America.gov-

Obama Tells Blogger He Wants Greater Freedom for Cubans

Stephen Kaufman — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:21:17 -0500

President Obama responds to a set of questions posed by Cuban blogger Yoani Sánchez about the U.S.-Cuban relationship, and praises Sanchez and her fellow bloggers for their “efforts to empower fellow Cubans to express themselves” and project their voices through technology.

Clinton: Afghans Face Critical Moment With Karzai’s Second Term

Sean Maroney — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:48:13 -0500

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is in Afghanistan to join foreign dignitaries and Afghan leaders November 19 for President Hamid Karzai’s inauguration ceremony. Clinton says Afghanistan is at a critical moment in its history on the eve of the inauguration of Karzai’s second term.

Delayed Honduran Vote on Zelaya Not Counter to Accord, U.S. Says

Stephen Kaufman — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:32:56 -0500

The United States wants Honduran President Manuel Zelaya restored to power in a timely manner, but says the Honduran Congress’ decision to delay the vote until after the November 28 presidential election does not violate an accord brokered through the Organization of American States.

Corruption Continues to Hobble Social, Economic Progress

Jane Morse — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:01:29 -0500

Corruption continues to hobble social and economic progress in most countries, according to the latest report released by Transparency International, a nonpartisan, civil society organization that monitors corruption from some 90 offices around the world.

China, United States Urge Comprehensive Climate Change Agreement

Stephen Kaufman — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:07:43 -0500

China and the United States, the world’s two largest consumers and producers of energy, agree that the December climate change summit in Copenhagen should produce a comprehensive agreement. In Beijing, President Obama and Chinese President Hu also discuss nuclear nonproliferation and human rights.

Societies Free of Internet Censorship Are Stronger, Obama Says

Stephen Kaufman — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:10:43 -0500

The more a country allows the free flow of information, the stronger its society becomes, President Obama told future leaders of China in Shanghai. He credits the lack of censorship in the United States with encouraging innovation and understanding, as well as strengthening democracy.

Experts See Sustained Human Rights Movement Emerging in Iran

Howard Cincotta — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:04:22 -0500

To overcome a legacy of suspicion and mistrust, the United States should inaugurate a process of long-term, patient engagement with Iran on a wide range of issues, according to a distinguished panel of scholars and diplomats appearing on Capitol Hill November 4.

Congolese Journalist Champions Women, Human Rights

Carlyn Reichel — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:24:35 -0500

Journalist Chouchou Namegabe has dedicated her life to raising awareness about issues of rape and sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Defying cultural taboos, she has documented more than a decade of human rights abuses in the DRC and brought them to the world’s attention.

Filipino Judges Hone Skills in U.S.-Supported Legal Training

Bridget Hunter — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:41:20 -0500

Thanks to funding support from the ABA Rule of Law Initiative and the U.S. Agency for International Development, 127 newly appointed executive and vice-executive judges in the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao regions attend a series of three-day workshops conducted by the Philippine Judicial Academy.

Helsinki Treaty Spurred Fall of Berlin Wall, End of Communism

Jim Fisher-Thompson — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:08:52 -0500

The countries of the former Eastern Bloc can now hope to resolve political and economic challenges democratically, thanks in part to the Helsinki Process, which not only led to the fall of communism, but enshrined the principle of human rights as a diplomatic tool of engagement.

Fall of Berlin Wall Had Impact on African Continent

Scott Bobb — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:23:52 -0500

The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked the beginning of changes not only in Europe, but also in Africa. Voice of America correspondent Scott Bobb talks to Moeletsi Mbeki, the deputy chairman of the South African Institute for International Affairs.

Obama Welcomes Germany’s Merkel Ahead of Berlin Wall Anniversary

Stephen Kaufman — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:51:47 -0500

Nearly 20 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, President Obama welcomes East German-born Angela Merkel to Washington. Merkel becomes the first German chancellor in 40 years to address both houses of the U.S. Congress, where she urges greater cooperation to “tear down the walls of today.”

Obama Congratulates Afghan President and Urges Internal Reforms

Stephen Kaufman — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:24:34 -0500

President Obama congratulates Afghan President Hamid Karzai on winning re-election and says the final outcome of the country’s election has been “determined in accordance with Afghan law.” Obama urges Karzai to initiate reforms to improve Afghan governance and end corruption.

With New Services, Bosnian Towns Learn About Accountability

Michelle Austein Brooks — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:05:41 -0500

Citizens service centers, one-stop shops that serve the majority of citizens’ needs, have made life easier for citizens and government employees throughout Bosnia-Herzegovina. Such centers not only have changed the way towns provide services, but also how government employees interact with citizens.

