America.gov-Peace & Security: Introduction

Burma Agrees to Allow U.S. Cargo Plane with Relief Supplies

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Fri, 09 May 2008 16:28:11 GMT

Seven days after Cyclone Nargis slammed into Burma's densely populated Irrawaddy Delta killing thousands and displacing thousands more, the ruling military junta has given permission for the United States to send in a military C-130 cargo plane with emergency relief supplies on May 12, a White House spokesman says.

U.S.-Russian Relations Reflect Differences, Concerns and Promise

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Fri, 09 May 2008 18:01:49 GMT

U.S. and Russian relations have notable concerns, but also a degree of promise. And the United States looks forward to working with the new administration of President Dmitry Medvedev, says a senior U.S. diplomat. The relationship will be guided by the Strategic Framework Declaration.

Burma Aid Is About Saving Lives, Not About Politics, Rice Says

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Thu, 08 May 2008 08:11:13 GMT

The United States and other nations, the United Nations, international relief agencies and nongovernmental organizations are prepared to bring considerable resources to Burma in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis, Henrietta Fore, administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, said May 8.

U.S. Seeks Neighbors' Help on Sending Disaster Aid Teams to Burma

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Wed, 07 May 2008 16:51:33 GMT

The United States is asking Burma's neighbors to convince the ruling junta to permit disaster assessment teams into the country so that humanitarian relief efforts can begin the recovery from "a humanitarian disaster of immense scope." The U.S. Embassy says the death toll may have reached 100,000 people.

U.S. Seeks Social Justice and Security in the Americas, Says Bush

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Wed, 07 May 2008 18:20:57 GMT

The United States is committed to partnerships with its neighbors, to promote social justice, opportunity and security for the Americas, says President Bush, and make the region “a place where poverty gives way to prosperity.”

United States, Russia Sign Civil Nuclear Pact

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Tue, 06 May 2008 15:50:28 GMT

Once nuclear rivals but today partners, the United States and Russia sign a pact allowing development of nuclear energy for civilian purposes and strengthening efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation. The agreement is signed by U.S. Ambassador William Burns and Rosatom Director Sergey Kiriyenko May 6 in Moscow.

U.S. Provides $3.25 Million to Aid Burma Cyclone Victims

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Tue, 06 May 2008 16:37:26 GMT

The United States is providing $3.25 million in humanitarian aid to Burma and is prepared to do considerably more if the ruling military junta would permit, the White House says. Such additional assistance could include providing military medical teams and transport for large quantities of emergency supplies, President Bush says.

World Population Growth Poses Security Challenges

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Mon, 05 May 2008 08:06:27 GMT

With the world’s population expected to reach 9 billion by mid-century, there will be significant regional and global security stresses, says the director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. Michael Hayden discusses the rise of Asia and especially China and changes in the U.S.-European strategic alliance stemming from population growth.

Zimbabwe Final Vote Tally Has “Serious Credibility Problems”

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Fri, 02 May 2008 15:55:28 GMT

The State Department says the official vote tally of Zimbabwe’s March 29 election has “serious credibility problems,” due to delays and irregularities. A runoff presidential vote is impossible while the leading opposition candidate and his supporters face abuse by President Robert Mugabe’s government, according to spokesman Tom Casey.

Bush Freezes Burma’s State-Owned U.S. Assets

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Fri, 02 May 2008 16:17:32 GMT

President Bush expands U.S. economic sanctions on Burma ahead of its May 10 referendum on what Bush calls “a dangerously flawed constitution.” The sanctions add all Burmese state-owned corporations to the existing list of individuals and entities whose assets have been frozen by U.S. Treasury officials.

Talks to Continue Despite North Korean Proliferation Activities

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:30:05 GMT

The United States remains committed to the Six-Party Talks process despite revelations by U.S. intelligence officials that North Korea was helping Syria build a nuclear reactor. The multilateral process is “the appropriate and best way forward” on ending the threat of nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula, the State Department says.

United States, Russia Building New Economic Partnerships

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:22:44 GMT

On September 6, 2007, Muscovite Alyona Mikhailova made history by ordering a cappuccino, the first order taken at the first Starbucks coffee shop in Russia. For government officials and business leaders attending the new U.S.-Russia Economic Dialogue in Washington, it also signified their countries' deepening and expanding trade ties.

Syria Did Not Disclose Building Nuclear Reactor

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:48:33 GMT

Syria did not tell the International Atomic Energy Agency it was building a nuclear reactor in a remote area of eastern Syria with help from North Korean nuclear scientists and engineers, and after the reactor was destroyed in September 2007, made every effort to bury the evidence, White House press secretary Dana Perino says.

Time for Zimbabwe’s Neighbors to Exercise Leverage, U.S. Says

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:24:40 GMT

With forces loyal to Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe preparing to use severe force against his political opposition, the State Department urges the country’s neighbors to use “maximum leverage” to help the country’s citizens avoid a dramatic crisis. This comes after riot police raided the headquarters of the opposition.

