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Lincoln Bicentennial

Abraham Lincoln 12 February 1809 - 15 April 1865 In 2009 people throughout the world will mark the bicentennial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States of America. The story of his life and its tragic end is a familiar one, but perhaps not so well known are his connections with the United Kingdom. Read more!

July 2009

04 July 2009 Fourth of July Message by President Obama (PDF)  " Today we are called upon to remember not only the day our country was born, but also the indomitable spirit of the first American citizens who made that day possible. We are called to remember how unlikely it was that our American experiment would succeed at all; that a small band of patriots would declare independence from a powerful empire; and that they would form, in the new world, what the old world had never known - a government of, by, and for the people."

01 July 2009 Ambassador Urges Robust Afghan Debate on Women's Issues  As campaigning for Afghanistan's August 20 presidential and provincial elections moves forward, the U.S. ambassador-at-large for global women's issues urges a credible, inclusive and secure campaign for all candidates and a vigorous debate on issues of concern to their female constituents.

01 July 2009 Citizen Involvement Essential to Ghana's Development Successes  Committed to a democratic government that involves civil society, Ghana has become "one of the better-performing developing countries in Africa," said the top U.S. aid official in the country.

June 2009

30 June 2009 AGOA Forum Seeks to Expand U.S.-Africa Trade and Investment  The eighth African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum, which will be held in Nairobi, Kenya, August 4–6, is the only ministerial event held annually between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa, said the assistant secretary of state for African affairs, Ambassador Johnnie Carson, who said the Obama administration is seeking to strengthen and deepen America’s ties with the region.

30 June 2009 Peace Corps: "Born in America, but Learned to Walk in Ghana"  The Peace Corps, one of President John F. Kennedy’s enduring legacies, was launched in Ghana in 1961. Nearly a half century later, the corps is still going strong in the West African country, with volunteers involved in teaching, health and sanitation training, natural resource management and small business development.

30 June 2009 Freedom of Information "Built on Principles of Open Government"  When President Lyndon Johnson signed the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) on July 4, 1966, "he built on the principles of open government and citizen participation enshrined in the Declaration [of Independence]" signed by the Founding Fathers in 1776, said Melanie Pustay, director of the Office of Information Policy at the Department of Justice.

29 June 2009 Remarks by the President on Energy

29 June 2009 Secretary Clinton On Iran during Remarks at Daily Press Briefing

29 June 2009 Secretary's Remarks: Signing the Statute of the International Renewable Energy Agency  "I am pleased to announce that, as part of the Obama Administration’s commitment to the development of clean, renewable energy, the United States today signed the Statute of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). IRENA will engage governments around the world in promoting a rapid transition toward the widespread and sustainable use of renewable energy on a global scale.

29 June 2009 Michelle Obama Defines Own Role as First Lady  The role of first lady is arguably the most powerful and influential nonelected, nonappointed position in the White House. However, despite having a large staff, and one of the most premiere pieces of real estate, the White House, as her office, the first lady has no formal job description and the U.S. Constitution makes no mention of the role of the commander in chief’s spouse.

29 June 2009 U.S. States Seek Fair Method for Selection of Judges  In any trial, the judge plays one of the most important roles. In the U.S., how these judges are selected — and the role citizens play in selecting them — varies. At the federal level, judges are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate, as the U.S. Constitution requires. But within states, the process differs, Adam Skaggs, democracy counsel for the Brennan Center for Judicial Studies at New York University, told America.gov.

27 June 2009 Statement by Secretary Clinton on Decommissioning  "We welcome the statements today from the main unionist groups in Northern Ireland regarding the decommissioning of their weapons. The announcements underscore the remarkable progress that has taken place in Northern Ireland over the years."

26 June 2009 Obama Praises Demonstrators' "Enduring Pursuit of Justice"  President Obama says the bravery of Iranian demonstrators as they face brutality from their government is "a testament to their enduring pursuit of justice," and he said if the Iranian government wants respect from the international community, it must respect the rights of its people.

