Press Releases: Marking the 84th Anniversary of the Ukrainian Holodomor


Press Statement

Heather Nauert

Department Spokesperson

Washington, DC

November 17, 2017


This month we remember and honor the millions of Ukrainians who were starved to death in the early 1930s as a result of the brutal Soviet-era policies under Stalin. The barbaric seizure of Ukrainian land and crops leading to the Holodomor, or “death by hunger,” was one of the most atrocious acts of the twentieth century and turned Europe’s breadbasket into a land of immense human suffering.

Commemorating the Holodomor is a solemn occasion, but we also celebrate the resilience of Holodomor survivors, who carry with them the memory of loved ones lost during this horrific man-made famine. Ultimately, the Soviet regime failed to destroy the identity and independence of the Ukrainian people.

The United States stands with the people of Ukraine as we commemorate this Soviet-manufactured tragedy and condemn efforts to deny it as a historical fact. We also reaffirm our commitment to a secure and prosperous Ukraine, free from external aggression and occupation, and able to choose its own future.






Press Releases: Remarks With African Union Chairperson Moussa Faki Before Their Meeting


Remarks

Rex W. Tillerson

Secretary of State

Treaty Room

Washington, DC

November 16, 2017


SECRETARY TILLERSON: Good evening. Well, I’m pleased to welcome Chairman Faki of the African Union to the State Department. We’ve got a significant African Union ministerial tomorrow, the whole day, and look forward to having an early discussion with the chairman. Thank you.

CHAIRPERSON FAKI: Thank you.

SECRETARY TILLERSON: Welcome.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, should Robert Mugabe step down?

SECRETARY TILLERSON: We’re going to follow that situation. Thank you.

QUESTION: (In French.)

CHAIRPERSON FAKI: (In French.)






Press Releases: U.S. Department of State Supports Energy Diversification in the Caribbean


Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

November 16, 2017


The U.S. Department of State announced $4.3 million in funding to support energy diversification in the Caribbean. The announcement was made at the U.S. and Caribbean Prosperity Roundtable November 15 in Miami. This funding, programmed through the Department of State’s Bureau of Energy Resources, USAID, and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), will advance the Caribbean Energy Security Initiative and the Caribbean 2020 Strategy by providing energy-related technical assistance, grant funding for project preparation, and new opportunities for globally competitive U.S. energy firms and exports.

The U.S. and Caribbean Prosperity Roundtable brought together Caribbean ministers and U.S. executives from the private sector to spur investment and address obstacles and opportunities for economic collaboration. This year’s Roundtable was led by the Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Kenneth Merten and affirmed the U.S. government’s commitment to increase the security, the prosperity, and the well-being of the people of the United States and the Caribbean.

To view the full Caribbean 2020 strategy, please visit: https://www.state.gov/p/wha/rt/caribbeanstrategy/index.htm.

For more information on the Caribbean Energy Security Initiative, please visit: https://www.state.gov/e/enr/c66945.htm.






Press Releases: President Pahor’s re-election as President of the Republic of Slovenia


Press Statement

Heather Nauert

Department Spokesperson

Washington, DC

November 16, 2017


The United States congratulates President Pahor on his re-election as President of the Republic of Slovenia. Slovenia is a close U.S. partner and NATO Ally, and we value the contributions Slovenia makes to regional and global peace and stability.

We appreciate President Pahor’s work to strengthen the U.S.-Slovenian relationship and, during his second term, look forward to deepening our already close cooperation on security, economic, and people-to-people ties between our two countries.






Press Releases: Sudan Commits To Sever Ties With the DPRK


Press Statement

Heather Nauert

Department Spokesperson

Washington, DC

November 16, 2017


Today, following bilateral meetings in Khartoum with Deputy Secretary of State Sullivan, the Sudanese Foreign Ministry formally announced Sudan’s commitment to sever all trade and military ties with North Korea. The United States welcomes the Government of Sudan’s pledge and will continue engagement on this issue to ensure that this commitment is fully implemented.

Isolating the North Korean regime is a top priority for the United States, and is a key element to maintaining peace and stability worldwide. The United States is grateful for Sudan’s commitment to take these important steps in light of the critical threat posed by the DPRK.