United States Reducing Nuclear Weapons at an Extraordinary Pace

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:24:29 GMT

The three presidential candidates support nuclear arms cuts and strengthening the 1970 treaty governing nuclear nonproliferation. Current officials say the United States has the lowest level of operationally deployed strategic nuclear weapons since the 1950s after having retired or eliminated 13 types of nuclear weapons since 1992.

Forty-Year-Old Nonproliferation Treaty Under a Microscope

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:47:02 GMT

Nations that are party to the 1970 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty will gather in Switzerland for two weeks beginning April 28 to discuss the status of the venerable treaty regime. It will be the second of three meetings before they must make formal recommendations about the NPT during a review in 2010.

Public-Private Partnerships Foster Innovative Solutions

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:41:01 GMT

What would you do if you were offered $1 million to build a robot vehicle that could drive at speed, park, avoid pedestrians and cars driven by professional racers, and obey traffic laws? A Virginia Tech student jumped at the chance to team with professional engineers outfitting a car with electronics and computers to do just that.

States’ Negroponte Urges China to Begin Dialogue with Dalai Lama

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 18:31:41 GMT

The United States is deeply concerned about reports of violence and arrests in Tibet, where stability will not be possible unless China takes action to address long-standing grievances among the Tibetan people, say top U.S. diplomats, including Special Envoy Paula Dobriansky.

North American Leaders Defend Free Trade Pact

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 07:55:10 GMT

Since the United States, Canada and Mexico established the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1994, trade has tripled, laying a firm foundation for expanded regional cooperation, President Bush says. Bush and the leaders of Canada and Mexico praise the trade pact following their meeting in New Orleans.

U.S. Supports African Stance Against Arms Shipments to Zimbabwe

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 18:14:14 GMT

The United States does not believe that shipping Chinese arms to Zimbabwe is in anyone's best interests, a U.S. official says. The United States urged countries in southern Africa not to unload a cargo of Chinese assault rifles, mortars and ammunition destined for landlocked Zimbabwe.

Rice Urges Zimbabweans to Release Election Results

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:14:49 GMT

The United States stands with the Zimbabwean people in carrying out the results of recent national elections, but it also calls on the government to release election results immediately. Elections were held March 29, but the results have yet to be released. Secretary Rice says the longer the results are held, the more suspicion grows.

United States Values Strong Ties with Canada, Mexico

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:48:37 GMT

The United States has no closer neighbors than Canada and Mexico, says Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, making the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America a unique regional forum on trade and security issues. The relationship among the three countries is “one of the most critical” in American foreign policy, Rice says.

Bush, Great Britain’s Brown Call for New Iran Sanctions

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 11:24:18 GMT

New international sanctions are needed to convince Iran to suspend its controversial nuclear program, join international talks and benefit from a standing offer of support for a civil nuclear program, say President Bush and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown at a joint press conference in Washington.

Food Crisis Has Long-Term Global Challenges, Rice Says

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:00:03 GMT

President Bush is seeking an additional $350 million from Congress to provide immediate emergency food assistance, but the current food crisis has long-term global challenges, says Secretary Condoleezza Rice. "We need to encourage farmers and transporters, markets and governments to meet this urgent worldwide challenge," she says.

Support for Displaced Iraqis Urged by U.S. Official

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 18:03:39 GMT

Iraqi families displaced by conflict need more help, says a U.S. diplomat recently returned from the Middle East and Europe, where he urged nations to join the United States in lending continued support. “This is a shared responsibility and the stakes are high,” says James Foley, State Department coordinator for Iraqi refugee issues.

Kenya’s New Coalition Government Is Important Step Forward

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:59:09 GMT

The State Department praises the agreement between Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki and opposition party leader Raila Odinga to share power in a coalition government as a courageous decision that will move the country forward. Violence had swept across Kenya in the aftermath of its December 2007 election.

African Development Bank, U.S. Agency to Aid Small Businesses

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:55:49 GMT

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the African Development Bank Group agree to mobilize up to $125 million in private funds for small- and medium-size African entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. A minimum 25 percent of the businesses helped will be owned by women, USAID says.

Bush Orders $200 Million for Emergency Food Relief

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:43:45 GMT

Responding aggressively to a worsening global food crisis, President Bush orders some $200 million in emergency U.S. food assistance to address the impact of rising commodity prices on U.S. emergency food aid programs, meet unanticipated food aid needs in Africa and elsewhere, and help relieve political instability in some regions.

Rising Global Food Prices Likely to Continue, Say Experts

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:10:15 GMT

Sharply rising costs for food staples and fuel are leading to deadly clashes in impoverished countries and likely will continue for some time, international experts say. Rising prices are attributed to a combination of factors, including reduced production, low food stocks, drought and higher energy and transportation costs.