26 June 2009 United States-Russian Exchanges Boost Mutual Understanding  During the Cold War, Americans and Russians often saw each other through a filter of mistrust, despite their nations' striking similarities as multicultural, multiethnic societies, each straddling a continent, with vast influence in their own regions. But since the emergence of an independent Russia, mistrust yields to understanding as mutual interests step to the fore.

26 June 2009 Secretary Clinton Appoints Farah Pandith to Head New Office of The United States Representative to Muslim Communities  Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has asked Farah Pandith to head the new Office of the United States Special Representative to Muslim Communities. Special Representative Farah Pandith and her staff (S/SRMC) will be responsible for executing the Administration’s efforts to engage with Muslims around the world on a people-to-people and organizational level.

26 June 2009 Quartet Statement from the Meeting in Trieste  The Quartet affirmed its determination to actively and vigorously seek a comprehensive resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict, on the basis of UN Security Council Resolutions 242, 338, 1397, 1515, 1850, the Madrid principles including land for peace, the Roadmap, and the agreements previously reached between the parties.

26 June 2009 Understanding the Carbon Cycle  Carbon: the fourth most abundant element in the universe and the building block of life on Earth. Carbon moves throughout the Earth — between the atmosphere, the oceans, sedimentary rock, soil and plants and animals — in what scientists call the carbon cycle.

25 June 2009 United States Seeks Expanded Economic Growth in Africa  A central objective of U.S. trade relations with sub-Saharan Africa is to create a platform for expanded African economic growth, says a senior U.S. trade official. "Sub-Saharan Africa's current share of global trade is less than 2 percent, down from 6 percent in 1980," Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Florizelle Liser testified June 24 at a congressional hearing.

25 June 2009 Guinea Worm Eradication Program Gets Results in Ghana  Guinea worm disease, which has crippled millions in Africa and Asia, is nearly vanquished in Ghana, thanks to the efforts of the Carter Center, which has been working with health workers in that country over the last 20 years.

25 June 2009 Hero in a Half Shell: Embassy Helps Return Shell-Shocked Reptile  The story of Willy the Sea Turtle and U.S. Embassy London's involvement in her rescue. The background to Willy's story can be read on our blog!

24 June 2009 New U.S. Special Representative Announced for Muslim Outreach  Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has appointed Farah Pandith to serve as special representative to Muslim communities, in charge of a new office that is responsible for outreach with Muslims around the world.

24 June 2009 Military Leaders from U.S., Gulf States Discuss Security Threats  U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates told military leaders from the Gulf region that today's security environment in the Gulf poses dilemmas and opportunities that span all borders.

24 June 2009 United States Seeks Active Engagement with European Partners  The United States is participating in international meetings in June and July in Europe to directly engage with European partners on the most urgent, overarching security and economic challenges, a senior State Department official says.

23 June 2009 U.S. Appalled and Outraged by Violence Against Iranian Protesters   President Obama says Iranian government actions against peaceful demonstrators since the country’s June 12 presidential election have been “unjust,” and images of silent demonstrations and the risks being taken by Iranian protesters show a “timeless dignity.” Speaking in a press conference at the White House June 23, Obama said the United States and the international community have been “appalled and outraged by the threats, the beatings and imprisonments of the last few days.” 
 • The President's Opening Remarks on Iran at Press Conference

23 June 2009 Gulf Nations Support of Iraq Contains Iran   Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today urged Persian Gulf countries to work together and with the United States on securing Iraq and containing Iranian ambitions.

23 June 2009 President Obama’s Visit to Ghana Will Be Historic  President Obama’s July 10–11 visit to Accra, Ghana, will be a “historic occasion,” says Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson. He says it recognizes the progress Ghana has made — particularly in the area of democratization — which serves as an example to the rest of Africa.

22 June 2009 Obama Says Iranians Taking Risks to Have Their Voices Be Heard   President Obama says the world is watching the Iranian government’s response to peaceful demonstrations, and its response will send the international community “a pretty clear signal … about what Iran is and is not.”

