SECRETARY OF STATE KERRY CONGRATULATES PEOPLE OF UKRAINE ON COUNTRY'S NATIONAL DAY

FROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
On the Occasion of Ukraine's National Day
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
August 22, 2013

On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the people of Ukraine on the 22nd anniversary of your country’s independence.

The American and Ukrainian people share a proud history as partners and friends. Every day, we work together on mutually important issues, from promoting economic growth and energy diversification to cooperating on nuclear security and non-proliferation.

We remain committed to helping our Ukrainian partners as you work to become a prosperous European democracy with a free and open economy. We strongly support Ukraine’s fulfillment of the European Union’s conditions for signature of the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement at the Vilnius Summit in November.

We appreciate Ukraine’s leadership as chair of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. We also applaud Ukraine’s efforts to advance global peace and security in the European neighborhood and across the globe.

The United States look forward to continued cooperation on these and other issues as we strengthen the ties of friendship between our governments and our people.

U.S. CONGRATULATES CROATIA'S ACCESSION INTO THE EUROPEAN UNION

FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Croatia's Accession to the European Union
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
June 30, 2013 　


On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of the Republic of Croatia as you celebrate entry into the European Union. Today is an occasion to honor Croatia and the many achievements of its citizens.

Croatia has worked diligently for over a decade and over many administrations towards the goal of European Union membership. I know it was not always an easy path. I commend Croatia’s perseverance and the courage of your leaders and citizens as Croatia has rebuilt its economy and government structures to meet European Union standards.

As you celebrate this special day, the United States looks forward to strengthening the ties between our peoples as we build together a future of peace and progress.

U.S., EU MEETING REGARDING INTERNATIONAL DIALOGUE ON EXPORT CONTROLS

FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT

U.S. and EU Jointly Hold International Dialogue in Brussels to Discuss Export Controls
Fact Sheet
Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation
June 26, 2013

Representatives from 34 countries and administrative regions, as well as experts from industry and nongovernmental organizations, came together the last three days to discuss how countries can reduce the threat of global proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) through cooperation to strengthen strategic trade controls. The International Export Control Cooperation and Outreach Dialogue, held at the European Commission Headquarters, was jointly organised by the European Union’s (EU) Export Control in Dual Use Goods programme and the U.S. Department of State's Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) Program. Attendees included licencing and customs agencies, export control authorities, NGOs and exporters from across the world.


During the dialogue, experts shared best practices and expertise in managing trade in strategic goods. The discussions focused on meeting emerging challenges in preventing unauthorized transfer of expertise, materials, and technology that contribute to the development of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems. Dialogue participants discussed topics such as promoting free trade zones, regulating new forms of information technology transfers, and government outreach to industries to ensure responsible compliance with export control laws and regulations.

The Dialogue highlighted the continuing cooperation between the European Union and the United States in countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Through the EU Outreach programme on dual use items and the EXBS Program, the EU and the United States are assisting more than sixty countries around the world to bring their national strategic trade management systems in line with international standards.


Background
In 2003, the European Union (EU) adopted the European Security Strategy, identifying the proliferation of weapons of mass destructions (WMD) as a key threat to European security. One area of cooperation under Priority 1 of the Instrument for Stability (IfS) refers to capacity building to ensure effective export control of dual-use goods by providing export control and related border control assistance to third countries. The EU and the United States are running multi-year, long-term comprehensive strategic trade control cooperation and capacity-building programs reaching many countries around the world.

The EU has an export control strategy on dual use items, set up to provide advice to countries on key areas of export controls (eg enforcement, legal matters, licensing, and raising awareness) and is part of the EU's Instrument for Stability. The European Commission (EC) is operating an important Export Control outreach activity providing support to third countries on the key areas of export controls (legal, licensing, enforcement, awareness, and penalties), implemented by the German Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA). These actions are financed under the IfS programme. Their implementation is the responsibility of the Commission's Directorate General (DG) DEVCO, while the European External Action Service (EEAS) is responsible for elaborating the strategy and multi-annual programming.

The U.S. Department of State´s Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) program, within the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, assists partner countries to counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and destabilizing accumulations of advanced conventional weapons by developing and strengthening their national systems to manage trade in sensitive goods and secure their borders against unauthorized transfers of such items

U.S. WISHES LUXEMBOURG WELL ON IT'S NATIONAL DAY

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Remarks on the Occasion of Luxembourg's National Day
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
June 21, 2013
　


On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am pleased to offer my warmest wishes to Grand Duke Henri and the people of Luxembourg on the celebration of your National Day this June 23.

The United States treasures its ties with Luxembourg, and our two countries share a commitment to advancing freedom and democracy.　 Luxembourg plays a crucial role in a number of international organizations, including NATO and the European Union, and its recent election to the UN Security Council exemplifies its commitment to addressing global challenges. The United States is proud to call Luxembourg a close friend and partner in this effort.

As you commemorate this special day, know that the people of the United States cherish our friendship, admire your achievements, and look forward to working with Luxembourg in the years to come.