U.S. Department of State,update

United States Announces Significant Military Assistance for Ukraine 12/30/2024 United States Announces Significant Military Assistance for Ukraine 12/30/2024 06:24 AM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State As part of the surge in security assistance that President Biden announced on September 26, the United States is providing another significant package of urgently needed weapons and equipment to our Ukrainian partners as they defend against Russia’s war of aggression. This additional assistance, provided under previous drawdowns from Department of Defense stocks, is valued at $1.25 billion.  It includes:  Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (c-UAS) munitions; air defense munitions; ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS); 155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition; air-to-ground munitions; Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems; Tube-launched, Optically guided, Wire-tracked (TOW) missiles; ammunition for crew-served weapons and fragmentation grenades; demolitions equipment and munitions; communication, training, software, clothing and individual equipment; and spare parts, ancillary equipment, services, training, and transportation. The United States and more than 50 nations stand united to ensure Ukraine has the capabilities it needs to defend itself against Russia’s aggression. Sanctioning Judge for the Arbitrary Detention of Alexei Gorinov  12/31/2024 Sanctioning Judge for the Arbitrary Detention of Alexei Gorinov  12/31/2024 10:58 AM EST Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Sanctioning Judge for the Arbitrary Detention of Alexei Gorinov  hide Sanctioning Judge for the Arbitrary Detention of Alexei Gorinov  Press Statement December 31, 2024 The United States is today imposing sanctions under the Global Magnitsky sanctions program on Olesya Mendeleeva for her role in the arbitrary detention of Moscow city councilor and human rights defender Alexei Gorinov.  In July 2022, Mendeleeva sentenced Gorinov to seven years in prison in an effort to stifle dissent about Russia’s war against Ukraine.  He has suffered physical abuse and denial of medical treatment in detention. The United States stands in solidarity with the Russian people, who face threats, violence, reprisal, and imprisonment from Russian Federation authorities for exercising their human rights and fundamental freedoms in their own country.  We call for Gorinov’s immediate and unconditional release and the release of all others whom the Russian Federation has arbitrarily detained.  We remain committed to promoting accountability for serious human rights abuses in the Russian Federation.  The Department of the Treasury’s sanctions actions today were taken pursuant to Executive Order 13818, which builds upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuse around the world.  For more information, see Treasury’s press release.  Tags Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Human Rights Human Rights and Democracy Office of the Spokesperson Russia Sanctions in Response to Attempted Iranian and Russian Interference in U.S. General Election 12/31/2024 Sanctions in Response to Attempted Iranian and Russian Interference in U.S. General Election 12/31/2024 10:52 AM EST Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Sanctions in Response to Attempted Iranian and Russian Interference in U.S. General Election hide Sanctions in Response to Attempted Iranian and Russian Interference in U.S. General Election Press Statement December 31, 2024 The United States is imposing sanctions today on the Cognitive Design Production Center (CPDC), a subordinate organization of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and the Moscow-based Center for Geopolitical Expertise and its director, Valery Mikhaylovich Korovin, affiliates of the Russian Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU). These actors sought to stoke sociopolitical tensions and undermine our election institutions during the 2024 U.S. general election. Today’s sanctions build on numerous previous U.S. government actions that have disrupted Iran’s attempts to undermine confidence in our democratic institutions and Russia’s global malign influence campaigns and illicit cyber activities. The United States continues to closely monitor efforts by malicious actors to influence or interfere in the integrity of our elections. We remain committed to promoting accountability for state-sponsored actors who attempt to undermine public trust in our democratic institutions. The Department of the Treasury sanctions actions were taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13848, the U.S. election interference authority, as well as other authorities. For more information on today’s actions, please see Treasury’s press release. Tags Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Division for Counter Threat Finance and Sanctions Iran Office of the Spokesperson Russia Sanctions Secretary Blinken’s Call with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Barrot Secretary Blinken’s Call with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Barrot 01/01/2025 07:41 PM EST Office of the Spokesperson The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller: Secretary Blinken spoke today with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot.  The Secretary and Foreign Minister discussed the latest developments in Syria and ways to help the Syrian people seize the opportunity to build a better future while limiting the risks of further instability, including from the Islamic State, as well as the imperative of an inclusive, Syrian-led transition process.  The Secretary underscored the need for all groups in Syria to respect human rights, uphold international humanitarian law, and take all precautions to protect civilians, including members of minority groups, and urged international support to locate missing persons and those unjustly detained under the former Assad regime, including Austin Tice.  