U.S.Department of State,update

 

Assistant Secretary Pyatt’s Travel to Greece and Türkiye 10/07/2024 Assistant Secretary Pyatt’s Travel to Greece and Türkiye 10/07/2024 11:16 AM EDT Office of the Spokesperson HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Assistant Secretary Pyatt’s Travel to Greece and Türkiye hide Assistant Secretary Pyatt’s Travel to Greece and Türkiye Media Note October 7, 2024 Assistant Secretary for Energy Resources Geoffrey R. Pyatt will travel to Athens, Greece and Istanbul, Türkiye October 8-10, 2024, for ministerial and private sector meetings on regional energy transitions and energy security priorities. In Athens, Assistant Secretary Pyatt will discuss advancing U.S.-Greece energy cooperation with senior Greek officials including from the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Energy, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He will also join the leadership teams of energy companies to discuss opportunities in clean energy deployment and improving regional connectivity. Assistant Secretary Pyatt will also deliver remarks at an EU-hosted workshop intended to diversify natural gas supply in Southeastern and Central Europe and advance our shared goal of full decoupling from Russian energy by 2027. In Istanbul, from October 9-10, Assistant Secretary Pyatt will join government officials and private sector leaders from Türkiye, as well as officials from Albania, North Macedonia, and Romania, at the Atlantic Council’s Regional Clean and Secure Energy Conference.  The delegates will discuss advancing clean energy development and collective efforts to grow the region’s leadership in energy security.  He will also continue our work to build support for Ukraine’s energy resilience this winter. For further media information, please contact ENR-PD-Clearances@state.gov. Tags Bureau of Energy Resources Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Energy Greece Office of the Spokesperson Official International Travel Turkey Assistant Secretary Pyatt’s Travel to Greece and Türkiye 10/07/2024 Assistant Secretary Pyatt’s Travel to Greece and Türkiye 10/07/2024 11:16 AM EDT Office of the Spokesperson HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Assistant Secretary Pyatt’s Travel to Greece and Türkiye hide Assistant Secretary Pyatt’s Travel to Greece and Türkiye Media Note October 7, 2024 Assistant Secretary for Energy Resources Geoffrey R. Pyatt will travel to Athens, Greece and Istanbul, Türkiye October 8-10, 2024, for ministerial and private sector meetings on regional energy transitions and energy security priorities. In Athens, Assistant Secretary Pyatt will discuss advancing U.S.-Greece energy cooperation with senior Greek officials including from the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Energy, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He will also join the leadership teams of energy companies to discuss opportunities in clean energy deployment and improving regional connectivity. Assistant Secretary Pyatt will also deliver remarks at an EU-hosted workshop intended to diversify natural gas supply in Southeastern and Central Europe and advance our shared goal of full decoupling from Russian energy by 2027. In Istanbul, from October 9-10, Assistant Secretary Pyatt will join government officials and private sector leaders from Türkiye, as well as officials from Albania, North Macedonia, and Romania, at the Atlantic Council’s Regional Clean and Secure Energy Conference.  The delegates will discuss advancing clean energy development and collective efforts to grow the region’s leadership in energy security.  He will also continue our work to build support for Ukraine’s energy resilience this winter. For further media information, please contact ENR-PD-Clearances@state.gov. Tags Bureau of Energy Resources Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Energy Greece Office of the Spokesperson Official International Travel Turkey Assistant Secretary Witkowsky’s Travel to Germany and Ghana 10/07/2024 Assistant Secretary Witkowsky’s Travel to Germany and Ghana 10/07/2024 06:09 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Assistant Secretary Witkowsky’s Travel to Germany and Ghana hide Assistant Secretary Witkowsky’s Travel to Germany and Ghana Media Note October 7, 2024 In Berlin, Assistant Secretary Witkowsky will lead an interagency delegation to the second U.S.–Germany Conflict Prevention and Stabilization Dialogue hosted by Germany’s Director-General for Crisis Prevention, Stabilization, Peacebuilding, and Humanitarian Assistance. During this dialogue they will discuss areas of shared interest and cooperation, including activities under the U.S Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability.  The Assistant Secretary will also take part in the third plenary of the Berlin Climate Security Conference, where she will underscore the growing intersection of conflict prevention and climate-related efforts, advocating for integrated approaches as outlined in the newly released U.S. Framework for Climate Resilience and Security. Also, while in Berlin, she will participate in a joint roundtable with Director-General Potzel co-hosted by U.S. Embassy Berlin and the German Council on Foreign Relations focused on women, peace, and security. Assistant Secretary Witkowsky and Director-General Potzel will then lead a U.S.-German interagency delegation to Ghana to advance ongoing cooperative efforts to promote stability in Coastal West Africa. The delegation will travel to northern Ghana to launch the Coastal States Stability Mechanism (CSSM), co-developed by USAID and Germany, and will discuss CSSM initiatives to expand and improve government delivery of critical services and support efforts to promote social and economic resilience in the face of instability and conflict. They will meet with local government officials, traditional leaders, and civil society representatives to discuss further collaboration on enhancing security, preventing conflict, and promoting long-term stability in northern Ghana. In Accra, the delegation will meet with Ghanaian officials to discuss shared priorities for countering violent extremism and enhancing cooperation through the Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability. For more information, follow @StateCSO on X or contact CSO at CSOPublicAffairs1@state.gov. Tags Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations Conflict Prevention Germany Ghana Office of the Spokesperson Official International Travel Security Women's Issues Ambassador Fick’s Travel to Italy and Belgium 10/09/2024 Ambassador Fick’s Travel to Italy and Belgium 10/09/2024 08:14 AM EDT Office of the Spokesperson U.S. Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy Nathaniel C. Fick will travel to Italy and Belgium from October 9-15.  From October 11 to 13, he will be in Rome for the G7 Ministerial Meeting on Industry and Technological Innovation.  Ambassador Fick will participate in discussions on strengthening digital development, implementing solutions for resilient critical supply chains like semiconductors, and fostering adoption of AI and emerging technologies. On October 13-14, he will be in Brussels, Belgium, to meet with European Union and NATO counterparts to further cyber and digital policy cooperation.  From Brussels, Ambassador Fick will return to Italy through October 15 for the G7 Digital and Technology Ministerial Meeting in Como-Cernobbio.  Ministers will discuss digital government, digital identity, and AI in the public sector, as well as the Hiroshima Process International Code of Conduct for Organizations Developing Advanced AI Systems. Work conducted under the G7 Digital and Technology track is key to advancing the U.S. approach to digital policy and to promoting an innovative digital economy and the safe, secure, and trustworthy use of AI and related emerging technologies. For further information, please contact CDP-Press@state.gov. Under Secretary Fernandez’s Travel to Serbia 10/09/2024 Under Secretary Fernandez’s Travel to Serbia 10/09/2024 03:24 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Under Secretary Fernandez’s Travel to Serbia hide Under Secretary Fernandez’s Travel to Serbia Media Note October 9, 2024 Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez will travel to Serbia from October 9-11 to advance our cooperation through the Minerals Security Partnership Forum on developing diverse and sustainable critical minerals supply chains. He will also promote trade and economic opportunities with the United States. In Belgrade, Under Secretary Fernandez will meet with President Aleksandar Vučić and officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Energy, Finance, and Telecommunications as well as representatives from the Serbian and U.S. private sectors, including leading critical minerals and energy companies. His visit will further develop our strong, mutually beneficial relationship that is based on shared values and goals and will reaffirm U.S. support for strengthening economic, critical minerals, and energy cooperation in Serbia and throughout Europe. To stay up to date, follow Under Secretary Fernandez on X: @State_E, LinkedIn: @State-E, and Facebook: @StateDeptE. For further media information and opportunities to join events that are open to press or scheduled roundtable interviews, please contact E_Communications@state.gov. Tags Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Minerals Office of the Spokesperson Official International Travel Serbia Supply Chains Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Under Secretary Fernandez’s Travel to Serbia 10/09/2024 Under Secretary Fernandez’s Travel to Serbia 10/09/2024 03:24 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Under Secretary Fernandez’s Travel to Serbia hide Under Secretary Fernandez’s Travel to Serbia Media Note October 9, 2024 Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez will travel to Serbia from October 9-11 to advance our cooperation through the Minerals Security Partnership Forum on developing diverse and sustainable critical minerals supply chains. He will also promote trade and economic opportunities with the United States. In Belgrade, Under Secretary Fernandez will meet with President Aleksandar Vučić and officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Energy, Finance, and Telecommunications as well as representatives from the Serbian and U.S. private sectors, including leading critical minerals and energy companies. His visit will further develop our strong, mutually beneficial relationship that is based on shared values and goals and will reaffirm U.S. support for strengthening economic, critical minerals, and energy cooperation in Serbia and throughout Europe. To stay up to date, follow Under Secretary Fernandez on X: @State_E, LinkedIn: @State-E, and Facebook: @StateDeptE. For further media information and opportunities to join events that are open to press or scheduled roundtable interviews, please contact E_Communications@state.gov. Tags Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Minerals Office of the Spokesperson Official International Travel Serbia Supply Chains Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Digital Press Briefing: The Future Role of The United States PEPFAR in Africa 10/10/2024 Digital Press Briefing: The Future Role of The United States PEPFAR in Africa 10/10/2024 02:49 PM EDT Dr. John N. Nkengasong, U.S. GLOBAL AIDS COORDINATOR AND SENIOR BUREAU OFFICIAL FOR GLOBAL HEALTH SECURITY AND DIPLOMACYBureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy   MODERATOR:  Good afternoon to everyone joining us from across the continent.  We are hosting today the U.S. Department of State’s Global AIDS Coordinator and Senior Bureau Official for Global Health Security and Diplomacy, Ambassador John N. Nkengasong.  Ambassador Nkengasong will discuss the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief in Africa, or PEPFAR, the importance of establishing strong public-private partnerships for sustainability of the response, government ownership and leadership in the HIV/AIDS response.  So, as always on a Hub Call, we will begin today’s briefing with opening remarks from Ambassador Nkengasong, then we will turn to your questions.  We will try to get to as many of your questions as possible during the briefing.  So with that introduction, I will turn it over to Ambassador Nkengasong for his opening remarks.   AMBASSADOR NKENGASONG:  Thank you.  Good afternoon to everyone.  Let me extend a very warm welcome to all of you again.  Very happy to see some of the familiar faces on this platform.  The media and the press play a critical role in our collective response to disease threats, and even to our collective health care programs on the continent.  So I really take it as a point of honor to continue to engage with you all on this platform.   This afternoon I am in Gaborone, in Botswana, and I spent last week in South Africa to elevate two issues.  One is to address a roadmap or our thinking of how we should be approaching our journey to 2030 and beyond 2030 by sustaining the response to HIV/AIDS and travel that journey which we’ve traveled in the world of PEPFAR, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, for the past 21 years.  That discussion – the time has come for that discussion because we’ve made tremendous progress.  A country like Botswana has achieved the three 95 goals set by the UNAIDS, which is a joint United Nations AIDS program, which essentially says we needed to by 2025 make sure that each country identify 95 percent of people who are infected and they should know their status, 95 percent should be under treatment, and 95 percent should have viral load suppressed.  Botswana has achieved that (inaudible).  The fight against HIV/AIDS is not over, so we need to sustain that response, continue to treat people who are infected, and prevent the rates of new infections.    I think overall over the last 21 years, PEPFAR has invested over $110 billion, and in Botswana it has invested in our partnership with the Government of Botswana over $1 billion, and that has been part of the success story that I just described for you in Botswana.    As indicated, PEPFAR is committed to accompany the people of Botswana to achieving an AIDS-free generation hopefully by the year 2030.  So I look forward to an exciting and productive conversation this afternoon.   MODERATOR:  All right.  Thank you very much, Ambassador Nkengasong.  So we’ll now begin the question-and-answer portion of today’s briefing.  So we would ask you to please make your questions nice and short and limit yourself to one question only, and that it has to be on the topic of today’s briefing, which is the future role of PEPFAR in Africa.  So for our first question I’d like to go to Ms. Fumbe Chanda from Prime TV in Zambia, and the question is this one, Ambassador Nkengasong:  “How are you working with the respective countries to ensure sustainability in case PEPFAR comes to an end one day?  Will Africa’s health systems be able to stand on their own?”  AMBASSADOR NKENGASONG:  Absolutely, that’s a very good question, Fumbe, because we have to be thinking ahead.  HIV unfortunately is a very clever virus.  It’s a retrovirus, which means that it will take a considerable amount of efforts, if we are fortunate to have a vaccine and cure, to be able to say that we eradicated HIV or eliminated HIV, just like we did for polio – what we are doing for polio or smallpox.  So that means we have to think about sustaining the gains that we’ve made over the last 21 years in maintaining people on treatment and making sure that the rates of newly infected people is decreased.  So the dialogue is:  How do we get to our 2030 goals, which we’ve all agreed as part of the Sustainable Development Goals, to bring HIV/AIDS to an end as a public health threat and look beyond 2030?  The journey to that begins with clarity of conversations with partner countries like Botswana to say:  What can we do and what can you do so that we continue?  It’s not about ending PEPFAR; it’s more about constructing the way forward based on the success that we’ve achieved so far.    MODERATOR:  Thank you very much, Ambassador.  All right.  So second question today comes from Mr. Mqondisi Dube of Voice of America in Botswana, and the question is:  “Ambassador, what is your view on HIV/AIDS being regarded as the ‘forgotten’ pandemic?  And amid other emerging global threats such as COVID-19, mpox, climate change, and conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, how have these impacted funding for HIV programs in – not just in Botswana, but in Africa in general?”   AMBASSADOR NKENGASONG:  Absolutely.  Let me, first of all, state that HIV/AIDS is not a disease of the past; it’s a disease of the present.  And we should be very careful not to be vulnerable to our own success.  We’ve done tremendously well in controlling HIV.  The fight is not over.  So let me just share some numbers, which I stated earlier.  Just last year alone in this – in Botswana, the country recorded 4,200 new cases of infections, and many amongst young people.  I don’t think we – in this country, we recorded 4,000 cases of mpox or any other emerging disease.  So the HIV is still there.  HIV is still killing people, that if we know that on UNAIDS’s data last year alone there were 650,000 people in the world that die of HIV/AIDS, and 60 percent of those were in Africa, 60 percent of those.  And I don’t know that mpox has killed over the course of one year 450,000 people; that will be 60 percent of the deaths, the global deaths.  So HIV is still there.   The unfortunate thing and the warning to all of us is that HIV is a hidden pandemic.  It doesn’t just show up.  It’s very quiet in our communities and spreads silently.  So because of that, it’s not so visible.  And because of the success, the remarkable success that most – that we’ve achieved over the last two decades, we do not go to the clinics and see the face of the HIV and the ugly face of HIV all over.  So because of that, it is fair to say that it’s not very visible in the political radar of many countries as it was before.   And that’s one the reasons that I’m beginning a tour of the continent to meet with the highest leadership of each country – to say, look, we’ve made progress, but the fight against HIV/AIDS is not ended, it’s not over.  You need to continue to commit your own resources to the fight, as we commit the U.S. resources to it.  You need to shape your programs in a way that they can respond to the needs today and fill the inequity gap that exists in young children, in adolescent girls and young women, and in key populations.    So I think let’s just always remember where we’re coming from, and remember that if we cannot sustain the response, the ugly face of HIV that we saw 20 years will emerge in Botswana and in many countries in Africa.   MODERATOR:  Thank you very much, Ambassador.  So we have a live question from Carmen Paun of Politico.  I’m going to invite Carmen to ask her question live.   QUESTION:  Hi.  Thank you so much.  And good morning from D.C.  So, Ambassador, I just wanted to ask you, so how exactly does the future of PEPFAR look like in Africa past 2030?  Are you sort of, like – do you foresee less funding, less involvement from the U.S.?  How exactly will that engagement look like past 2030, as far as you can tell at this point?   AMBASSADOR NKENGASONG:  Thanks.  Thanks, Carmen.  And thanks for tracking me down in Botswana.  Carmen is always one of those strong advocates for PEPFAR and for the HIV response.  So let me say this, Carmen – I think my greatest priority now is to work with you and others, our civil society, and to continue to engage everyone to recognize that the fight against HIV/AIDS is not over.  My top priority is to continue to work with Congress so that we get a clean five-years reauthorization, so that would take us to our 2030.  So that segment is so important, so that as we think past 2030, we primarily or first of all are thinking about the journey to 2030.  That is so important, because the post-2030 will depend on the – our success to 2030.   We – as I get to 2030, I want to say, like, look, we got somewhere with the fight against HIV; we got nowhere with the fight against HIV; or we got anywhere with the fight against HIV.  That’s what 2030 will look like.  So I think my top priority is to work with everyone, mainly Congress, to get a clean five-year reauthorization.  That way we – it can enable us to have a sustained conversation with the partner countries and say, look, let’s approach our journey to 2030 in the spirit of joint responsibility and joint accountability.  We put – the U.S. Government is not transactional in the fight against HIV.  We have not – we are a committed and proud partner.  We’ve done that successfully and impactfully for the last 21 years, and we are not going to give up.  