On July 13, the Small Group of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS will meet to synthesize this week’s Coalition meetings and discuss priorities to build on the progress in Mosul and Raqqa to set ISIS on an irreversible and lasting path to defeat across the globe. Special Presidential Envoy (SPE) Brett McGurk will deliver opening remarks that will be open to the press. The Coalition’s Small Group consists of about 30 key Coalition stakeholders who play a major role, whether military or non-military, in the campaign to defeat ISIS.

As indicated in the Media Note released on July 5, there are additional Coalition meetings this week. Only the opening remarks on July 13, are open to the press. Remarks will begin promptly at 9:45 a.m. and will conclude at approximately 10:00 a.m. when press will be escorted from the room. SPE McGurk will also hold a press briefing at the end of the day in the Department briefing room. More details on that briefing will be provided on July 13.

Pre-set time for cameras: 8:15 a.m. from the 23rd Street entrance.

Final access time for writers and still photographers: 9:30 a.m. from the 23rd Street entrance.

Press may attend the event upon presentation of one of the following: (1) a U.S. Government-issued identification card (Department of State, White House, Congress, Department of Defense, or Foreign Press Center); (2) a media-issued photo identification card; or (3) a letter from their employer on letterhead verifying their employment as a journalist, accompanied by an official photo identification (driver’s license or passport).

For further information, please contact the press office at (202) 647-2492 or PAPressDuty@state.gov.

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Today the United States and the European Union (EU) mark the 25th anniversary of the first U.S. Open Skies agreement, with the Netherlands and the 10th anniversary of the U.S.-European Union Open Skies Agreement. These landmark achievements – and 25 years of the overall U.S. Open Skies policy – have benefitted the civil aviation markets of the United States and Europe, and have contributed a market-based international aviation system that minimizes government intervention and facilitates opportunities for increasing travel, commercial and business exchanges, investment and trade, and tourism.

To commemorate these achievements, the Department of State is hosting an event entitled “Celebrating Aviation Milestones in 2017: Open Skies: 25 years and U.S.-EU Open Skies – 10 years Promoting International Travel, Trade and Connectivity” for U.S. government and European Commission officials, U.S. and European industry representatives, academics, and aviation experts. Keynote speakers include Ambassador Patricia Haslach, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs; Henrik Hololei, Director-General for Mobility and Transport, European Commission; and Jeffrey Shane, General Counsel, International Air Transport Association. Ambassador Henne Schuwer of the Embassy of the Netherlands to the United States will give closing remarks.

Since 1992, the United States has reached 121 Open Skies agreements with partners across six continents. Open Skies removes limits on the number of airlines permitted to provide service or frequencies. Airlines are free to make business decisions regarding fares, destinations, and type of service on the basis of commercial considerations, without government interference. Open Skies agreements also cover cargo service, as reliable international air links are vital for facilitating commerce. Growth in aviation benefits the national economy and deepens integration with the world economy.

The 2007 U.S.-EU Open Skies Agreement is one of the world’s most important bilateral air transport deals. The Agreement has increased competition, connectivity, and service options within the transatlantic market, which previously was subject to significant restrictions under previous bilateral agreements.

For more information on Open Skies, visit https://www.state.gov/e/eb/tra/ata/.

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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 United States, our best wishes to the people of Mongolia as you celebrate your National Day on July 11th.

As the United States and Mongolia mark 30 years of diplomatic relations this year, we can look back with pride at our many shared accomplishments. These include the people-to-people links that have been forged between our countries, the academic and cultural exchanges we have developed, our joint efforts advocating for human rights at the United Nations, and our mutual efforts in support of peace and stability in Afghanistan and around the world.

The United States is proud to have been part of Mongolia’s journey over the last 30 years, and we look forward to deepening our relationship in the years to come.

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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.

The birth of South Sudan in 2011 was marked by hope for a peaceful and prosperous future. The American people, like many around the world, celebrated as the South Sudanese forged a free and independent nation following years of strife. Six years later, on the occasion of South Sudan’s independence, the promise of 2011 has been supplanted in 2017 by a continuing civil war and devastating humanitarian crisis affecting millions.

The conflict that broke out in December 2013 set South Sudan on a precarious course, causing immense suffering, creating divisions and holding the country back. We deeply regret that the second chance made possible by the formation of the Transitional Government of National Unity in April 2016 was squandered. Following the collapse of the permanent ceasefire in July 2016, the armed conflict expanded across the country and the parties to the conflict remain unwilling to return to the negotiating table. The consequences have been dire: two million people displaced inside South Sudan, nearly two million people displaced as refugees outside of South Sudan, and six million people facing life-threatening hunger.

The United States remains deeply committed to a stable and inclusive South Sudan, and stresses once again that there is no military solution to this conflict. On this day meant to celebrate South Sudan’s creation, we call upon South Sudan’s leaders and all parties to end this self-destructive violence, to return to political dialogue, and to help South Sudan realize its full potential.

We extend our best wishes to the people of the Republic of South Sudan on the sixth anniversary of the nation’s independence. The United States will stand with the people of South Sudan and with all leaders who are working for peace, stability, and justice.

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.

The United States welcomes the transfer of Leopoldo Lopez to house arrest after more than three years in prison. This is a significant step in the right direction by the government of Venezuela. We reiterate our call for the full restoration of Mr. Lopez’s liberty and his political rights.

Mr. Lopez is just one of more than 400 political prisoners being tracked ‎today in Venezuela by the independent Foro Penal. We call for the immediate release of these prisoners and the full restoration of their rights as Venezuelan citizens.

Our thoughts and prayers reside with all who have suffered during Venezuela’s political crisis. We underscore our call for an end to the conflict and repression that have consumed Venezuela, and urge all parties to commit themselves to a peaceful resolution of this dispute that respects Venezuela’s constitution, its democratic institutions, and the sovereignty of the Venezuelan people.

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.