November 15, 2009 Remarks of President Barack Obama
AELM Retreat Session
Good morning. It is an honor to be here at this year’s APEC leaders’ Summit. Twenty years ago, as the forces of globalization were just beginning to transform our world, this forum was founded in order to seize the promise of a new era for a region that collectively represents the largest economy on Earth. Twenty years later, as the world slowly emerges from the worst recession in generations, the future prosperity of our people and all people has never been more dependent on our continued engagement than it is right now.
The United States was there at the first meeting of APEC leaders on Blake Island, where President Clinton began the interesting tradition of having us wear outfits picked out by the host nation. And when America hosts APEC in a few years, I look forward to seeing you all decked out in flowered shirts and grass skirts, because today I’m announcing that we are bringing this forum to my home state of Hawaii in 2011.
November 13, 2009 Statement by the President Obama on the Ukrainian Holodomor Remembrance Day
Seventy six years ago, millions of innocent Ukrainians – men, women, and children – starved to death as a result of the deliberate policies of the regime of Joseph Stalin. Tomorrow, we join together, Ukrainian-Americans and all Americans, to commemorate these tragic events and to honor the many victims.
From 1932 to 1933, the Ukrainian people suffered horribly during what has become known as the Holodomor – “death by hunger” – due to the Stalin regime’s seizure of crops and farms across Ukraine. Ukraine had once been a breadbasket of Europe. Ukrainians could have fed themselves and saved millions of lives, had they been allowed to do so. As we remember this calamity, we pay respect to millions of victims who showed tremendous strength and courage. The Ukrainian people overcame the horror of the great famine and have gone on to build a free and democratic country.
Remembering the victims of the man-made catastrophe of Holodomor provides us an opportunity to reflect upon the plight of all those who have suffered the consequences of extremism and tyranny around the world. We hope that the remembrance of Holodomor will help prevent such tragedy in the future.
November 9, 2009
President Obama on the 20th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall
On November 9, 1989, Germans on both sides of the Berlin Wall joined together to breach the barrier that divided them and begin reuniting their country. In a taped address, the President speaks about the importance of this pivotal event and how it remains a powerful symbol of the triumph of freedom over tyranny.
November 6, 2009
U.S.-Ukraine Cooperation Underway to Combat H1N1 Influenza
In an effort to stop the global spread of pandemic 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, the United States is planning to donate 10 percent of US domestic H1N1 vaccine supply, as it becomes available, to a WHO-led H1N1 vaccine initiative. The US donation to WHO, equivalent to 25 million doses of vaccine, would be valued commercially at approximately $10 million.
As part of the first phase of this initiative, Ukraine is scheduled to receive 930,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine in early December.
November 4, 2009
Statement by President Barack Obama on Iran
Thirty years ago today, the American Embassy in Tehran was seized. The 444 days that began on November 4, 1979 deeply affected the lives of courageous Americans who were unjustly held hostage, and we owe these Americans and their families our gratitude for their extraordinary service and sacrifice.
This event helped set the United States and Iran on a path of sustained suspicion, mistrust, and confrontation. I have made it clear that the United States of America wants to move beyond this past, and seeks a relationship with the Islamic Republic of Iran based upon mutual interests and mutual respect. We do not interfere in Iran’s internal affairs. We have condemned terrorist attacks against Iran. We have recognized Iran’s international right to peaceful nuclear power. We have demonstrated our willingness to take confidence-building steps along with others in the international community. We have accepted a proposal by the International Atomic Energy Agency to meet Iran’s request for assistance in meeting the medical needs of its people. We have made clear that if Iran lives up to the obligations that every nation has, it will have a path to a more prosperous and productive relationship with the international community.
Iran must choose. We have heard for thirty years what the Iranian government is against; the question, now, is what kind of future it is for. The American people have great respect for the people of Iran and their rich history. The world continues to bear witness to their powerful calls for justice, and their courageous pursuit of universal rights. It is time for the Iranian government to decide whether it wants to focus on the past, or whether it will make the choices that will open the door to greater opportunity, prosperity, and justice for its people.
