U.S. Government
Thursday, August 29, 2013 - 08:36
Psaki addresses U.S. reactions to the Egyptian situation, U.S. reaction to chemical weapons in Syria, the U.S.-Russia relationship in light of tension over Syria, and the status of current Israel-Palestine talks.
Thursday, August 29, 2013 - 08:20
Harf addresses the reassignment of officials due to Benghazi investigation by the ARB, the Egyptian-U.S. security assistance relationship in light of ongoing events, the possible death of a Boko Haram leader in Nigeria, and resuming security assistance to Mali.
Thursday, August 29, 2013 - 07:50
Psaki addresses recent events in Egypt, a United Kingdom Law Authority Operation, dialogue between Pakistan and India, Geneva II planning, elections in Zimbabwe, and an attack in Lebanon.
Thursday, August 29, 2013 - 07:33
Thursday, August 29, 2013 - 06:02
Today I am pleased to announce the appointment of Ambassador Donald Booth as the new U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013 - 13:30
U.S.-ZAMBIA RELATIONS
The United States established diplomatic relations with Zambia in 1964, following its independence from the United Kingdom. Zambia saw single-party rule from independence until 1973, when it formally became a one-party state. In 1991, elections replaced the country's 27-year president as Zambia began adopting multi-party democracy and a more liberalized economy. Zambia's economic growth has not benefited many rural Zambians who continue to live in poverty. The Zambian Government is pursuing an economic diversification program to reduce the economy's reliance on the copper industry. The country's challenge is to promote broad-based economic growth, create employment, and develop its human capital.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013 - 13:28
The United States established diplomatic relations with Burkina Faso (then called Upper Volta) in 1960, following its independence from France. U.S. relations with Burkina Faso are excellent. In addition to regional peace and stability, U.S. interests in Burkina Faso are to promote continued democratization and greater respect for human rights and to encourage sustainable economic development. Countering terrorism and strengthening border security are of growing importance in Burkina Faso. The United States and Burkina Faso engage in a number of military training and exchange programs, including in counterterrorism and humanitarian assistance. The country is contributing to the support of U.S. efforts in the Sahel. Burkina Faso is a partner in the Africa Contingency Operations Training and Assistance program for peacekeeping and is a member of the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013 - 13:26
The United States established diplomatic relations with Burundi in 1962, following its independence from a Belgian-administered trusteeship. From 1993 to 2006, the country saw civil war driven by ethnic tensions. The 2000 Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Accords provided a negotiated settlement to the conflict. National elections in 2010 were judged by domestic and international observers to be free and fair. The next national elections are slated for 2015. Political parties are currently discussing reform of the electoral law and process to streamline and simplify the next elections. Democratic consolidation remains critical, as does the need to demonstrate peace dividends to the population.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013 - 13:21
The United States and Cape Verde have strong historical roots. As early as the 1740s, U.S. whaling ships began recruiting crews from the islands of Brava and Fogo, and other ships from the American colonies routinely anchored in Cape Verdean ports to trade.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013 - 13:19
The United States established diplomatic relations with the Central African Republic (C.A.R.) in 1960, following its independence from France. The C.A.R. is one of the world’s least developed nations, and has experienced several periods of political instability since independence. The Central African Republic is located in a volatile and poor region and has a long history of development, governance, and human rights problems. The U.S. Embassy in the C.A.R. was briefly closed as a result of 1996-97 military mutinies. It reopened in 1998 with limited staff, but U.S. Agency for International Development and Peace Corps missions previously operating there did not return. The Embassy again temporarily suspended operations in November 2002 in response to security concerns raised by the October 2002 launch of a 2003 military coup. The Embassy reopened in 2005. Restrictions on U.S. aid that were imposed after the 2003 military coup were lifted in 2005. Due to insecurity and the eventual overthrow of the C.A.R. Government, the U.S. Embassy in Bagui has been closed since December 2012. The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to the C.A.R.