Cote d'Ivoire: Delayed Presidential Elections

Ian Kelly
Department Spokesman, Bureau of Public Affairs, Office of the Spokesman

Washington, DC

November 24, 2009

The United States is disappointed at the recent announcement that presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire, scheduled for November 29, will again be delayed. In the past year Cote d’Ivoire has made significant progress on voter registration/identification, and it is imperative that all parties take every measure to ensure that elections are held without further delay. We call upon all political party leaders in Cote d’Ivoire to commit to a credible, transparent, fair, and non-violent electoral process. The United States remains convinced that credible elections are key to resolving Cote d’Ivoire’s seven-year-old crisis and central to political reconciliation.

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Remarks to the Press

Ian Kelly
Department Spokesman, Bureau of Public Affairs, Office of the Spokesman

Washington, DC

November 23, 2009

MR. KELLY: Okay. What can I do you for?

QUESTION: No questions. (Laughter.)

MR. KELLY: Okay. (Laughter.) It’s great to see you all, though, I must say. It’s been a few days. Who wants to start?

QUESTION: Does anyone want to start with Iran?

MR. KELLY: Mr. Dombey, you want to start?

QUESTION: I have a question.

MR. KELLY: All right. Mr. Wood.

QUESTION: Well, could we get an update on the P-5+1?

MR. KELLY: You guys are all so shy. Oh, update on the P-5+1.

QUESTION: And how the latest talks went and what’s going on with Iran nukes?

MR. KELLY: Yeah. Oh, I think – didn’t Robert give you a readout on Friday?

QUESTION: I just – I flew back from Kabul on Friday --

MR. KELLY: Oh, you did. Okay.

QUESTION: -- so --

MR. KELLY: Well, let me just kind of reiterate --

QUESTION: That complicates --

MR. KELLY: -- reiterate where we are then.

QUESTION: So if there’s anything new as of today or the weekend.

MR. KELLY: Yeah. Well, there’s actually not a whole lot that’s new. They – of course, they met in Brussels and issued a statement where they expressed their disappointment that Iran has not been able to follow up, not been able to provide a positive answer to the proposal on the table from the IAEA to send out their low-enriched uranium for reprocessing outside the country. And we continue to urge Iran to seize this opportunity. It’s an important opportunity for them to show that they’re ready to address the concerns of the international community and, at the same time, meet the humanitarian needs of their people. But it’s a fleeting opportunity and they need to take advantage of it.

The political directors also agreed that they would have another meeting shortly, exact time to be determined, to complete their assessment of the situation and decide on next steps in the context of their dual-track approach.

Meanwhile, there’s another important date coming up with the meeting of the Board of Governors on Thursday, and they will discuss there the Director General’s assessment that Iran should have declared its facility in Qom and, therefore, has not complied with its safeguard obligations, and that the construction of a new enrichment facility would be in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions. So this meeting on Thursday of the Board of Governors will be an opportunity to discuss these issues and for the board to make recommendations in light of these developments.

QUESTION: Ian, just for clarification down here. This is Friday’s guidance, right? I mean, what you just --

MR. KELLY: This is nothing new, no.

QUESTION: Nothing new, okay. I just wanted to make --

MR. KELLY: This is Friday’s guidance, yeah.

QUESTION: I think the word fleeting --

MR. KELLY: Sorry?

QUESTION: Yeah. I think the word fleeting --

QUESTION: Yeah, fleeting is new. Fleeting opportunity – very important. (Laughter.)

QUESTION: Ian, on the peace process, we’re not hearing anything from the Administration regarding the peace process. What are you planning to do? Any plan for Senator Mitchell to go back to the Middle East?

MR. KELLY: Well, Senator Mitchell’s in Washington and, of course, has had an opportunity to debrief the Secretary on his recent round of talks with Israeli negotiators. And he, of course, remains in contact with both sides, with his contacts on the Israeli side and his contacts on the Palestinian side. I don’t think he has any plans right now to go back. Of course, we have our national holiday on Thursday, so I would not anticipate anything before then, certainly.

