FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Situation in Egypt
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
July 27, 2013
I spoke this morning with Interim Vice President Mohamed ElBaradei, Interim Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy, and European Union High Representative Catherine Ashton and expressed our deep concern about the bloodshed and violence in Cairo and Alexandria over the past 24 hours that has claimed the lives of scores of Egyptian demonstrators and injured more than 1,000 people.
I want to convey our deepest sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives as well as those who were injured.
This is a pivotal moment for Egypt.
Over two years ago, a revolution began. Its final verdict is not yet decided, but it will be forever impacted by what happens right now.
In this extremely volatile environment, Egyptian authorities have a moral and legal obligation to respect the right of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. Both are essential components of the inclusive democratic process they have publicly embraced.
Violence not only further sets back the process of reconciliation and democratization in Egypt, but it will negatively impact regional stability.
At this critical juncture, it is essential that the security forces and the interim government respect the right of peaceful protest, including the ongoing sit-in demonstrations.
The United States urges an independent and impartial inquiry into the events of the last day, and calls on all of Egypt’s leaders across the political spectrum to act immediately to help their country take a step back from the brink.
An inclusive political process is needed that achieves as soon as possible a freely and fairly elected government committed to pluralism and tolerance.
The Egyptians who poured into Tahrir Square in 2011 and 2013 themselves called for this outcome for their country’s future and for their aspirations.
A meaningful political dialogue, for which interim government officials have themselves called, requires participants who represent all the political parts of Egyptian society.
To enable such a dialogue, the United States reiterates our call for an end to politicized detentions and the release of political leaders consistent with the law.
Showing posts with label VIOLENCE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label VIOLENCE. Show all posts
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
PRESIDENT OBAMA MAKES STATEMENT ON REMOVAL OF EGYPT'S PRESIDENT MORSY
FROM: THE WHITE HOUSE
Statement by President Barack Obama on Egypt
As I have said since the Egyptian Revolution, the United States supports a set of core principles, including opposition to violence, protection of universal human rights, and reform that meets the legitimate aspirations of the people. The United States does not support particular individuals or political parties, but we are committed to the democratic process and respect for the rule of law. Since the current unrest in Egypt began, we have called on all parties to work together to address the legitimate grievances of the Egyptian people, in accordance with the democratic process, and without recourse to violence or the use of force.
The United States is monitoring the very fluid situation in Egypt, and we believe that ultimately the future of Egypt can only be determined by the Egyptian people. Nevertheless, we are deeply concerned by the decision of the Egyptian Armed Forces to remove President Morsy and suspend the Egyptian constitution. I now call on the Egyptian military to move quickly and responsibly to return full authority back to a democratically elected civilian government as soon as possible through an inclusive and transparent process, and to avoid any arbitrary arrests of President Morsy and his supporters. Given today’s developments, I have also directed the relevant departments and agencies to review the implications under U.S. law for our assistance to the Government of Egypt.
The United States continues to believe firmly that the best foundation for lasting stability in Egypt is a democratic political order with participation from all sides and all political parties —secular and religious, civilian and military. During this uncertain period, we expect the military to ensure that the rights of all Egyptian men and women are protected, including the right to peaceful assembly, due process, and free and fair trials in civilian courts. Moreover, the goal of any political process should be a government that respects the rights of all people, majority and minority; that institutionalizes the checks and balances upon which democracy depends; and that places the interests of the people above party or faction. The voices of all those who have protested peacefully must be heard – including those who welcomed today’s developments, and those who have supported President Morsy. In the interim, I urge all sides to avoid violence and come together to ensure the lasting restoration of Egypt’s democracy.
No transition to democracy comes without difficulty, but in the end it must stay true to the will of the people. An honest, capable and representative government is what ordinary Egyptians seek and what they deserve. The longstanding partnership between the United States and Egypt is based on shared interests and values, and we will continue to work with the Egyptian people to ensure that Egypt’s transition to democracy succeeds.
