@statedept @secblinken #pressstatementdos #moldova —- On behalf of the United States, I congratulate the people of the Republic of Moldova as you celebrate 31 years of independence. This Independence Day is especially significant as Moldova demonstrates its strength and resilience in welcoming and supporting hundreds of thousands of refugees forced to flee Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine. Moldova has shown the world it is a small country with a big heart. The United States stands with the people of Moldova in your efforts to protect your sovereignty and territorial integrity and to resist foreign influence from actors seeking to interfere with Moldova’s European integration. We continue to support the Moldovan government’s democratic reforms, and its efforts to fight corruption and build an economy that works for all Moldovans. The United States commends the Republic of Moldova for its progress and its resolve. We look forward to further strengthening our bilateral relationship, rooted in our shared democratic values. https://www.state.gov/countries-areas/moldova/ https://www.instagram.com/p/ChzgsoHOvUY/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

@statedept @secblinken #pressstatementdos - —- Anniversary of the Russian Invasion of Georgia PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE AUGUST 7, 2022 Fourteen years ago today, Russia invaded the sovereign nation of Georgia. As we have done since 2008, we remember those killed and injured by Russian forces. For decades, the citizens of Georgia in Abkhazia and South Ossetia have lived under Russian occupation and tens of thousands have been displaced, persecuted, and impoverished. Lives and livelihoods have been taken from them. This year, Russia’s unprovoked further invasion of Ukraine underscores the need for the people of Georgia and Ukraine to stand together in solidarity. The people of Georgia know all too well how Russia’s aggressive actions, including disinformation, so-called “borderization,” and mass displacement cause untold hardships and destruction. Russia must be accountable to the commitments it made under the 2008 ceasefire – withdrawing its forces to pre-conflict positions and allowing unfettered access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance. It also must reverse its recognition of Georgia’s Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions. This is essential for hundreds of thousands of internally displaced persons to be able to return to their homes safely and with dignity. We remain steadfast in our support for the people of Georgia as they seek to protect their sovereignty and territorial integrity and find a peaceful solution to the conflict. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cg-I1btOowY/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

@statedept - #ukraine receives $820 Million new military assistance #pressstatementdos #csadosdrepost #standwithukraine —— ... $820 Million in New U.S. Military Assistance for Ukraine PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE JULY 1, 2022 Share Ukrainians continue to face a brutality highlighted once again this week by an attack that struck a shopping mall filled with civilians. They continue to fight for their country, and the United States continues to stand by them and their just cause. As the United States prepares to commemorate our independence, we remain committed to the independence, security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Pursuant to a delegation of authority from the President, I am authorizing our fourteenth drawdown of arms and equipment from U.S. Department of Defense inventories for Ukraine’s self-defense since August 2021 of up to $50 million. This authorization, along with the Defense Department’s parallel announcement of $770 million in Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative funding, will bring total U.S. military assistance to Ukraine to more than $6.92 billion since Russia launched its brutal, unprovoked, full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24. Our commitment to the Ukrainian people will not waver, and we will continue to stand united with Ukraine. https://www.instagram.com/p/CffJJV4OCUJ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

@statedeptspox #pressstatementdos - Welcoming the Resumption of Flights Between Sana’a, Yemen and Cairo, Egypt PRESS STATEMENT NED PRICE, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON JUNE 1, 2022 Share The United States welcomes today’s flight between Sana’a, Yemen, and Cairo, Egypt, which enables more Yemenis to seek medical care, pursue educational opportunities, and see loved ones from across Egypt’s diverse Yemeni diaspora community. The United States appreciates the Government of Egypt’s efforts to facilitate these flights, along with the Governments of Yemen and Saudi Arabia. The United States reiterates its strong support for the efforts of UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg, and our collective work has resulted in the most significant progress toward peace in years. While we are encouraged by the resumption of flights from Sana’a and expanded flow of fuel into northern Yemen, there is much more work needed to improve the freedom of movement of people and goods inside Yemen, particularly to the city of Taiz, where hundreds of thousands of Yemenis have suffered for far too long. The truce has provided tangible relief to Yemenis, improving the lives of millions, demonstrating the benefits of peace, and giving hope that an end to this conflict is possible. The United States urges all parties to seize this pivotal moment, listen to the demands of the people, maintain support for the truce, and build towards a comprehensive peace process.#Yemen #Egypt https://www.instagram.com/p/CeSGiCAuVYx/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

