The Department of State has designated Joe Asperman as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) under Section 1(b) of Executive Order (E.O.) 13224. E.O. 13224 imposes sanctions on foreign persons determined to have committed, or pose a significant risk of committing, acts of terrorism that threaten the security of U.S. nationals or the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United States. This designation seeks to deny Asperman the resources he needs to plan and carry out further terrorist attacks. Among other consequences, all of his property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction are blocked, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in any transactions with him.

French national Joe Asperman is a senior chemical weapons expert for ISIS. Asperman oversaw chemical operations production within Syria for ISIS and the deployment of these chemical weapons at the battlefront.

Today’s actions notify the U.S. public and the international community that Asperman has committed, or poses a significant risk of committing, acts of terrorism. Terrorism designations expose and isolate organizations and individuals, and deny them access to the U.S. financial system. Moreover, designations can assist the law enforcement activities of U.S. agencies and other governments.

Lists of State Department-designated FTOs and SDGTs are available here.

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External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan to Honor Awardees on March 23;

Special Remarks by First Lady of the United States Melania Trump

Due to inclement weather, the 2018 International Women of Courage Award Ceremony is postponed until Friday, March 23, 2018 at 2:00 p.m.

On Friday, March 23, Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan will host the annual International Women of Courage (IWOC) Awards at the U.S. Department of State to honor 10 extraordinary women from around the world. First Lady of the United States Melania Trump will deliver special remarks at the ceremony. In addition, Acting Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs and Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert will deliver opening and closing remarks.

Now in its 12th year, the Secretary of State’s IWOC Award recognizes women around the globe who have demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality, and women’s empowerment, often at great personal risk and sacrifice. Since the inception of this award in 2007, the State Department has recognized more than 120 women from more than 65 different countries. U.S. diplomatic missions overseas nominate one woman of courage from their respective host countries. The finalists are selected and approved by senior Department officials.

The bios of the 2018 awardees are located here and names listed below:

Roya Sadat of Afghanistan

Aura Elena Farfan of Guatemala

Dr. Julissa Villanueva of Honduras

Aliyah Khalaf Saleh of Iraq

Sister Maria Elena Berini of Italy (nominated by the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See)

Aiman Umarova of Kazakhstan

Dr. Feride Rushiti of Kosovo

L’Malouma Said of Mauritania

Godelive Mukasarasi of Rwanda

Sirikan Charoensiri of Thailand

Following the official award ceremony and meetings in Washington, D.C., the IWOC honorees will travel individually to Austin, Cleveland, Dallas, Pensacola, Phoenix, Raleigh, Salt Lake City, or San Antonio on the International Visitor Leadership Program. American organizations and businesses will host the IWOC awardees and collaborate with them on strategies and ideas to empower women both in the United States and abroad. The awardees will reconvene in Los Angeles for a closing ceremony before returning to their home countries.

Use #WomenOfCourage for news and updates on this year’s award. For press inquiries, contact ECA-Press@state.gov.

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External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I offer congratulations on the occasion of the 62nd anniversary of Tunisia’s independence.

Tunisia’s impressive democratic transition continues to serve as an inspiration to the world. We commend the Tunisian people for their dedication to peaceful dialogue, consensus building, and reform through democratic means. The United States will continue to support Tunisia’s efforts to improve security and modernize its economy, amid formidable challenges.

This is a day to reflect on and celebrate the unity, resolve, and resilience of the Tunisian people. I extend to Tunisians my sincere wishes for a productive and prosperous year ahead.

The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department.
External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

On behalf of President Trump and the American people, I extend my best wishes to the people of Namibia as you celebrate the anniversary of your independence on March 21.

Since independence, Namibia has stood out for its strong democratic traditions, its success in combatting HIV/AIDS, and its model wildlife conservation. The United States is proud to partner with you in these efforts.

The United States looks forward to building upon strong friendship to achieve our common goals and wish Namibia continued success in the coming year.

The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department.
External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan will deliver a keynote address on humanitarian assistance at the United States Institute for Peace at 12:15 p.m. on Thursday, March 22, 2018.

The event is open to the press. All interested press must RSVP to Paul Johnson, the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), at 202-429-7174 or via e-mail at pjohnson@usip.org by Wednesday, March 21 at 5:00 p.m.

Due to the limited space for media at the event, USIP reserves the right to limit the number of representatives of each media outlet attending the event.

The event will be streamed live on USIP’s website. The event will be streamed live on www.state.gov, Facebook.com/usdos, and BNET. Follow @StateDept for more information.

For further information from the Department of State, please contact the Office of Press Relations at (202) 647-2492 or contact PAPressDuty@state.gov.

The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department.
External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.