to reform financial and political policies, and to go towards to energy independence, conduct partnerships with the regional countries and the world.
Your Excellency, Secretary, the Middle East today is living exceptional circumstances that has repercussions on our nations, and we hope escalations and tensions in the area will end. The Government of Iraq is warning about escalation and the area to be dragged into a wider war that will threaten international security and safety. And therefore, we call on all parties for self-restraint and to respect the rules of diplomatic works and also international laws. And we seek that these sessions, it will be the beginning of putting the foundations to work effectively through this higher committee so that we’ll – we’ll continue our ongoing bilateral relations and meetings. And we’re going to focus on energy, investment, education, climate change, health, transportation, and water, and also to strengthen democracy and human rights protections.
And this is the new launching of a new phase to implement the articles of the Strategic Framework Agreement. The Government of Iraq is working to – for the prosperity of the Iraqi people, at the same time to pay the debts of the Iraqi nation, and especially when it comes to the different phases of the energy sector and use new technologies and modernization of our energy sector to reduce also pollution. The Iraqi Government is widening its partnership and conducting agreements so that we’ll be able to, for example, use technologies to capture flaring gas, to create and achieve independence in energy, and also to invest in other sources of energy, including renewables and solar energy.
The Iraqi Government is – also seek – government seeking to diversify its economy through activating the domestic industry and the governmental enterprises to adopt a profitable model to make the Iraqi economy open to the international markets by inviting tourism, agriculture, and also creating industrial hubs and zones that will really push Iraq to a prosperous economical horizons, with a partnership with United States and the European Union and other friendly countries to incentivize our economy and to adopt a new economy that is dependent on free market and investing in major industrial projects.
To conclude, all I can say is to reaffirm our recognition and appreciation for the joint and mutual efforts to take our relationship to a different phase and a different page of partnership between the two friendly nations. Thank you, Secretary Blinken and everyone here present. Thank you and peace be upon you all.
MODERATOR: And thank you, Mr. Secretary and Mr. Minister, for your remarks. If I could please ask the delegations to stay seated while they depart and invite our press colleagues also to depart the room. Thank you to our press colleagues.
Tags
Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Iraq Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ali Tamim Co-chair a U.S.-Iraq Higher Coordinating Committee Meeting
04/15/2024
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ali Tamim Co-chair a U.S.-Iraq Higher Coordinating Committee Meeting
04/15/2024 12:08 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ali Tamim
Washington, D.C.
Harry S. Truman Building
MODERATOR: Hi. Good morning, everyone. Welcome to the 8th U.S.-Iraq Higher Coordinating Committee session. It’s my honor to introduce Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you. Well, good morning, everyone, and so good to see you all here today. Before getting to the HCC, let me just comment briefly on the events of the last few days. Over the weekend, as you know, Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones against Israel. This was an attack unprecedented in its scope and in its scale – in its scope because it represented the first direct attack by Iran on Israel; and in its scale because, as I said, there were more than 300 munitions fired, including ballistic missiles as well as land attack cruise missiles and drones. Thanks to Israeli air defenses as well as support from other countries, including U.S. military assets, virtually all of the incoming projectiles were destroyed and shot down.
As President Biden underscored to Prime Minister Netanyahu, the U.S. is committed – committed to Israel’s defense. And I think what this weekend demonstrated is that Israel did not have to and does not have to defend itself alone when it is the victim of an aggression, the victim of an attack. In the 36 hours since, we have been coordinating a diplomatic response to seek to prevent escalation. Strength and wisdom need to be the same sides – the – different sides of the same coin. I’ve been in close communication with counterparts in the region, and we will continue to do so in the hours and days ahead. We don’t seek escalation, but we’ll continue to support the defense of Israel and to protect our personnel in the region.
Now, for today, let me say how pleased we are to welcome our Iraqi colleagues here to Washington, and I’m particularly glad to have the deputy prime minister here with us this morning to kick off what is the second U.S.-Iraq Higher Coordination Committee with the Sudani government. We just had an excellent meeting with Prime Minister Sudani. I’m grateful to him for receiving us this morning, and of course we look forward to meeting shortly between the prime minister and the President. But I think everything we’re seeing today highlights the importance, the value we attach to the relationship between the United States and Iraq – a partnership that’s genuinely 360 degrees in everything that it covers in bringing us together. The prime minister’s visit to Houston and to Detroit is another indication of the breadth and depth of the relationship, not only between our countries but also between our people.
