Press Releases: Mother’s Day Violence in Nicaragua


Press Statement

Heather Nauert

Department Spokesperson

Washington, DC

May 31, 2018


The United States condemns the Nicaraguan government’s violent response to peaceful Mother’s Day marches in Managua and other cities yesterday, including assaults on mothers mourning their children killed since protests began April 18. The United States also condemns the beatings of journalists and attacks against local TV and radio stations.

The international community and the citizens of Nicaragua have repeatedly urged the Nicaraguan government to order its police and thugs to stop the violence, respect human rights, and create conditions for a peaceful path forward. Those individuals responsible for human rights violations will be held accountable by the international community in international fora.

The United States urges an immediate investigation by the independent interdisciplinary group of experts to investigate the deaths and violence in Nicaragua, as agreed upon by the Nicaraguan government and Inter American Commission on Human Rights.

Despite the suspension of the church-led dialogue, the United States supports peaceful negotiations to end the crisis.






Press Releases: India and Pakistan Agree To Uphold Ceasefire


Press Statement

Heather Nauert

Department Spokesperson

Washington, DC

May 31, 2018


The United States welcomes reports that the militaries of India and Pakistan have reaffirmed their commitment to fully implement the 2003 ceasefire along the Line of Control. The normalization of relations between Pakistan and India is vital to both countries and the region.






Press Releases: On the Opening of Negotiations To Modernize the Columbia River Treaty Regime


Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

May 30, 2018


The United States and Canada began negotiations to modernize the Columbia River Treaty regime in Washington, DC on May 29-30. Acting Assistant Secretary Francisco Palmieri welcomed U.S. and Canadian negotiating teams and opened the first session of talks. He thanked our Canadian allies for more than 50 years of excellent transboundary collaboration in the Columbia River Basin. During two days of talks, the U.S. and Canadian negotiators discussed objectives, outlined the scope of the negotiations, and reaffirmed the spirit of cooperation that has made the Treaty an international model for transboundary water agreements. The U.S. negotiating team underscored that U.S. objectives in this negotiation include continued, careful management of flood risk; ensuring a reliable and economical power supply; and better addressing ecosystem concerns.

Jill Smail, U.S. Chief Negotiator for the Columbia River Treaty, leads the U.S. negotiating team. The U.S. negotiating team also includes representatives from the Bonneville Power Administration and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Northwestern Division (which together form the “U.S. Entity” that has responsibility for Treaty implementation in the United States); the Department of the Interior; and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The U.S. and Canadian teams plan to hold the next round of discussions August 15-16, 2018, in British Columbia.

To receive regular updates regarding the Columbia River Treaty, please contact ColumbiaRiverTreaty@state.gov. For press inquiries, please contact WHAPress@state.gov.






Press Releases: Secretary Pompeo’s Call With France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian


Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

May 30, 2018


The below is attributable to Spokesperson Heather Nauert:‎

Secretary Pompeo spoke with French FM Le Drian today. They discussed next steps in countering the Iranian regime’s destabilizing activities in the region. They also discussed how the international community can best work together to support stability in Libya.






Press Releases: Secretary Pompeo’s Call With Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov


Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

May 30, 2018


The below is attributable to Spokesperson Heather Nauert:‎

Secretary Pompeo and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke by phone today, their first conversation since the Secretary’s swearing in and the Foreign Minister’s reappointment. The two discussed issues and concerns related to the bilateral relationship, Ukraine, and Syria. Secretary Pompeo reiterated that though the United States seeks an improved relationship with Russia, achieving that will require Russia to demonstrate that it is prepared to take concrete actions to address our concerns, including interfering in U.S. domestic matters.