Press Releases: Remarks Before Meeting With Kurdish Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani


Remarks

Rex W. Tillerson

Secretary of State

Davos, Switzerland

January 25, 2018


QUESTION: Mr. Tillerson, did you propose a safe zone to the Turkish foreign minister in Syria?

SECRETARY TILLERSON: We discussed a number of possible options, but we didn’t propose anything.

QUESTION: You arrived today?

SECRETARY TILLERSON: About an hour and a half ago.

QUESTION: (Inaudible.)

SECRETARY TILLERSON: Well, we came in from Paris, had some meetings in Paris. (Inaudible.) But I’m really pleased this worked out and we had the chance to see you.

PRIME MINISTER BARZANI: Thank you for this opportunity to see us.

SECRETARY TILLERSON: We have a lot to talk about. Thank you.

PRIME MINISTER BARZANI: Thank you.






Press Releases: Aruba Betico Croes Day 


Press Statement

Rex W. Tillerson

Secretary of State

Washington, DC

January 25, 2018


On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, congratulations to the people of Aruba on the 33rd anniversary of Betico Croes Day.

Aruba has been a longstanding friend and partner to the United States. We value our close coordination on regional security and the country’s leadership in supporting democracy, economic prosperity, and energy diversification.

As we celebrate our strong people-to-people connections, we look forward to working together towards a more secure and prosperous region as underscored in the Caribbean 2020 strategy.

We wish the people of Aruba a joyous Betico Croes Day and extend our hopes for a prosperous year ahead.






Press Releases: Secretary Tillerson’s Phone Call With Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry


Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

January 24, 2018


The following is attributable to Spokesperson Heather Nauert:

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson spoke by phone today with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. They agreed on the importance of working closely together to strengthen the UN-led Geneva political process as the only appropriate mechanism to resolve the conflict in Syria. The two also discussed the importance of strengthening the strategic relationship between our two countries.






Press Releases: United States Determination of Six Months’ Suspension Under Title III of Libertad


Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

January 24, 2018


The Secretary of State reported on January 12, 2018, to the appropriate congressional committees, consistent with Section 306(c)(2) of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-114; 22 U.S.C. 6021-6091) and pursuant to the authority delegated to the Secretary by the President on January 31, 2013, that he had made the statutorily required determination in order to suspend for six months beyond February 1, 2018, the right to bring an action under Title III of the Act.






Press Releases: Venezuela’s Snap Presidential Elections


Press Statement

Heather Nauert

Department Spokesperson

Washington, DC

January 24, 2018


The United States strongly rejects the call by Venezuela’s illegitimate Constituent Assembly for snap presidential elections before April 30.

This vote would be neither free nor fair. It would only deepen, not help resolve, national tensions. It would not reflect the will of the Venezuelan people, and would be seen as undemocratic and illegitimate in the eyes of the international community. We call on the Maduro regime to respect the human rights of all of its citizens, and to return to democratic constitutional order.

A free, fair, transparent electoral process open to credible international observation is essential to the restoration of a democratic constitutional order in Venezuela. We call on the Venezuelan government to fulfill its commitments under the OAS Charter and under the Inter-American Democratic Charter. We support the Lima Group’s January 23, statement that calls for an inclusive and transparent democratic process.