22 June 2009 Obama Says U.S. Prepared for Any North Korean Threat  The United States is prepared if North Korea launches a long-range ballistic missile in the direction of Hawaii near the July 4 weekend, President Obama says. “This administration, and our military, is fully prepared for any contingencies,” Obama said in a CBS News interview broadcast June 22.

22 June 2009 Attending a Non-immigrant Visa Interview - Watch the YouTube video here!

20 June 2009 World Refugee Day  The United States is committed to supporting refugees and displaced people worldwide.

20 June 2009 President Obama's Statement on Iran  President Obama calls on the Iranian government to stop all violent and unjust actions against its own people.
 • Iranian Demonstrations “Extraordinary,” White House Says

20 June 2009 Climate Change Is an Urgent Problem  Opening Remarks by Head of the U.S. Delegation at UNFCCC Climate Change Talks, Bonn, Germany

19 June 2009 Statement from President Obama on the Occasion of Juneteenth

18 June 2009 Dept. of State's Office of the Historian Announces New Website: www.history.state.gov

18 June 2009 Obama’s Interview with CNBC’s John Harwood on Iran (Excerpt)   President Obama answers a question on Iranian election.

18 June 2009 U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Christopher R. Hill Briefs On the Current Situation In Iraq

17 June 2009 U.S. Regions Experiencing Climate Change Effects Now, Report Says  The first U.S. report in nearly a decade to assess the impacts of climate change in different regions of the United States confirms and extends research that describes rising sea and air temperatures and sea levels, melting ice, intensified hurricanes and many other changes that are happening now. Such changes will continue into the future, affecting water resources, agriculture, coastal areas and health.

17 June 2009 Remarks by Secretary Clinton, Israeli Foreign Minister Lieberman  Diplomats discuss a range of issues, including Mideast peace talks and Iran.

17 June 2009 Obama Envisions Sweeping Reform of Financial Regulation   President Obama proposes a comprehensive overhaul of the U.S. financial regulatory system, an overhaul designed to address the structural weaknesses revealed by the recent financial crisis and to prevent similar crises in the future.
 •  President Obama’s Remarks on 21st-Century Financial Regulatory Reform
 •  Treasury Department White Paper (PDF)
 •  Additional Treasury Resources Including a Range of Fact Sheets

17 June 2009 Special Envoy Gration Briefs on Recent Trip to Sudan  Provides updates on current status of Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

16 June 2009 The Obama Foreign Policy: Leadership on Tough Issues  Remarks at Clare Hall, Cambridge University

16 June 2009 Strengthening the Transatlantic Alliance: An Overview of the Obama Administration's Policies in Europe   Statement by Philip H. Gordon, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs

16 June 2009 Fighting Human Trafficking a Critical Part of U.S. Foreign Policy  U.S. hopes to cultivate more public-private partnerships to fight slavery.
 •  Trafficking in Persons Report
 •  Secretary Clinton's Remarks
 •  Fact Sheet - Trafficking in Persons: Coercion in a Time of Economic Crisis
 •  Briefing by Ambassador Cdebaca on Trafficking in Persons Report
 •  United Kingdom The full Trafficking in Persons Report is available in PDF format as a single file. Due to its large size, the PDF has been separated into sections for easier download. UK Country Report begins on page 51 of Country Narratives: Q-Z (page 294 of actual report.)

16 June 2009 United States Seeks Early Conclusion of Mideast Peace Talks  President Obama’s special envoy for Middle East peace, George Mitchell, says he believes there is a realistic chance of accommodating Israel’s desire for security with the Palestinian desire for an independent state, and says the United States is currently focused on the resumption and “early conclusion” of meaningful negotiations.
 •  Briefing by Special Envoy George Mitchell

16 June 2009 Group of Eight 2009 Summit: An Introduction  The Group of Eight (G8) major industrialized economies will meet in L’Aquila, Italy, in July for the 35th annual summit amid a time of transition in the global economy.

15 June 2009 U.S. Welcomes Israeli Leader's Endorsement of Palestinian State  The U.S. welcomes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s endorsement of the goal of establishing a Palestinian state, describing it as an "important step forward," and says President Obama will continue working with Israel, the Palestinians and others to achieve a two-state solution, as well as a comprehensive regional peace between Israel and its neighbors.