Young Leaders of Grass-Roots Movements Meet in Mexico City

Lauren Monsen — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:59:42 -0500

When Web-based activists gathered in Mexico City recently for the Alliance of Youth Movements Summit, they spoke about their experiences in using the power of the Internet to achieve positive social change. As their stories reveal, technology now facilitates civic involvement around the world.

Honduras Agreement Important Example for Latin American Democracy

Stephen Kaufman — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:17:14 -0500

Secretary Clinton praises Honduran leaders for their agreement to peacefully end the country’s political crisis stemming from the June 28 coup that ousted President Manuel Zelaya. She describes the agreement as “a big step forward” for democracy within the inter-American system.

Honduran Negotiators Only Need Political Will to Reach Agreement

Stephen Kaufman — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:42:43 -0500

The U.S. delegation sent to Tegucigalpa to help facilitate talks between Honduras’ de facto government and President Zelaya has been asked to stay longer. Ambassador Shannon, who heads the delegation, says an agreement between the two sides will help legitimize November 29 elections.

Clinton Sends U.S. Officials to Honduras to Urge End to Crisis

Stephen Kaufman — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:55:41 -0500

With the legitimacy of Honduras’ November elections in jeopardy due to a continuing political dispute, Secretary of State Clinton sends U.S. officials to the country for talks to resolve the crisis resulting from the June 28 coup that ousted President Zelaya.

Freedom of Speech and Religion Must Be Balanced, Clinton Says

Jane Morse — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:10:26 -0500

There must be a sensible balance between freedom of religion and freedom of speech, says Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in releasing the annual Report on International Religious Freedom. Freedom of religion, she says, “allows nations that uphold it to become more stable, secure and prosperous.”

United States Anticipates Smoother Runoff Vote in Afghanistan

Stephen Kaufman — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:43:45 -0500

The United States is hopeful that the November 7 Afghan presidential runoff election will have fewer irregularities than the August 20 vote, but U.S. Special Envoy Richard Holbrooke says there should be wider acknowledgement that the electoral process has worked in the face of serious challenges.

Press Freedom Group Concerned over Europe, Welcomes U.S. Progress

Stephen Kaufman — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:54:48 -0500

The eighth annual Reporters Without Borders ranking of the state of media freedom in 175 nations and political entities shows a decline in some European countries and dramatic declines in Israel and Iran, but the organization also welcomes progress by the United States over the past year.

Education, Economic Opportunity Help Curb Violence Against Women

Jane Morse — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:03:48 -0500

Education and economic empowerment are among the most important tools to prevent the victimization of millions of women around the world who are suffering from violence, experts tell members of the U.S. Congress.

Mideast Peace Requires Taking Risks, Rice Tells Israelis

Stephen Kaufman — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:32:47 -0500

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice urges a resumption of Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations “without preconditions,” and explains that the Obama administration’s emphasis on multilateral action recognizes that the fate of the world’s people is becoming more and more interconnected.

Obama Lauds Afghan President’s Participation in Runoff Vote

Stephen Kaufman — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:02:46 -0500

Afghan President Karzai’s agreement to participate in a runoff presidential election scheduled for November 7 is “an important precedent” for the country’s young democracy, President Obama says, and strengthens the country’s constitution and laws as well as the credibility of its electoral process.

Sudan Policy Aims at Ending Genocide, Implementing Peace Accord

Stephen Kaufman — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:18:40 -0500

The new U.S. policy toward Sudan emphasizes a need to simultaneously end the suffering in the Darfur region and fully implement the peace accord between the government and the southern region. The United States will be assessing the situation on the ground and using incentives to further progress.

Murderers of Russian Journalists Must Face Justice, Clinton Says

Stephen Kaufman — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:40:29 -0500

Secretary Clinton says only one of 18 murders of Russian journalists since 2000 has resulted in a conviction of the killers, and the failure to punish the perpetrators is a threat to Russian society and the rule of law. Speaking in Moscow, she says democracy promotes both stability and prosperity.

Iranian-American Actress Shohreh Aghdashloo Wins 2009 Emmy

Azam K. Gorgin — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:33:17 -0500

Tehran-born actress Shohreh Aghdashloo becomes the first Iranian American to win an Emmy Award from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, receiving the honor September 20, 2009, for her supporting role in the original HBO miniseries House of Saddam.

Guinea Violence a “Vile Violation” of Human Rights, Clinton Says

Stephen Kaufman — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:53:05 -0500

Secretary Clinton expresses outrage at the murder and rape of Guinean civilians by the security forces of their country’s ruling military junta on September 28. The secretary calls for an international investigation into the incident, saying there should be “no impunity” for the perpetrators.

New U.N. Measure to Encourage Accountability for Sexual Violence

Stephen Kaufman — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:13:51 -0500

U.N. Security Council Resolution 1888, which is designed to protect women in conflict zones from sexual violence, can also embolden former victims to participate in efforts to bring perpetrators to justice, which the United States says is an essential part in preventing future crimes.