The Secretary praised France’s leadership in support of Lebanon, including its ongoing aid to the Lebanese Armed Forces.  The Secretary reiterated the importance of a coordinated approach to help the Lebanese people rebuild their institutions and restore their leadership through presidential elections. The Week at State: December 27, 2024 - January 2, 2025 01/03/2025 December 27, 2024 - January 2, 2025 It’s been a busy year! Check out some of our most significant favorite moments and accomplishments from 2024.  Here’s what happened at State this past week.   We honored former President Carter’s extraordinary legacy.  Members of the Quad — Australia, Japan, India, and the U.S. — marked 20 years of partnership.  We announced new aid to Ukraine. Remembering a Life of Service and Compassion Secretary Blinken honored the life and legacy of former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29. The Secretary credited President Carter’s “tireless and principled diplomacy” for brokering a peace deal between Israel and Egypt, establishing arms control agreements with the Soviet Union, and securing the return of the Panama Canal to Panama. President Biden recalled President Carter’s extraordinary service during and following his presidency. “With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us.” President Biden announced the closure of all executive agencies, including the State Department, on January 9 as a mark of respect. The Quad Marks 20 Years of Cooperation Secretary Blinken joined the foreign ministers of Quad partners Australia, Japan, and India to mark 20 years of cooperation. The four countries first came together as the Quad in 2004 to respond to the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami that claimed nearly a quarter of a million lives. “What began as an emergency response has grown into a full-fledged partnership,” they said in a joint statement. “We share a vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific that is peaceful, stable, and prosperous.” New Aid for Ukraine President Biden announced nearly $2.5 billion in security assistance for Ukraine, providing air defense, artillery, and other critical weapons systems.  “The United States will continue to work relentlessly to strengthen Ukraine’s position in this war over the remainder of my time in office,” he said. Secretary Blinken hailed the announcement, noting “the United States and more than 50 nations stand united with Ukraine.” News You May Have Missed The Secretary continued pressing for results in Syria and the Middle East, holding calls with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.  We released helpful hints for travelers planning to travel internationally in the new year. Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma reflected on initiatives that are strengthening U.S. diplomacy as part of our Modernization Agenda. January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month and this year marks the 25th anniversary of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.  Looking Ahead January 9: Day of Remembrance for Former President Jimmy Carter January 20: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. January 20: Inauguration Day February 17: George Washington’s Birthday  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 Burma Independence Day 01/03/2025 Burma Independence Day 01/03/2025 05:00 PM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State On behalf of the United States of America, I reaffirm our commitment to the people of Burma as they mark the 77th anniversary of the country’s independence on January 4. The United States was among the first to recognize Burma and its right to chart its own future. We stand in solidarity with its people in their resolve to enjoy democracy, stability, economic prosperity, and human rights. We continue to call on the military regime to end its violence, release all those unjustly and arbitrarily detained, allow unhindered humanitarian access, and support the country’s return to the path of inclusive democracy. Secretary Blinken’s Travel to the Republic of Korea, Japan, and France 01/03/2025 Secretary Blinken’s Travel to the Republic of Korea, Japan, and France 01/03/2025 06:55 PM EST Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Blinken’s Travel to the Republic of Korea, Japan, and France hide Secretary Blinken’s Travel to the Republic of Korea, Japan, and France Press Statement January 3, 2025 Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to the Republic of Korea (ROK), Japan, and France January 4-9. In the ROK, Secretary Blinken will meet with senior ROK government officials to reaffirm the ironclad U.S.-ROK Alliance and discuss ways our two nations can build on our critical cooperation on challenges around the world based on our shared values. The Secretary will also discuss how the United States and the ROK can strengthen key efforts to promote a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, as well as trilateral efforts with Japan. In Japan, Secretary Blinken will meet with senior Japanese government officials to review the tremendous progress the U.S.-Japan alliance has made over the past few years. Secretary Blinken will reaffirm the importance of the alliance in addressing a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues and continue to build on the momentum of U.S.-Japan-ROK trilateral cooperation. In France, Secretary Blinken will meet with senior French officials as part of our vital partnership to address challenges in Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. Tags Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs France Japan Office of the Spokesperson Secretary Trip The Secretary of State South Korea This email was sent to politikimx@gmail.com using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: U.S. Department of State · 2201 C Street NW · Washington, DC 20520