Press Releases: United States Welcomes New Head of MACCIH in Honduras


Press Statement

Heather Nauert

Department Spokesperson

Washington, DC

June 19, 2018


The United States welcomes the June 18, announcement by the Government of Honduras of the appointment of a new Chief of Mission of the Organization of American States’ Mission of Support Against Impunity and Corruption in Honduras (MACCIH), Dr. Luiz Antonio Marrey Guimaraes of Brazil. We commend President Juan Orlando Hernandez’s decision to support this important anti-corruption work.

MACCIH has been instrumental in supporting Honduras’s efforts to combat corruption and impunity. We look forward to collaborating with Dr. Marrey Guimaraes and to the Mission’s full re-dedication to this important work under his direction. We appreciate the Honduran government and OAS reaffirming their ongoing commitment to MACCIH’s mandate and future success.






Press Releases: State-USAID-DoD Stabilization Assistance Review (SAR)


Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

June 19, 2018


The Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and Department of Defense (DoD) are pleased to announce the release of the final report of the “Stabilization Assistance Review” (SAR). With support from the National Security Council, State, USAID, and DoD launched the SAR to identify ways that the United States can more effectively leverage diplomatic engagements, defense, and foreign assistance to stabilize conflict-affected areas.

The President has been clear that the United States will be more selective and measured about how we use taxpayer dollars overseas and expect our partners to share the burden. The SAR outlines a framework for targeting U.S. resources to stabilize conflict-affected states based on our national security interests and an assessment of where we can have the greatest impact. Based on past experience, the SAR establishes a U.S. government-wide definition of stabilization as an inherently political endeavor to create conditions where legitimate authorities and systems can manage conflict and prevent violence. The SAR makes it clear that stabilization is transitional in nature and meant to establish a foundation for longer-term development.

The SAR identifies principles for effective stabilization and lays out a framework for making diplomatic, development, and defense engagements more efficient and accountable to taxpayers by aligning stabilization efforts toward supporting defined political outcomes. The SAR outlines how the United States can improve the outcomes of our stabilization efforts through more efficient and disciplined bureaucratic structures, processes, and engagement with international partners. In this regard, the SAR formally defines agency roles for stabilization missions, with State as the overall lead agency for stabilization efforts; USAID as the lead implementing agency for non-security stabilization assistance; and, DoD as a supporting element.

The SAR is the result of strong collaboration between State, USAID, and DoD over the past year. The final report has been approved by the Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and USAID Administrator, all of whom are committed to translating the SAR framework into policy and practice. This commitment will ensure smooth implementation, which is already underway.






Press Releases: Secretary of State Pompeo To Deliver Remarks at 2018 SelectUSA Investment Summit  


Notice to the Press

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

June 19, 2018


Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will deliver remarks on “Promoting Global Economic Prosperity” at the 2018 SelectUSA Investment Summit on Friday, June 22, 2018, at 11:40 a.m. at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, National Harbor, Md. Secretary Pompeo’s remarks will be streamed live on www.state.gov.

The SelectUSA Investment Summit, which is taking place June 20-22, is the highest-profile event dedicated to promoting foreign business investment in the United States. Hosted by the Department of Commerce as part of its SelectUSA Initiative, this year’s theme is “Invest Here. Grow Here. Succeed Here.” The Summit is bringing together more than 3,000 people comprised of investors from over 65 international markets, economic development organizations from all over the United States, high-level government officials, global business leaders, and others working to facilitate investment in the United States. More than 15 U.S. chiefs of mission are personally leading delegations to the Summit.

Foreign direct investment in the United States is a key contributor to U.S. economic growth, supporting nearly 13 million American jobs. It contributes to U.S. exports, drives innovation, and sends hardworking Americans home with a paycheck. Past Investment Summit participants have announced nearly $93 billion in new U.S. investment projects, supporting more than 140,000 American jobs.

The Summit is open to registered press on June 21-22. Media who wish to attend must register at www.selectusasummit.us/apply. Registered media should check in at the Summit to receive credentials. When picking up Summit credentials, media will need to show their press credentials.

For further information please contact Chris Higginbotham, SelectUSA, at Chris.Higginbotham@trade.gov / phone 202-281-6232, or contact the U.S. Department of State Economic and Business Affairs Bureau Office of Public Diplomacy at EPPDMedia@state.gov.






Press Releases: Sudan: The Troika Condemns Continued Clashes in Jebel Marra, Darfur


Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

June 19, 2018


The text of the following statement was issued jointly by the Governments of the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and Norway.

Begin text:

The Troika (Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States) condemns the ongoing clashes between the Sudan Liberation Army-Abdul Wahid (SLA-AW) and Government of Sudan forces as well as inter-tribal violence in the Jebel Marra region of Darfur. The civilian population continues to bear the brunt of this unnecessary violence, which has led to the burning down of villages, causing high numbers of civilian injury and death, and the displacement of nearly 9,000 people.

It is unacceptable that the Government of Sudan has repeatedly prevented the African Union/United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) and humanitarian actors from accessing the areas of conflict and displaced populations. The Troika strongly urges the Government of Sudan to immediately provide unfettered access to both UNAMID and humanitarian actors.

The SLA-AW leadership’s refusal to engage with the peace process obstructs the achievement of sustainable peace in Darfur and unnecessarily prolongs civilian suffering. The Government’s actions in military operations and its inaction in stopping the violence undermine efforts to achieve a peaceful solution to the conflict. There can be no military solution to the conflict in Darfur and the international community should consider imposing sanctions against those who continue to act as spoilers.

The Troika calls on all parties to the conflict to immediately cease all military engagement and hostilities, allow unfettered humanitarian access, and to meaningfully engage with the African Union High Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) led peace process in order to reach a permanent ceasefire.






Press Releases: Ongoing Violence in Nicaragua


Press Statement

Heather Nauert

Department Spokesperson

Washington, DC

June 18, 2018


The United States condemns the ongoing government-sponsored violence and intimidation campaign in Nicaragua, including the June 16 arson attack against the home and business of a family in Managua, killing six, and the further intimidation of the family during the wake. Attacks and threats against peaceful protestors and the general population are unacceptable, and must cease.

We urge immediate and full implementation of the June 15 National Dialogue agreement on human rights. The United States is aware the Nicaraguan government has accepted another visit by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, and recommends it begin immediately. We note the widespread call among Nicaraguans for early elections. The United States believes early elections represent a constructive way forward.