Past 2030, depending on the success, it will define a way forward.  But let me just say this to conclude:  The U.S. has been in the business of foreign assistance since 1961, under President Kennedy.  And I don’t think that foreign assistance, including foreign assistance or health programs, is going to be cut off.  How PEPFAR looks like post-2030 will depend on our success and will depend on several other determinants, which I cannot predict what will happen in 2030 from where I’m sitting now.   MODERATOR:  Thank you, Ambassador.  We have a question from Mr. Elton Mulenga, a freelance journalist from Zambia.  And the question is:  “Does PEPFAR build capacities of medics in the beneficiary countries?”   AMBASSADOR NKENGASONG:  PEPFAR – one of the things that we do not highlight enough in the PEPFAR program is the capacity-building component.  Just to put it in – share some numbers with you, PEPFAR supported the strengthening of more than 3,000 laboratories, government laboratories, in Africa.  We’ve trained over 240,000 health care workers.  We’ve strengthened over 170,000 health facilities across the continent.  And we’ve supported – we’ve been critical in supporting the strengthening of information systems, surveillance systems, and commodity supply chain management across many African countries that have served as a platform to enable countries to respond to other disease threats that they are currently facing, including mpox, COVID.    A lot of the COVID successes that we saw in Africa were on the backbone of work that PEPFAR had established.  So we are very proud partners in strengthening health systems on the continent.  We would never have achieved the goals of saving 25 million lives, preventing 5.5 million children born free of HIV without very strong systems, capacity development on the continent.  It is one of those programs that (inaudible) the knowledge that it will be the rising tides raising all boats in the sea.  PEPFAR has been transformative in changing the landscape of global public health in Africa.   MODERATOR:  All right.  Thank you very much, Ambassador.  So we have a few other questions that came into us from journalists on the call.  One of them is from Lilys Njeru of Nation Media Group, a very big newspaper in Kenya.  And the question is:  “A recent report released by UNAIDS shows that there are significant gains in Kenya.  The number of those receiving treatment has almost doubled.  However, children are still lagging behind in terms of accessing treatment.”  And then she gives some figures there.  “Could you comment on the phenomenon of children lagging behind in terms of accessing treatment?”  AMBASSADOR NKENGASONG:  The situation of children lagging behind is concerning, and should be concerning to everyone who cares.  If you think of inequities in global health and public health, access to children to treatment, and maintaining viral load suppression in children, it’s really something we should all consider seriously, and PEPFAR is prioritizing that.  PEPFAR just announced last year a special initiative called safe delivery and healthy babies.  That is a $40 million initiative that is aimed at strengthening, continuing to strengthen our partnerships to address that gap that you just mentioned.  And it’s not just in Kenya.  We see that across the world in all PEPFAR-supported countries, and we work with UNAIDS and the Global Fund and other partners to launch an alliance to fight HIV/AIDS in children.  The key question is always:  Where are the children?  Where should we find them?  How should we access them?  And how should we make sure that they stay on treatment once they start their treatment?  And very importantly, address issues of stigma around identifying children and making sure that they stay on treatment.  What kind of regimen should we have that would be friendly for children to use, and use all through the rest of their lives?  We’ve made progress, but we still have a lot of work to be done to close the inequity gaps in children.   MODERATOR:  All right.  Thank you for that.  Thank you very much.  So we have a question also from Kenya, from John Muchangi, who writes for The Star.  And the question is:  “What is PEPFAR’s plan in promoting access to long-acting injectable ART and the new injectable” – I might be mangling some of these terms – “PrEP lenacapavir in Africa?”  I apologize if I got those terms wrong.   AMBASSADOR NKENGASONG:  No, you got it – you got it right, Johann.  We believe that the new developments that have occurred over the last couple of months – that is, the results from studies that were conducted in Africa showing that administering long-acting injectable preventable drugs can prevent the rates of occurrence of new infections almost by 100 percent, if administered twice a year.  That is the case of lenacapavir, produced by Gilead.  We are very excited in that.    We are in very active conversations with the leadership of Gilead.  We have – we met twice during the UN General Assembly, and just next week we are going to be meeting again together with Global Fund, the Gates – Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to discuss issues of pricing and access.  We believe that it could be a gamechanger if we use that in a very targeted manner, where we identify truly the population or sub-population that are at risk, and really go in there and administer the drugs in a way that is at scale and in a way that is consistent.  Because remember, you have to use these drugs or these injections twice a year for the rest of your life.  And we are optimistic that we’ll find each other – that is, in terms of volumes and price points –  so that we can translate these new developments, scientific developments, into programs, what we call from the research labs into the arms of the people that are in need.    You also, as we speak, have oral, injectable long-acting PrEP produced by ViiV, a company that produces – the company that you mentioned.  But that intervention is administered every two months.  So again, it shows you the power of science and innovation as we fight HIV/AIDS.  Who knows, in the coming years we might actually be – if we are fortunate by science, continuous investment in science, we may have long-acting PrEP that are administered only once a year.  So again, we are very excited with the new developments with the lenacapavir, six-monthly injectable, but we still have some work to do in order to make the price truly affordable.  Yeah.    MODERATOR:  Thanks, Ambassador, for that update.  It’s very promising.  So we have a couple of questions came in from Uganda.  I think they’re somewhat related, so I’m just going to read both of those questions.  The first one is from Joyce Namugambe of Msnews in Uganda.  The question is:  “How can we help people living with HIV to come out confidently and speak?”  And then the second question from Byamukama Alozious, Mama FM in Uganda, and that question is:  “What about increased stigma of HIV patients in Uganda?”   AMBASSADOR NKENGASONG:  The two questions are related.  I think first of all let’s acknowledge the progress we’ve made in destigmatizing HIV.  And we also have to acknowledge that certain practices that have occurred and continue to occur on the continent – the Anti-Homosexuality Act in Uganda – it doesn’t allow for people to speak freely of their sexuality and then, of course, it prevents the fight against – or it becomes a barrier in the fight against HIV/AIDS.  So we have to bring down those structural barriers that lend themselves to discrimination, stigmatization, and alienization, especially in groups such as the LGBTQI – men who have sex with men, and others.  I think that is so important.  It’s also part of the challenge that we are seeing in treatment.    So it’s a collective responsibility, moral responsibility that we do not stigmatize, criminalize, and discriminate people living with HIV/AIDS.  We do not discriminate, stigmatize people living with hypertension, diabetes, or cardiovascular or cancer, so why should we segregate or discriminate people living with a disease that has a cure.  And even if the disease didn’t have a cure, it is our responsibility to provide compassion, care, and understanding and support for anyone living with HIV/AIDS.  The treatment is there.  No one should die of HIV/AIDS as – at this moment in the struggle against HIV/AIDS because we have highly effective treatments.  No one, and I absolutely mean no one, should die of – from HIV/AIDS in this day and age.  MODERATOR:  Thank you, Ambassador.  So I know our time with you is running short, and I think we might have time for just one more question.  So I have a question here:  “You were once an Africa CDC director during COVID.  What is your experience with African health systems, governments, and the pandemic response?”  AMBASSADOR NKENGASONG:  I think there’s a lot of work to be done in Africa in partnership to just continue to strengthen public health systems and health care delivery as a (inaudible).  There’s several things – areas of focus that PEPFAR has provided the last 21 years that has helped advance these gaps, especially in the areas of workforce, strengthening institutions, strengthening networks, and engagement with the private sector.  Those are all areas that the continent needs to continue to build on to advance the need to access good health care for the – good health care to the population, which is so important for its own development.    The Agenda 23 will – the Agenda 2063 will only be successful if health care is actually promoted.  PEPFAR has been the key partner and will continue to be the key partner as we journey with the countries.  We do not only prevent and treat HIV, but we also strengthen systems that are required for costs to be effective in treating HIV and preventing the infections.    So there are so many gaps that the continent needs to work on, but with partners the U.S. are so proud.  We’ve invested, as I indicated earlier, $110 billion on this continent supporting the fight against HIV/AIDS.  And a lot of that has gone into strengthening infrastructure that is required and has enabled us to get to where we are today.  So again, I’m looking forward to a very impactful partnership with countries in Africa that we are working so that we bring this fight to an end and hopefully declare a generation free of HIV/AIDS in the next coming six years or so.    MODERATOR:  All right.  Thank you, Ambassador Nkengasong.  We have covered a lot of ground today.  I know you are busy and your time is limited, so I really appreciate you spending this half hour with us.  Do you have any final words for us?    AMBASSADOR NKENGASONG:  My final word is that the journey to 2030 and beyond will depend on effective partnerships.  As I described, the whole concept of sustainability is how do we get to 2030 and what do – how do we project beyond 2030 so that every – anyone and everyone living with HIV/AIDS continue to have quality care.  And there are only four things that we need to do: we need to raise political awareness; we need to develop and adapt our programs; we need to make sustained funding; and every importantly, build partnerships.    One of the partnerships that I’ve always believed is so critical in galvanizing us is partnership with the press, so that you are the interface between what we do and the general public.  So I think we – I’m counting on you to continue to translate the right messages to make sure that HIV is not seen like a forgotten disease.  I have said many times that you may be tired of HIV, but HIV is not tired of us.  Our young people are more vulnerable.  I think we should just keep in mind that HIV is out there.  It’s not a disease of the past; it’s a disease of today.  But the press and media has a critical role to play in this – in this journey.  MODERATOR:  All right.  So that concludes today’s briefing.  I want to thank the U.S. Department of State’s Global AIDS Coordinator and Senior Bureau Official for Global Health Security and Diplomacy, Ambassador John N. Nkengasong, for joining us today.  Thanks also to all the journalists for participating.    As always, a recording and a transcript of today’s briefing will be distributed to participating journalists as soon as we can produce them.  If you have any questions about today’s briefing, please contact us here at the Africa Regional Media Hub at AFMediaHub@state.gov.  I would also like to invite everyone to follow us on Twitter or X at our handle @AfricaMediaHub.  Thank you very much and have a great day.    AMBASSADOR NKENGASONG:  Thank you.  Thank you.   # # #  Secretary Antony J. Blinken At the ASEAN Summit with the United States 10/10/2024 Secretary Antony J. Blinken At the ASEAN Summit with the United States 10/10/2024 11:18 PM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Vientiane, Laos National Convention Center SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Prime Minister, thank you very much.  Thank you for welcoming us back to Laos.  And thank you for your leadership as ASEAN chair this year. I also want to thank Dr. Kao for his stewardship of ASEAN, and also Cambodia – and Prime Minister Hun Manet, for serving as our U.S. country coordinator, something we deeply appreciate. Prime Minister Ibrahim, I also want to say to you that we very much look forward to Malaysia taking over as chair next year. I’m very honored to be here on behalf of President Biden.  I also bring warm greetings from Vice President Harris, who represented the United States at last year’s leaders’ event. Over the past four years, the U.S. and ASEAN have made our partnership stronger and more wide-ranging than it has ever been before.  President Biden was honored to host ASEAN leaders for a Special Summit in Washington for the very first time – and to elevate the U.S.-ASEAN relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Every day, our cooperation is helping to better the lives of our combined one billion people – creating economic opportunity, fostering technological innovation, advancing a shared vision of an open, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific, with ASEAN at its center. We’re strengthening the economic ties that have long brought our countries together.  The United States remains the number one source of foreign direct investment in ASEAN countries.  This is a meaningful measure of trust and confidence in the future.  It’s also a powerful generator of jobs and opportunity. Together, we’re improving monitoring infectious disease outbreaks; we’re upgrading the region’s power grids; we’re fighting cybercrime and online scams; we’re promoting safe, secure, and trustworthy artificial intelligence. All this cooperation is rooted in the enduring bonds between our people, who – for decades now – have learned from one another, done business together.  They’ve been enriched by each other’s cultures. We were proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative – an initiative that counts more than 160,000 online members and continues to grow. Advancing our shared vision also means coming together to address shared challenges to that vision – from the deepening crisis in Myanmar, to the DPRK’s destabilizing behavior, to Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, which continues to violate principles at the heart of the United Nations Charter and at the heart of ASEAN’s Treaty of Amity and Cooperation. We remain concerned about China’s increasingly dangerous and unlawful actions in the South and East China Seas, which have injured people and harmed vessels from ASEAN nations, and contradict commitments to peaceful resolution of disputes.  The United States will continue to support freedom of navigation and freedom of overflight in the Indo-Pacific. We also believe it’s important to maintain our shared commitment to protect stability across the Taiwan Strait. But whether it’s responding to urgent global challenges or advancing the shared hopes of our people, the relationship between the United States and ASEAN will continue to be essential.  We look forward to this partnership growing even stronger in the years to come. And I thank you again for your hospitality and for today. Digital Press Briefing with Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice Beth Van Schaack and Special Envoy for North Korean Human Rights Julie Turner 10/11/2024 Digital Press Briefing with Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice Beth Van Schaack and Special Envoy for North Korean Human Rights Julie Turner 10/11/2024 04:27 AM EDT Beth Van Schaack, Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal JusticeOffice of Global Criminal Justice Julie Turner, Special Envoy on North Korean Human Rights IssuesBureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Asia Pacific Media Hub MODERATOR:  Greetings from the U.S. Department of State’s Asia Pacific Media Hub.  I would like to welcome journalists to today’s on-the-record briefing with Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice Beth Van Schaack and Special Envoy for North Korean Human Rights Julie Turner.  Ambassador Van Schaack will discuss her trip to Thailand and how the State Department’s Office of Global Criminal Justice advances justice and accountability for the victims and survivors of atrocities in Burma as well as those unjustly detained.  Together, Ambassador Van Schaack and Special Envoy for North Korean Human Rights Julie Turner will also discuss their joint visit to the Republic of Korea, where they met with the ROK Government, DPRK defectors and escapees, and human rights advocates on the challenges of seeking accountability for the DPRK’s human rights abuses. With that, let’s get started.  Ambassador Van Schaack, I’ll turn it over to you for your opening remarks. AMBASSADOR VAN SCHAACK:  Wonderful.  Thank you so much, Natalie, and thank you, everyone, for attending.  We really appreciate your interest in our work in the region. The United States has long supported the people of Burma and their ability to chart their own future with dignity and freedom from violence.  We want to emphasize that we stand in solidarity with their resolve to bring stability, unity, justice, and democracy to their country.  In recent weeks I’ve met with government officials, human rights defenders, civil society groups, scholars, humanitarians, members of the diplomatic community, and multilateral partners.  I wanted to hear here firsthand about their vital efforts to support individuals and communities who have suffered atrocities at the hands of Burma’s military regime and other armed actors, and to learn what more we can do together to support the region as it contends with this crisis. We’ve been especially thankful to Thailand for its determination to help end the conflict in Burma along with its leadership within ASEAN and the international community more broadly.  And in this regard, we extend our deepest condolences to all of those affected by Typhoon Yagi in Thailand, China, Bangladesh, and across Southeast Asia.  We recognize the devastating impact this storm has had, particularly on the people of Burma, who are already enduring conflict and severe food insecurity.  Burma’s people cannot afford further crises, and our thoughts are with all of those who are facing these overwhelming challenges.  We call upon the international community to support you through these especially difficult times. Several years have passed since members of Burma’s military committed genocide and crimes against humanity against Rohingya.  The best way we can honor victims and support survivors in their quest for justice and accountability is to hold Burma’s military regime and other armed actors accountable for their crimes. On March 21, 2022, Secretary of State Tony Blinken announced that he had determined that members of the Burma military committed genocide and crimes against humanity against Rohingya.  Unfortunately, many of the same military leaders who perpetuated the military coup are now accused of committing abuses against pro-democracy activists and members of ethnic and religious communities across the country.  Thousands of civilians have been displaced and their homes and villages burned to the ground.  The escalation of violence in Rakhine State has raised the risks of further atrocities occurring and intensified the humanitarian crisis now impacting the entire region.  We call upon all parties to fully respect the laws of war and prevent further violence against civilians.  We must continue to reiterate our support for Rohingya and their equal rights.  Along these lines, we just announced at the UN General Assembly an additional $199 million to support the Rohingya humanitarian response. The United States has adopted several other measures intended to prevent further atrocities while promoting justice and accountability.  