@statedept @secblinken #pressstatementdos #csadosdexcerpt —- MAY 28, 2022 The United States remains concerned about the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet and her team’s visit to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and PRC efforts to restrict and manipulate her visit. While we continue to raise our concerns about China’s human rights abuses directly with Beijing and support others who do so, we are concerned the conditions Beijing authorities imposed on the visit did not enable a complete and independent assessment of the human rights environment in the PRC, including in Xinjiang, where genocide and crimes against humanity are ongoing…. The United States remains deeply concerned about the human rights situation in the PRC, particularly in light of new reports that offer further proof of arbitrary detentions among the more than one million people detained in Xinjiang. Survivors and family members of detainees have described cruel treatment that shocks the conscience, including torture, forced sterilization, state-sponsored forced labor, sexual violence, and forced separation of children from their parents. We also urge the PRC to respect the human rights of Tibetans, those living in Hong Kong, and all others who seek to peacefully exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We again call on the PRC to immediately cease its atrocities in Xinjiang release those unjustly detained, account for those disappeared, and allow independent investigators unhindered access to Xinjiang, Tibet, and across China. Full statement: https://www.state.gov/concerns-with-un-high-commissioner-for-human-rights-visit-to-the-peoples-republic-of-china/ About #highcommissioner: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelle_Bachelet https://www.instagram.com/p/CeID8rpOyhf/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

@statedept @secblinken #pressstatementdos —— Georgia’s National Day PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE MAY 26, 2022 Share On behalf of the United States of America, I wish the people of Georgia a happy Independence Day. The Georgian people understand deeply the value of independence and freedom. Despite Russia’s ongoing occupation of 20 percent of Georgia, the people of Georgia have shown a firm determination to pursue a Euro-Atlantic future. We condemn Russia’s aggression against Georgia, and we steadfastly support Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. During the 30 years of our bilateral relationship, the United States has been proud to support Georgia’s efforts to advance democratic development, diversify its economy, and build a prosperous future. Together, our countries have also worked side by side in support of global and regional security. On this day of celebration for Georgians everywhere, I reaffirm the United States’ continuing commitment to partnering with Georgia on its path to Euro-Atlantic integration. Georgia’s National Day PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE MAY 26, 2022 Share On behalf of the United States of America, I wish the people of Georgia a happy Independence Day. The Georgian people understand deeply the value of independence and freedom. Despite Russia’s ongoing occupation of 20 percent of Georgia, the people of Georgia have shown a firm determination to pursue a Euro-Atlantic future. We condemn Russia’s aggression against Georgia, and we steadfastly support Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. During the 30 years of our bilateral relationship, the United States has been proud to support Georgia’s efforts to advance democratic development, diversify its economy, and build a prosperous future. Together, our countries have also worked side by side in support of global and regional security. On this day of celebration for Georgians everywhere, I reaffirm the United States’ continuing commitment to partnering with Georgia on its path to Euro-Atlantic integration. https://www.instagram.com/p/CeAkycBOy1P/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

@statedept @secblinken @statedeptspox #pressstatementdos #dprkorea #csadosdrepost —— The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s Illicit Activities and Sanctions Evasion PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE MAY 6, 2022 Share The United States is imposing sanctions on the virtual currency mixer Blender.io (Blender), which is used by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) to support its cyber-enabled illicit activities and money-laundering of stolen virtual currency funds. In an attempt to evade robust U.S. and UN sanctions, the DPRK has resorted to theft of funds from virtual currency exchanges and blockchain-related companies to generate revenue for its unlawful weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missile programs. Blender is a platform that has enabled DPRK malicious cyber actors to mix illicit virtual currency with anonymous virtual currency to facilitate money laundering, including part of the proceeds of the nearly $620 million theft from Sky Mavis in March. The United States remains committed to seeking diplomacy with the DPRK and calls on the DPRK to engage in dialogue. At the same time, we will continue to address the DPRK’s unlawful cyber activities, as well as violations of UN Security Council resolutions. For more information about today’s designations, please see the Department of the Treasury’s press release. https://www.instagram.com/p/CdOB7VgusJE/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Delivery of Humanitarian Assistance to Tigray and Afar Regions PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE APRIL 1, 2022 Share The United States welcomes steps by the Government of Ethiopia and regional authorities to implement a cessation of hostilities. We commend them on the delivery of humanitarian assistance over recent days to Ethiopians in the Tigray and Afar regions. Over one hundred thousand Ethiopians will receive life-saving food from the two initial convoys that have mobilized in the past three days. This is an important step toward implementing the cessation of hostilities and addressing the urgent humanitarian needs in both regions. Now, we urge all stakeholders to make every effort possible to sustain the delivery of life-saving assistance. The United States appreciates the extraordinary efforts of humanitarian actors to enable this delivery of humanitarian assistance. Operating in difficult circumstances across Ethiopia, humanitarian actors continue to show their agility, dedication, and commitment to serving those in need. We call on all parties in conflict-affected regions to ensure the safety of humanitarian staff. The United States supports and acknowledges the positive undertakings in this regard made by the Government of Ethiopia and the regional authorities in Tigray and Afar. We urge all parties to build upon this positive humanitarian development to take the difficult next steps to realize peace in northern Ethiopia. The United States will continue to do everything within our power to assist all Ethiopians in need throughout the country and support an inclusive political process to achieve progress toward common security and prosperity for all Ethiopians. @statedept @secblinken #pressstatementdos #tigray #ethiopia #csadosdcollage https://www.instagram.com/p/Cb1MkhKuHwL/?utm_medium=tumblr

