State News
State
Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Michele Sison will travel to Valletta, Malta, and Tokyo, Japan, from June 17-21. Assistant Secretary Sison is scheduled to meet with Maltese Foreign Minister Ian Borg and other officials from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and Trade to discuss various UN Security Council issues and priorities. Additionally, she will engage with representatives from the International Organization for Migration and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to address regional efforts by these organizations.
State
U.S. designates Nordic Resistance Movement as global terrorist organization
The Department of State has designated the Nordic Resistance Movement (NRM) and three of its leaders as Specially Designated Global Terrorists. The United States remains concerned about the racially or ethnically motivated violent extremist threat worldwide and is committed to countering the transnational components of violent white supremacy. These actions follow consultations with European partners.
State
Blinken discusses Yemen peace process with Omani foreign minister
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Omani Foreign Minister Albusaidi
State
U.S. sanctions Israeli group Tzav 9 for disrupting humanitarian aid
The Department of State has designated Tzav 9, an extremist Israeli group, for obstructing and damaging humanitarian aid convoys destined for Palestinian civilians in Gaza. According to the Department, members of Tzav 9 have engaged in actions such as blockading roads and vandalizing aid trucks, which have hindered the delivery of essential assistance.
State
Governments condemn Houthi detentions of UN staff in Yemen
The Governments of the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom have issued a joint statement condemning the recent detentions by the Houthis of United Nations, diplomatic, and non-governmental organization staff.
State
United States designates four individuals linked to ISIS
The United States continues to cooperate with the Republic of Türkiye to counter ISIS and disrupt ISIS facilitation networks, along with a broad variety of terrorist threats. In that vein, and in coordination with the Republic of Türkiye, the Department of State today is designating ISIS leader Adam Khamirzaev as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.
State
United States condemns Houthi detentions of UN and NGO staff
The United States has issued a strong condemnation of recent detentions carried out by the Houthis involving United Nations, diplomatic, and non-governmental organization staff. The U.S. has also criticized the Houthis' attempts to disseminate disinformation about the role of detained current and former local staff from the U.S. mission through televised forced and fake confessions.
State
U.S. Department of State awards $1.3M in grants for study abroad programs
On June 13, 2024, the U.S. Department of State announced that it has awarded 37 grants totaling nearly $1.3 million to U.S. colleges and universities through the 2024 Increase and Diversify Education Abroad for U.S. Students (IDEAS) Program grant competition.
State
Deputy Secretary Verma to visit Armenia for democracy forum
Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma will travel to Yerevan, Armenia from June 17-19 to participate in the U.S.-Armenia Local Government Forum on Democracy and to meet with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan. This visit reflects the intention to further strengthen bilateral ties with the Armenian people.
State
Armenia signs Artemis Accords as 43rd nation
Armenia became the 43rd signatory to the Artemis Accords yesterday at a ceremony held at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The Artemis Accords were established in 2020 by the United States and seven other countries to outline a practical set of principles for guiding the exploration and use of outer space.
State
IAEA reports raise concerns over Iran's nuclear program
The report issued today by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) indicates that Iran aims to continue expanding its nuclear program in ways that have no credible peaceful purpose. These planned actions further undermine Iran’s claims to the contrary.
State
Blinken discusses Gaza ceasefire talks and U.S.-Ukraine security pact
Secretary Antony J. Blinken addressed several pressing international issues during an interview with Savannah Guthrie on NBC's "The Today Show" on June 13, 2024.
State
Joint statement addresses Russian electoral interference targeting Moldova
The following statement was released by the governments of the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom regarding Russia's subversive activities and electoral interference targeting Moldova.
State
U.S.-Ukraine bilateral security agreement signed at G7 Summit
The U.S.-Ukraine Bilateral Security Agreement, signed by Presidents Biden and Zelenskyy at the G7 Summit in Puglia, Italy, marks a significant commitment to Ukraine's long-term security. This agreement builds on the commitments made under the G7 Joint Declaration of Support to Ukraine in July 2023 and follows the President’s approval of the Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act earlier this year.
State
U.S. imposes visa restrictions on executive aiding irregular migration through Nicaragua
The United States is imposing visa restrictions on an executive of a charter flight transportation company for facilitating irregular migration to the country via Nicaragua from outside the Western Hemisphere. According to officials, these companies exploit vulnerable migrants by operating services designed primarily for irregular migration to the United States. Additionally, the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua continues to benefit financially from this exploitation.
State
Secretary Blinken discusses human rights with Gambian President Barrow
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Republic of The Gambia President Adama Barrow about their shared commitment to democratic principles and protecting human rights, including the rights of women and girls. The Secretary expressed his appreciation for The Gambia as a leading voice on the protection of human rights globally.
State
Deputy Secretary Campbell meets with former Finnish President Sauli Niinist
Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell met today with former Finnish president and EU Special Advisor Sauli Niinistö. They underscored the importance of increased U.S.-EU cooperation in confronting today’s global challenges and reaffirmed their commitment to transatlantic security and support for Ukraine against Russia’s aggression. The Deputy Secretary and Niinistö also discussed opportunities for EU-NATO collaboration to enhance European civilian and defense preparedness and resilience.
State
U.S. commits to global efforts against child labor
On World Day Against Child Labor, the global community reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that children are not subjected to hazardous work or criminal exploitation. The International Labor Organization (ILO) estimates that eleven percent of the world’s children engage in work that is detrimental to their health and development, interferes with their education, demands excessive hours, or is inherently dangerous.
State
Acting Assistant Secretary Toner to visit Detroit for public diplomacy events
Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs Mark Toner will travel to Detroit, Michigan, on June 6-7, 2024. During his visit, Acting Assistant Secretary Toner will highlight the critical role of public diplomacy in advancing U.S. foreign policy, discuss the goals of the upcoming NATO Washington Summit, and emphasize the State Department’s commitment to addressing key national security challenges.
State
Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink set for diplomatic visits to Laos and Japan
Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel J. Kritenbrink will travel to Vientiane, Lao PDR, from June 6-8 and Tokyo, Japan, from June 9-10.
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