We are assisting entities conducting extensive documentation of the atrocities against civilians and are supporting the people of Burma in their own efforts to address truth, justice, and accountability.  Along these lines, we also recognize Singapore’s noteworthy efforts to stem illicit financial flows through its banking sector for Burma’s arm trade.  We have promoted international accountability mechanisms, including the UN Fact-Finding Mission for Myanmar and its successor, the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, the IIM – IIMM. Thus far, the United States has provided the IIMM with $3 million for its – to advance its mission to collect, consolidate, preserve, and analyze open source information depicting the most serious international crimes and violations of international law committed in Burma since 2011, and to protect witnesses.  And today I’m really pleased to announce a new grant of $1.1 million to the IIMM intended to support translation into the vernacular, which includes the hiring of additional staff for this purpose.  It is also integral that Burma’s neighbors in the region – particularly states receiving persons fleeing the conflict – cooperate with the IIMM as the mechanism’s work undergirds ongoing and future accountability processes.  We’ve also been able to share information with The Gambia in connection with the case it has brought against Burma on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and, really, on behalf of the entire international community, before the International Court of Justice in The Hague under the Genocide Convention. Also in The Hague, the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has opened an investigation into events in Rakhine State in 2016 and ‘17.  There are also cases pending in national courts.  For example, we are now waiting to see whether a court in Argentina will issue arrest warrants in a case involving universal jurisdiction over international crimes following the prosecutor’s application in June of this year. The United States will continue to work with those seeking to establish an inclusive, democratic Burma, including ethnic resistance organizations, pro-democracy actors, and the National Unity Government, who all seek a resolution to the conflict that provides for genuine and inclusive multi-party democracy.  We welcome the NUG’s issuance of a draft transitional justice policy, which offers a model for a durable peace built on accountability.  We also welcome their intention to abolish the 1982 citizenship law, which disenfranchised Rohingya.  We support ASEAN’s effort to address the crisis in Burma and its decision to maintain Burma’s downgraded representation at recent ASEAN summits and to encourage ASEAN to extend this policy to all sectoral meetings.  We call on ASEAN members to continue to press Burma’s regime to implement the Five-Point Consensus, deny the regime international legitimacy, and press the regime to allow the ASEAN special envoy to engage with all stakeholders, including representatives of the pro-democracy movement. In closing, we will continue to work closely with the people of Burma and civil society to support their desire for an inclusive democracy.  Along these lines, we again thank Thailand for its leadership in advancing peace and security in Burma and throughout Southeast Asia, as well as its shared commitment to human rights, democratic values, and mutual prosperity. With that, I will turn it over to my colleague, Special Envoy for Human Rights Issues in North Korea Julie Turner. AMBASSADOR TURNER:  Good afternoon, everyone.  Thank you for taking the time to be here with us today.  I’m pleased to be ending my first year in my position here in Seoul.  About a year ago today, I was sworn in and on my way to Seoul to spend my first day in my position here.  So it feels like an appropriate bookend to be wrapping up my first year in the position again in Seoul. I’m very pleased to be here with Ambassador Van Schaack, where we are meeting with government officials, with civil society groups, including North Korean escapees, to advance our accountability efforts and to expand international cooperation on North Korean human rights issues.  We are primarily focused on promoting a survivor-centered approach to accountability in the DPRK and have been looking for opportunities to help amplify and provide a platform for North Korean escapees to tell their truth and to expose the ongoing human rights violations and abuses happening in North Korea. Over the course of my first year in the position, I have worked alongside of my Republic of Korea counterparts and with civil society groups to build upon the great momentum that many in the community have been forging forward over many decades to shine a spotlight on North Korea’s egregious human rights record. When I came into the position, it was – we were noticing a backsliding in North Korea’s already egregious human rights record.  And we have seen over the course of the last few years an increased level of repression in North Korea – the passing of the three so-called evil laws, including the Pyongyang dialect law, the anti-reactionary thought law, and the youth education reform law.   Along with these additional penalty – along with the these pieces of legislation that have increased repression, we have seen increased severity of penalties, particularly being applied on children. This is coupled with an increased crackdown on refugees living in China.  A year ago today, the PRC Government repatriated more than 600 – forcibly repatriated more than 600 North Korean refugees, and those individuals still in many instances remain unaccounted for.  We continue to call on the PRC Government to abide by the principle of non-refoulement, and we call on the North Korean Government as well to account for the whereabouts of those individuals. Over the course of the last year, we have also accomplished many things in commemorating the 10-year anniversary of the Commission of Inquiry report, which identified crimes against humanity as having occurred and continuing to occur in North Korea; and have passed – again by consensus in March – a resolution on North Korean human rights at the UN Human Rights Council; and then earlier this summer we hosted another UN Security Council open session on North Korean human rights in partnership with the Republic in Korea and Japan; and continue to look for opportunities, including in the upcoming UN General Assembly meetings and Universal Periodic Review process this November, to shine a spotlight on North Korea’s human rights abuses. Thank you. MODERATOR:  Thank you.  We will now turn to the question-and-answer portion of today’s briefing. Our first question goes to James Griffiths, who submitted his question in advance, from The Globe and Mail, based in Hong Kong.  “Do you see the Myanmar junta’s moves once again to try and hold some kind of election as an attempt to gain legitimacy and end their isolation diplomatically?” AMBASSADOR VAN SCHAACK:  Hi, James.  Thanks so much for that question.  Indeed, I think that is an effort underway.  The real concern is, however, it’s impossible to imagine conducting an election legitimately in the current moment.  Much of the country is not under the physical control of the Tatmadaw, the junta, so how are those individuals possibly able to participate in the current census that’s underway or to ultimately cast a ballot in a free and fair process?  So we’re quite concerned that this will simply be an election that will return them to power and then they will claim some measure of legitimacy by virtue of this facsimile of democracy. The situation needs to improve dramatically before any sort of an election can be envisioned, and this requires the Tatmadaw to cease its efforts to terrorize the civilian population around the – around the country.  All the armed actors, including the Tatmadaw, need to respect international humanitarian law and to genuinely commit to a process of resolution to bring about a ceasefire and to find a more durable solution to return the country to a pathway of civilian rule and ultimately of democracy. MODERATOR:  Thank you.  The next question goes to Albert Lee, Korea Pro.  “Does Ambassador Turner and her team have any new information that can corroborate recent reporting that North Korean soldiers are now supporting Russian forces invading Ukraine?” AMBASSADOR TURNER:  I don’t have any additional information on that at this time. MODERATOR:  Okay.  Okay, the next question will go to Garrie van Pinxteren from NOS News, based in Beijing, China.  “Do you see any specific new worsening in the human rights situation in the DPRK?  If so, in which area?  What can you say about recent changes in the relationship with China and Russia, and does that have any effect on the human rights situation?” AMBASSADOR TURNER:  I’ll tackle that one.  In terms of specific worsening in the human rights situation in the DPRK, we’ve certainly seen an increased crackdown on foreign media, in particular through the three laws that I mentioned in my introductory remarks; and increased penalties – there has been a rise in public executions, public trials, many of which are now being applied to children, including middle school students; and an increased crackdown in the border area as well with tightening border controls that prevent the flow of information across the border. In terms of the changing relationship with China and Russia, I think that continues to have a negative effect on the human rights situation in that both governments continue to forcibly repatriate North Koreans seeking refuge or opportunity abroad.  And we continue to call upon both governments and all member-states to abide by their international commitments and the principle of non-refoulement. We have also seen both countries continue to host North Korean workers, who not only contribute to revenue generation that supports the government’s illicit weapons program, but also many of those workers are in conditions that amount to forced labor. QUESTION:  Okay.  And let’s see, we have a question from Grace Yeeun Shin, CNA.  “North Korea recently cut off road and rail links to South Korea.  Will this hold back humanitarian aid?  If so, how are you planning to tackle this?” AMBASSADOR TURNER:  I think this is – this recent action is consistent with the larger effects that we’ve seen or efforts by the government to cut off the flow of foreign information or foreign contact and to separate itself as a distinct entity, different from the Republic of Korea. In terms of the long-term impact, we continue to urge North Korea back to the negotiating table, where we could talk about a range of activities, including humanitarian assistance.  We remain open to looking for opportunities and pathways to build trust, but the ball is really at this point in the North Koreans’ court to make those opportunities available. MODERATOR:  Next question is from Ifang Bremer, NK News.  “Thank you for your remarks, Ambassador.  In a recent interview with our outlet, the departing ROK ambassador for North Korean human rights, Lee Shin-wha, claimed – she suggest drafting a joint statement with you to condemn the forced repatriation of 600 North Koreans in October of last year, but that your office did not follow up on this suggestion for a joint statement.  If this is the case, and if so, could you explain why?  Thank you.” AMBASSADOR TURNER:  Thanks, Ifang, for the question.  I will say the U.S. Government has made it very clear that we condemn the PRC’s practice of forcible repatriation of North Korean refugees and asylum seekers.  We have been saying that over the course of many years, including on my very first trip to South Korea, and we continue to do so regularly. MODERATOR:  Okay, the next question was submitted in advance from Eduardo Baptista from Reuters, based in Beijing.  “Ambassador Turner, we have seen evidence that China has tightened border controls and surveillance aimed at making it harder for DPRK citizens to cross into, reside, work, and move around the country.  What have you seen or heard on this issue?” AMBASSADOR TURNER:  We have in fact seen a tightening of the border on both sides, including new fencing that has been reported by numerous civil society groups, as well as reports that the DPRK has laid landmines along the border in the north as well. One of the things that I find concerning about this is not only does it stem the flow of information into and out of North Korea, but it has also clearly had an impact on refugee flows and the ability of North Koreans seeking asylum or relief or opportunity outside of North Korea; it prevents that from happening.  This also has a broader impact on many of the accountability efforts and documentation efforts that Ambassador Van Schaack and I are here to talk about this week.  Having fewer refugees making it to third countries for safety gives us fewer sources of information about what is currently happening in North Korea. MODERATOR:  Okay, we will go to a question about Myanmar and Thailand.  “Ambassador Van Schaack, Thailand has said that it wants to see more engagement with Myanmar and hinted that it will support elections being held there.  Do you speak with Thai authorities – did you speak with Thai authorities about this, and if so, what was the substance of those conversations?”  And that was from Poppy McPherson from Reuters news agency. AMBASSADOR VAN SCHAACK:  Wonderful.  Thank you so much.  Obviously I’m not going to disclose the bilateral conversations that we’ve had with our close friend here in the region, but I did articulate in response to an earlier question our real and fundamental concerns about trying to host elections under the current situation in which violence is really in escalation in a number of different areas around the country.  It’s hard to imagine even just logistically how one would administer an election, no less do so in a way that is fair and that truly respects the right of the Burmese people to choose their leadership at a local or a national level.  And so I think this is the position that all should take, and instead spend energy urging the regime to end its violence against the people of Burma, to release all of those who are unjustly and arbitrarily detained, including many members of the political opposition, and to ultimately allow unhindered humanitarian access to those in need. Once those conditions are right, then a conversation could be begun within ASEAN and others in the region to think about what elections could look like to genuinely return the country to civilian rule.  Thank you. MODERATOR:  The next question goes to Jihae Shin.  I see that your hand is raised.  If you would like to unmute and ask your question, please do so now.  Jihae Shin from the Korean Broadcasting System?  Okay, go ahead.  You’re unmuted.  Jihae Shin? Okay, I will ask your question.  I think it’s also in the Q&A tab.  So this is for Ambassador Julie Turner from Jihae Shin, Korean Broadcasting System.  “Is it possible to find out the status of detainees like missionary Kim Jung-Wook, who has been held in North Korea for over 10 years, through third countries like Sweden, which have embassies in Pyongyang?  Can these countries help with consular meetings?”  And then the second question: “Do you think Kim Jong-un could be brought to the ICC for military cooperation with Russia for human – or for human rights violations?  Are there any steps being taken to prepare for this?” AMBASSADOR TURNER:  I’ll tackle the detainees part of the question, but I might let Ambassador Van Schaack tackle the ICC portion of the question since that is more in her lane. On the detainees, I think that you probably saw that the U.S., the ROK, and Canada recently put out a coordinated set of statements acknowledging that particular detainee’s 4,000th day in detention.  We remain deeply concerned and prioritize getting answers for family members regarding the conditions, whereabouts, and status of abductees, detainees, unrepatriated POWs, as well as divided family members.  Many of you have heard me say repeatedly that that particular group, for many of them their family members are aging and that the urgency and time sensitivity of resolving this issue is imperative.  And so we will continue to look for all avenues and all channels in which we can get the answers that these family members deserve, as quickly as possible. Beth and I are here in Seoul this week to engage with likeminded governments, and continue to also coordinate and work with those other governments on issues to include these family-related issues. AMBASSADOR VAN SCHAACK:  Great, thank you.  And just on the ICC question, it’s difficult to envision a pathway at present to the ICC.  There are essentially two bases in which the International Criminal Court could exercise jurisdiction over events in the DPRK.  The first would be if the country were to ratify the treaty, which of course is not within the immediate future.  The ICC has jurisdiction over the territory of member-states and over acts committed by their nationals.  So as long as individuals remain within the territorial boundaries of DPRK, there would be no jurisdiction before the ICC. The second route would be a Security Council referral, which can overcome those jurisdictional limitations.  And Ambassador Turner mentioned the Commission of Inquiry report from 2014, and this was one of the key recommendations of that report, was that the Security Council consider a plenary referral of the situation to the ICC.  Now, it is entirely predictable that China and probably Russia as well would both veto that effort.  So we have not seen initiative emerge within the council chamber in New York. All that said, whenever international crimes are at issue, there is jurisdiction that is global.  States around the world have empowered their national systems to exercise jurisdiction over the commission of international crimes.  This is the principle of universal jurisdiction.  And we know that there is no statute of limitations for international crimes either.  So jurisdiction exists globally, and in the event that any perpetrators were to travel, they could be subject to charges before national systems around the world. MODERATOR:  Okay, I think we have time for one last question, and this was one that was submitted in advance from Kyungjin Kim from KBS, based in Seoul.  “North Korea is providing short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, and these weapons are causing civilian casualties.  There are claims that Kim Jong-un should be seen as an accomplice for providing the weapons.  Do you agree with this view?” AMBASSADOR VAN SCHAACK:  Yeah, thank you so much.  Obviously, the deepening cooperation between Russia and the DPRK, including the provision of unlawful arms transferred, is a trend that really should be of concern to all of us, and particularly anyone interested in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula or upholding the global nonproliferation regime and ultimately supporting the people of Ukraine as they defend their freedom and independence against Russia’s brutal war of aggression. Russia’s war of aggression is a blatant violation of the UN Charter.  It’s been replete with war crimes and crimes against humanity, literally everywhere that Russia’s troops have been deployed.  No state should be assisting Russia as it invades or attempts to subjugate another sovereign nation, or to terrorize its people.  This includes providing weapons being used to kill women and children, to destroy Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as winter approaches, and to destroy the natural environment, or otherwise to enable Russia’s international crimes.  Nor should states be giving Putin any kind of a platform to advance his destructive or aggressive agenda.  Let’s not forget that he is subject to charges before the International Criminal Court, as are a number of his subordinates for their attacks on the civilian infrastructure within Ukraine. Due in part to our sanctions and export controls, Russia has been forced to desperately search around the world for military equipment in order to sustain its war of choice against Ukraine.  Our information indicates that the DPRK has provided Russia with more than 18,000 containers of military equipment and munitions, and the DPRK has also provided Russia with ballistic missile launchers and several dozen ballistic missiles.  We really condemn this course of action.  This should not be – no state should be supporting Russia in this regard, including by providing military equipment which is being used to attack cities, kill civilians, and further Russia’s unlawful war. MODERATOR:  And now, Ambassador Turner, if you have any closing remarks I’ll turn it back over to you. AMBASSADOR TURNER:  Thank you.  Again, thank you to everyone for joining the call.  