November 3, 2009
Secretary Clinton’s Address to Sixth Forum for the Future
SECRETARY CLINTON: So it is a pleasure to join you for this discussion, and I especially recognize the significance of having governor – government ministers and civil society leaders talking together about these issues of common concern. That may be too rare at sight, but it shouldn’t be, because our goal is to listen, learn, and discover new ways that we can work as partners for the good of the people that we represent.
November 2, 2009
H1n1 Flu Outbreak in Western Ukraine
The U.S. Embassy is aware of the disease outbreak being widely reported in Western Ukraine. According to press reports, the Ministry of Health has confirmed that the disease in question is 2009-H1N1 influenza, sometimes referred to as novel H1N1 or swine flu. The Embassy is monitoring the situation and remains in contact with Ukrainian public health authorities responding to it. According to the press, Ukrainian authorities have put several precautionary measures in place. For example, the Embassy understands that the current school vacation will be extended for three weeks; authorities have asked that public gatherings not take place; and pregnant women are being advised to defer non-emergency visits to hospitals where patients suffering from flu-like symptoms are being treated. Additionally, some press reports have said that restrictions limiting the "unnecessary" movement between regions will be in place for the next three weeks, although no details of how officials will determine the urgency of travel have been released. Individuals reporting flu-like symptoms are being advised to limit contact with other people, and, in some cases, are being treated in isolation units at local hospitals. However, public health officials have told the Embassy that as of October 30, no general quarantine is in effect. Full Text
October 26, 2009
Release of the International Religious Freedom Report
Secretary Clinton (Oct. 26): "[W]e are convinced that the best antidote to intolerance is a combination of robust legal protections against discrimination and hate crimes, proactive government outreach to minority religious groups, and the vigorous defense of both freedom of religion and expression. So it is our hope that the International Religious Freedom Report will encourage existing religious freedom movements around the world and promote dialogue among governments and within societies on how best to accommodate religious communities and protect each individual’s right to believe or not believe, as that individual sees fit."
October 15, 2009
Attention! New Competition!
U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation Call for Proposals For 2010
American Embassy Kyiv is pleased to announce a call for proposals for the 2010 U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). The Fund was established by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in 2001and marks the 10th anniversary in Fiscal Year 2010. The purpose of the Ambassadors Fund is to help other countries preserve cultural heritage and demonstrate U.S. respect for other cultures.
October 28, 2009
United States and Ukraine Announce Bilateral Energy Security Working Group
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
The government of the United States and the government of Ukraine warmly welcome the creation of a Bilateral Energy Security Working Group (BESWG) under the auspices of the Strategic Partnership Commission. The BESWG is co-chaired by Ambassador Richard L. Morningstar, Special Envoy for Eurasian Energy, U.S. Department of State; and Sergiy Pavlusha, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Fuel and Energy, Ukraine. On the U.S. side, participants included representatives from the departments of Energy, Commerce and Labor; the National Security Council; and the Agency for International Development. On the Ukrainian side, participants included representatives from the Office of the President, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Energoatom, and the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington.
At the inaugural session of the BESWG on October 28, 2009, the two sides discussed the importance of working together to strengthen energy security for Ukraine and Europe. They evaluated results of the implementation of projects in Ukraine aimed at enhancing Ukraine's energy security. In particular, the meeting focused on Ukraine's energy sector reform initiatives, ongoing U.S. technical assistance to Ukraine in municipal heating reform and other sectors, and the potential for enhanced U.S.-Ukraine cooperation in energy efficiency and other new areas. The two sides also discussed promoting the participation of the U.S. and Ukrainian private sectors in energy development and the importance of successfully implementing cooperative projects in nuclear power.
October 22, 2009
Remarks by Vice President Biden
on America, Central Europe, and a Partnership
for the 21st Century
VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN: Thank you, Mr. Ambassador. Director, Mr. Mayor, former Presidents who I've had the honor to meet in the past, it's good to be back in Romania. And, Mr. Mayor, as we say in America, thank you for the passport to come into your city. I appreciate it very much.