Through the HCC and the meetings today, we are working to strengthen and expand that 360-degree partnership. We’re focusing on a half a dozen issues, including energy security, democracy, the rule of law, climate, and water. The American private sector remains very interested in engaging and investing, in lending its expertise to Iraq, especially when it comes to energy. Through these efforts, we look forward to helping advance the prime minister’s affirmative agenda and seeing Iraq succeed. So this HCC carries forward the vision of a long-term relationship of cooperation and friendship that was laid out in the 2008 Strategic Framework Agreement. Our mission today, our goal today, is to make concrete progress on that vision, to continue to transform it into reality, and a reality that benefits people in Iraq, benefits people in the United States, benefits people in the region.
And with that, it’s a great pleasure to welcome Minister Tamim and to have you here today. Mr. Minister.
DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER TAMIM: (Via interpreter) In the name of God, the most merciful, the most gracious, ladies and gentleman, peace be upon you, all of you. Your Excellency, Secretary Tony Blinken, the Secretary of the United States Department of States, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to express my gratitude and thanks for the warm reception. And I hope today will achieve results that will be in the interest of both nations. Excellency Blinken, the higher coordinated committing – committee that is – ensuing meetings and these – on the side sessions that will contribute in transforming our relationship, strategic relationship, to a different phase that will activate the Strategic Framework Agreement, that will align with the services government led by our Prime Minister Sudani, where we are intending to reform financial and political policies, and to go towards to energy independence, conduct partnerships with the regional countries and the world.
Your Excellency, Secretary, the Middle East today is living exceptional circumstances that has repercussions on our nations, and we hope escalations and tensions in the area will end. The Government of Iraq is warning about escalation and the area to be dragged into a wider war that will threaten international security and safety. And therefore, we call on all parties for self-restraint and to respect the rules of diplomatic works and also international laws. And we seek that these sessions, it will be the beginning of putting the foundations to work effectively through this higher committee so that we’ll – we’ll continue our ongoing bilateral relations and meetings. And we’re going to focus on energy, investment, education, climate change, health, transportation, and water, and also to strengthen democracy and human rights protections.
And this is the new launching of a new phase to implement the articles of the Strategic Framework Agreement. The Government of Iraq is working to – for the prosperity of the Iraqi people, at the same time to pay the debts of the Iraqi nation, and especially when it comes to the different phases of the energy sector and use new technologies and modernization of our energy sector to reduce also pollution. The Iraqi Government is widening its partnership and conducting agreements so that we’ll be able to, for example, use technologies to capture flaring gas, to create and achieve independence in energy, and also to invest in other sources of energy, including renewables and solar energy.
The Iraqi Government is – also seek – government seeking to diversify its economy through activating the domestic industry and the governmental enterprises to adopt a profitable model to make the Iraqi economy open to the international markets by inviting tourism, agriculture, and also creating industrial hubs and zones that will really push Iraq to a prosperous economical horizons, with a partnership with United States and the European Union and other friendly countries to incentivize our economy and to adopt a new economy that is dependent on free market and investing in major industrial projects.
To conclude, all I can say is to reaffirm our recognition and appreciation for the joint and mutual efforts to take our relationship to a different phase and a different page of partnership between the two friendly nations. Thank you, Secretary Blinken and everyone here present. Thank you and peace be upon you all.
MODERATOR: And thank you, Mr. Secretary and Mr. Minister, for your remarks. If I could please ask the delegations to stay seated while they depart and invite our press colleagues also to depart the room. Thank you to our press colleagues.
Tags
Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Iraq Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State
Submission to Congress of the “Report on Adherence to and Compliance with Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and Disarmament Agreements and Commitments” (Compliance Report)
04/15/2024
Submission to Congress of the “Report on Adherence to and Compliance with Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and Disarmament Agreements and Commitments” (Compliance Report)
04/15/2024 02:10 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The Department of State delivered the 2024 Report on Adherence to and Compliance with Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and Disarmament Agreements and Commitments, also known as the Compliance Report, to Congress.