United States Working to Bridge Gaps in U.N. Human Rights Council

Stephen Kaufman — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:13:07 -0500

Assistant Secretary of State Esther Brimmer says the United States has used its initial participation in the United Nations Human Rights Council to work with other members on strengthening the right of free expression and reinforcing other universal human rights standards.

Violence Against Women Is an Economic and Human Rights Issue

Jane Morse — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:15:06 -0500

Violence against women is not only a human rights issue but also an economic issue — for the countries where women are brutalized, as well as for the United States — U.S. officials say at the first-ever hearing on the issue held by the full committee of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Clinton Hails U.N. Resolution to Protect Women Against Violence

Jane Morse — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:30:13 -0500

Violence against women is not cultural but criminal, says Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, and she hails the U.N. Security Council’s unanimous decision to adopt a resolution to protect women in conflict situations.

Direct Talks Between U.S. and Burma Expected in New York

Stephen Kaufman — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:05:13 -0500

The United States and Burma’s military rulers will hold their first direct, substantive talks on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, says Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell. Campbell will be the U.S. representative to the talks pending President Obama’s appointment of a coordinator.

Serbian, Montenegrin Youth Learn Civic Activism, Reconciliation

Michelle Austein Brooks — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:56:41 -0500

Serbian and Montenegrin secondary school and college-age students donned yellow rubber gloves and headed to the wooded banks of the Danube River September 23, not just to pick up trash but to highlight the importance of civic activism and building interethnic relations.

Women’s Issues to Be Major Focus of U.S. Policy

Jane Morse — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:50:04 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says women’s issues will be the centerpiece of her term as secretary of state and urges women leaders to help women everywhere reach their full potential. “Women are the key to progress and prosperity around the world,” she tells luncheon guests in New York.

United States Will Directly Engage Burma, but Keep Sanctions

Stephen Kaufman — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:38:11 -0500

The Obama administration says targeted sanctions against Burma’s military rulers and their associates will not by themselves encourage democratic and human rights reforms. The Obama administration says it will keep the sanctions but will also directly engage the military junta.

Iranian Scholar Sees Her Arrest Based on Fear of Revolution

Howard Cincotta — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:48:05 -0500

When Iranian-American scholar Haleh Esfandiari was robbed at knifepoint on the way to Tehran’s airport in December 2006, she assumed it was a frightening but isolated incident. She was wrong. Instead, her ordeal was only beginning.

Clinton Identifies Food Security as Top U.N. Agenda Item

Jim Fisher-Thompson — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:23:48 -0500

The best approach to ending world hunger is to “integrate diplomacy with development,” Secretary Clinton says. To this end, the United States and United Nations will co-host an event highlighting the need for all nations to work together to feed the estimated 1 billion people who are undernourished.

Democracy Video Challenge Launches Second Annual Competition

Jane Morse — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:15:03 -0500

Young filmmakers from around the world found that great thoughts about democracy can be conveyed with the simplest tools. Their work was showcased in the 2009 Democracy Video Challenge, a video competition made possible by a public-private partnership that will sponsor another competition in 2010.

Nonproliferation, Climate Change Top U.S. Issues for U.N. Meeting

Stephen Kaufman — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:48:24 -0500

Traditional U.S. security priorities such as nonproliferation and arms control are being joined by climate change and food security as the Obama administration emphasizes a new American commitment to multilateralism ahead of the 64th United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Paths to 1989

Anthony Crews — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 08:09:13 -0500

History professor and author Fritz Stern reflects on the fall of the Berlin Wall. According to Stern, the emergence of political and spiritual leaders and the concurrent massing of brave protesters was perhaps historically unprecedented, and ultimately affirmed the triumph of Western ideals.

Grants from Millennium Challenge Corporation Spur Development

Jim Fisher-Thompson — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:53:59 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton highlighted the relationship between good governance and economic development during her recent Africa trip — a universal concern that the Millennium Challenge Corporation addresses through innovative grant partnerships called “compacts.”

Timor-Leste Community Confronts Gang Violence Through Sports

Stephen Kaufman — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 12:39:53 -0500

The Bairo Pite recreation facility and peace monument is a community effort, supported by nongovernmental organizations, to guide young people away from violence by creating a venue for sports activities and providing a space for youth to congregate away from the gangs that dominate the community.

Those Most Affected by Climate Change Seen as Unaware of Dangers

Stephen Kaufman — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:37:41 -0500

Those most likely to suffer from the adverse effects of climate change are also among the world’s least informed about the issue. Journalists discuss the challenge of educating audiences in the developing world about the risks of damaging the environment to achieve short-term economic rewards.