We just want to underscore our priorities in advocating for a survivor-centered approach to accountability, looking for opportunities to continue to amplify and lift the voices of North Korean refugees who speak out about the ongoing human rights violations and abuses happening in North Korea, and they’re really serving as a voice for the voiceless.  Thank you. MODERATOR:  Thank you, Ambassador Turner.  Ambassador Van Schaack, the floor is yours for any last words. AMBASSADOR VAN SCHAACK:  I think the fact that we’ve taken this joint trip to the region really signifies the commitment that the United States has made to bringing an end to some of the violence that we’re seeing in some of these situation countries – in Myanmar in Southeast Asia, and here on the Korean Peninsula – and the fact that we have made a strong commitment to promoting the voices of those who remain unjustly detained, for those who remain subject to deep violations of their international human rights, and also our commitment to justice – to promoting documentation and to exploring pathways to justice and accountability around the world in whatever courts may be able to exercise jurisdiction. So thanks so much for the journalists on the line for your interest in these issues and for covering them so carefully. MODERATOR:  That brings us to the end of our time today.  Thank you for your questions and thank you to Ambassador Van Schaack and Ambassador Turner for joining us.  We will provide a transcript of this briefing to participating journalists as soon as it is available.  We’d also love to hear your feedback, and you can contact us at any time at AsiaPacMedia@state.gov.  Thanks again for your participation and we hope you can join us for another briefing soon. # # # Ambassador-at-Large Van Schaack’s Travel to Poland 10/11/2024 Ambassador-at-Large Van Schaack’s Travel to Poland 10/11/2024 08:39 AM EDT Office of the Spokesperson Ambassador Van Schaack will travel to Warsaw October 15-16, 2024, to discuss justice and accountability for atrocities and support to victims in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. In Poland, she will meet with government officials and civil society actors, including organizations that contribute to justice efforts and work with victims and survivors in Ukraine and Poland. She will also participate in leadership meetings of the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group (ACA) for Ukraine. The ACA initiative was established in 2022 by the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom to provide coordinated strategic advice, capacity building, and operational assistance to Ukraine’s Office of the Prosecutor General in the investigation and prosecution of atrocity crimes in Ukraine. The ACA is an essential element of the U.S. commitment to holding Russia to account for atrocity crimes and ensuring justice for Ukraine, which also includes support to national authorities, international bodies and investigations, and civil society. More info: www.state.gov/ukraine-advisory-group-aca/. The Week at State: October 4 – October 10, 2024 10/11/2024 View as a webpage  /  Share October 4 – October 10 The safety and security of Americans is our top priority. We have staff around the world working to assist U.S. citizens in Lebanon. If you or someone you know is in Lebanon and needs help, please use our crisis intake form. Here's what happened at State this past week. ⤵️ 🇱🇦 Secretary Blinken traveled to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to strengthen U.S. ties with the Indo-Pacific. 🇱🇧 The U.S. and our partners continue to provide support in Lebanon and the region. 🕯️ The U.S. marked the anniversary of the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Secretary Blinken Strengthens Our Critical Partnerships in Southeast Asia The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is at the heart of our Indo-Pacific Strategy. ASEAN’s centrality and our partnership is critical to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region. During his travel to Laos, Secretary Blinken highlighted our affirmative agenda for the region at the ASEAN-U.S. Summit and discussed ongoing regional and global challenges at the East Asia Summit, including: The ongoing crisis in Burma. The importance of upholding international law in the South China Sea. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. He also reaffirmed our commitment to the U.S.-Lao PDR Comprehensive Partnership. Secretary Blinken met with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to reaffirm the importance of the U.S.-Thailand alliance.  “The U.S. is deeply appreciative of Thailand’s strong relationship within ASEAN, and we commend Thailand for its continued support in addressing the conflict in Burma,” Secretary Blinken said on X/Twitter. Secretary Blinken also met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Laos to thank him for Malaysia’s leadership, reaffirm our commitment to deepening our Comprehensive Partnership, and advance shared goals. “As a democratic leader in Southeast Asia, Malaysia plays a key role in promoting regional stability and prosperity,” Secretary Blinken said on X/Twitter. Addressing the Escalating Crisis, Supporting Americans in Lebanon More than a million people have been displaced from their homes due to the escalating crisis in Lebanon.  In response, the United States has taken numerous steps to support: Americans who seek to depart or relocate within Lebanon. Populations affected by conflict in Lebanon and the region. Efforts to reduce tensions in the region. This week, we: Announced nearly $157 million in new humanitarian assistance. This funding will address new and existing needs of internally displaced persons and refugee populations inside Lebanon and the communities that host them. It will also support those fleeing to neighboring Syria. Secured more than 5,000 airplane seats for U.S. citizens, their immediate family members, and lawful permanent residents, and their family members to depart Lebanon. Continued to provide around the clock support, including emergency passport and loan services. “We are committed to supporting those in need and delivering essential aid to displaced civilians, refugees, and the communities hosting them,” Secretary Blinken said on X/Twitter. Marking the Anniversary of the October 7 Attack on Israel On October 7, President and First Lady Biden lit a yahrzeit candle and held a moment of silence to honor the victims of the 2023 attack on Israel. We mourn for the more than 1,200 innocent people, of all ages, including 46 Americans, massacred by Hamas. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to lasting peace and stability across the region and for a common future for Israelis and Palestinians with equal measures of security, dignity, opportunity, and freedom,” Secretary Blinken said in a statement. How Foreign Policy Delivers for Americans Local leaders and communities shape the work the State Department does around the world. To discuss how foreign policy starts at home, Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma spoke at the University of Northern Iowa. “State and local leaders are on the front lines of global issues: extreme weather, fentanyl, pollution, migration, and challenges to democracy,” Deputy Secretary Verma said. “At the same time, they are also focused on creating good jobs and improving the economic outlook of their states and cities. All of these issues have an international nexus, and so, depending on where you live, a county executive, mayor or governor also needs to be engaged internationally.” Promising Young Scholars Visit the Department We hosted 50 promising young scholars from Australia, India, Japan, the United States, and Southeast Asia at the second Quad Fellowship Summit in Washington on October 7. The fellows receive a stipend to pursue graduate degrees in STEM fields at U.S. universities. The program is part of a broader commitment to harness emerging technologies for the benefit of people across the Indo-Pacific.  “Great meeting with the second cohort of Quad Fellowship Students!” Deputy Secretary Kurt Campbell said on X/Twitter. News You May Have Missed U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield condemned violence in Haiti, calling for support to combat gang violence. U.S. Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith welcomed Swedish Ambassador Jan Knutsson to the Alliance. USAID is mobilizing a response to the Marburg outbreak in Rwanda, providing disease response and preparedness support.  Our Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs celebrates 50 years of advancing environmental and scientific diplomacy. Take this quiz to find out how Hispanic Americans make our communities better. We introduced live ASL interpretation to our Department Press Briefings, ensuring the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities have more access to critical news and timely information. We brought together more than 75 climate experts and advocates in the U.S. as part of the International Visitor Leadership Program to explore solutions to the climate crisis.   🔎 Looking Ahead  October 11: International Day of the Girl Child October 13-14: World Health Summit in Berlin October 14-18: World Food Forum October 16: World Food Day 👉 Note to Our Readers We welcome your feedback on this newsletter. Send us your thoughts to EmailTeam@state.gov. 📩 Useful links Travel advisories and updates on international travel for U.S. Citizens from the Department of State Did you know that you can invite a representative from the Department of State to speak at your school, business, agency or organization? Learn about what we do through the firsthand experience of one of our representatives.  Read More at State.gov Manage Subscriptions  |  Unsubscribe All  |  Help Privacy Policy Acting Assistant Secretary Marta Youth Travels to Geneva 10/11/2024 Acting Assistant Secretary Marta Youth Travels to Geneva 10/11/2024 05:12 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Acting Assistant Secretary Marta Youth Travels to Geneva hide Acting Assistant Secretary Marta Youth Travels to Geneva Media Note October 11, 2024 Marta Youth, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) will travel to Geneva to lead the United States delegation at the UN Refugee Agency’s (UNHCR) Executive Committee from October 12-16, 2024. While at UNHCR’s Executive Committee, Acting Assistant Secretary Youth will attend a high level UNHCR session on statelessness and meet with international partners. She will highlight U.S. engagement on humanitarian issues worldwide and U.S. commitment to protecting the most vulnerable. For further information, follow @PRMAsstSec on X/Twitter. Tags Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration Office of the Spokesperson Official International Travel Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance Refugees Switzerland United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Stanley Brown Travels to Finland and Switzerland 10/11/2024 Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Stanley Brown Travels to Finland and Switzerland 10/11/2024 05:56 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Stanley Brown Travels to Finland and Switzerland hide Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Stanley Brown Travels to Finland and Switzerland Media Note October 11, 2024 Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Stanley Brown is traveling to Finland and Switzerland, October 14-18, 2024, where he will meet with senior civilian and military officials to discuss bilateral security cooperation and regional security issues. In Helsinki, Finland, Acting Assistant Secretary Brown will meet with one of our newest NATO Allies to build on longstanding defense cooperation to meet shared regional security challenges. In Lausanne, Switzerland, Acting Assistant Secretary Brown will join the U.S. delegation to the Ukraine Mine Action Conference, working with Ukrainian Government officials, fellow donor countries, and implementing partners on plans to safely clear unexploded munitions from Russia’s ongoing invasion, with an eye toward future post-conflict reconstruction and recovery. For further information, please contact the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs at PM-CPA@state.gov and follow @StateDeptPM on Twitter. Tags Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Bureau of Political-Military Affairs Finland Office of the Spokesperson Official International Travel Switzerland Spain National Day 10/12/2024 Spain National Day 10/12/2024 12:01 AM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State On behalf of the United States of America, I send my warmest congratulations to the people of Spain as you celebrate your National Day: The Fiesta Nacional de España. Spain and the United States share a deep and enduring friendship rooted in our shared values of democracy, human rights, and the protection of global security. We work closely to address the challenges of our time including support for human rights in Venezuela and Nicaragua and promoting the defense of the stable and open international system. The United States is especially grateful for Spain’s leadership on the world stage, whether as a key member of NATO or the European Union, where it has consistently demonstrated a commitment to international cooperation, peace, and progress. Spain’s steadfast support for Ukraine exemplifies its dedication to the principles of the United Nations Charter, and the global leadership it brings continues to be vital in our joint efforts. Our close economic, cultural, and educational ties are flourishing, and our people-to-people connections have never been stronger. On this joyous occasion, the United States celebrates with you.  Best wishes for a joyous Fiesta Nacional de España! Special Advisor on International Disability Rights Minkara to Travel to Italy, Vatican City, and Finland 10/14/2024 Special Advisor on International Disability Rights Minkara to Travel to Italy, Vatican City, and Finland 10/14/2024 08:10 AM EDT Office of the Spokesperson Special Advisor on International Disability Rights (SAIDR) Sara Minkara will travel to Italy, Vatican City, and Finland from October 14-23, to promote the integration of disability rights issues across key U.S. bilateral and multilateral partnerships. From October 14-17, SAIDR Minkara will travel to Perugia, Italy, to participate in the first-ever G7 Ministerial on Inclusion and Disability, where global leaders will discuss disability rights issues related to independent living, artificial intelligence (AI), humanitarian response and emergency management, and sports.  From October 18-19, SAIDR Minkara will travel to Vatican City for engagements with the Holy See Secretariat and Pope Francis’s AI advisor on incorporating accessibility in physical places of worship and within AI products, respectively.  From October 20-23, SAIDR Minkara will travel to Helsinki, Finland, to meet with government, private sector, and NGO leaders to discuss ways to expand the inclusion of persons with disabilities, including within the tech sector and peace and security fora. For further information, please follow the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor on X and Facebook at @StateDRL, or email DRLPressRequests@state.gov. Special Envoy Finkenauer’s Travel to Italy 10/14/2024 Special Envoy Finkenauer’s Travel to Italy 10/14/2024 08:19 AM EDT Office of the Spokesperson The U.S. Department of State Special Envoy for Global Youth Issues, Abby Finkenauer, will travel to Rome, Italy, from October 14-17, 2024, to participate in the World Food Forum (WFF) Global Youth Forum. This trip underscores the United States’ ongoing commitment to empowering young leaders and fostering global solutions to food insecurity, climate change, and agricultural innovation. During the WFF, Special Envoy Finkenauer will participate in the opening session of the Youth Assembly, leading discussions on how young leaders can transform food systems. She will also meet with FAO Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol to explore collaborative efforts on agriculture and youth-focused initiatives. Additionally, the Special Envoy will meet with youth leaders and speak at the North America Regional Assembly, where she will address the role of youth in addressing global challenges. Special Envoy Finkenauer will engage with youth leaders and high-level officials throughout her visit to promote civic engagement and cross-border collaboration. These interactions seek to elevate the voices of young innovators dedicated to building sustainable and inclusive food systems. For more information on the trip, follow along on Instagram, X, and Facebook. United States-Finland Consultation on the Indo-Pacific 10/15/2024 United States-Finland Consultation on the Indo-Pacific 10/15/2024 04:01 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…United States-Finland Consultation on the Indo-Pacific hide United States-Finland Consultation on the Indo-Pacific Media Note October 15, 2024 The United States hosted Finland for a dialogue on the Indo-Pacific October 11 in Washington, D.C. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Finnish State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Jukka Salovaara co-chaired the dialogue. The U.S. delegation included senior government officials from the Department of State, the National Security Council, and the Department of Defense. The United States and Finland discussed joint priorities to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific, including upholding international law and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and enhancing maritime and security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The Deputy and the State Secretary noted with serious concern both the PRC’s support to the Russian defense industrial base and the growing military ties between Russia and the DPRK. Both parties underscored the importance of further developing critical ties between NATO Allies and NATO’s Indo-Pacific partners to address pressing security challenges. They also committed to enhancing economic opportunities and resilience in the Indo-Pacific region including through technology partnerships. Deputy Secretary Campbell and State Secretary Salovaara also discussed security, defense, and technology cooperation; Finland’s integration into NATO; and Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, stressing their continued steadfast support for Ukraine and its legitimate defense against Russia’s full-scale invasion. They underscored their commitment to diplomatic efforts in the Middle East and called for an immediate de-escalation. Tags Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Finland Indo-Pacific Indo-Pacific Strategy Middle East North Atlantic Treaty Organization Office of the Spokesperson Peace Stabilization Treaties and International Agreements United States Welcomes Estonia’s Signing of the Artemis Accords 10/15/2024 United States Welcomes Estonia’s Signing of the Artemis Accords 10/15/2024 05:19 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…United States Welcomes Estonia’s Signing of the Artemis Accords hide United States Welcomes Estonia’s Signing of the Artemis Accords Media Note October 15, 2024 Estonia became the 45th signatory to the Artemis Accords in Milan, Italy on October 13.  The United States welcomes Estonia into the Artemis Accords as we strengthen our collaboration to ensure the sustainable use of space. Errki Keldo, Minister of Economy and Industry in the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications (MEAC), signed on behalf of Estonia in the presence of MEAC Director of EU and International Affairs Silver Tammik, MEAC Head of Space Policy Paul Liias, Estonian Ambassador to Italy Lauri Bambus, President of the Canadian Space Agency Lisa Campbell, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Rahima Kandahari, and NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. The Artemis Accords were established in 2020 by the United States and seven other countries.  They set out a practical set of principles to guide space exploration.  Estonia joins 44 other nations – Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Peru, Poland, the Republic of Korea, Romania, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Uruguay – in affirming the Accords’ principles for sustainable civil space activity.  The Department of State and NASA lead the United States’ outreach and implementation of the Accords. For more information, please visit Artemis Accords.  For media inquiries, please contact OES-Press@state.gov. Tags Artemis Accords Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Estonia Office of the Spokesperson Space Joint Statement from the Inaugural U.S.-Italy Space Dialogue 10/15/2024 Joint Statement from the Inaugural U.S.-Italy Space Dialogue 10/15/2024 06:52 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Joint Statement from the Inaugural U.S.