The annual Compliance Report provides detailed assessments of the United States’ and other nations’ compliance and adherence to all arms control, disarmament, and nonproliferation agreements and commitments to which the United States is a party or participating state. This includes agreements and commitments related to nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, as well as conventional weapons.
The unclassified Report is available at: https://www.state.gov/adherence-to-and-compliance-with-arms-control-nonproliferation-and-disarmament-agreements-and-commitments/.
Tags
Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability Office of the Spokesperson
Designating Belarusian Networks
04/15/2024
Designating Belarusian Networks
04/15/2024 02:44 PM EDT
Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson
The United States is today designating one entity and five individuals for facilitating sanctions evasion for a major Belarusian defense enterprise; six revenue generating state-owned enterprises; and five entities and five individuals involved in a global arms network connected to a U.S.-designated Belarusian defense firm.
Today’s action builds on sanctions imposed by the United States in response to the fraudulent August 2020 election and for President Alyaksandr Lukashenka’s support for Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine. We will continue to work with our partners and allies to expose sanctions evasion, halt illicit arms trafficking worldwide, and impose costs on those who support Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine and profiteering from it.
The Department of the Treasury designations were taken pursuant to Executive Order 14038, “Blocking Property of Additional Persons Contributing to the Situation in Belarus.” For more information on today’s action, see Treasury’s press release.
Tags
Belarus Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Division for Counter Threat Finance and Sanctions Office of the Spokesperson Sanctions
Designating Belarusian Networks
04/15/2024
Designating Belarusian Networks
04/15/2024 02:44 PM EDT
Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson
The United States is today designating one entity and five individuals for facilitating sanctions evasion for a major Belarusian defense enterprise; six revenue generating state-owned enterprises; and five entities and five individuals involved in a global arms network connected to a U.S.-designated Belarusian defense firm.
Today’s action builds on sanctions imposed by the United States in response to the fraudulent August 2020 election and for President Alyaksandr Lukashenka’s support for Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine. We will continue to work with our partners and allies to expose sanctions evasion, halt illicit arms trafficking worldwide, and impose costs on those who support Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine and profiteering from it.
The Department of the Treasury designations were taken pursuant to Executive Order 14038, “Blocking Property of Additional Persons Contributing to the Situation in Belarus.” For more information on today’s action, see Treasury’s press release.
Tags
Belarus Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Division for Counter Threat Finance and Sanctions Office of the Spokesperson Sanctions
Secretary Antony J. Blinken’s Video Message on One Year of Conflict in Sudan
04/15/2024
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Secretary Antony J. Blinken’s Video Message on One Year of Conflict in Sudan
04/15/2024 03:01 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
SECRETARY BLINKEN: On April 15th, 2024, we will mark one year since the onset of conflict in Sudan. The fighting has displaced more than eight and a half billion people. Eighteen million children, women, and men in Sudan face acute food insecurity, with the UN warning that the country is on the brink of famine. Humanitarian organizations estimate that without a significant influx of aid, 220,000 children could die from malnutrition in the coming months.
And yet, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are routinely blocking the delivery of humanitarian assistance that could save lives and alleviate suffering, and looting the aid that does make it into Sudan. And both the SAF and RSF have carried out war crimes including rapes, torture, extrajudicial killings, and other human rights abuses, deepening the suffering of Sudanese families, driving more people from their homes. Those atrocities continue, fueled by outside powers who provide weapons and fan the flames of violence.
Today, I want to speak directly to the Sudanese people about what the United States is doing to help alleviate the suffering of civilians, to end the war, to put the future of Sudan back into the hands of its citizens.
We will continue to provide robust humanitarian aid to help your families and communities. Last year, the United States was the largest provider of assistance to Sudan, and we’ll announce more support in the coming days. With the UN emergency appeal for Sudan only 5 percent funded, we know America can’t do it alone. So we’re pressing on other donor countries to do much more. We’ll coordinate greater international pressure on the warring parties to grant unobstructed humanitarian access to you, and people across Sudan, as the UN Security Council has demanded.
