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Eight years ago, a unanimous Arbitral Tribunal constituted under the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention determined that the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) expansive South China Sea maritime claims are inconsistent with international law. In its ruling, the Tribunal firmly rejected any PRC territorial or maritime claim to areas determined by the Tribunal to be part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. As provided under the Convention, the 2016 arbitral decision is final and legally binding on the PRC and the Philippines.
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G7 foreign ministers condemn Israeli settlement expansion in West Bank
The following statement was released by the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, along with the High Representative of the European Union.
State
Blinken and Tajani discuss global issues at G7 foreign ministers' meeting
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani convened with G7 Foreign Ministers and the High Representative of the EU at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., on July 11, 2024.
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Blinken to host ministerial meeting for economic prosperity partnership
On July 17, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will host the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity foreign affairs track Ministerial meeting. Foreign ministers from the 12 Americas Partnership countries – the United States, Barbados, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and Uruguay – will discuss ongoing collaboration to fulfill the hemisphere’s potential to foster inclusive, sustainable, and shared prosperity for all.
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U.S., Canada reach principle agreement on Columbia River Treaty modernization
On July 11, 2024, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly announced a significant agreement in principle to modernize the Columbia River Treaty. This development follows an announcement by President Biden and Prime Minister Trudeau earlier in the day.
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U.S. imposes sanctions over violence and instability in West Bank
The United States has announced sanctions on three Israeli individuals and five entities linked to acts of violence against civilians in the West Bank. This action aligns with the U.S.'s consistent opposition to activities that undermine stability and peace prospects for both Israelis and Palestinians.
State
Rewards offered for information on Tren de Aragua leaders
The Department of State, in coordination with the Department of Justice (DOJ), has announced reward offers totaling up to $12 million under the Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program. These rewards are for information leading to the arrests and/or convictions of three leaders of the Tren de Aragua transnational criminal organization: Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero, also known as "Niño Guerrero" (up to $5 million), Yohan Jose Romero, also known as "Johan Petrica" (up to $4 million), and Giovanny San Vicente, also known as "Giovanny," "Viejo Viejo," or "El Viejo" (up to $3...
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Agreement reached to modernize Columbia River Treaty regime
The Columbia River and its tributaries serve as a crucial resource for the Pacific Northwest, supporting cultural traditions of Tribes and Indigenous Nations, providing 40 percent of U.S. hydropower, irrigating $8 billion in agricultural products, and facilitating the movement of 42 million tons of commercial cargo valued at $20 billion annually. Modernizing the Columbia River Treaty regime has been a top priority for President Biden in collaboration with Canada.
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United States announces $225 million military aid package for Ukraine
The United States is set to provide Ukraine with a significant new package of military assistance, as announced by President Biden during a meeting with President Zelenskyy today. This $225 million package will be delivered under Presidential Drawdown Authority and includes a range of weapons and equipment intended to support the Ukrainian military in its ongoing efforts to repel Russia's assault.
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Progress on Vision for Adapted Crops announced at DialogueNext conference
Today, at the World Food Prize DialogueNext Conference, “Seeds of Strength: Nurturing Farmer Resilience,” held in Texcoco, Mexico, Dr. Cary Fowler, Special Envoy for Global Food Security, and partners from the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) announced progress toward executing the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS). The U.S. government supports VACS as part of its whole-of-government poverty and hunger...
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Blinken meets Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers at NATO Summit
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov in Washington, D.C., on the sidelines of the Washington NATO Summit. The meeting focused on advancing a durable and dignified peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
State
U.S. Department of State announces fourth Fulbright Arctic Initiative cohort
The U.S. Department of State has announced the selection of 20 scholars for the fourth cohort of the Fulbright Arctic Initiative, an effort aimed at addressing security and sustainability in the Arctic region. This initiative is part of the broader Fulbright Program and focuses on topics such as climate change, Arctic resources, security and governance, and mental health and well-being. It aims to foster connections between people in the United States and other countries.
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U.S. extends greetings on Mongolia National Day
On behalf of the United States of America, I wish a joyous 2024 Naadam festival to the people of Mongolia.
State
State Department submits 2024 Elie Wiesel Act Report on genocide prevention
The Department of State has submitted the annual report to Congress, consistent with section 5 of the Elie Wiesel Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act. The 2024 Elie Wiesel Act Report details U.S. interagency efforts to address genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity worldwide. It also chronicles whole-of-government work over the past year to promote atrocity prevention programs, protect civilians at risk, and hold perpetrators accountable in places where some of the most heinous crimes have been committed.
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Blinken meets with German foreign minister to discuss global security issues
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock today in Washington on the margins of the NATO Summit. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Baerbock reaffirmed their support for Ukraine and discussed challenges posed by the People’s Republic of China, including China's support for Russia’s military industrial base.
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U.S. congratulates The Bahamas on 51 years of independence
On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my sincere congratulations to the people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas on 51 years of independence.
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Blinken and Lammy discuss key issues ahead of NATO summit
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and United Kingdom Foreign Secretary David Lammy convened before their meeting on July 10, 2024, in Washington at the NATO summit.
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U.S., German leaders reaffirm strong partnership amid global challenges
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock met on July 10, 2024, to discuss the ongoing challenges faced by their respective nations and reaffirm their strong partnership.
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US urges South Sudan to reconsider law expanding security service powers
The United States has expressed serious concerns regarding the recent decision by the Transitional National Legislative Assembly in South Sudan to pass legislation that would enhance the National Security Service’s authority to conduct arrests and detentions without warrants. The enactment of this law is viewed as a potential threat to political and civic freedoms in South Sudan.
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Assistant Secretary for Political-Military Affairs Jessica Lewis steps down after nearly three years
Assistant Secretary for Political-Military Affairs Jessica Lewis will be stepping down from her position this month after nearly three years of service.
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