15 June 2009 Iran Must Respect the Right of Its People to Peaceful Expression  The Obama administration is "deeply troubled" by news reports from Iran of violence and possible voting irregularities in the aftermath of the June 12 presidential election. The State Department says it is still assessing whether irregularities occurred, but spokesman Ian Kelly acknowledged that U.S. officials have doubts about the results.

15 June 2009 U.S.-EU Statement on Closure of Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility  Joint statement says closure based on values, law and human rights.

14 June 2009 Statement on Prime Minister Netanyahu's Speech  President Obama is committed to two-state solution and peace in the region.

13 June 2009 Remarks by the Chargé d'Affaires at Opening of Exhibition on Abraham Lincoln

13 June 2009 Secretary Clinton's Remarks at the 100th Anniversary of the Boundary Waters Treaty

12 June 2009 United Nations Imposes Sanctions on North Korea  The U.N. Security Council unanimously voted to impose additional security and economic sanctions and a trade and arms embargo on North Korea for testing a nuclear device May 25 and also for testing a long-range ballistic missile in April.

12 June 2009 United States Seeks to Encourage Democracy, Growth in Zimbabwe  President Obama welcomed Zimbabwe's prime minister, Morgan Tsvangirai, to the White House, praising the progress made "in very difficult circumstance" since he joined a unity government with political rival President Robert Mugabe.

12 June 2009 China, United States Can Cooperate to Reduce CO2 Emissions  Representatives of China and the U.S. have completed open and candid discussions in Beijing "about what needs to be done on both sides to advance toward a successful outcome" at the U.N. climate change meeting in Copenhagen in December, U.S. Special Envoy for Climate Change Todd Stern told reporters in Washington June 12.
 •  Remarks by Todd Stern, Special Envoy for Climate Change

12 June 2009 Access to Government Information Going Digital  A survey conducted in March as part of national "Sunshine Week" found that while increasing numbers of U.S. state government documents are being posted to the Web, some of the most basic and important records — like death certificates, gas pump overcharge records and school bus inspection reports — aren’t there. Sunshine Week is an annual event focused on open government and freedom of information.

12 June 2009 Inside Islam: What a Billion Muslims Really Think  A documentary film based on a Gallup Poll study has its world premiere.

11 June 2009 Public Diplomacy: A National Security Imperative  Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Judith McHale spoke at the Center for a New American Security’s third annual conference, "Striking a Balance: A New American Security". The conference offered recommendations on how to strike a balance between immediate and long-term national security challenges facing the United States. Topics included Iraq, Afghanistan-Pakistan, National Security, North Korea, and combating violent extremism.

11 June 2009 World Health Organization Declares Global Pandemic for H1N1 Flu  The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the pandemic alert to the highest level, phase 6, after confirming with virus experts and member countries that the novel H1N1 virus, which causes in most people a mild seasonal-flu-like illness, is spreading from person to person in a sustained way in 74 countries on three continents.

11 June 2009 Obama's Cairo Speech Resonates with Africans, State's Carson Says  There was widespread interest across sub-Saharan Africa in President Obama's speech June 4 from Cairo to Muslims worldwide because many of the speech themes resonated directly with Africans who look forward to participating in a "new dialogue" with the United States, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson said June 5.

11 June 2009 Four Uighur Guantánamo Detainees Resettled in Bermuda  The Obama administration says it is "extremely grateful" to the government of Bermuda for accepting four Chinese Uighur detainees who had been cleared for release after being held at the Guantánamo Bay detention facility in Cuba.

11 June 2009 White House Document on Obama's Plan for Guantánamo Bay  Series of documents on issues central to Obama administration’s agenda.

10 June 2009 U.S. Seeks Rapid Resumption of Middle East Peace Talks  The United States seeks a quick resumption and an early conclusion to the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, U.S. Special Envoy George Mitchell says. Mitchell’s visit to the West Bank city of Ramallah, the headquarters of the Palestinian Authority, is part of President Obama’s efforts to reinvigorate negotiations that ultimately would lead to the creation of a Palestinian state living at peace alongside Israel — often referred to as the "two-state solution."

