The Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs (NEA), headed by Acting Assistant Secretary Jeffrey Feltman, deals with U.S. foreign policy and U.S. diplomatic relations with Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestinian Territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Regional policy issues that NEA handles include Iraq, Middle East peace, terrorism and weapons of mass destruction, and political and economic reform. Clickable Map
Secretary Clinton (June 8): "[W]e have a number of very important issues that we wish to work with people across the world and particularly with Muslims across the world. And among those are democracy and human rights that are really at the core of self-expression and personal freedom and potential." -
President Obama (June 4): "I've come here to Cairo to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world, one based on mutual interest and mutual respect, and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive and need not be in competition. Instead, they overlap, and share common principles -- principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings....I will try to...speak the truth as best I can, humbled by the task before us, and firm in my belief that the interests we share as human beings are far more powerful than the forces that drive us apart." - -More from White House
: "[T]he second stop on the trip will be the President's speech in Cairo. ...The speech will outline his personal commitment to engagement, based upon mutual interests and mutual respect. He will discuss how the United States and Muslim communities around the world can bridge some of the differences that have divided them. He will review particular issues of concern, such as violent extremism and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. And he will discuss new areas for partnership going forward that serve the mutual interests of our people." -Full Text
Secretary Clinton (May 28): "Well, I am so honored to receive this group here at the State Department. This is a group of young men and women from Egypt who are committed to improving the lives of the Egyptian people, providing more economic opportunity, greater growth in democracy, respect for human rights. They come from a variety of backgrounds. Each of them brings a special experience, an expertise to their interests and their efforts." -Full Text
Secretary Clinton (May 27): "I asked [Foreign Minister Gheit, General Suleiman, and the delegation from Egypt] to extend our thanks to President Mubarak and others in the Egyptian Government who are working to resolve conflicts and bridge divides. And I assured them that President Obama and I are fully committed to a comprehensive peace in the Middle East, to a two-state solution, and that we regard Egypt as an essential partner in helping us to realize that vision." -Full Text
Secretary Clinton (May 27): "Well, we are absolutely delighted and obviously, relieved to have Roxana home safely, to have her parents here with us. This was a matter of great concern to our country, certainly to the Obama Administration, to me personally, not only as Secretary of State, but as a mother. And my heart went out to Roxana and to her parents every single day." -More
The White House has issued the following readout on the President’s meeting with Ambassador Chris Hill: Earlier this week, Ambassador Hill was confirmed by the Senate to serve as our Ambassador to Iraq. Ambassador Hill will head to Iraq this week, and the President wanted to speak with him before he leaves for his important new post. They discussed the current situation in Iraq and the need to make political progress. -More on IraqSpecial Press Briefing by Special Envoy George Mitchell
Special Envoy George Mitchell briefed reporters On-the-Record, Off-Camera on his recent travel to the region and efforts toward achieving a comprehensive peace. This briefing took place in the Department’s press briefing room at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 16, 2009. -More -Special Briefing
Remarks by President Obama and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak Before Bilateral Meeting
President Obama (June 4): "Well, I just want to thank President Mubarak, as well as the people of Egypt, for their wonderful hospitality. I'm very much looking forward to speaking at the university this afternoon. I wanted to first sit down with President Mubarak, who obviously has decades of experience on a whole range of issues." -Full Text
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