-Italy Space Dialogue hide Joint Statement from the Inaugural U.S.-Italy Space Dialogue Media Note October 15, 2024 The text of the following joint statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and of the Italian Republic at the inaugural U.S.-Italy Space Dialogue. Begin Text: Pursuant to their shared goal of advancing bilateral space cooperation as declared by their leaders, the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Italian Republic held their first bilateral Space Dialogue in Rome, Italy on October 10-11, 2024.  The convening of the inaugural U.S.-Italy Space Dialogue follows the commitment from Prime Minister Meloni and President Biden to strengthen space cooperation in July 2023. The Vice-President on the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani sent a message highlighting the importance of deepening bilateral cooperation on space affairs in the framework of the strategic partnership between Italy and the United States.  Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Edmondo Cirielli, Vice Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy Valentino Valentini, the Secretary General of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Riccardo Guariglia, and Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in Italy Shawn Crowley participated in the dialogue. In their welcome and keynote messages, Gen. Franco Federici, Military Advisor of the President on the Council of Ministers and Secretary of the Inter-ministerial Committee for space and aerospace-related policies; Chirag Parikh, Executive Secretary of the National Space Council; and Rahima Kandahari, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, underscored that the inaugural Space Dialogue will deepen space cooperation for the benefit of the peoples of both countries and the world.  Both delegations comprised representatives of a range of ministries and agencies involved in space activities. The U.S.-Italy Space Dialogue’s purpose is to strengthen cooperation and advance bilateral collaboration in space matters.  At the meeting, Italian and U.S. officials exchanged information on respective national space policies, including Italy’s forthcoming space law as well as the U.S. Space Priorities Framework.  Both sides reiterated their strong determination to expand already robust bilateral cooperation in a variety of areas, including addressing the climate crisis and sustainable and safe use of outer space; preserving outer space heritage; advancing national security space cooperation and information sharing; and strengthening bilateral commercial space cooperation. The participants reviewed challenges to our shared economic and national security interests.  Both sides are determined to continue their close coordination in strengthening the global governance of space activities by promoting the widest possible accession to and full compliance with the Outer Space Treaty, including not to place in orbit around the Earth any objects carrying nuclear weapons or any other kinds of weapons of mass destruction. Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to the development and implementation of voluntary, non-legally binding international best practices and guidelines to promote the sustainable, safe, and responsible use of outer space. In this regard, both sides welcomed the adoption of United Nations General Assembly resolution 77/41 and called upon all States to commit not to conduct destructive direct-ascent anti-satellite missile tests.  Both sides welcomed States making and observing this national commitment in order to ensure that this proposal becomes an internationally recognized norm of responsible behavior. Both sides resolved to deepen the bilateral coordination on national security space policies, practices, and capabilities; particularly given both the growing scope of counter-space and related threats and potential adversaries increasing use of space to track and potentially target NATO and Allies’ forces, exercises, and other activities.  They resolved to strengthen the coordination of national security space activities with other allies and partners around the globe, including by leveraging innovative commercial space capabilities, to ensure access to critical space-based services and improve space domain awareness.  Both sides also confirmed their interest in working together to strengthen the cybersecurity of space systems and the security and resilience of critical space-related activities and services against the full spectrum of threats. Both parties also reiterated the strategic importance of low-Earth orbit, specifically highlighting the scientific and research activities taking place on board the International Space Station (ISS) today and on commercial space stations in the future.  Both delegations shared the understanding that industrial partnerships and investments are of the utmost importance and the United States welcomed Italy’s engagement in this endeavor. The participants discussed ongoing cooperation in space exploration and science and opportunities to strengthen partnership in these areas.  Both sides are determined to continue collaboration on scientific missions to enhance understanding of our solar system and investigate the origins of our universe, including through NASA’s Artemis missions.  The participants noted the critical importance of habitation on the lunar surface and welcomed further discussions on potential cooperation on the Italian Multi-Purpose Habitation (MPH) module.  The United States welcomed Italy’s efforts on the MPH modules and looks forward to future successful developments.  The participants also expressed their intent to discuss further cooperation in exploration, particularly on cislunar and lunar surface activities and in Low Earth Orbit. Italy and the United States discussed their shared interest in strengthening cooperation with new and emerging space programs around the world, including in Africa and Latin America. Both sides agreed to continue the discussion on possible opportunities to work together to promote international norms of responsible behavior in outer space and to collaborate on training, education, and capacity building programs.  Both countries reviewed joint efforts to promote the long-term sustainability of outer space activities, including work in the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS), and other UN bodies and the strengthening of the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA).  As founding signatories of the Artemis Accords, which reaffirm the importance of compliance with the Outer Space Treaty and other core treaties, and establish a shared understanding for safe, sustainable, and transparent use of outer space, both countries expressed the importance of advocating for these principles in UN bodies and other multilateral fora.  Both countries further reiterated the need to continue outreach on the Artemis Accords to non-signatory countries. The two countries decided to stay in close communication on expanding commercial space ties and leveraging commercial space situational awareness (SSA) capabilities, as U.S. responsibilities for civil and commercial SSA shift in the coming years from the Department of Defense to Department of Commerce. Both sides recognized the importance of addressing space debris. Both sides acknowledged that Earth observation is a priority area for bilateral cooperation.  They discussed a range of programs that use satellites to better forecast weather patterns; preserve outer space heritage; support agricultural and infrastructure planning; help monitor and combat climate change and pollution; prepare for and respond to disasters; improve natural resource use; and provide vital telecommunications services.  Moreover, sharing of and facilitating access to satellite data especially in the field of climate protection, research, and resilience are seen as fundamental by both sides.  The two countries also discussed capacity building efforts for emerging spacefaring nations. Both countries highlighted progress in negotiating a Technology Safeguards Agreement between Italy and the United States, which is designed to provide the legal and technical framework for U.S. commercial space launch from Italy and has the potential to open new commercial opportunities in a range of advanced technologies related to space. Following the government-to-government discussions, both sides held a commercial roundtable on the margins of the International Astronautical Congress in Milan, which brought together dozens of private space companies from each of the two countries and highlighted existing partnerships.  The session allowed industry representatives to better understand how the United States and Italy promote their respective commercial space sectors and to outline opportunities and challenges for stronger bilateral cooperation.  Participants also discussed reciprocal investment into each other’s space sectors.  Existing partnerships were examined to help boost ties between the two commercial space sectors and enable promotion of new partnerships. Both countries remain committed to continue to work together in the areas mentioned above and to explore other collaboration such as space industry sector development. End text. Tags Artemis Accords Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Italy Office of the Spokesperson Science, Technology, and Innovation Space Secretary Blinken’s Call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha 10/15/2024 Secretary Blinken’s Call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha 10/15/2024 08:14 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Blinken’s Call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha hide Secretary Blinken’s Call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha Readout October 15, 2024 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha today to reaffirm the United States’ enduring support for Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s aggression.  The Secretary and his Ukrainian counterpart discussed upcoming diplomatic events and engagements with EU leaders.  During the call, the Secretary underscored continued U.S. military and economic assistance to Ukraine and support for Ukrainians in defense of their freedom. Tags Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State Ukraine Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs Sfraga Travels to Iceland 10/16/2024 Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs Sfraga Travels to Iceland 10/16/2024 09:21 AM EDT Office of the Spokesperson Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs Michael Sfraga is traveling from October 16 – 20 to Reykjavik, Iceland, to attend the 2024 Arctic Circle Assembly and to meet with partners to discuss Arctic security, cooperation, and other regional issues.  As the first ever U.S. Ambassador to the Arctic, this visit builds on strong U.S. engagement with Allies and partners in the region, supporting mutual strategic and global goals. For media inquiries, please contact SAR-Events@state.gov Our future will be written in the Indo-Pacific 10/16/2024 View as a webpage  /  Share FROM THE DESK OF Secretary Antony J. Blinken U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE As President Biden often says, so much of our future will be written in the Indo-Pacific. During my travels to Laos, I underscored the importance of the U.S.-ASEAN Comprehensive Partnership, which continues to deliver for our people: improving maternal and child health, supporting sustainable development, healing the wounds of war, and investing in the potential of – and ties between – our people. That focus on the needs and on the aspirations of our combined one billion people is what animated our work this week at the ASEAN-U.S. Summit and at the East Asia Summit. These important engagements again showed the power and possibility of our partnerships, and I’m grateful to all of our ASEAN friends for their continued efforts to advance a common vision for the region.  Today, because of a lot of diplomacy over these last three and a half years, the United States and our Indo-Pacific partners are closer and more aligned than ever. As a fellow Pacific nation, the United States will continue to work with our partners to shape a brighter future for all our people. Secretary Antony J. Blinken delivers remarks on U.S.-ASEAN relations during a press availability in Vientiane, Laos. (Official State Department photo by Chuck Kennedy) In 2022, President Biden pledged a “new era” in U.S.-ASEAN relations. We’ve expanded our collaboration on long-standing priorities like economic issues and defense, but also launched many new initiatives in many new areas – from public health to clean energy to women’s equality – reaffirming the central role that ASEAN must play. The United States is ASEAN’s number one provider of foreign direct investment, and that’s very meaningful, because it tells you there's tremendous trust and confidence in the future. And it also is a tremendous generator of jobs and opportunity. We have more than 6,200 American companies operating in the region, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs locally but also in all 50 states. Investing in ASEAN We committed not only to growing our Comprehensive Partnership but to continuing to modernize it. We’re working to implement the ASEAN Single Window, a one-stop portal that will make regional trade faster, cheaper, and more reliable. That initiative has cut transaction times by four days and saved more than $6.5 billion. With the ASEAN digital economy projected to top $2 trillion by 2030, we’re equipping professionals and students in the region with the skills that they need to succeed in this 21st century economy. We’ve created an online education platform that’s enabled tens of thousands of people to complete courses and earn credentials in subjects like science, technology, and entrepreneurship. Recognizing the power of artificial intelligence to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals – ending poverty, eradicating hunger, and bringing health care to more people – we’ve adopted a U.S.-ASEAN Leaders Statement on AI, so that our countries can help shape the development, the use, the governance of safe, secure, and trustworthy artificial intelligence. And through a new five-year compact, a partnership between ASEAN and the U.S. Agency for International Development, we’re helping to empower ASEAN to identify areas where the region needs more capacity – for example, planning infrastructure projects – so that we can ensure that we’re meeting the region’s most pressing needs. Secretary Blinken meets with YSEALI alumni Keopanya Sengsoulivong (on the Secretary’s right), Souphaphone Dangmany, and Ketsada Koulabouth (taking the selfie) in Vientiane, Laos. (Official State Department photo by Chuck Kennedy) The foundation of the partnership between the United States and ASEAN is our people. This year marks a decade of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, a remarkable partnership that involves over 160,000 young people. To sustain that momentum, we’re doubling the YSEALI program and the number of ASEAN Fulbright students who’ll be studying in the United States. We’ve already established an ASEAN Center in Washington to help foster greater economic and cultural ties between our nations. We’re also working to unleash the potential of all our people. Building on last year’s first ASEAN high-level dialogue on disability rights, we’re working to make ASEAN’s economy and infrastructure more accessible and more inclusive for people with disabilities. All of these investments – in our economies, in our health systems, in our infrastructure, in climate, in people – all of these investments are good for people in ASEAN countries and for Americans back home: creating jobs, powering innovation, addressing challenges that we can only effectively meet when we’re working together. Addressing Issues of Shared Concern That’s also true when it comes to regional and global issues of shared concern. We continue to underscore the importance of upholding freedom of navigation and overflight in the South and East China Seas, as well as the need to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We’re intensifying our efforts to chart a more peaceful, inclusive, democratic future for Myanmar and address the DPRK’s dangerous and destabilizing behavior. We’re standing for the sovereignty, the independence, the territorial integrity of Ukraine, and the ability of people everywhere to chart their own course, to choose their own future free from force, coercion, and aggression. We also discussed the conflict in the Middle East. Last week marked one year since the horrific October 7th attack on Israel, where, among other things, citizens of ASEAN nations were among the hundreds killed or captured by Hamas, including six Thai citizens who remain hostages to this day. We continue to engage intensely to prevent broader conflict in the region, to bring all the hostages home, to get assistance to Gazans who so desperately need it and end the conflict. We are also working to reach a diplomatic solution in Lebanon, to support Israel’s right to defend itself against Iran and its terrorist proxies, to find a path to halt the cycle of violence and move toward a more integrated and prosperous Middle East. As the United States and our Indo-Pacific partners have drawn closer together, we’ve also worked to deepen the connections between partners in this region and around the globe – particularly in Europe. ASEAN and the EU held their first summit in 2022, and they’ve expanded cooperation on everything from cybersecurity to counterterrorism to climate change, reinforcing our own efforts in these areas. This collaboration across regions reflects the fact that our fates are intertwined. Making life better for our people requires us to coordinate in novel ways, to build new coalitions, to reinvigorate and reimagine existing partnerships. I’m grateful to all of our ASEAN friends for their continued efforts to advance a common vision for the region and for our shared future. Sincerely, Secretary Antony J. Blinken Note to Readers This flagship email – “From the Secretary’s Desk” – features the Secretary’s remarks and speeches on important current events. Sign up to receive this email regularly.  This email was adapted from two speeches that I delivered on October 11, 2024, in Vientiane, Laos, at the conclusion of the ASEAN-U.S. and East Asia summits. Find all my speeches, remarks, and other press statements on State.gov. You can follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Threads to learn more about my work. The United States Announces Significant New Military Assistance for Ukraine 10/16/2024 . The United States Announces Significant New Military Assistance for Ukraine 10/16/2024 02:37 PM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State The United States is providing another significant package of urgently needed weapons and equipment to our Ukrainian partners as they defend against Russia’s ongoing attacks. This additional assistance, provided under previously executed Presidential Drawdown Authority from Department of Defense stocks, is valued at $425 million.  It includes munitions for National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS); RIM-7 missiles for air defense; Stinger anti-aircraft missiles; Air-to-ground munitions;  Ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS); 155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition; cluster munitions; High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs); Javelin, AT-4, and other anti-tank systems; Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wire-Guided (TOW) missiles; light tactical vehicles; small arms, ammunition, and grenades; demolitions equipment and munitions; spare parts, ancillary equipment, services, training, and transportation. The United States is committed to supporting Ukraine with the equipment it needs to strengthen its position on the battlefield, defend its territory and people from the Kremlin’s brutal aggression, and secure a just and lasting peace.  As President Biden has made clear, the United States and the international coalition we have assembled will continue to stand with Ukraine. Online Press Briefing with Ambassador Julianne Smith, U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO 10/16/2024 Online Press Briefing with Ambassador Julianne Smith, U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO 10/16/2024 02:53 PM EDT Brussels Hub MODERATOR:  Good afternoon from the State Department’s Brussel’s Media Hub.  I would like to welcome everyone joining us for today’s virtual press briefing.  We are very honored today to be joined by Ambassador Julianne Smith, the U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO. A quick reminder that today’s session is on the record.  