Statement by President Barack Obama on Egypt
As I have said since the Egyptian Revolution, the United States supports a set of core principles, including opposition to violence, protection of universal human rights, and reform that meets the legitimate aspirations of the people. The United States does not support particular individuals or political parties, but we are committed to the democratic process and respect for the rule of law. Since the current unrest in Egypt began, we have called on all parties to work together to address the legitimate grievances of the Egyptian people, in accordance with the democratic process, and without recourse to violence or the use of force.
The United States is monitoring the very fluid situation in Egypt, and we believe that ultimately the future of Egypt can only be determined by the Egyptian people. Nevertheless, we are deeply concerned by the decision of the Egyptian Armed Forces to remove President Morsy and suspend the Egyptian constitution. I now call on the Egyptian military to move quickly and responsibly to return full authority back to a democratically elected civilian government as soon as possible through an inclusive and transparent process, and to avoid any arbitrary arrests of President Morsy and his supporters. Given today’s developments, I have also directed the relevant departments and agencies to review the implications under U.S. law for our assistance to the Government of Egypt.
The United States continues to believe firmly that the best foundation for lasting stability in Egypt is a democratic political order with participation from all sides and all political parties —secular and religious, civilian and military. During this uncertain period, we expect the military to ensure that the rights of all Egyptian men and women are protected, including the right to peaceful assembly, due process, and free and fair trials in civilian courts. Moreover, the goal of any political process should be a government that respects the rights of all people, majority and minority; that institutionalizes the checks and balances upon which democracy depends; and that places the interests of the people above party or faction. The voices of all those who have protested peacefully must be heard – including those who welcomed today’s developments, and those who have supported President Morsy. In the interim, I urge all sides to avoid violence and come together to ensure the lasting restoration of Egypt’s democracy.
No transition to democracy comes without difficulty, but in the end it must stay true to the will of the people. An honest, capable and representative government is what ordinary Egyptians seek and what they deserve. The longstanding partnership between the United States and Egypt is based on shared interests and values, and we will continue to work with the Egyptian people to ensure that Egypt’s transition to democracy succeeds.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
U.S. STATEMENT ON "WORLD REFUGEE DAY"
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
World Refugee Day
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
June 20, 2013
Today, the United States joins the international community in honoring the resilience, courage, and determination of refugees all over the world, and the work of many countries in providing refuge, both temporary and permanent.
This year, the crisis in Syria has led to more than 4.25 million Syrians being displaced internally, more than 1.5 million becoming refugees, and millions more caught up in the unspeakable violence. Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey have opened their borders to those fleeing the bloodshed. We appreciate their generosity in hosting uprooted people and families, whether in refugee camps or local communities, and are proud that the United States is at the forefront of international efforts to provide humanitarian assistance.
The United States is the single largest donor to refugee relief efforts around the world, working to care for refugees displaced by other conflicts, including in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, and Sudan, and we have helped address protracted refugee situations around the world, including those affecting Afghans, Burmese, Colombians, and Somalis.
We have seen some progress this year, thanks to the hard work and commitment of diplomats and aid workers everywhere, including staff of the organizations we support, such as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and many nongovernmental organizations. In 2012, two of the most protracted refugee situations in Africa came to a close, with Liberia and Angola now stable after bitter civil wars. We have also taken extra steps to ensure greater protection for refugees against sexual violence and exploitation.
The United States has a proud tradition of welcoming those fleeing violence and persecution, including more than 58,000 refugees from 66 countries who were resettled to the United States in fiscal year 2012 and the nearly 70,000 refugees who are expected to arrive in the United States in the coming fiscal year to rebuild their lives. Their presence makes our country more diverse, our culture richer, and our national character stronger.
World Refugee Day
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
June 20, 2013
Today, the United States joins the international community in honoring the resilience, courage, and determination of refugees all over the world, and the work of many countries in providing refuge, both temporary and permanent.
This year, the crisis in Syria has led to more than 4.25 million Syrians being displaced internally, more than 1.5 million becoming refugees, and millions more caught up in the unspeakable violence. Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey have opened their borders to those fleeing the bloodshed. We appreciate their generosity in hosting uprooted people and families, whether in refugee camps or local communities, and are proud that the United States is at the forefront of international efforts to provide humanitarian assistance.