QUESTION: Ian, may I ask on a different subject, on START?

MR. KELLY: START.

QUESTION: Anything new for potential day of signing, because December 5^th is approaching?

MR. KELLY: Sure is. Yeah.

QUESTION: There are talks that the two presidents will be meeting somewhere in Europe. Is it true?

MR. KELLY: Well, I have nothing to announce in that regard – regarding a meeting of the two presidents in Europe. You know that the negotiating teams continue to work very hard in Geneva. They have agreement on a number of issues, but they’re also trying to work out some of the areas where they need to come together. You know that when the two presidents met in Singapore, they reiterated their commitment to signing a draft treaty by the expiration date, or signing a new treaty in December anyway.

But as you know, because the treaty has to be ratified by the respective legislators, we, of course, know that we are not going to have a ratified treaty that can enter into force, so we are having discussions with Russia to see how we can continue some of the transparency and verification measures, so that these measures can continue until the treaty is ratified.

And so we’re working on kind of two tracks. One is to get that text done by early December. And then since we recognize we’re not going not have a fully ratified treaty in both capitals, we’re looking at ways that a number of provisions can remain in effect in this period between December 5^th and whenever the new treaty is ratified.

QUESTION: Right. Do you think it’s realistic that the negotiations will be completed by early December?

MR. KELLY: Well, we’re certainly hopeful about it – that we’ll be able to have a draft agreement that both sides are comfortable with.

QUESTION: So you mean that since you won’t get a ratified treaty by December 5^th, you will have monitors in place – the monitors who are in Russia and the U.S. – the Russians who are in the U.S., they will stay in place? There’s no worry about that?

MR. KELLY: Well, we’re working on various mechanisms to ensure that we can continue these monitoring activities that promote transparency, which is a really important part of these agreements.

QUESTION: And would – I mean, is there a risk – don’t you have a draft already available that you just sign the – once December 5^th –

MR. KELLY: But it wouldn’t – it won’t enter into force, though, until it’s ratified. So you need to have some kind of mechanism to keep these means of monitoring in place and ongoing.

QUESTION: Ian, any idea who might be signing those? On the Secretary’s level or on presidential level?

MR. KELLY: Peter, I really have nothing to announce on that.

QUESTION: I'm sorry. Ian, did you say there’s anything new as far as, like, a bridging mechanism for – until the treaty is ratified?

MR. KELLY: It’s something that’s being worked out that we’re still working with our Russian colleagues in Geneva.

QUESTION: So nothing to announce?

MR. KELLY: Nothing to announce, no.

QUESTION: And the fact that Lugar, you know, introduced legislation that was voted out of committee the other day?

MR. KELLY: Well, I think that’s part of it.

QUESTION: Oh.

MR. KELLY: Yeah. But it has to be done on both sides.

QUESTION: So is that – is there time to get it done by December 5^th?

MR. KELLY: Well, we certainly hope so. We think these monitoring mechanisms are important. And so we’re working on it.

QUESTION: Any update for Bosworth’s trip to North Korea?

MR. KELLY: I do not have anything to add to what we said on Friday and the day before that and the day before that.

QUESTION: I heard that his schedule will be extended to stay in the North Korea. Do – you said –

MR. KELLY: Oh, I haven’t heard that. I don’t think we have a set schedule in North Korea yet.

QUESTION: But you said they want to have – that he will stay. There are some reports saying that it’s a little more extended.

MR. KELLY: Well, like I say, we’re still working with officials in Pyongyang to develop an appropriate schedule.

QUESTION: And you don’t know what – in what order he’s visiting other countries after?

MR. KELLY: Well, we’re just – we’re not prepared to announce the details of his trip, but he does anticipate going to all five capitals: Seoul, Pyongyang, Tokyo, Beijing and Moscow. But I don’t think we’ve had all – the order put in place yet.

QUESTION: They’re still considering who will go with him?

MR. KELLY: I think we know. It’s going to be a small delegation – interagency delegation, but we’re just – we’re not prepared to announce it yet. We will be able to soon, though.

QUESTION: Yesterday –

MR. KELLY: Okay? No? Yeah.

