America.gov-Peace & Security: Peacemaking (initially Middle East Peace Process)

United States Continues Fight Against Spread of Nuclear Weapons

Julie Hyman — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 10:19:00 GMT

The United States continues to work to eliminate the spread of nuclear weapons, and is focusing on weaknesses in proliferation pathways, according to a senior U.S. official.

Kazakhstan Committed to Reforms, Says State’s Boucher

Julie Hyman — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:46:36 GMT

Kazakhstan is earning America’s support for its bid to lead the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe by committing to further democratic reforms, says Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher. “The decision to support Kazakhstan’s chairmanship was not one the United States made quickly or easily,” he says.

Missile Defense Plan Directed at Rogue Nations, Not Russia

Julie Hyman — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:38:03 GMT

The United States has reiterated that its planned missile defense system in Europe is not directed against Russia but rather against the growing threat from rogue nations such as Iran, according to a senior U.S. military official.

United States Seeks New Agreement on Cluster Munitions

Julie Hyman — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:19:08 GMT

Although the United States will not commit to a blanket ban on cluster munitions, it is committed to enhancing civilian safety through improved technology. A U.S. delegation to the Conference on Certain Conventional Weapons at Geneva is working with other countries to find a solution to the humanitarian problem these weapons pose.

U.S. Humanitarian Aid Focuses on Saving Lives, Not Politics

Julie Hyman — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:40:18 GMT

The United States long has understood that providing humanitarian assistance for victims of disaster, whether natural or man-made, must be offered without political conditions. Saving lives and livelihoods demands nothing less, a State Department official tells a congressional hearing.

Indian, Pakistani Youth Plant “Seeds of Peace”

Julie Hyman — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:10:08 GMT

Seeds of Peace was created in 1993 to give young leaders from regions in conflict the skills they need to move their societies toward reconciliation. The program brings young participants to a camp in the United States where they live and interact together. America.gov talks to participants in the 2008 program.

Rice Launches New Civilian Response Corps

Julie Hyman — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:47:02 GMT

Helping states emerge from conflicts, disasters, and political crises represents a complex international security challenge, says Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and America’s new Civilian Response Corps offers a new approach to stabilization and reconstruction efforts.

Significant Peacekeeping and Nonproliferation Successes

Julie Hyman — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:46:18 GMT

Hospital Ship Offers Treatment in Southeast Asia, Pacific

Julie Hyman — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:44:16 GMT

The USNS Mercy is sailing to Vietnam, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Micronesia, bringing together medical, dental and engineering teams and nongovernmental groups from multiple nations to coordinate humanitarian and civic action programs of lasting value.

More Responsive, Coordinated U.S. Aid Effort Urged

Julie Hyman — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:59:18 GMT

Growing global poverty and its array of related problems can be confronted only by a better partnership of U.S. agencies, say two former leaders of the U.S. Agency for International Development, America’s premier foreign-assistance agency.

U.S.-Russia Nuclear Pact Looks to Further Cooperation

Julie Hyman — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 17:12:34 GMT

The new “123 Agreement” with Russia presents an opportunity for two former nuclear rivals to share peaceful nuclear technology and combat nuclear proliferation, a senior U.S. State Department official says. Allowed would be the transfer of technology, material and equipment under strict controls.

Weapons Proliferation Poses Serious Threat, Official Says

Julie Hyman — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 18:11:04 GMT

A broad partnership of nations must be ready to act against weapons proliferation and the illicit arms trade to successfully fight terrorism, a senior U.S. diplomat says. And the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction represents a major security threat of the 21st century that requires a new, comprehensive strategy.

Bush To Begin Eight-Day Visit to Europe

Julie Hyman — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 15:36:13 GMT

President Bush will begin a visit to Europe that will focus on strengthening U.S.-European ties across an array of global issues. It will spotlight the U.S. role in supporting the transition of Europe after World War II, free and at peace, National Security Advisor Hadley says.

Casualties from Land Mines, Other Explosives in Sharp Decline

Julie Hyman — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 08:18:56 GMT

“In 2007, the annual number of reported casualties from land mines and explosive remnants of war worldwide decreased to 5,751, down sharply from approximately 26,000 just four years ago,” according to the 2008 edition of the State Department's To Walk the Earth in Safety, released June 3.

U.N. Wants Answers from Iran on Controversial Nuclear Program

Julie Hyman — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 10:41:59 GMT

If Iran’s controversial nuclear program is as peaceful as Tehran claims, Mohammed ElBaradei, director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, wants to know why it may have included side research into high explosives, warhead designs and other projects with “possible military dimensions.”