$100 Million in New U.S. Civilian Security Assistance for Ukraine PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE MARCH 26, 2022 Share The United States intends to provide an additional $100 million in civilian security assistance to enhance the capacity of the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs to provide essential border security, sustain civil law enforcement functions, and safeguard critical governmental infrastructure in the face of President Putin’s premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustified attack. The increased funding will continue a steady flow of personal protection equipment, field gear, tactical equipment, medical supplies, armored vehicles, and communication equipment for the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service and the National Police of Ukraine. With the U.S. government’s vital assistance, Ukrainian law enforcement officers are playing a key role in rescuing victims of the Russian government’s brutal assault, leading and protecting convoys of those displaced by attacks, and providing security to civilian areas torn apart by ruthless and devastating bombing. The United States continues to stand with the community of nations backing the people and government of Ukraine as they defend their democracy and country. We continue to urge Putin to end the violence, rein in his forces, including those who have committed war crimes, and choose the path of peace and diplomacy. We are committed to pursuing accountability for war crimes and other atrocities using every tool available, including criminal prosecutions. @secblinken #pressstatementdos https://www.instagram.com/p/Cbltl83OOBx/?utm_medium=tumblr

@statedeptspox - #pressstatementdos : —- The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s Ballistic Missile Launch PRESS STATEMENT NED PRICE, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON MARCH 24, 2022 Share The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: The United States condemns the DPRK’s ballistic missile launch. Like the DPRK’s other escalatory tests this year, including at least two intercontinental ballistic missiles, this launch is a clear violation of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions, and demonstrates the threat the DPRK’s unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs pose to the DPRK’s neighbors and the region as a whole. We stand with the international community to call on the DPRK to refrain from further provocations and engage in sustained and substantive dialogue. Our commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea and Japan remains ironclad. We have been and will continue to coordinate closely with our allies and partners to address the threats posed by the DPRK, and to advance our shared objective of the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. #nkorea #ballisticmissile https://www.instagram.com/p/Cbfrvypu2lR/?utm_medium=tumblr

@statedept @statedeptspox #pressstatementdos: Iran’s missile strikes on the Kurdistan region of Iraq PRESS STATEMENT NED PRICE, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON MARCH 13, 2022 Share The United States strongly condemns the missile strikes on Erbil, Iraq last night that emanated from Iran. The strikes were an outrageous violation of Iraq’s sovereignty. No U.S. facilities were damaged or personnel injured, and we have no indications the attack was directed at the United States. Iran must immediately cease its attacks, respect Iraqi sovereignty, and halt its interference in Iraq’s internal affairs. The United States stands with our Iraqi partners, including in the Kurdistan Region, and will help our partners in the region defend themselves. #iran #iraq https://www.instagram.com/p/CbED4jXOAQF/?utm_medium=tumblr