QUESTION: – North Korea urging to replace armistice agreement with peace treaty. Do you have that (inaudible)?

MR. KELLY: I’m not sure I understand the question.

QUESTION: North Korea official newspapers urge you to replace armistice agreement with peace treaty.

QUESTION: Yeah, urging the replacement of –

QUESTION: Yeah, yeah.

QUESTION: He’s saying that the North Korean media has said is urging the replacement of the armistice with a peace treaty, which is something –

MR. KELLY: Well, we are focused on resuming the Six-Party Talks. That’s really what all our energies and all of our attention is devoted to now. That’s the purpose of Ambassador Bosworth’s trip. We don’t anticipate discussing these kinds of issues within the context of his visit. I think you know, though, as part of the Six-Party Talks, there is a provision for having bilateral working groups, but we’re not at that point, obviously. We first want to get the Six-Party Talks resumed.

QUESTION: And do you know if the Secretary is going to be in upstate New York for Thanksgiving and –

MR. KELLY: (Laughter.)

QUESTION: And I mean, is that – are people taking off for a couple (inaudible)?

MR. KELLY: She does plan to spend Thanksgiving with her family, but we don’t have anything – I have no announcements about where she’s spending it.

QUESTION: And what’s Steinberg up to – Steinberg?

MR. KELLY: I honestly do not know.

QUESTION: He’s probably working.

MR. KELLY: He’s probably working, yeah.

QUESTION: Yeah.

MR. KELLY: I’ll be working.

QUESTION: He’s writing your statements.

MR. KELLY: He’s writing my statements. (Laughter.)

QUESTION: Probably so.

QUESTION: Ian?

MR. KELLY: Yeah.

QUESTION: Somalia announced that it’s going to join the Convention on the Rights of the Child. And if they do so, the United States is going to be the only country that hasn’t ratified the treaty. So I’m wondering what’s the position of this Administration on that treaty?

MR. KELLY: I’ll have to find out.

QUESTION: Could you take –

MR. KELLY: That’s a taken question.

QUESTION: Yeah. Can you do a similar on the landmine treaty? There’s going to be the conference in Cartagena next week.

MR. KELLY: Yeah, that’s right.

QUESTION: And what’s the U.S. –

MR. KELLY: We actually have some guidance on that. I can’t recall it off the top of my head.

QUESTION: You don’t have it with you?

MR. KELLY: No, I’m afraid not. But we do have guidance on that that we can send out to you, yeah.

QUESTION: If you can take that and whether you’re going to join – okay.

MR. KELLY: Yeah.

QUESTION: Okay.

MR. KELLY: Okay?

QUESTION: Thanks.

MR. KELLY: All right. Thank you.

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Opening Remarks for Hearing on Counterterrorism in Africa (Sahel Region)

Johnnie Carson
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs

Testimony Before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Subcommittee on Africa

Washington, DC

November 17, 2009

Chairman Feingold, Ranking Member Isakson, and Members of the Committee:

I welcome the opportunity to appear before you today to discuss our counterterrorism approach in Africa’s Sahel region. I look forward to working with the Congress, and especially with this Committee, to identify appropriate tools to support the efforts of the countries in the region to improve their long-term security and constrict the ability of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and a variety of criminal networks to exploit the area’s vast territory.

This hearing is very timely. While the security challenges in the Sahel are not new, several attacks in recent months against African and western targets have drawn additional focus to the situation. Key countries in the area, including Algeria, Mali and Mauritania, have intensified efforts to coordinate their activities against AQIM and address the region’s short, medium, and long-term vulnerabilities. At the same time, we have consulted with African and European partners to identify areas where we can more effectively support regional efforts to improve the security environment in the Sahel over the long-term.

The United States can play a helpful supporting role in the regional effort, but we must avoid taking actions that could unintentionally increase local tensions or lend credibility to AQIM’s claims of legitimacy. First and foremost, we must be sensitive to local political dynamics and avoid precipitous actions which exacerbate long-standing and often bloody conflicts.