10 June 2009 U.N. Security Council to Consider New Sanctions on North Korea  Key global powers presented a resolution to the U.N. Security Council that would impose additional sanctions on North Korea for its recent nuclear weapons tests, says U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice. The draft resolution was unanimously agreed to by the five permanent Security Council members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States — along with Japan and South Korea. A vote by the full 15-member Security Council could come as early as June 12 if there are no major objections from the Council.

10 June 2009 July Moscow Summit Seeks to Reduce Nuclear Arsenals  President Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev committed to reducing their nuclear arsenals through a proposed arms reduction treaty that would take effect late this year. As owners of more than 95 percent of the world’s nuclear weapons, the United States and Russia will lead by example, Obama said after a meeting with Medvedev in early April.

10 June 2009 White House Document on Advancing the Role of Women  Series of documents central to Obama administration’s agenda.

10 June 2009 Envoy Holbrooke Briefs on Recent Trip to Pakistan, Gulf States  Highlights current situation, emphasizes internally displaced persons.

09 June 2009 U.S. Embassy in London Hosts National Basketball Association  The U.S. Embassy in London, partnering with the National Basketball Association (NBA), hosted nearly 130 guests from the Greenhouse Schools Project for a screening of Game Two of the NBA Finals between the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Lakers. The Greenhouse Schools Project provides sports and arts programs, including basketball, table tennis, and dance, for underprivileged youth in Greater London. Between the hamburgers, hotdogs, and intense competition on the big screen, the students quickly caught on to the true American sporting tradition.

09 June 2009 Paint your roof white and reduce global warming : Guest entry from America.gov's Science Blog  Painting your roof white will reduce global warming and conserve energy, according to Steven Chu, the Nobel prizewinning physicist who now runs the U.S. Department of Energy.

09 June 2009 U.S. Courts Form Juries to Maintain Impartiality  In the U.S. criminal justice system, the opinions of twelve citizens play a crucial role. The panel of citizens observes the trial, then deliberates on whether the accused is guilty. To be on the panel, commonly known as the jury, U.S. citizens are selected and screened through a process known as voir dire..

08 June 2009 U.S. Ambassador Daalder’s Speech on NATO’s Agenda in 21st Century  Outlines a new opportunity for a new alliance.

08 June 2009 US-UK Fulbright Commission announces more awards for 2009-10  The US-UK Fulbright Commission has announced a further increase in the number of its prestigious awards for the coming academic year. Now in its 61st year, this competitive award scheme will be sending outstanding men and women both ways across the Atlantic to study, lecture and/or research at centres of excellence in the US and the UK. Information on the US-UK Fulbright Awards Programme as well as biographic information on the 2009-10 scholars is available at http://www.fulbright.co.uk/fulbright-awards.

08 June 2009 Commitment to Democracy Seen in High Lebanese Election Turnout  Pledging to continue U.S. support for Lebanese sovereignty, President Obama congratulated Lebanon's people for holding a peaceful parliamentary election that he says demonstrated their courage and their strong commitment to democracy.

08 June 2009 U.S. Seeking Strong Response to North Korea's Nuclear Actions  Not taking significant and effective action against North Korea's recent "provocative and belligerent behavior" to test a nuclear weapon and launch repeated short-range missiles could spark an arms race in Northeast Asia that nobody wants, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says.

08 June 2009 U.S. Global Partnerships Key in Fighting Drug-Resistant TB  Thousands of kilometers apart, a classroom in the Philippines, a network of clinics in Brazil and a medical research center in South Korea demonstrate a key element of the United States' response to drug-resistant tuberculosis. Partnerships involving governments, the private sector and nongovernmental organizations are critical in global efforts to conquer multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR TB).