And with that, let’s get started.  Ambassador Smith, I’ll turn it over to you for opening remarks. AMBASSADOR SMITH:  Thank you very much, John.  I appreciate your help.  I appreciate everything that the Brussels Media Hub always does to bring together and facilitate interviews and conversations like this. As all of you know, we’re about one day out from the upcoming defense ministerial here at NATO HQ.  Very much looking forward to this ministerial, not only because this now officially starts to the path towards The Hague summit, which will take place next June, but also because we have two big firsts occurring during the summit.  It will be Mark Rutte’s first defense ministerial as our new secretary general, and for the first time we will have a session during the ministerial with our Indo-Pacific partners and the European Union to talk about a variety of subjects, shared challenges, and our shared support for Ukraine. And because of those two firsts, I know there’s added energy in the halls of NATO right now getting ready for this big ministerial.  But in addition, there will be a session at 32, where all 32 Allies will sit together around the table and take stock of where we are on a number of internal NATO matters, including how we are doing in implementing and executing the regional plans, among other subjects.  And then we will also have a NATO-Ukraine Council over dinner tomorrow night with Minister Umerov, who will be able to sit with all of the Allies around the table and tell us more about events on the ground and some of their plans for the coming weeks and months. Now, additionally, we will have a separate ministerial for the force contributing members of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, also referred to, as many of you know, as D-ISIS or Counter ISIS.  Secretary Austin is convening this group to focus on ways in which they can adapt this coalition to counter an evolving threat from ISIS in the Middle East and globally too, and we expect more than 30 countries to participate in those meetings at the minister level.  So that will be an important part of the next two days and that will occur, if I’m not mistaken, tomorrow morning before the DMM gets underway. I think that whether you look at the DMM or the D-ISIS ministerial, there’s kind of a clear throughline between these two events that continues to show just how united so many countries around the world are on countering a variety of threats that we face, threats that certainly include hybrid, cyber, terrorism, violent extremism, and threats to our democracies and international rules and norms as well.  So, these types of partnerships, these engagements, help us form the connective tissue that we need to push back against actors who seek to undermine the stability and security that our countries hold dear. So, with that, let me just pause.  Let me thank all of you for taking time out of your busy schedules to join us today.  And let’s open it up to questions, and I’m eager to hear what’s on your mind.  Thanks for joining us. MODERATOR:  Thank you so much, ma’am.  Why don’t we start with a live question?  First question will go to Yaroslav Dovgopol.  Yaroslav, please go ahead. QUESTION:  Thank you so much.  Can you hear me? AMBASSADOR SMITH:  Yes.  Loud and clear. QUESTION:  So, thank you for taking my question.  Yesterday, Pentagon confirmed that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin will discuss enhancing military support for Ukraine at the NATO defense ministerial.  And you also said about NATO-Ukraine Council.  So, in this context, could you please explain the current attitude of the U.S. administration regarding permitting Ukraine to use long-range Western weapons against targets in Russia?  And also, what is the U.S. position on the possibility of inviting Ukraine to a NATO membership, as proposed in the President Zelenskyy’s victory plan?  Thank you. AMBASSADOR SMITH:  Sure.  Thanks for your question.  So, on enhancing support, absolutely.  Every time ministers get together – whether it’s at a defense ministerial, such as the one that starts tomorrow, or in the form of the UDCGs which occur monthly – the goal is always the same, and that is to increase security assistance for our friends in Ukraine by starting first and foremost by listening to them in terms of what their current requirements on the battlefield are.  Through that process, through those engagements, we then work throughout the meeting and engagements to try and identify additional forms of support.  It’s no secret right now that the Ukrainians are in need of additional forms of air defense, artillery, ammunition, and armor. Allies, no doubt, will be looking to make additional contributions.  I sense here in the halls across the Alliance that unity remains strong.  I don’t get the sense that anyone is looking away or saying that they can’t possibly do more.  And so, I suspect coming out of this defense ministerial we will get some added contributions, along the lines of what the Ukrainians are seeking and asking for. Now on your two specific questions about the question of whether or not the Ukrainians can use the long-range fires that they have in hand to strike into NATO territory, that is something that they have discussed with the United States.  They did several months ago when they asked permission to use some of those weapons in and around Kharkiv.  At the time, the President discussed it with his cabinet and other senior advisors and reached the decision that we would allow the Ukrainians in that case, around Kharkiv, to use it in a limited capacity. Now the Ukrainians, as you well know, are asking the question about using those weapons in other locations.  I don’t have anything to announce about a change in U.S. policy.  I see that we still are at the same place where we’ve been, and that is that we will get Ukraine all the assistance that it needs to defend its territory.  And the Ukrainians have been very effective in using the weapons that we’ve provided to date, particularly in Crimea and multiple other locations inside Ukraine. On invitation, I think NATO’s position on this has been very clear.  We stated this summer at the 75th Anniversary Summit that Ukraine is on an irreversible path of membership and that Ukraine will become a member of the Alliance.  We are not at the point right now where the Alliance is talking about issuing an invitation in the short term.  But as always, we will continue conversations with our friends in Ukraine to talk to them about ways in which they can continue to move closer to this Alliance. MODERATOR:  Thank you, ma’am.  We’ll go to a submitted question now, this time from Sachiyo Sugita from NHK, based here in Belgium.  They ask: “With fear increasing, will NATO be discussing an increase in its military presence in the eastern part of the Alliance?” AMBASSADOR SMITH:  I do not believe that, at this point, the Alliance or any individual country is looking at a dramatic shift in its posture.  And I say that because a lot of things changed in the days and weeks following the start of the war in Ukraine in February of 2022.  Several Allies moved significant levels of troops, but also equipment, into Eastern Europe to reinforce the eastern flank in the spring of 2022.  And then NATO made a big announcement that same year to create four multinational battalions to add to the four existing multinational battalions that already existed in the three Baltic states and Poland.  So, in light of those dramatic changes and the fact those battalions now must be scalable to a brigade level, I don’t anticipate the Alliance rolling out any additive announcements in the coming days.  But of course, I know that General Cavoli, SACEUR, and other ministers continue to look for ways that we can best address the very real security concerns and requirements of our NATO Allies up and down the eastern flank. MODERATOR:  Thank you, Ambassador.  Let’s go to another live question, Alex Raufoglu.  Alex, please go ahead. QUESTION:  John, thank you so much for doing this.  Ambassador, thank you so much for your time.  I have multiparter, if I – if you please indulge me.  Want to follow up with Yaroslav’s question.  You mentioned Indo-Pacific dialogue and NATO-Ukraine ministerial dinner.  In light of that, do you have any comment on concerns on both the PRC’s support to Russian defense industrial base and the growing military ties between Russia and the DPRK?  Particular there are reports about they’re supplying troops to Russia.  Does this change anything for your calculation?  Does it now force the West to get more involved in defending Ukraine? Can you also fill us in on the current status of Ramstein dialogue?  As I understand it, the President is – his trip is back on.  However, it doesn’t include Ramstein.  So, what is the state of that? And finally, on Georgia, if I may, given the election is coming up, we have seen increasing scope of disinformation campaign against the U.S. and NATO Allies prior to elections.  Have you guys paused your relationship with the Georgian Dream government?  And if you listen to them, they will tell you that this is a temporary difficulty and it’s about election, and once we are back in the power, so we still can have NATO pass away, even though we will continue these – this policy.  Is that accurate?  Thank you so much. AMBASSADOR SMITH:  Okay.  So, you got a couple of things in there.  So, on Ramstein, yes, you are correct; the President had to pull down his planned trip to Germany, which included a meeting of the UDCG at the leaders level, due to events back in the United States tied to the hurricane and his need to be back home.  He, as I understand it, will be making a trip to Germany later this week, but you are correct in noting that it does not include a meeting of the UDCG, and we’ll wait to see when that will be rescheduled.  So, stand by on that front. On PRC support to Russia, here it’s interesting.  The PRC does its very best to try and convince the world that it can maintain a very neutral status as it relates to the war in Ukraine.  But in reality, the PRC has picked a side.  It has put its thumb on the scale, and it has opted to support Russia in its war in Ukraine by providing a long list of dual-use components that are enabling the Russians to pursue a whole series of attacks against Ukrainian civilians and Ukrainian troops.  So, thank you for raising that, and we in the United States and our friends and allies and partners around the world will continue to call out the PRC for this type of critical support to what Russia is doing inside Ukraine. Similarly, we are worried about what we see in terms of the DPRK providing missiles, ammunitions to the Russians – both ballistic missiles and potentially thousands of cargo containers full of munitions.  These are also critical to the Russian effort and their war inside Ukraine, and we will continue to go after the companies, anyone that’s involved in the transit of these items, and we’ll use all the tools at our disposal to call out these actions and put an end to them. In terms of supplying troops, North Korean troops to the war effort, we’ve seen those reports.  And obviously, if that is true – and I cannot tell you today whether that is, in fact, the case – but if it were to be true, it would be a serious increase in the direct support the DPRK is providing to Russia for its war of aggression in Ukraine. Lastly, on Georgia, yes, the disinformation campaign – this is a classic play on the part of the Russians.  They use disinformation to divide our societies from within to try and break up the unity that exists across our vast network of allies and partners around the world.  And we have worked for many years with the people of Georgia to see if we can help them cope with this disinformation challenge.  But also on another subject, we in the United States as well as many countries in Europe have been very direct with our friends in Georgia about our concerns for their democratic process, and that we want to ensure that the desire of the Georgian public to integrate into Western institutions like the EU or NATO, that those desires are heard loud and clear, and that they maintain their commitment to core democratic principles, to human rights, to democracy, and the rule of law. MODERATOR:  Thank you, Ambassador.  We’ll go to one more live question.  Nicholas Fiorenza from Janes.  Nicholas, please go ahead. QUESTION:  Hello.  Thanks for this opportunity to ask a question, for organizing this.  I’m – I saw that Polish Foreign Minister Sikorski was – I don’t think for the first time was mentioned a few days ago the – that it would make sense for Poland to be able to – or the Aegis Ashore system based in Poland to shoot down Russian missiles if they were approaching Poland.  I was just wondering if there’s been any U.S. response to that.  And as far as Aegis Ashore is concerned, it was originally designed to counter an Iranian missile threat.  But can it – is it now cleared for shooting down Russian missiles if there were a conflict with Russia? AMBASSADOR SMITH:  Well, look, let me just say at the top, for the United States, I mean, our focus continues to be on Ukraine and getting it all the assistance that it needs to defend its territory against continued Russian aggression, full stop.  In terms of Poland’s efforts to defend its own territory, that is their own sovereign decision, although certainly, as I noted earlier, Allies continue to consult with each other and with SACEUR General Cavoli on what, if anything, Allies need to ensure that they can protect their territory. But I do not have anything to say about a change in the existing BMD system at this juncture.  No change. MODERATOR:  Thank you, ma’am.  We have a couple questions regarding defense spending.  One from Shona Murray, who asks:  “Is the United States supporting or calling for 2.5 percent of GDP spending among all Allies?” AMBASSADOR SMITH:  Well, on defense spending, I mean, the goal right now remains 2 percent.  And we had some very good news that came out of the 75th anniversary summit earlier this summer, when we were able to announce that this year, 10 years after the Wales investment pledge, we now have 23 Allies meeting the 2 percent target.  What’s important now is that we move that number from 23 to 32.  We need every member of this Alliance to get to 2 percent, and we need Allies to accelerate those timelines, and we believe that because of the new regional plans that we recently rolled out that provides tremendous clarity on what we need to defend every inch of NATO territory.  And in order to execute and implement those plans, it will require resourcing, and the quickest way to get to resourcing is for every member of this Alliance to get to 2 percent.  That’s the focus now. Whether or not we would inch our way to another target remains to be seen.  I will commend those Allies – and there are quite a few now, not just in Eastern Europe; we’re seeing some of the Nordic countries, the United Kingdom, and others – moving well beyond the 2 percent target, and we applaud those countries that have already hit 2.5, 3, 3.5, and, certainly in the case of Poland, stretching beyond 4 percent.  Those are important contributions to Alliance security and their own national security, and we want to see more of that type of initiative. MODERATOR:  Thank you, Ambassador.  Next question comes from Roman Kot from RBC-Ukraine News Agency.  He asks:  “If (inaudible) ensure support for both Israel and for Ukraine?” AMBASSADOR SMITH:  Sorry, you cut out there, but I think I’ve got the nature of the question – concerns about commitments in the Middle East and Ukraine?  Is that — MODERATOR:  Yes, ma’am. AMBASSADOR SMITH:  Okay.  So look, I think the – from a U.S. perspective, we feel comfortable with maintaining the commitments we have to allies and partners, both in the Middle East and for our friends in Ukraine, and in fact, also maintaining our commitments in other corners of the world, including the Indo-Pacific.  These are in many cases different types of systems that are being provided, using sometimes different forms of assistance in the U.S. Government. So right now, I don’t think there’s anyone back in Washington that really looks at this as a zero-sum effort in any way, shape, or form.  We do believe, with the great contributions that we have seen from so many nations around the world for Ukraine, that together we can continue to get them what they need while also ensuring that we can defend Israel at the same time. MODERATOR:  Thank you, ma’am.  Next question comes from Elina Kervinen from the Helsingin Sanomat in Finland.  She asks:  “NATO has agreed in Washington that there will be an FLF model for Finland.  Is the United States ready to participate in this, and if so, how?” AMBASSADOR SMITH:  Well, first of all, we just continue to count our lucky stars that we have Sweden and Finland sitting at the table.  These are two countries that feel like they’ve been sitting there all along.  They’re making daily contributions to our discussions.  They give generously to a variety of NATO initiatives.  They bring fresh thinking, and we are greatly appreciative of everything that they’re doing for this Alliance. On that particular question, I don’t believe that I have anything to announce here in terms of a U.S. contribution, but I know that it feels a bit soon in the process, and no doubt Allies will be discussing this in the days and weeks ahead.  So on that front, I think I would just suggest that you stay tuned. MODERATOR:  Excellent.  Thank you, Ambassador.  Next question, this time from Momchil Indjov from Club Z Media in Bulgaria:  “How will the United States counter the threat of Slovak Prime Minister Fico to block the NATO membership of Ukraine as long as he is the prime minister?” AMBASSADOR SMITH:  Well, look, what was interesting is we didn’t have any trouble getting to a leaders’ agreement at the 75th anniversary summit that clearly articulated NATO’s position on Ukraine.  What did we say in the declaration that came out of the summit?  Not only did we commit to creating a new NATO command for Ukraine – that’s the NSATU mission that some of you are familiar with – we also agreed to a financial pledge to continue to provide financial resources to Ukraine over the next year.  And we used that new language that Ukraine is on an irreversible path to membership, as I mentioned at the top, and then of course we’ve stated time and again that they will become a member of this Alliance. So, my sense is that leaders are still in full agreement.  That was clear when I was sitting in the room at the summit this summer about Ukraine’s future membership.  We can certainly have discussions and debates about the timing and the mechanics of how that will occur and when it will occur.  But what’s important for our friends in Ukraine to understand is that not a single leader at that summit this past summer in July argued with the overarching premise, and that’s what I think our friends in Ukraine should focus on and understand that that commitment is firm.  Ukraine will become a member of this Alliance. MODERATOR:  Thank you, ma’am.  Next question, this time from Marco Darius from Badea Republica in Romania:  “If Donald Trump becomes president and does what he has promised – i.e. ends the war in Ukraine in just 24 hours – I guess the question is, is that a possibility.” AMBASSADOR SMITH:  Well, look, you’d have to ask Donald Trump.  I hesitate to make any predictions here, either about the U.S. election that’s about three weeks away or about what a future president, whoever it may be, might do on any front.  I think we need to wait and see the outcome of the election and go from there. MODERATOR:  Thank you, ma’am.  I think we have time for one last question, this time from Valbona Bytyqi KTV, National TV in Kosovo:  “Considering the developments in the region, the Balkans, and in Europe in general, do you consider it – that this is the appropriate time for Kosovo to join the Partnership for Peace?  This is also the request of the current institutional leaders.  And two, should the institutions of Kosovo act in the direction of realizing this goal or even the full membership in the transatlantic alliance?” AMBASSADOR SMITH:  Well, look, from a U.S. perspective, we certainly appreciate the Partnership for Peace program.  We still find tremendous value in it, and we have been pleased to see Kosovo’s strong interest in joining P4P.  But I think our friends in Kosovo have also heard us loud and clear.  We want them to continue to invest in the EU-led facilitated dialogue.  That is something that both NATO Allies and EU member-states strongly support.  They have our full commitment to stay engaged in the region and do what we can to assist them to bring greater stability to their neighborhood. And bit by bit, as we work towards the goals as outlined in that EU-led facilitated dialogue, one would hope that down the road we can then take on the question of P4P.  