AQIM’s ideology and violent tactics are antithetical to the vast majority of people in the region and the group’s ability to mobilize significant popular support for its objectives has been largely frustrated. It has failed to build and sustain meaningful alliances with insurgencies and criminal networks operating in the region. In fact, AQIM’s murder of a Malian military officer this summer, the unprecedented execution of a British hostage, and the murder of an American citizen in Mauritania may have caused some groups in Northern Mali to sever opportunistic economic arrangements occasionally established to supplement local groups’ efforts to survive in the region’s austere environment. By contrast, the perceptions of the United States have been generally favourable throughout the Sahel, even during periods when our popularity around the world declined. It is instructive that a 2008 poll involving 18 Muslim countries revealed that Mauritanians had the highest opinion of the United States.

The countries in the region continue to demonstrate the political will to combat terrorism and trans-national crime. They have explicitly stated that the Sahel’s security is the responsibility of the countries in the region. They have not asked the United States to take on a leadership role in counterterrorism efforts and have, in fact, clearly signalled that a more visible or militarily proactive posture by the United States would be counterproductive. We fully concur that the appropriate roles for the United States and other third countries with even more significant interests in the region must be to support regional security efforts while continuing to provide meaningful development assistance to the more remote areas. Moreover, we have emphasized that while the United States will do its part, the burden must be shared.

We recognize, however, that the security environment in the Sahel requires sustained attention to address a wide range of vulnerabilities and capacity deficits. There is insufficient capacity to monitor and protect immense swaths of largely ungoverned or poorly governed territory. The arid northern half of Mali alone covers an area larger than Texas. Niger is the poorest country in the world according to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Mauritania and Mali rank near the bottom of the Human Development Index scale.

The vulnerability of the northern Sahel has not only led AQIM to seek out safe-havens in the region, but has also enabled the operations of a range of trans-national criminal networks. Criminal traffickers in human beings, weapons, and narcotics also exploit parts of the region. West Africa has emerged as a major trans-shipment area for cocaine flowing from South America to Europe. Narco-trafficking poses a direct threat to U.S. interests since the proceeds of cocaine-trafficked through the region generally flow back to Latin American organizations moving drugs to the United States.

The Committee has asked how our counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel relate to our long-term goals of good governance, civilian control over security forces, and respect for human rights. The first priority President Obama has identified for our Africa policy is helping to build strong and stable democracies on the continent. This is essential in West Africa. In recent years, the region has witnessed two military coups in Mauritania, deeply flawed elections in Nigeria, and an undemocratic seizure of power in Niger. Our experience in the region has underscored the urgency of improving governance, strongly promoting the rule of law, developing durable political and economic institutions at all levels of society, and maintaining professional security forces under civilian control.

Meaningful progress in these areas is crucial to the success of ongoing efforts against AQIM and other criminal networks. The groups are drawn to areas where they can take advantage of political and economic vulnerabilities to safeguard their operating spaces and lifelines, cross borders with impunity, and attract recruits. They benefit when security forces and border guards lack the necessary training, equipment, intelligence, and mobility to disrupt their activities. Their cause is advanced when human rights abuses undermine the credibility of security forces. Terrorists and criminal organizations also take advantage of weak or corrupt criminal justice systems unable to effectively investigate, prosecute and incarcerate all forms of criminals.

Underdevelopment in key areas represents a critical security challenge in the Sahel. The region is extremely diverse and the sources of insecurity in the region vary. In Northern Mali, for example, insecurity in isolated border areas and along traditional smuggling routes is perpetuated by unmet economic expectations and the lack of legitimate alternatives to smuggling or opportunistic commerce with criminal networks. Mali is one of Africa’s most stable democracies, but its efforts to address insecurity in the northern part of the country are severely hampered by poor infrastructure and the inability to provide adequate service delivery and educational and vocational opportunities to isolated areas. This dynamic can become particularly problematic in cases where AQIM has provided small amounts of food and other consumables to generate good-will or at least tolerance from groups living in their vicinity.