What a magnificent forum, what a magnificent forum. And I say to all the students, thank you. I'm honored that you are here.
October 29, 2009
Deputy Consul General Gave an On-camera Interview to the CITI TV Channel
John Armstrong, Deputy Consul General, gave an on-camera interview to the CITI TV channel discussing the issue of U.S. work visas, and in particular how to tell a fraudulent U.S. employment offer from a legitimate one. He said in the interview that about 20% of Ukrainian applicants for U.S. visas apply for work visas, and that a petition from a prospective U.S. employer is required to obtain a work visa. He also warned against those so-called Ukrainian recruitment firms who promise Ukrainians employment in the U.S. for a fee, but instruct the applicants to apply for a visitor visa.
The interview is scheduled to air Thursday, October 29, at 20:30 and 22:30 on the Day City news program at the CITI TV Channel.
September 29, 2009
Remarks of Ambassador Alexander R. Vershbow at the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
The United States and Ukraine share an important and valuable strategic partnership. This is a message that Vice President Biden delivered during his visit to Kyiv in July, and it is a message that I have come to Kyiv to reaffirm. As the Vice President said, the United States will stand by Ukraine as it continues on the path to freedom, democracy and prosperity. Now these are your choices, not ours. But rest assured that we will stand with you as you make these choices and try to see them to fulfillment. Ukraine’s integration into Europe and Euro-Atlantic institutions will contribute to a wider and more stable Europe.
Full text
September 21, 2009
The New System Offers A Real Missile Defence
Financial Times
By Hillary Rodham Clinton
Last Wednesday, President Barack Obama approved the recommendations of his entire national security team to deploy a stronger and more comprehensive missile defence system in Europe. This decision came after a lengthy and in-depth review of our assessment of the threat posed by Iran’s ballistic missile programme, and the technology that we have to confront it. And it is a decision that will leave America stronger, and more capable of defending our troops, our interests, and our allies.
Full text at this website Full text at Financial Times website
September 11, 2009
U.S. Embassy in Kyiv remembers September 11th, 2001
The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv Ukraine held a moment of silence outside the main Embassy building today to remember those who lost their lives eight years ago on September 11, 2001 in the attacks that killed 2,752 people.
August 26, 2009
Statement from President Obama
Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy.
For five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts.
I valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've profited as President from his encouragement and wisdom.
An important chapter in our history has come to an end. Our country has lost a great leader, who picked up the torch of his fallen brothers and became the greatest United States Senator of our time.
And the Kennedy family has lost their patriarch, a tower of strength and support through good times and bad.
Our hearts and prayers go out to them today--to his wonderful wife, Vicki, his children Ted Jr., Patrick and Kara, his grandchildren and his extended family.
July 22, 2009
Remarks by Vice President Biden in Ukraine
VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN: Thank you very much. Thank you, Jorge, Reverend, clergy. Ladies and gentlemen, it's an honor to be here. I want to thank you for your coming today. And I want to thank the people and the government of Ukraine for their warmth and hospitality they've shown me the last two days.
It's a special honor to be here in Kyiv. I know times are difficult for many today, but I’m inspired, and still inspired, as many Americans are, by what happened here less than five years ago. That sea of orange that flooded Independence Square, the hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians who poured into Kyiv demanding peacefully that their votes be counted and that their voices be heard, is something that will not be forgotten for a long, long time.
July 21, 2009
Statement by Vice President Joseph Biden after Meeting with President of Ukraine Viktor Yushchenko
VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN: Mr. President, thank you very much for your hospitality. And on behalf of President Obama, I want to express our admiration, as well as our thanks -- our admiration for what you and your colleagues began in what was an inspiration to other parts of the world and your neighbors, the Orange Revolution, and also thanks for your cooperation and help in the Balkans and Iraq and Afghanistan. And I agree with you, I think we had a very productive meeting.