08 June 2009 Freedom of Information Is Bedrock of Free and Open Societies  The 43-year-old Freedom of Information Act is considered a bulwark of democracy by scholars, journalists and common citizens seeking information held by the U.S. government. Enacted in 1966 and refined over the years, allows individuals and organizations (including non-U.S. citizens and groups) to request access to unpublished documents held by the executive branch of the federal government without having to provide a reason for the request.

06 June 2009 Obama: D-Day Changed an Entire Century  It was unknowable on June 6, 1944, but much of the progress that defined the 20th century began when Allied forces stormed a slice of French beach only six miles long and two miles wide, President Obama said in a speech commemorating the 65th anniversary of the World War II D-Day landings.

05 June 2009 Many Muslims Saw Hope, Change in Obama's Cairo Speech  "The speech gave me hope that change can happen, especially by collaboration and by seeing common ground and interest," 19-year-old Ingy Hassieb said. The Egyptian college student reflected on the words he had heard when the new American president, Barack Obama, came to Cairo with the call to initiate "a new beginning between the United States and Muslims."

05 June 2009 Obama, Germany’s Merkel Confer on a Range of Security Issues  President Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel said now is the moment to forge ahead with the Middle East peace process. At a joint press briefing in Dresden, Germany, June 5, Obama said, "We discussed my recent trip to the Middle East and the need for all of us to redouble our efforts to bring about two states, Israel and a Palestinian state, that are living side by side in peace and security. The moment is now for us to act."

05 June 2009 Readout of President Obama’s Call with Prime Minister Gordon Brown of the United Kingdom  The leaders discussed President Obama’s speech at Cairo University and their mutual interest in continuing to build strong relationships with the Muslim communities around the world.

04 June 2009 Obama Calls for a New Beginning with Muslims Around the World  Saying he came to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world, President Obama told an audience in Cairo that the cycle of suspicion and discord that has defined the relationship for so long must end.

04 June 2009 Statement on the British Hostage Killed in Mali

04 June 2009 United States Welcomes OAS Resolution on Cuba  The U.S. welcomes a decision by the Organization of American States to lift a 47-year-old suspension against Cuba and allow Cuba to be readmitted when it makes a commitment to the organization’s democratic values, the State Department said in a prepared statement.

04 June 2009 U.S. Embassy in London Hosts Guests for "A New Beginning."  The U.S. Embassy in London hosted a viewing of President Barack Obama's address from Cairo to the Muslim world, entitled "A New Beginning.". The speech, which lasted just under one hour, was followed by an audience question and answer session with Senior Advisor for Regional Media Dan Sreebny and Cultural Attaché Liza Davis.

04 June 2009 A New Beginning  President Obama's speech in Cairo, Egypt..
 • Fact Sheet: The U.S. and Muslim communities around the world (PDF)
 • U.S. Embassy London Hosts Guests for "A New Beginning"

04 June 2009 Remarks by President Obama and President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt before Bilateral Meeting

04 June 2009 President Obama Proclaims June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month  Calling on Congress and the American people to "work together to promote equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity," President Obama issued a presidential proclamation June 1 in honor of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month.

03 June 2009 Briefing by Senior Administration Officials on Cairo Speech

03 June 2009 Obama Opens Talks with Saudi King Abdullah  President Obama says he wanted to seek the counsel of Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah as he begins a major initiative to address many of the thorny issues that confront U.S. relations in the Middle East and with the Muslim world.
 • Readout of The President's Meeting with King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia

03 June 2009 Message on the Twentieth Anniversary of Tiananmen Square  On this the 20th anniversary of the violent suppression of demonstrations in Tiananmen Square by Chinese authorities, we should remember the tragic loss of hundreds of innocent lives and reflect upon the meaning of the events that preceded that day.

03 June 2009 Remarks by President Obama and King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia Before Their Meeting

03 June 2009 President Obama Travels to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Germany, and France  King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia welcomed U.S. President Barack Obama, on his arrival at the Royal Terminal of the King Khalid International Airport, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

03 June 2009 State's McHale to Spearhead U.S. Global Public Engagement  Judith McHale, President Obama's selection to spearhead the government's public outreach to global audiences, says the United States needs to engage the people of the world in new and innovative ways. "I believe passionately that public diplomacy is both integral to our foreign policy and essential for our national security," McHale, a former international media executive, said at her recent Senate confirmation hearing.