Although AQIM’s attempts to recruit in Mali and elsewhere in the Sahel have been largely unsuccessful, its limited successes in countries such as Mauritania can largely be traced to its ability to capitalize on the frustration among the young over insufficient educational or vocational opportunities. AQIM has also attracted recruits and material support from isolated communities or neighbourhoods in Mauritania and elsewhere that lack alternatives to schools, media or networking centers that promote violent extremism.

The United States’ primary instrument to advance counterterrorism objectives in the Sahel and the Maghreb is the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership (TSCTP). TSCTP is a multi-year commitment designed to support partner country efforts in the Sahel and the Maghreb to constrict and ultimately eliminate the ability of terrorist organization to exploit the region. The rationale and overarching strategy for TSCTP was approved by a National Security Council (NSC) Deputies Committee in 2005. TSCTP originally included Algeria, Chad, Mali, Morocco, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tunisia; Burkina Faso was added in 2009.

TSCTP serves two primary purposes. The program identifies and mobilizes resources from throughout the interagency to support sustained efforts to address violent extremism in the region. It was understood when TSCTP was created that sporadic engagements without adequate follow-up or sustainment would fail to achieve meaningful long-term results in a region with a multitude of basic needs. The emphasis was therefore placed on key capacity deficits that could be addressed over a period of years. The program draws resources and expertise from multiple agencies in the U.S. government including the State Department, the Department of Defense, and USAID. As the threat levels, political environments and material needs differ substantially among the partner countries, most engagements and assistance packages under TSCTP are tailored to fit the priorities of the individual countries.

TSCTP was also designed to coordinate the activities of the various implementing agencies. The coordination takes place at several levels. Action Officers representing the various agencies meet periodically in Washington to coordinate activities and share information. Representatives from Washington and AFRICOM also meet regularly with our Embassies in TSCTP countries. The first line of coordination and oversight takes place at our Embassies. While various assessments and inputs from throughout the interagency inform decisions regarding TSCTP programming, Chiefs of Mission must concur with all proposed activities. They are best placed to understand the immediate and long-term implications of various activities and are ultimately the primary interlocutors with the host countries.

Forming a definitive conclusion at this relatively early stage regarding whether our counter-terrorism approach in the Sahel is working is difficult, but we believe that we are making important progress. For example, TSCTP resources contributed to training and equipping more capable and professional security forces in Mauritania. We believe that our work with Mali to support more professional units capable of improving the security environment in the country will have future benefits if they are sustained. Our public affairs teams and USAID are implementing a range of beneficial exchanges and projects in Mali and promoting outreach to communities potentially vulnerable to extremism in Mauritania, Chad, Senegal, and elsewhere.

The decision in 2005 to focus on long-term capacity-building rather than search for quick fixes was clearly correct, even more so given the limited absorptive capacity of these countries. Clear victories against the underlying security and developmental challenges in the region are unlikely to clearly announce themselves in the near term, but I am confident that a steady and patient approach provides the best opportunity for success.

The recognition that we must take a holistic approach involving multiple agencies was also correct. Efforts to improve interagency coordination and the vital coordination between our Missions and program managers in Washington and Stuttgart have been crucial. We continue to seek a balance between the financial resources for the development and diplomatic pieces of TSCTP and funding devoted to military to military activities. We will continue to work toward a balanced approach envisioned when the program was created.

Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee, I want to thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. I will be happy to answer any questions you have.

Numbers of Americans Studying Abroad Up 8.5%, China, India, Japan, South Africa, and Argentina See Strong Gains as Destinations

Office of the Spokesman

Washington, DC

November 16, 2009

A record number of U.S. students are studying abroad, reflecting the value of an international academic experience as preparation to live and work in a global society. According to the Open Doors 2009 survey, the number of Americans studying abroad increased by 8.5% to 262,416 in the 2007/08 academic year. This increase builds on two decades of steady growth and represents four times as many U.S. students than in 1987/88. The Institute of International Education publishes the annual Open Doors report with support from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

“Today more than ever before, study abroad can help our students understand our interconnected world and participate productively in the global economy,” said Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Judith A. McHale, at a briefing today at the National Press Club in Washington, DC that launched the observance of International Education Week. She added, “The State Department strongly supports study abroad through such programs as the Fulbright Program, which is sending its largest number ever of U.S. students abroad this year, and the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, which in two years has doubled the number of U.S. undergraduates with financial need who will study abroad.”