But right now, the focus is on bringing more stability to the neighborhood and doing what we can to seek progress on that EU-led initiative. MODERATOR:  Thanks so much, Ambassador.  And unfortunately, that is all the time we have for today’s call.  Thanks, everyone, for your questions, and Ambassador Smith, thanks as always for joining us. AMBASSADOR SMITH:  Many thanks. MODERATOR:  Shortly, we will send the recording of the briefing to all the participating journalists and provide a transcript as soon as it is available.  We always love to hear your feedback.  You can contact us at any time at TheBrusselsHub@state.gov.  Thanks again to all our friends for your participation.  We hope you can join us for another press briefing in the near future.  This ends today’s briefing. # # # Under Secretary Zeya Travels to Ukraine, Poland, and the United Kingdom 10/17/2024 Under Secretary Zeya Travels to Ukraine, Poland, and the United Kingdom 10/17/2024 08:23 AM EDT Office of the Spokesperson Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya will travel to Ukraine, Poland, and the United Kingdom from October 18-22, 2024. In Ukraine, Under Secretary Zeya will reaffirm steadfast U.S. commitment to robust civilian security and humanitarian support, and strengthening Ukraine’s democratic resilience in the face of Russia’s continued brutal aggression.  In her engagements with government, humanitarian, and civil society leaders, she will emphasize continued partnership on anti-corruption and rule of law reforms, a strong civil society and independent media, and advancing victim- and survivor-centered justice and accountability for Ukrainians. In Poland, the Under Secretary will meet with vulnerable Ukrainian refugees forced to flee Russia’s war against Ukraine and with valued humanitarian partners who provide direct support to them.  She will also visit a coordination center for Ukraine-bound support. In the United Kingdom, Under Secretary Zeya will further U.S.-U.K. cooperation on pressing global challenges.  She will meet with senior government officials, civil society, and members of Parliament to strengthen partnerships on humanitarian cooperation and human rights, including protections for survivors of trafficking in persons and LGBTQI+ individuals. For further information, please follow @UnderSecStateJ on X and @UnderSecStateJ on LinkedIn. Targeting Russian Attack Drone Production Used in War Against Ukraine 10/17/2024 Targeting Russian Attack Drone Production Used in War Against Ukraine 10/17/2024 10:42 AM EDT Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson The United States is today imposing sanctions on three entities and one individual involved in the development and production of Russia’s Garpiya series long-range attack unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which has been deployed in Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine.  The Garpiya, designed and produced in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in collaboration with Russian defense firms, has been used to destroy critical infrastructure and has resulted in mass casualties. These sanctions targets were involved in the development and production of military equipment for a U.S.-sanctioned Russian defense firm for use by the Russian military in Ukraine.  While the United States previously imposed sanctions on PRC entities providing critical inputs to Russia’s military-industrial base, these are the first U.S. sanctions imposed on PRC entities directly developing and producing complete weapons systems in partnership with Russian firms. Today’s action is part of our continued effort to disrupt attempts by PRC-based and Russia-based entities and individuals to support Russia’s acquisition of advanced weapons technology and components.  We will continue to impose costs on those who provide support to Russia’s military-industrial base. The Department of the Treasury sanctions actions were taken pursuant to Executive Order  (“E.O.”) 14024  “Blocking Property With Respect To Specified Harmful Foreign Activities of the Government of the Russian Federation.”  For more information on these actions, please see the Department of the Treasury’s press release . Online Press Briefing with Ambassador Beth Van Schaack Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice 10/17/2024 Online Press Briefing with Ambassador Beth Van Schaack Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice 10/17/2024 01:00 PM EDT Brussels Hub MODERATOR:  I would like to welcome everyone joining us for today’s virtual press briefing.  We are very honored to be joined by Ambassador Beth Van Schaack, the Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice. With that, let’s get started.  Ambassador, thanks so much for joining us today.  Over to you for opening remarks. AMBASSADOR VAN SCHAACK:  Great, wonderful.  Thanks, everyone, for joining.  I really appreciate your interest in these issues, and thanks to the media hub for pulling all this together.  I’m actually calling you from Vienna, where I’m hosting a workshop on protecting witnesses and particularly insider witnesses.  But I’ve just recently been in Warsaw, where I was focused on justice and accountability and support for victims of atrocities in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.  So I’ll focus on that, but happy to take questions about our work here in Vienna as well. During my tenure as Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice, I’ve really seen an incredible degree of mobilization of the international community around the imperative of justice for Russia’s war crimes and crimes against humanity really being committed everywhere that Russia’s troops are deployed across Ukraine.  And I’ve taken many trips focused on trying to advance concrete steps towards ensuring that robust justice is being delivered for Ukraine and for all the Ukrainian survivors and victims of Russia’s war of aggression. During this recent trip to Poland, I met with government officials at the ministry of justice and the ministry of foreign affairs, and it’s been remarkable to see the degree to which Poland has stepped up to support the justice imperative.  They’re playing host to thousands and thousands of Ukrainians who have fled violence; they’re interviewing these individuals with an eye towards identifying victims and potential witnesses; they’re looking across their own legal framework to determine whether or not they can bring cases in their own system; and they’re considering discrete amendments to their penal code and their code of criminal procedure to better enable their ability to do these cases. They’re supporting refugees and they’re providing security assistance.  They also helped to stand up the joint investigative team at Eurojust.  This is the network of international prosecutors across Europe, and it includes within them an international crimes unit of prosecutors that are specialized across Europe in prosecuting international crimes in national European courts.  So Poland is very active within Eurojust, and also then within Eurojust, there is a specialized joint investigative team of some of the frontline states.  Now, what a JIT can do is enable practitioners to speak directly with each other.  So prosecutors working on cases in one national system can speak directly with prosecutors working on national cases in another, and it doesn’t require going through a more formal mutual legal assistance process that may also be available through a network of bilateral treaties between European states.  And so it’s a really fast and efficient way for prosecutors to share information, to share strategies, to discuss ongoing cases and to support each other in the work. Poland has also helped to create the Register of Damage for Ukraine.  This is being stood up under the auspices of the Council of Europe, and it’s a mechanism for Ukrainian victims and survivors to register financial claims of harm that they have experienced.  The register has been stood up incredibly quickly.  My office in the United States Government are supporting it financially.  There’s also a very senior American international lawyer who’s on the board; it’s a multinational board.  And they’ve begun to accept claims by victims who will be able to register harms so that when there is a claims commission stood up, those claims can be adjudicated and various forms of reparation can be paid. Poland was also one of the 40-plus states referring the situation in Ukraine to the International Criminal Court.  The prosecutor has already moved forward now.  There are six arrest warrants, two with respect to the deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children from Russian-occupied and Russia-controlled areas of Ukraine into Russia and also then onward into Belarus, we’re seeing – so that’s President Putin himself has been indicted or is standing – is subject to an arrest warrant for that crime, and his children’s rights commissioner, and I have to put scare quotes around her title since she’s involved in essentially kidnapping, abducting children and subjecting them to nationalistic Russian indoctrination and military training.  But then additional individuals are now subject to arrest warrants for attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and other elements of the civilian infrastructure. And finally, Poland has also contributed to a number of other relevant international investigations and has launched criminal investigations in its own system.  All of these various elements are really critical pieces of an interconnected web of justice that together can combat impunity and be meaningful to victims.  And it’s important to emphasize that what we’re doing now is really laying the groundwork for what will be an intergenerational, potentially, justice effort.  Because many of the defendants and those most responsible may be out of physical reach right now, but over time they may become – they may fall within the jurisdiction of various international and domestic institutions, and the world’s prosecutors and investigators are ready. While I was in Warsaw, I also met with civil society organizations who are really active in Ukraine and Poland.  They are very organized.  They’ve created networks to support each other and to advance this work.  These organizations and advocates are playing a critical role in documenting possible international crimes.  They are undertaking very sophisticated methodologies, including using open source investigations – what can be gleaned from, for example, the social media accounts of potential perpetrators; what can we do about geolocating particular individuals, tracking the movement of munitions.  All of this can be – much information can be gleaned from open sources.  And all of this can then be shared with investigators and prosecutors around the world. They’re also supporting victims and devising recommendations on how we as an international community can collaborate to combat impunity and to enable meaningful justice for all of the people that are most affected by Russia’s brutal war.  And I really appreciated the willingness of these groups to travel to Warsaw to meet with me and to help share what they’re doing and how the international community can better support their work. In terms of my particular office, the Office of Global Criminal Justice, we have awarded more than $30 million in funding to provide capacity building and advice to Ukraine’s domestic authorities, to provide financial support to other relevant international institutions like the Register of Damage or the International Center for the Prosecution of Aggression, and also to civil society organizations to advance accountability and victim-centered, trauma-informed justice for the atrocity crimes being committed in Ukraine.  This includes $20 million to support the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group for Ukraine, which I’ll talk about later.  This is a joint initiative with the United Kingdom and the EU.  And as evidence of our sustained support for this work, last month we awarded an additional $6 million across several other initiatives to further these efforts to support the Ukrainian Government, to support civil society, and then to enhance the work of international institutions. This includes efforts to establish effective reparations mechanisms, to support access to justice for victims and survivors, and then also strategic litigation and case building for prosecution of crimes committed in the context of the war of aggression but that might happen in third states – in other words, states outside of Ukraine itself, which is very active, but where perpetrators may travel, where survivors now are living, having been given safe haven from the territorial state.  All of these states may be able at some point to launch cases.  And so our grants towards this strategic litigation is an effort to try and enhance the ability of third states to contribute to justice in support of what Ukraine is trying to do in its own system. So I was in Warsaw primarily for high-level meetings of this Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group to discuss the continued cooperation between the U.S., the European Union, and the United Kingdom as we help Ukraine tackle the incredible array of crimes that have been committed on their territory.  Our – my government has determined that not only are war crimes being committed virtually everywhere that Russia’s troops are deployed, but also crimes against humanity, which constitute an array of different crimes that are committed as part of a widespread of a systematic attack against the civilian population.  So two categories of crimes are implicated here, both of which fall within the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court but also within many national systems. The ACA is an essential element of the U.S. commitment to holding the Kremlin to account for all of the atrocity crimes underway and to ensure justice.  It’s one of three major pillars of U.S. policy towards the war in Ukraine, the first being to strengthen Ukraine’s hand on the battlefield so that it’s in a strong position at the negotiating table; the second is focused on addressing the unbelievable humanitarian crisis generated by this war and supporting all Ukrainian civilians and citizens as they suffer through another winter now under assault from the air and the ground; and then the third pillar is really focused on justice.  And so that’s where my work comes in. The vast majority of the war crimes and other international crimes cases being – that are being developed will be handled by the Ukrainian judicial system.  It is willing and able to do these cases, it is open, courts are open, Ukrainian investigators and prosecutors are working under truly impossible conditions as missiles are raining down upon them; and yet they are taking victim and witness testimony, they are building cases, and they’re putting Russians convicted of war crimes into prison.  This is really remarkable given that the war is ongoing.  And while there of course is always more work to do, I just have to express my immense admiration for the Ukrainian system for all they have done to be able to advance justice in real time while at the same time trying to defend their country from assault. And this commitment to justice is a critical part of Ukraine’s democratic future, their future as indelible part of Europe. So just a little bit about what the ACA has accomplished over the past two years.  So it’s providing coordinated strategic advice, capacity building, and operational assistance to Ukraine’s Office of the Prosecutor General in the investigation and prosecution of atrocity crimes in Ukrainian courts.  We have other projects that are focused on supporting the police and investigations farther upstream.  It has deployed leading experts, many of whom are veterans of the world’s war crimes tribunals, to provide training, consultation, and strategic guidance to the Office of the Prosecutor General and to partner agencies.  These experts bring decades of experience in the investigation and prosecution of international crimes at domestic and international levels.  So for example, one of the individuals who prosecuted the siege of Sarajevo before the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague, is now helping the prosecutor general and his colleagues prosecute the siege of Mariupol. The ACA has also helped Ukraine’s authorities restructure their operations and procedures to better handle this immense case load.  They have registered more than 140,000 potential prosecutable acts.  And of course, it will be impossible to prosecute every single war crime that has been committed.  And so the ACA is really helping the prosecutor general to think about how to prioritize these cases based upon the available evidence, witness testimony, physical evidence including – as well as open source and testimonial evidence, and also the prospects of gaining jurisdiction over particular individuals. The ACA have led over 130 trainings for Ukrainian authorities, provided advice on cooperation between military analysts and intelligence units as well as prosecutors to enable a successful prosecution of war crimes.  It’s also informed the prosecutor general’s focus on victim-centered justice, which will not only be applicable in the war crimes context, but will really enhance the work of the entire justice system more broadly so that domestic violence cases, for example, will benefit from the victim witness support procedures that are being put in place in connection with prosecutions for war crimes and other atrocity crimes. The ACA has also provided really specific focused advice on thematic crimes.  So for example, gender-based violence, conflict-related sexual violence, or crimes that are being committed against cultural heritage as Russia attempts to erase the unique cultural contributions of Ukraine to human society.  They’ve also provided support to regional prosecutors who are working out in the various field outside of Kyiv, who are often working closer to crime sites and under especially challenging circumstances.  In this work, the ACA is providing experience and lessons from other national jurisdictions and international tribunals. I also – I want to close by reiterating the United States commitment to justice for Ukraine, and noting that while there’s still a lot of work ahead of us, it’s really remarkable to see the kinds of steps that have been taken towards justice in Ukraine, but also in international institutions, and the degree of coordination of the international community to help deliver justice and ensure that impunity does not reign, even – all of these steps being taken even while this conflict is ongoing. So with that, I’m happy to pause and take any questions from the group. MODERATOR:  Thanks so much, Ambassador, for those opening remarks.  We’ll turn to a couple questions we received from a journalist online.  The first one is from Stefan Schocher, from Vienna, Austria.  He states:  “Ultimately, it’s about the Ukrainian authorities documenting these crimes.  And given the enormous number of cases, can you say more about the measures to strengthen Ukrainian investigators?  And can you comment on systematic crimes such as the abduction of children?  In particular, are there hints that a clear chain of command and preparations in this particular area exist or existed in the past?” AMBASSADOR VAN SCHAACK:  Yeah, for sure.  Thanks Stefan.  Great questions, and I’m loving being in Vienna.  It’s just absolutely gorgeous today. All right, so two questions, the first being that issue of documentation.  Much of Ukraine is now a crime site.  And so if this were an ordinary domestic crime, you would bring out your yellow “Do Not Cross” tape and you would close off the area so that investigators can get in, can collect forensic information, whatever evidence might be available.  It’s increasingly difficult to do that in Ukraine because the crime sites are enormous.  Entire towns have been destroyed.  Entire buildings have been brought down by missile attacks.  