News and reports from the State Department.

Today the Department of State, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the National Security Agency have issued a Cybersecurity Advisory alerting the public to a new strategy employed by the DPRK cyber group Kimsuky in their social engineering operations. According to an unnamed spokesperson for the agencies, the DPRK is utilizing improperly configured DNS DMARC record policies to enhance their spearphishing attempts.The Cybersecurity Advisory highlights that Kimsuky, a cyber group within the DPRK's military intelligence organization, the Reconnaissance General Bureau,...

In response to Russia's ongoing full-scale war and use of chemical weapons against Ukraine, the United States and its Allies have announced new measures to increase pressure on the Kremlin. The United States Departments of State and the Treasury have taken significant actions to impose sanctions on individuals and entities enabling Russia's illegal war.The Department of State has targeted over 80 entities and individuals involved in various sectors crucial for Russia's military operations in Ukraine. According to the Department, these sanctions are aimed at disrupting...

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken is set to take center stage at the McCain Institute’s 2024 Sedona Forum, where he will engage in a keynote conversation with U.S. Senator Mitt Romney (Utah) on May 3, 2024. The event, scheduled for 7:50 p.m. MST / 10:50 p.m. EDT, will be a platform to discuss global challenges and opportunities in light of Blinken's recent diplomatic travels to China and the Middle East.The forum, open to the press, will also be livestreamed on the Department homepage and YouTube channel, allowing a wider audience to tune in to the insightful dialogue...

The United States congratulates Jeremiah Manele on his election as the prime minister of Solomon Islands, as confirmed by the vote results certified on May 2. In a statement, the U.S. expressed its support for Manele's new role, stating, "We look forward to working with Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele to further strengthen the U.S.-Solomon Islands relationship and move our nations toward a better future."The U.S. also extended its congratulations to the people of Solomon Islands for their active participation in the electoral process. The U.S. praised the efforts of...

The United States has taken significant steps in designating individuals and entities involved in sanctions evasion linked to U.S.-designated Hizballah financial advisor Hassan Moukalled. This move comes as part of the ongoing efforts to combat terrorist financing and hold accountable those who support such activities.In a statement, it was highlighted that the actions taken aim to prevent Hassan Moukalled from providing financial support to the terrorist group Hizballah and its leadership. The U.S. authorities emphasized their unwavering commitment to disrupting...

Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated, "Secretary Blinken reiterated the United States’ commitment to Israel’s security, including from Iranian threats and attacks."According to the same source, Secretary Blinken and Chairman Lapid discussed efforts to secure the safe return of hostages and to increase life-saving humanitarian assistance to Gaza.In the call, Secretary Blinken emphasized the importance of ongoing efforts to advance regional peace and security.

Secretary Antony J. Blinken recently engaged in a conversation with Andrea Mitchell of NBC, addressing various aspects of the Israeli-Hamas conflict and aid delivery in the region. When discussing the possibility of a hostage deal and ceasefire, Secretary Blinken emphasized the importance of focusing on the hostages and the willingness of the Israeli Government to make compromises for a deal. He stated, "We’re focused on the hostages, and I believe the Israeli Government is as well. And that’s, I think, evident from the fact that the proposal, the most recent proposal they...

The United States has strongly condemned the actions taken by the Georgian government regarding recent legislation and its treatment of protests. The US criticized the "Kremlin-inspired 'foreign influence' legislation" and accused government officials of adopting a false narrative to defend it. The US expressed concern that the law aims to silence critical voices and undermine Georgia's civil society, which is essential for a democratic nation.According to the United States, this legislation, coupled with the Georgian Dream party's anti-Western rhetoric, is putting...

Senior government officials from various countries gathered in Washington, DC for the third Senior Officials Meeting of the Resettlement Diplomacy Network (RDN). Assistant Secretary Julieta Valls Noyes led the meeting, which aimed to assess the impact of the RDN's work and prioritize collective action on refugee resettlement and complementary pathways.During the meeting, participants discussed the use of the Emergency Coordination Platform within the RDN, known as the "Red Phone" mechanism, to collaborate on situations of shared concern, such as providing safety to Afghan...

London, May 1, 2024 - Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell engaged in a series of crucial bilateral meetings with key officials in the United Kingdom on May 1st. The discussions were held with high-profile figures including Permanent Under Secretary Sir Philip Barton, National Security Advisor Sir Tim Barrow, and Deputy National Security Advisor Sarah Macintosh, among others.According to a statement by Spokesperson Matthew Miller, the meetings primarily focused on various pressing issues, including challenges and opportunities in the Indo-Pacific region. The...

Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel J. Kritenbrink is set to embark on a trip to Honolulu, Hawaii, and Canberra, Australia from May 2 to May 8.During his visit to Honolulu, Kritenbrink will participate in the USINDOPACOM change of command ceremony, where Admiral Samuel J. Paparo will take over command from Admiral John C. Aquilino.In Canberra, the Assistant Secretary will engage in meetings with senior government officials and experts. The focus of these discussions will be to strengthen the U.S.-Australia alliance, address global...

May 1, 2024Established in 1999 by the Council of Europe, the Group of States against Corruption, or GRECO, is a multilateral body that monitors member states’ compliance with its anti-corruption standards. The United States joined GRECO in 2000 and is one of only two non-European member states.The United States commends the important work of GRECO over the last 25 years in mobilizing international action in countering corruption. According to a statement, "The United States commends the important work of GRECO over the last 25 years in mobilizing international action in...

The United States has issued a strong call for Taiwan to be reinstated as an observer at the upcoming World Health Assembly (WHA). In a statement, they emphasized the importance of Taiwan's expertise and experience in global health matters, stating, "The United States strongly encourages the WHO to reinstate an invitation to Taiwan to participate as an observer at this year’s WHA so the world may once again benefit from Taiwan’s expertise and experience."Acknowledging recent efforts by the World Health Organization (WHO) to involve Taiwan more actively in technical work...

Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma emphasized the significance of the American Legation in Tangier, Morocco, during a ceremony at the National Museum of American Diplomacy in Washington, D.C. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has recognized the American Legation as one of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places for 2024.Verma highlighted the enduring friendship between America and Morocco, stating that the building, gifted from Morocco to the United States in 1821, "remains a symbol of the friendship between America and...

Director General Marcia S. Bernicat will lead the Department of State’s 59th annual Foreign Affairs Day, commemorating the centennial anniversary of the Foreign Service. The event, scheduled for May 3, will gather current and former employees of the Department of State and other Foreign Affairs Agencies at the Dean Acheson Auditorium.In a pre-recorded video message, Secretary of State Antony Blinken will address the morning plenary opening of Foreign Affairs Day. Deputy Secretary Richard Verma will deliver the Keynote Address at the event's opening session and participate...