Open Doors 2009 shows that the number of students to nearly all of the top twenty-five destinations increased, notably to destinations less traditional for study abroad: China, Ireland, Austria and India (up about 20% each), as well as Costa Rica, Japan, Argentina and South Africa (up nearly 15% each). While the four perennial leaders in hosting U.S. students remain the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain and France, findings indicate that 15 of the top 25 destinations are now outside of Western Europe, and 19 are countries where English is not the primary language. Americans electing to study in Africa increased by 18%, in Asia by 17%, and in Latin America by 11%.

Data provided for this study by campus administrators for academic year 2008/09 relates to study abroad in 2007/08 and is the most recent available.

Open Doors 2009 details and analysis are available at http://opendoors.iienetwork.org.

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) manages a range of exchanges for over 40,000 participants annually, to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. Details, including overseas study opportunities for Americans, are available at www.exchanges.state.gov and http://exchanges.state.gov/features/abroad/index.html.

Media Contact: Catherine Stearns, StearnsCL@state.gov or 202-632-6437

U.S. and Angola Hold Strategic Partnership Dialogue Meetings

Office of the Spokesman

Washington, DC

November 16, 2009

The United States and Angola launched meetings under a new Strategic Partnership Dialogue (SPD) framework on Monday, November 16 at the Department of State in Washington, DC.

During Secretary Clinton’s visit to Angola on August 9-10, 2009, she and Angolan Foreign Minister dos Anjos agreed to jointly create a new mechanism for bilateral cooperation between the United States and Angola. The resulting Strategic Partnership Dialogue will consist of regular bilateral working group meetings to discuss issues of mutual concern.

The two working groups that met on November 16 were the first to be launched under the Strategic Partnership Dialogue. The first group, Security Cooperation, was chaired by Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Donald Yamamoto from the Bureau of African Affairs for the U.S. and by Angolan Ambassador Josefina Pitra Diakite. Issues of mutual concern, including strategies to counter narcotics and human trafficking, were addressed during the initial meeting of the Security Cooperation working group.

The second group addressed Energy Cooperation and was chaired by Coordinator for International Energy Affairs David Goldwyn for the U.S. and Angolan Vice Minister of Energy João Baptista Borges. The meeting included a dialogue with representatives from the private sector, a discussion on Angola’s renewable energy sector priorities, and a roundtable on the best practices used to incorporate wind mapping, solar power, biomass, and hydro-electric power into a renewable energy strategy.

On November 17, the Angolan Embassy and the Woodrow Wilson Center will host a “U.S.-Angola Day” conference at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center to discuss a variety of issues including agriculture, energy, and infrastructure. Several U.S. officials will also speak at this conference, including Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson, Acting USAID Assistant Administrator Earl Gast, Coordinator for International Energy Affairs David Goldwyn, and other officials from the Department of Energy, the Department of Homeland Security, and USAID.

For more information on the conference, contact Justine Lindemann at 202-691-4355 or Justine.Lindemann@wilsoncenter.org.

Greek Shipowners Discuss Piracy off the Coast of Somalia at U.S. Department of State

Office of the Spokesman

Washington, DC

November 12, 2009

During a visit to Washington, D.C., a delegation from the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) met today with Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Andrew J. Shapiro, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Thomas M. Countryman, and Robert W. Maggi, the Department’s Coordinator for Counter-Piracy, to discuss the threat to international shipping posed by pirates operating of the coast of Somalia and up to 1000 miles beyond its territorial waters.