The United States welcomes today’s launch of inclusive consultations by UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg.  Through consultations with a wide range of Yemeni political and civil society groups over the next few weeks, the UN Special Envoy seeks to finalize a new, comprehensive peace process framework. These consultations provide a valuable opportunity for Yemenis to discuss a renewed vision for a political resolution to the conflict. We call on all Yemeni groups to participate fully, meaningfully, and in good faith in the UN consultations. There is no military solution to the Yemen conflict; the only path forward is through dialogue and compromise. The destruction and suffering caused by over seven years of war is overwhelming. The parties must put the interest of the Yemeni people first and seize this opportunity to help bring this conflict to an end. @secblinken #pressstatementdos https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca2PrXwu7rC/?utm_medium=tumblr

@statedept @secblinken #pressstatementdos #palau #nationalday - —- Palau National Day PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 Share On behalf of the United States of America, I extend the warmest congratulations to the people of Palau on the occasion of your National Day on October 1. The Republic of Palau and the United States have enjoyed longstanding friendship and valuable cooperation. Through the Compact of Free Association, our countries share a special bond that has stood the test of time. We share common values, and together we have worked to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific. The United States is committed to working with Palau as it continues to build a vibrant, prosperous, democratic society based on its proud traditions and the rule of law. We also commend Palau for its focus on tackling the ocean and climate crises, and we look forward to partnering on the seventh Our Ocean Conference in Koror in February 2022. Congratulations and warmest wishes for peace and prosperity in the year to come. https://www.instagram.com/p/CUc16z-AzqL/?utm_medium=tumblr

@statedept @secblinken #pressstatementdos - #botswana #nationalday —- Botswana National Day PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 Share On behalf of the United States, I congratulate all Batswana on the 55th anniversary of your country’s independence. This occasion presents an opportunity to reflect on our values and to recommit ourselves to building a better future for all. The United States greatly values our enduring friendship with Botswana and our shared commitment to democracy and human rights. We also commend Botswana for its constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability through the Southern African Development Community. As we continue to jointly battle the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are building on a strong foundation developed over two decades of partnership to fight HIV/AIDS and strengthen global health security. Our bonds will grow deeper as we urgently address the climate crisis, and we are committed to working with Botswana to advance the Mega Solar project that will reduce dependence on fossil fuels and transform Botswana’s energy sector. In the spirit of friendship, partnership, and cooperation, we send best wishes on this important day. https://www.instagram.com/p/CUcrfeTgJi5/?utm_medium=tumblr

@statedept @statedeptspox - #pressstatementdos #frenchsoldier death abroad in #mali #terrorism —— The United States Stands with France in the Fight Against Terrorism PRESS STATEMENT NED PRICE, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 Share The United States condemns unequivocally the militant attack on Friday that led to the death of a French soldier near Gossi in northern Mali. The tragic loss underscores the sacrifice so many soldiers have made for security in the Sahel. The United States extends its condolences to the people of France. We stand firmly beside our close ally France and continue to partner with Mali on its path back to democracy and stability. https://www.instagram.com/p/CURNzTLDALJ/?utm_medium=tumblr

@statedept @secblinken @statedeptspox - #pressstatementdos #csadosdexcerpt —- Today we commemorate the 70th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention. At this time of historic global forced displacement, the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change have exacerbated the challenges refugees face, making the international commitments in the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol more vital than ever. We are committed to supporting refugees globally with our humanitarian leadership, diplomatic efforts to uphold refugee protection, advocacy for and support to durable solutions for refugees, and by upholding our international non-refoulement obligations. We continue to be the world’s largest single donor of humanitarian assistance. In Fiscal Year 2020, we provided more than $10.5 billion in humanitarian aid globally, including assistance for refugees. We also are once again taking up the mantle of leadership on refugee resettlement, including through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, which has settled more than 3.1 million refugees since 1980. This program reflects America’s highest values and finest traditions. That is why we have raised the annual refugee admissions target to 62,500 for Fiscal Year 2021 and restored regional allocations for resettlement to ensure that access to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program is based on refugees’ vulnerability, responds to the emergency need for resettlement across all regions of the world, and reflects the American tradition of welcoming refugees. This Administration is putting America’s highest values at the center of our foreign policy and offering reassurance to persecuted people for whom permanent resettlement is needed. More broadly, the Convention and Protocol, as well as the principle of non-refoulement, continue to guide the international community in its approach to refugee crises around the world. They help to guide the international community in ensuring refugees’ access to services while displaced, and the United States continues to support broader responsibility-sharing and assistance… Full text here: https://www.state.gov/commemorating-the-70th-anniversary-of-the-refugee-convention/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CR4jTUvhi2w/?utm_medium=tumblr