The United States is the single largest donor to refugee relief efforts around the world, working to care for refugees displaced by other conflicts, including in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, and Sudan, and we have helped address protracted refugee situations around the world, including those affecting Afghans, Burmese, Colombians, and Somalis.
We have seen some progress this year, thanks to the hard work and commitment of diplomats and aid workers everywhere, including staff of the organizations we support, such as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and many nongovernmental organizations. In 2012, two of the most protracted refugee situations in Africa came to a close, with Liberia and Angola now stable after bitter civil wars. We have also taken extra steps to ensure greater protection for refugees against sexual violence and exploitation.
The United States has a proud tradition of welcoming those fleeing violence and persecution, including more than 58,000 refugees from 66 countries who were resettled to the United States in fiscal year 2012 and the nearly 70,000 refugees who are expected to arrive in the United States in the coming fiscal year to rebuild their lives. Their presence makes our country more diverse, our culture richer, and our national character stronger.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
OBAMA, PUTIN AGREE ON CYBER AND NUCLEAR COOPERTION
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
U.S., Russia Agree to Cooperate on Cyber, Nukes
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 18, 2013 - Cooperation at many levels will help to reduce misunderstandings between the United States and Russia, the leaders of both countries said after meetings in Northern Ireland yesterday.
Presidents Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin agreed to cooperate on a number of different aspects of the bilateral relationship. The men spoke at Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, as part of the G-8 Summit.
Putin said the United States and Russia "have an opportunity to move forward on most sensitive directions."
The two leaders discussed Syria. While they do not agree on all points, they said, they both want the violence in the Middle East country to stop. "We agreed to push the parties to the negotiations table," the Russian president said.
Obama stressed that discussions on Iran and North Korea were productive. "We both agreed to consult closely on the North Korean issue," he said in his remarks. "On Iran, we both ... expressed cautious optimism that with a new election there, we may be able to move forward on a dialogue that allows us to resolve the problems with Iran's nuclear program."
Obama noted that Russia and the United States are the world's two nuclear superpowers. "We have a special obligation to try to continue to reduce tensions, to build on the work that we did with New START, and to lead the world in both nuclear security issues and proliferation issues," he said. As part of that, the United States and Russia signed a convention to continue the Nunn-Lugar program to counter potential threats of proliferation and to enhance nuclear security.
"By working together, we not only increase security and prosperity for the Russian and American people, but also help lead the world to a better place," Obama said.
The two nations also negotiated a range of steps designed to increase transparency and reduce the possibility that a misunderstood cyber incident could create instability or a crisis in the bilateral relationship. Part of this will result in better links between the two countries' Computer Emergency Response Teams, officials said.
U.S., Russia Agree to Cooperate on Cyber, Nukes
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 18, 2013 - Cooperation at many levels will help to reduce misunderstandings between the United States and Russia, the leaders of both countries said after meetings in Northern Ireland yesterday.
Presidents Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin agreed to cooperate on a number of different aspects of the bilateral relationship. The men spoke at Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, as part of the G-8 Summit.
Putin said the United States and Russia "have an opportunity to move forward on most sensitive directions."
The two leaders discussed Syria. While they do not agree on all points, they said, they both want the violence in the Middle East country to stop. "We agreed to push the parties to the negotiations table," the Russian president said.
Obama stressed that discussions on Iran and North Korea were productive. "We both agreed to consult closely on the North Korean issue," he said in his remarks. "On Iran, we both ... expressed cautious optimism that with a new election there, we may be able to move forward on a dialogue that allows us to resolve the problems with Iran's nuclear program."
Obama noted that Russia and the United States are the world's two nuclear superpowers. "We have a special obligation to try to continue to reduce tensions, to build on the work that we did with New START, and to lead the world in both nuclear security issues and proliferation issues," he said. As part of that, the United States and Russia signed a convention to continue the Nunn-Lugar program to counter potential threats of proliferation and to enhance nuclear security.
"By working together, we not only increase security and prosperity for the Russian and American people, but also help lead the world to a better place," Obama said.
The two nations also negotiated a range of steps designed to increase transparency and reduce the possibility that a misunderstood cyber incident could create instability or a crisis in the bilateral relationship. Part of this will result in better links between the two countries' Computer Emergency Response Teams, officials said.
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