UGS President Theodore Veniamis, Vice President Michael Chandris, Georgios Gratsos, a UGS Board Member and President of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, John Lyras, a UGS Board Member, and Dr. Anna Bredima, UGS’ Director of International and EU Affairs, discussed with these Department officials the importance of continued government-industry coordination, the measures the shipping industry can take to deter pirates, and the effect of piracy on the economics of the shipping industry. Assistant Secretary Shapiro reiterated the United States’ hope that the shipowners, who control around 20 percent of the world’s capacity (in deadweight tonnage), will find it in their own best interest to implement appropriate self-protection measures on their ships, and that Greece will consider signing the New York Declaration. The Declaration is a political commitment signed by countries to ensure that vessels in their registries implement appropriate self-protection measures, including guidance issued by the International Maritime Organization.

As the United States and Greece both participate in the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (www.state.gov/t/pm/ppa/piracy/contactgroup/index.htm), officials also discussed the new international trust fund that has been agreed to by the Contact Group. When the trust fund is activated, governments and private shipping companies will be able to make contributions to support countries’ efforts to prosecute suspected pirates or fund other Contact Group initiatives to combat piracy. The UGS delegation was also encouraged to explore the possibility of providing training and career opportunities for Somalis in the maritime industry.

While in Washington, the delegation also held consultations on various maritime issues with the Department of Transportation, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, Federal Maritime Commission, Military Sealift Command, Environmental Protection Agency, and with staff of the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.

To learn more about piracy off the coast of Somalia and the United States’ and international response to it, visit http://www.state.gov/t/pm/ppa/piracy/index.htm.

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U.S. and Angola Hold Strategic Partnership Dialogue Meetings

Office of the Spokesman

Washington, DC

November 12, 2009

The United States and Angola will inaugurate consultative meetings under a new Strategic Partnership Dialogue on Monday, November 16 at the Department of State in Washington, DC.

During Secretary Clinton’s visit to Angola on August 9-10, 2009, she and Angolan Foreign Minister dos Anjos agreed to jointly create a new mechanism for bilateral cooperation between the United States and Angola. The resulting Strategic Partnership Dialogue will consist of regular bilateral working group meetings to discuss issues of mutual concern.

The two working groups on November 16 will be the first within the Strategic Partnership Dialogue. The first group, Security Cooperation, will be chaired for the U.S. by Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Donald Yamamoto from the Bureau of African Affairs. The second group will address Energy Cooperation and will be chaired by Coordinator for International Energy Affairs David Goldwyn. It will also include a dialogue with representatives from the private sector.

On November 17, the Angolan embassy and the Woodrow Wilson Center will host a “U.S.-Angola Day” conference at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center to discuss a variety of issues including agriculture, energy, and infrastructure. Several U.S. officials will also speak at this conference, including Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson, Acting USAID Assistant Administrator Earl Gast, Coordinator for International Energy Affairs David Goldwyn, and other officials from the Department of Energy, the Department of Homeland Security, and USAID.

For more information on the conference, contact Justine Lindemann at 202-691-4355 or Justine.Lindemann@wilsoncenter.org.

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Kimberley Process

Ian Kelly
Department Spokesman

Washington, DC

November 10, 2009

In light of serious concerns about Zimbabwe’s compliance with the Kimberley Process (KP) rough diamond certification scheme, we await full and expeditious implementation of the stringent controls that were agreed at the KP Plenary in Swakopmund, Namibia on November 5 for exports of rough diamonds from Zimbabwe’s Marange fields. The United States expects that if the Work Plan which obligates Zimbabwe to commit substantial effort and resources is not thoroughly implemented, the KP will suspend Zimbabwe’s status in the KP certification scheme. We further note that Zimbabwe agreed not to export Marange diamonds until the monitoring mechanism is established. In addition, the United States remains deeply concerned about human rights abuses in and around the Marange diamond fields of Zimbabwe.

The United States welcomes progress made during the KP Plenary regarding increased oversight of exports from Guinea, new measures regarding identification and cooperation on suspicious shipments, and efforts to improve coordination on technical and development assistance.

We also urge prompt resolution of the KP discussions on the critical role of respect for human rights in the administration of Participants’ diamond mining sectors, given that the KP itself was created to mitigate such abuses in nations facing conflict or internal strife.

We urge all within the Kimberley Process to demonstrate their full commitment to the principles upon which the KP was established.