Surge Puts Iraq Back on Track, Says Bush

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:26:35 GMT

Improving security conditions in Iraq reflect a “major strategic shift,” says President Bush, which is setting the stage for Iraqis to continue making political and economic progress and the United States to transition toward a supporting role. “Our job in the period ahead is to stand with the Iraqi government,” Bush says.

Assessment Needed Before Reducing Iraq Troops, U.S. Officials Say

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:21:15 GMT

U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker and General David Petraeus, military commander of U.S.-led coalition forces in Iraq, emphasize in a press briefing that there are significant political and security components to be evaluated before deciding how rapidly and how many forces can be withdrawn from Iraq.

Bush Administration Seeks $37 Billion To Bolster Diplomacy

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 12:11:52 GMT

President Bush is seeking more than $37 billion from Congress in fiscal year 2009 spending to strengthen U.S. diplomacy by helping countries build democracy, recover from conflicts and improve lives and livelihoods by confronting disease and poverty. Speaking before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee, Secretary Rice outlines key priorities.

Recent Developments Signal Progress in Iraq, Envoy Crocker Says

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 13:52:34 GMT

There has been progress in Iraq over the past seven months, though immense challenges remain and gains have been uneven and frustratingly slow, says U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker. "Sustaining that progress will require continuing U.S. resolve and commitment. What has been achieved is substantial, but it is also reversible," he says.

Bush, Putin Chart Course Ahead for U.S.-Russian Relations

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:06:56 GMT

President Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin chart the course ahead for their successors in their final presidential meeting, including steps toward a missile defense system jointly operated by Europe, Russia, and the United States. Bush and Putin also agree to step up talks on building a jointly managed regional missile defense system.

Cooperation Often Overlooked in U.S.-Russian Relations

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:44:49 GMT

From his first meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Slovakia in 2001 to what will likely be his final official visit with the Russian leader in the Black Sea coastal resort of Sochi, President Bush has stressed the importance of building a close connection while navigating the complex relationship between Washington and Moscow.

Bush Calls Success in Iraq a Strategic Victory Against Terror

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 08:07:41 GMT

Five years ago the United States led an international coalition into Iraq to topple a brutal dictator and free 27 million people. Many challenges remain in building a new democracy, but the United States will stand with the Iraqi people because Iraq’s success will be a strategic victory against extremists, says President Bush.

Rice Asks Chinese Authorities to Show Restraint in Tibet

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 12:23:49 GMT

The United States is urging all sides in recent civil strife between protesters and Chinese authorities in Tibet to refrain from further violence. "We call on the Chinese government to exercise restraint in dealing with these protests, and we strongly urge all sides to refrain from violence," Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says.

Provincial Reconstruction Teams Reconnecting Afghanistan

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:31:17 GMT

Security operations may dominate the news from Afghanistan, but behind the headlines are the diplomats, soldiers and civilian experts of the provincial reconstruction teams (PRTs) who are helping the people of Afghanistan make unmistakable progress rebuilding the country after decades of violence and oppressive rule.

Kosovo Independence Significant in Muslim World, Envoy Says

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:28:35 GMT

Kosovo may be Europe’s newest nation, but its significance extends well beyond the region. “To be able to secure a Muslim-majority state inside the European whole is a terrific signal that the Muslim world and the non-Muslim word can live side by side in peace and cooperation, one with the other,” says a U.S. diplomat.

What Kosovo Means for the Muslim World

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 17:21:37 GMT

“To be able to secure a Muslim-majority state inside the European whole is a terrific signal that the Muslim world and the non-Muslim word can live side by side in peace and cooperation,” says U.S. Special Envoy for Kosovo Frank Wisner in an America.gov interview.

Overriding Interests Help Prevent South American Conflict

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 10:52:05 GMT

Overriding trade and economic interests helped defuse an explosive situation in South America’s Andean region, analysts tell America.gov. A raid by Colombian forces on a guerrilla camp in Ecuador had drawn angry reactions from Venezuela and Ecuador, but regional leaders ended the crisis, for now, at a meeting in the Dominican Republic.

U.S. Consulting with European Partners on Kosovo Independence

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 09:37:44 GMT

The United States welcomes the Kosovo government's commitment to implement the far-reaching provisions of a U.N. plan that includes supervised independence and protection for ethnic and religious communities, a senior U.S. official says. The Kosovo parliament formally declared its independence February 17 in Pristina.

Ambassador Nuland on NATO Emerging in Afghanistan

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 10:25:53 GMT

The U.S. ambassador to NATO writes about the 21st-century transformation of the democratic alliance.

NATO’s Stake in Afghanistan Is High, Shortfalls Must Be Met

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 10:24:14 GMT

It will take a significant contribution by the international community to ease Afghanistan along a path where it can meet expectations. The coalition of U.S., NATO and Afghan forces has been working diligently to overcome the Taliban and promote security while fostering change in areas ranging from education to anti-corruption.