And so it’s investigations of just an entirely different order. And so much of what the ACA is doing is helping to support how do you translate skills that you have learned to use in an ordinary criminal law domestic context into this extraordinary new context of being under assault – from the air, from the ground, cybermeans, et cetera – and still collect information to an international standard so that it will stand up under scrutiny before a court of law. And so it’s everything from how do you interview witnesses in a trauma-informed way so that you’re not retraumatizing them and having them speak multiple times, what kind of support do we give witnesses while they’re giving their testimony; what conditions of even the room, how do you create a sense of agency to ensure that they’re participating voluntarily, subject to informed consent, and have the kinds of psychosocial support and other wraparound services that they need; to the more technical side of things – how do you identify particular ballistics so that you can show that it was a Russia-manufactured or increasingly, as we’re seeing, a North Korea-manufactured munition that was used in a particular attack; how do you prove that an element of the civilian infrastructure was in fact a civilian object that should have been immune from attack versus a military objective which is a proper military target – all of these are – can be very technical.  And so part of what the ACA is doing is bringing that expertise from other national systems with a stronger experience and background in doing these cases and helping inform their colleagues and counterparts in Ukraine. One of the really neat elements of the ACA has been field visits where we’ve brought Ukrainian investigators and prosecutors out of Ukraine and had them visit Croatia, for example, to learn from the Croatian experience, or they’ve come to the United States to meet, for example, with our specialists on environmental crimes; to learn what they can learn from these experts who have dealt with issues in other contexts, but also just give them a kind of a break so they get a sense to kind of breathe and not be constantly dealing with air raid sirens and this and that, but to also feel part of a community of practice.  So that’s a lot of what we’ve been doing on the investigative front. You’re entirely right, Stefan, that these really are system crimes.  They’re not a single incident that would be – that would give rise to a single indictment against a single individual.  We’re looking at a course of conduct, we’re looking at a crime base that may involve multiple crimes.  So you can imagine cumulatively charging something as the war crimes of murder, of unlawful attack against elements of the civilian – a civilian object or elements of the civilian infrastructure – and so teaching and working through what of these crimes can be charged under existing Ukrainian law.  And they have a war crimes provision, but it’s not necessarily consistent with, for example, the ICC statute, which has a very detailed scheduled of crimes. So helping to figure out what crimes are implicated by a course of conduct and how to charge those crimes, but then also how to prove them. You obviously – we know horrible things have happened, but you need to have evidence that will stand up to scrutiny and cross-examination before a court of law that satisfies each of the elements of these different crimes.  So for example, the abduction of children, you have to show lack of consent, that there were minors, where they were taken, et cetera.  And we have to look at a whole range of different types of evidence – insider witness testimony, open source information.  There’s, for example, websites where the children have been identified as being available for fostering or for adoption, and so those websites need to be captured so that that information can show that they’re in Russian custody and that they are being transferred – their guardianship is being transferred to someone within Russia or Belarus or whatever it would be.  So thinking about how to translate skills that have been developed with respect to single crimes into more of a system crimes perspective is precisely what the ACA is designed to do. MODERATOR:  Thanks so much, ma’am.  Onto the next question, this time from Momchil Indjov from Club Z Media in Bulgaria, who asks:  “According to some information, Russian President Putin can travel to Brazil next month to take part in the G20 meeting.  What does the U.S. expect from Brazilian authorities, taking into account the ICC has issued an arrest warrant or an arrest order against Mr. Putin?  Will the U.S. sanction Mongolia for not arresting him when he visited there? AMBASSADOR VAN SCHAACK:  Right.  Thank you very much.  I mean, in principle any ICC member-state – and Mongolia and Brazil are both ICC member-states – owe certain cooperation duties toward the court by virtue of being a member of that particular treaty.  And so that’s really a matter for the ICC system to deal with, including the Assemblies of States Parties, which are the other 124 or 5 – I’ve lost count, because both Armenia and now Ukraine are making – have made moves towards ratifying the treaty. So that’s really for the Assemblies of States Parties to take up.  The court has, in the past, looked at failures of cooperation by states when the former president of Sudan, Omar al-Bashir, would travel and occasionally would travel to ICC member-states.  And so the court and the Assemblies of States Parties would take that up. We have discouraged all states from inviting President Putin or according him any kind of a red-carpet treatment, because we should not be giving him a platform after he’s so blatantly violated the UN Charter and all of the principles of international peace and security that we hold dear and that we, as an international community, have worked hard to establish since the World War II period.  And so he shouldn’t be invited to these gatherings.  Easily Russia could send someone else. Now, what we also have seen is that there’s a fair amount of smoke around potential visits.  So when the BRICS meeting was happening in South Africa, there was a question of whether he was going to travel there, and it was clear that civil society mobilized.  They have an independent judiciary and an independent legal system, and so the government couldn’t necessarily guarantee that he wouldn’t have been subject to some sort of legal process were he to step foot in South Africa. And already, there was juris prudence emerging from South African courts when Omar al-Bashir traveled to South Africa some time ago, saying that South Africa was under a legal obligation to arrest Omar al-Bashir and to transfer him to The Hague, because he was standing – he was under an arrest warrant for genocide and other international crimes by the ICC at that time.  And ultimately what happened is that Omar al-Bashir did travel to South Africa but snuck out in the middle of the night on a private plane at an airfield with his tail between his legs, because it became clear that the legal system was mobilizing with him present in South Africa. So even if the invitation is extended to ICC member-states, I – if I were Putin, if I were a lawyer advising Putin, I would tell him to be very careful about traveling to ICC member-states, because they have independent judicial actors, they have independent police and lawyers, they have active civil society members – can utilize the legal system in order to potentially compel it to act by virtue of those cooperation duties under the Rome Statute. So it remains to be seen whether he will, in fact, travel to Brazil.  But there have been a number of other trips that have been sort of threatened or contemplated which have not come to fruition.  So for example, the world’s heads of state were invited to the inauguration in Mexico.  Putin did not attend, because I think he just felt like he couldn’t be sure that he wouldn’t have been subject to some form of legal process.  Over. MODERATOR:  Perfect.  Thank you.  The next question comes from Uk Lushi from IntTra.  Very short:  “What can you say about the special chambers of Kosovo in The Hague?” AMBASSADOR VAN SCHAACK:  Ah, yes, thank you.  No, we have been long supporters of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, which is essentially a Kosovar court, but sitting extraterritorially in The Hague and benefitting from a hybrid model, where a number of international experts are serving in key positions in that institution.  So for example, the chief prosecutor, Kim West, is a United States lawyer.  We have seconded her, essentially, to support the work of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers. It’s extremely important that we continue to support that institution as an international community.  It’s adjudicating crimes from the war in Kosovo, but it’s also contributing to the establishment of the rule of law within Kosovo.  And so we’re doing what we can to support that institution as it continues its work.  It’s got one big case moving forward, which involves the former head of state, but there are also a number of other cases, including cases involving efforts to undermine the administration of justice.  And this includes cases involving potential witness tampering or witness intimidation.  And so these cases are just as important, because they’re about building a rule of law and a judicial system that’s able to function without succumbing to outside pressure from individuals or entities that would not want to see these cases move forward. MODERATOR:  Thank you, Ambassador.  We have another question now from Steph Maupas from Le Monde, who says:  “You speak about support for international organizations – or this  international organization.  Do you also finance the ICC for its work, or do you support it in any other way?” AMBASSADOR VAN SCHAACK:  Yeah.  Even as a non-party state, there are many ways that we can support the work of the ICC.  We can do this diplomatically, and we attend the Assemblies of States Parties on an annual basis as an observer state.  We can engage in information sharing, if there’s information that we have that might support the work of the court, and providing operational assistance if they’re working in a particular environment and our embassy is available to provide some guidance on threat assessment, et cetera. So there are multiple ways that we can support the ICC as part of a larger system of international justice that includes other international organizations like the Commission of Inquiry that was established by the Human Rights Council, the United Nations Human Rights Council, or the Register of Damage that is being stood up under the Council of Europe. It’s all part of an ecosystem, and members of the international community should be doing what they can to support, whether it’s financially or otherwise, the various pieces so that this ecosystem is healthy and that each of the individual elements can support each other in order to deliver a comprehensive justice for atrocity crimes. MODERATOR:  Thank you, ma’am.  We have time for one more question, this time from Jelmer Kampen, who asks, in reference to the ACA:  “Have there already been results?  Have any cases already gone through with the help of the ACA?” AMBASSADOR VAN SCHAACK:  Yes, thank you.  There have been a number of cases.  So I think my numbers are current.  There have been 17 verdicts involving individual Russian prisoners of war who were in the custody of Ukraine.  That’s an unprecedented number for an ongoing conflict situation, like through history.  There have also been dozens of verdicts involving in absentia trials.  So under Ukrainian procedural law, they are able to move to a judgment without custody of the accused.  Not every system can do that, but Ukrainian law happens to allow in absentia proceedings. So there have been many more cases that have been – that have proceeded against individuals in absentia, where they have the identity of the alleged perpetrator, they provide notice to that individual so that he or maybe she – but most of these cases probably are hes – so he can come and defend in person if he would like.  Obviously, none of them have, and so then they proceed in absentia. And then finally, there are another – hundreds of notices of suspicion that have been issued against individuals, identifying who those individuals or the alleged individuals are who are deemed responsible for whether it’s custodial abuses or attacks on civilian objects, and then proceedings are underway to put together a full case and then eventually take it to a court to present it under the beyond a reasonable doubt standard.  And then the court would ultimately rule, and then an in absentia verdict would be achieved. So this is what’s underway, in addition to taking hundreds of testimonies, building other dossiers that eventually will become more full-scale cases.  So all of this work is underway, now as we speak.  And as I mentioned, this is going to be intergenerational.  So it may be a decade or more when these cases are still underway.  If we look at the states of the former Yugoslavia, where the war happened in the 1990s, they’re still adjudicating cases today in their special chambers.  And so I imagine that Ukraine will be in a similar situation. MODERATOR:  Thanks so much, ma’am.  Unfortunately, that is all the time we have for today.  Thanks, everyone, for your questions.  And Ambassador, thank you again for joining us. AMBASSADOR VAN SCHAACK:  Well, I just want to say thank you to all the journalists’ presence.  It’s so important that you continue to cover this issue.  I think Ukraine, even though they’re under assault and none of that has abated – the world is a terrible place these days, and so they’re – they’ve – the headlines are spread out through multiple different crisis situations and conflicts.  So really great to know that there’s still a high level of interest in what’s happening on Ukraine and on Kosovo as well. MODERATOR:  Thank you, ma’am.  Shortly we will send the audio recording of the briefing to all the participating journalists and provide a transcript as soon as it is available.  Thanks again, everyone, for your participation, and we hope you can join us for another press briefing in the near future.  This ends today’s briefing. Joint Statement of German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Yahya Sinwar 10/18/2024 Joint Statement of German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Yahya Sinwar 10/18/2024 11:21 AM EDT Office of the Spokesperson HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Joint Statement of German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Yahya Sinwar hide Joint Statement of German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Yahya Sinwar Media Note October 18, 2024 The following is the Joint Statement of German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken after their meeting in Berlin, October 18, 2024: Yahya Sinwar was a brutal murderer and terrorist who was bent on eradicating Israel and its people. As vicious mastermind of the October 7 terror attacks, he brought death to thousands of people and immeasurable suffering across an entire region. Sinwar stood in the way of a ceasefire in Gaza. His death can create a momentum to end the conflict. All hostages must be released. At the same time, humanitarian aid must be surged to the civilians in Gaza in need. Germany and the United States, together with partners, won‘t spare any effort on this path. Tags Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Germany Humanitarian Aid Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State Situation in the Middle East The Week at State: October 11 – October 17, 2024 10/18/2024 View as a webpage  /  Share October 11 – October 17 American businesses are critical partners in helping to solve global challenges. Next week, Secretary Blinken will recognize six U.S. companies for their efforts abroad with the Award for Corporate Excellence. Here's what happened at State this past week. ⤵️ ✈️ Secretary Blinken traveled to Germany with President Biden. 🇱🇧 We continued to support U.S. citizens in Lebanon and efforts to promote regional stability.  🧕 We updated our U.S. Global Strategy to Empower Adolescent Girls. Strengthening the Bond Between the U.S. and Germany Secretary Blinken joined President Biden in Germany to further strengthen the close bond our countries share and coordinate geopolitical priorities. Those priorities include Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression and events in the Middle East.  President Biden also reaffirmed our shared commitment to: Democracy. Countering antisemitism and hatred. Advancing cooperation on the economy, trade, and technology. Strengthening our Euro-Atlantic alliances and partnerships. How We’re Helping Civilians in Lebanon and Promoting Stability in the Middle East The United States continues to support Americans in Lebanon and promote regional stability. On Tuesday, Secretary Blinken spoke with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi about a diplomatic solution to: Implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. Allow Lebanese and Israeli civilians living near the border to return home. The Secretary also emphasized the need to ensure more humanitarian aid is delivered to Gaza and expressed concern about rising instability in the West Bank.  We strongly encourage U.S. citizens in Lebanon to depart now.  If you or someone you know is in Lebanon and needs help, please use our crisis intake form. Man Responsible for October 7 Attacks is Dead On Thursday, President Biden announced that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who launched the terror attacks on October 7, 2023, is dead.  “This is a good day for Israel, for the United States, and for the world,” President Biden said on X/Twitter.  “Sinwar was responsible for the murder of thousands of Israelis, Americans, and citizens of more than 30 countries,” Secretary Blinken said on X/Twitter. Continuing Our Support for Ukraine On Wednesday, the U.S. announced a new $425 million package of military assistance to Ukraine for urgently needed weapons and equipment. “The United States and more than 50 nations stand united with Ukraine, and this support will ensure continued robust support in the months ahead,” Secretary Blinken said on X/Twitter. Celebrating the Power, Potential, and Progress of Girls and Young Women The International Day of the Girl Child on October 11 is a time to celebrate the leadership of girls worldwide. This week, we: Launched the updated U.S. Global Strategy to Empower Adolescent Girls. Kicked off the first Department of State Gender Advisors Conference at the U.S. Institute of Peace. Attended the first Empowerment of Women ministerial meeting in G20 history.  Celebrated nearly 100 trailblazing women in technology from 21 countries. “On the International Day of the Girl, we reaffirm our commitment through action to elevating the power, potential, and progress of girls and women everywhere,” Secretary Blinken said on X/Twitter. News You May Have Missed Trailblazing Secretary of State Madeleine Albright appeared as a question on Final Jeopardy. The U.S. sanctioned three individuals and four companies for their role in a network that generates revenue for Hizballah. The U.S. welcomed Estonia’s signing of the Artemis Accords. The U.S. Embassy in Brazil announced the 12 projects it selected for the Small Grants Program 2024 to support culture, education, and media. Special Advisor for International Disability Rights Sara Minkara attended the first G7 Ministerial on Inclusion and Disability.  Spanish Language Spokesperson Natalia Molano shared how food and language help her connect with people around the world. International music professionals participated in an exchange program in several U.S. cities. On Indigenous Peoples' Day, we honored the rich cultures and contributions of Indigenous communities worldwide.   🔎 Looking Ahead October 21: Global Anti-Racism Champions Awards Ceremony October 22: Secretary of State’s Award for Corporate Excellence Ceremony October 31: Diwali 👉 Note to Our Readers We welcome your feedback on this newsletter. Send us your thoughts to EmailTeam@state.gov. 📩 Useful links Travel advisories and updates on international travel for U.S. Citizens from the Department of State Did you know that you can invite a representative from the Department of State to speak at your school, business, agency or organization? Learn about what we do through the firsthand experience of one of our representatives.  Ambassador Rao Gupta Travels to Switzerland 10/19/2024 Ambassador Rao Gupta Travels to Switzerland 10/19/2024 09:36 AM EDT Office of the Spokesperson U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues Dr. Geeta Rao Gupta will travel to Geneva, Switzerland from October 20-22 to lead the U.S. delegation to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)’s Regional Review of the 30th Anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (Beijing+30). In Geneva, Ambassador Rao Gupta will share U.S. government perspective on progress made for women’s and girls’ rights since the Fourth World Conference on Women and the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action in 1995. Ambassador Rao Gupta will also engage in bilateral meetings with likeminded governments on shared efforts to advance the rights and status of women and girls across the globe. For media inquiries, please contact the Secretary’s Office of Global Women’s Issues at stategwi@state.gov.