02 June 2009 Aginst Wildlife Trafficking: Public Service Announcements from Dr. Jane Goodall  "When the buying stops, the killing can do too". That’s the message from Dr. Jane Goodall on wildlife trafficking. The illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife products is a soaring black market worth an estimated $10 billion per year. It's not only driving many species to the brink of extinction, it has links to organized crime and poses significant human health risks.

02 June 2009 Secretary of State Clinton's Travel to Cairo, Egypt  While in Cairo 3-4 June 2009, Secretary Clinton will join President Barack Obama for his speech, and participate in the President's meeting with President Hosni Mubarak.

02 June 2009 Transcript of the Interview of the President with Justin Webb of the BBC on 1st June 2009.

01 June 2009 Obama Seeks Enhanced Engagement with the Middle East, Europe  The centerpiece of President Obama's five-day visit to the Middle East and to Europe will be his speech June 4 at Cairo University on U.S. relations with the Muslim world, say White House advisers. "President Obama's speech will be an important part of this engagement with the Muslim world, which began in his inaugural (speech) and has continued through venues such as his interview with Al Arabiya, his Nowruz message, and his speech and town hall (meeting) in Turkey," said White House press secretary Robert Gibbs.
  President Obama speaks with the BBC's North America Editor Justin Webb
   (BBC website)

01 June 2009 Defense Secretary Gates on Missile Defense Discussions

01 June 2009 Pirate Attacks Delay Food Sent to Africans  If pirate assaults on ships carrying emergency food donations escalate, more than 10 million people in Somalia and other countries in East and Central Africa will go hungry. Every time pirates attack these ships, as happened to the U.S.-owned and -flagged container ship Maersk Alabama on April 8 off the coast of Somalia, it raises the prospect of additional delays.

01 June 2009 The Costs of Piracy Are Passed Along  The world's largest container line says piracy is increasing its insurance costs and forcing it to pass those costs along to customers in the form of "piracy surcharges." But for cargo owners and vessel operators alike, the costs of armed, and sometimes deadly, attacks go beyond insurance to time, new expenses and business disruptions.

01 June 2009 International Community Uniting Against Pirates, Official Says  Piracy off the coast of Somalia is felt worldwide, harming trade, slowing regional development and preventing humanitarian aid from reaching the poorest nations of east Africa, according to a State Department official.

01 June 2009 U.S. Will Not Accept North Korea as Nuclear Weapons State  The U.S. will not accept North Korea as a nuclear weapons state, Defense Secretary Robert Gates told an annual Asian security conference in Singapore. "Dependent on the charity of the international community to alleviate the hunger and suffering of its people, North Korea's leadership has chosen to focus the North's limited energies and resources on a reckless and ultimately self-destructive quest for nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles," Gates said.

01 June 2009 U.S., China Cooperating to Help Shape Global Economic Recovery  Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner says China and the United States are working together to help shape a global strategy to contain the current economic crisis and lay a foundation for a rapid recovery. In a speech at Peking University, Geithner said the combined aggressive policy actions of China, the U.S. and other major economies have helped to slow the pace of economic deterioration, repair the financial system and improve confidence for the business sector.

01 June 2009 U.S., Cuba Agree to Resume Talks on Immigration, Direct Mail  Cuban officials signaled to the U.S. that they want to resume talks on the legal immigration of Cubans to the United States and resume direct mail service between the two nations, a senior U.S. official says. The Cubans also indicated they want to hold talks with the United States on drug trafficking, fighting terrorism, and hurricane and disaster preparedness and response, the senior State Department official said during a background briefing May 31.

01 June 2009 Treasury Secretary Announcement on Leadership Team for China  Geithner appoints David Loevinger as executive secretary and coordinator.

01 June 2009 Statement on Memorandum of Agreement Signed with Afghanistan  Initiative is aimed at the elimination of poppy cultivation in Afghanistan.

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