We’ll enhance efforts to hold accountable the perpetrators of war crimes and other atrocities in the RSF and the SAF, including through strengthening sanctions the United States has placed on the individuals, institutions, and other entities responsible for abuses and for fueling the conflict.
Finally, we’ll keep working with key partners, particularly Africans and regional countries, to press the warring parties to lay down their arms and resume peace talks, because more fighting cannot, and will not, end this conflict.
The world has not forgotten the inspiring transformation that the people of Sudan were leading before the fighting broke out – a transition to peace, to democracy, to justice. We know that the overwhelming majority of you want to return to that transition and complete it, as is your right. We’ll work tirelessly with you, with all our partners, until Sudan is finally led by, and accountable to, the civilians of your great nation.
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million
Secretary Antony J. Blinken’s Video Message on One Year of Conflict in Sudan
04/15/2024
Secretary Antony J. Blinken’s Video Message on One Year of Conflict in Sudan
04/15/2024 03:01 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
SECRETARY BLINKEN: On April 15th, 2024, we will mark one year since the onset of conflict in Sudan. The fighting has displaced more than eight and a half billion people. Eighteen million children, women, and men in Sudan face acute food insecurity, with the UN warning that the country is on the brink of famine. Humanitarian organizations estimate that without a significant influx of aid, 220,000 children could die from malnutrition in the coming months.
And yet, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are routinely blocking the delivery of humanitarian assistance that could save lives and alleviate suffering, and looting the aid that does make it into Sudan. And both the SAF and RSF have carried out war crimes including rapes, torture, extrajudicial killings, and other human rights abuses, deepening the suffering of Sudanese families, driving more people from their homes. Those atrocities continue, fueled by outside powers who provide weapons and fan the flames of violence.
Today, I want to speak directly to the Sudanese people about what the United States is doing to help alleviate the suffering of civilians, to end the war, to put the future of Sudan back into the hands of its citizens.
We will continue to provide robust humanitarian aid to help your families and communities. Last year, the United States was the largest provider of assistance to Sudan, and we’ll announce more support in the coming days. With the UN emergency appeal for Sudan only 5 percent funded, we know America can’t do it alone. So we’re pressing on other donor countries to do much more. We’ll coordinate greater international pressure on the warring parties to grant unobstructed humanitarian access to you, and people across Sudan, as the UN Security Council has demanded.
We’ll enhance efforts to hold accountable the perpetrators of war crimes and other atrocities in the RSF and the SAF, including through strengthening sanctions the United States has placed on the individuals, institutions, and other entities responsible for abuses and for fueling the conflict.
Finally, we’ll keep working with key partners, particularly Africans and regional countries, to press the warring parties to lay down their arms and resume peace talks, because more fighting cannot, and will not, end this conflict.
The world has not forgotten the inspiring transformation that the people of Sudan were leading before the fighting broke out – a transition to peace, to democracy, to justice. We know that the overwhelming majority of you want to return to that transition and complete it, as is your right. We’ll work tirelessly with you, with all our partners, until Sudan is finally led by, and accountable to, the civilians of your great nation.
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Secretary Blinken Welcomes Japan’s Prime Minister During Official Visit
04/15/2024
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The Week at State | April 8-14
In “The Week at State,” President Biden welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio during an official visit, met with Japanese and Philippine officials during a trilateral summit, and Secretary Blinken spoke at the Department’s Minority Serving Institutions Conference.
Welcoming Japan’s Prime Minister
During the Japanese Prime Minister’s official visit, he joined Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary Blinken for a state luncheon.
The U.S. first hosted a delegation from Japan in 1860.
“From the time of that inaugural diplomatic mission, generations of Americans and Japanese had their horizons expanded by the exchange between our countries,” Secretary Blinken said during the luncheon.
The two nations bolstered cooperation on security and renewable energy, as well as artificial intelligence and other technologies shaping the 21st century.
Masako Morishita, executive chef at a popular restaurant in Washington, served as the luncheon’s guest chef. The James Beard Award-nominated chef is also a member of the State Department's relaunched American Culinary Corps.
...(read more part 2)