July 17, 2009
Press Briefing by National Security Advisor to the Vice President Tony Blinken
on the Vice President's Upcoming Trip
to Ukraine and Georgia
MR. BLINKEN: Good afternoon, this is Tony Blinken. Thank you all very much for joining the call. I know it's a busy day, so I appreciate it. Let me just note at the outset that as evidence of the importance we attach to our relations with Ukraine and Georgia, the Vice President is bringing with him a very, very strong interagency team, with senior members from the State Department, the Defense Department, the National Security Council staff, and the National Economic Council staff.
July 7, 2009
Remarks of President Barack Obama at the New Economic School, Moscow
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you so much. Well, congratulations, Oxana. And to the entire Class of 2009, congratulations to you. I don't know if anybody else will meet their future wife or husband in class like I did, but I'm sure that you're all going to have wonderful careers.
I want to acknowledge a few people who are here. We have President Mikhail Gorbachev is here today, and I want everybody to give him a big round of applause. (Applause.) I want to thank Sergei Gurief, Director of the New Economic School. (Applause.) Max Boiko, their Chairman of the Board. (Applause.) And Arkady Dvorkovich, who is the NES board member, President of the Alumni Association and is doing an excellent job for President Medvedev, because he was in our meeting yesterday.
July 1, 2009
The 37th Issue of the Public Affairs Section's Newsletter Visnyk: Focus on Diversity
The 37th issue of the Public Affairs Section's newsletter Visnyk focuses on Diversity. It looks at the impact of immigration on U.S. history and culture with articles from alumni of U.S. government funded exchange programs. This issue includes also English lessons by Nancy McKeand and "Alabama Memories" of TEA alumna Tetiana Hrynkevych as well as a list of Teaching in Excellence program winners.
If you are an alumna of a U.S. funded program, we welcome articles on your U.S. experience, projects and follow on activities. Contact Iegorovaoi@state.gov to share your insights.
June 22, 2009
Vice President Biden to travel to Georgia and Ukraine
The Vice President will travel to Georgia and Ukraine the week of July 20-24. During the visit, the Vice President will meet with the political leadership of each country, as well as opposition figures and civil society representatives. The Vice President will demonstrate U.S. support for continued democratic and economic reforms and discuss issues of mutual interest in both countries. Additional details on the Vice President’s trip will be released at a later date.
June 17, 2009
2009 Trafficking in Persons Report Released, Ukraine Rated Tier Two Watch List
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton released the 2009 Trafficking in Persons Report at the State Department in Washington DC on Tuesday, June 16. As directed by the U.S. Congress, the State Department prepares reports for all countries in the world. The goal of these reports is to stimulate action and create partnerships around the world in the fight against modern-day slavery.
June 4, 2009
Charge D’Affairs James Pettit’s Trip to Crimea, June 1st – 3rd 2009
During the first week of June 2009, CDA James Pettit visited Crimea. The Charge gave the opening remarks at the Window of America (WOA) Directors’ Conference in Gurzuf, visited the Crimean Tatar Library in Simferopol’, met with the Crimean Minister of Culture, and gave multiple TV, radio, and print press interviews.
June4, 2009
The President’s Speech in Cairo: A New Beginning
Watch or read the President’s speech in Cairo on America’s relationship with Muslim communities around the world.
May 28, 2009
Deputy Secretary of State Steinberg on US-Ukraine Relations
In an exclusive interview with the Voice of America Ukrainian Service US Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg speaks about US-Ukraine relations, the Russia factor in these relations, as well as challenges facing Ukraine today. The interview was conducted by Myroslava Gongadze.
May 21, 2009
Ambassador Taylor Breaks Ground at New U.S. Embassy Site
On May 21st Ambassador William Taylor, joined by William Prior of the State Department’s Office of Overseas Building Operations, and Pavlo Kryvonos from Kyiv Deputy Mayor’s office, broke ground at the new site of the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv. The new Embassy building, which is expected to be completed in two years, will bring together under one roof the various U.S. government agencies that make up the U.S. mission in Ukraine. After joining the Deputy Mayor in the symbolic groundbreaking, Ambassador Taylor thanked the Mayor of Kyiv for facilitating the construction for the new building. Following the ceremony, the Ambassador conducted a press conference, marking the end of his three years as U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine. As a parting message, he encouraged Ukraine’s youth to become involved in Ukraine’s future and urged the government to unite in order to overcome the financial crisis. The Ambassador highlighted Ukraine as a democratic model in the region, singling out its history of free and fair elections and free press.
April 30, 2009
Message From Ambassador Taylor Regarding H1N1 Human Swine Flu Outbreak
We are all concerned about the recent worldwide outbreak of H1N1 swine
flu. As of today, April 30, the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention have confirmed ninety-one U.S. cases of H1N1
swine flu in ten states. To date, one fatality has been confirmed.
The outbreak of disease in people caused by this new influenza virus of
swine origin continues to grow in the United States and internationally.
According to the CDC, the more recent illnesses and the reported death
suggest that a pattern of more severe illness associated with this virus
may be emerging in the U.S. The CDC also notes that most people will
not have immunity to this new virus and, as it continues to spread, more
cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths are expected in the coming
days and weeks.
April 27, 2009
White House Briefing on H1N1 Flu Cases
April 27, 2009. In his address to the National Academy of Sciences President Barack Obama said: “We are closely monitoring the emerging cases of swine flu in the United States. And this is obviously a cause for concern and requires a heightened state of alert. But it's not a cause for alarm.” In a press briefing on Sunday Secretary Janet Napolitano, Department of Homeland Security, had explained that the public health emergency in the United States “sounds more severe than really it is. This is standard operating procedure and allows us to free up federal, state, and local agencies and their resources for prevention and mitigation; it allows us to use medication and diagnostic tests that we might not otherwise be able to use, particularly on very young children; and it releases funds for the acquisition of additional antivirals.”
February 20, 2009 Opportunity to hear real American Jazz in Kyiv and Kharkiv!
Kyiv: February 24 & 25, 2009; Kharkiv: February 27, 2009
Chicago-based Ryan Cohan Quartet is giving two concerts in Kyiv:
Concert at Art Club “44” - February 24 at 21:00 pm - (44-a Khreschatik str.). Open to the public, entrance fee is UAH 20.
Concert at "Master Class" - February 25 at 20:00 pm - Art & Education Center - - ( 34 Mazepy Str.,) in collaboration with “Jazz in Kiev” producer center. By invitation only.
Concert in Kharkiv - February 27 at 19:00 pm - Kharkiv Taras Shevchenko theater - (9 Sumska Street) in collaboration with Intenational Jazz Festival "Za Jazz Fest." Tickets are available at the theater ticket office.
The Rhythm Road RYAN COHAN QUARTET is one of the ten musical groups that were selected from a national pool of 89 applicants in a competitive audition process to participate in The Rhythm Road program.
February 7, 2009
Remarks by Vice President Biden
at 45th Munich Conference on Security Policy
VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN: Mr. Ambassador, thank you very much. Ladies and gentleman, it's an honor to be back in Munich. I've attended this conference many times as a United States senator, and three of my congressional colleagues are here with me today. But I am honored to be back here, as well, as the Vice President of the United States, representing a new administration and, hopefully, a new day.
Today I am especially honored to represent this administration. And we've gone through the oldest of our traditions: that is the peaceful transfer of power. And now, I bring the regrets of two friends who are usually here. But because we are still grappling with legislation relating to our so-called stimulus package to deal with our economic issues -- both Senators John McCain and John Kerry were hoping to join my three House colleagues here today, they are usually here, but they send their regrets.
January 15 2009
New Face of the Public Affairs Section's Newsletter Visnyk
The revamped version of the Public Affairs Section's newsletter Visnyk focuses on the recent U.S. elections. It contains information about the 2008 U.S. Presidential Elections, fun facts about previous presidents, articles from alumni of U.S. Government funded-programs, and highlights and resources - among other things. Check it out!
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