Press Releases: U.S., IAEA Host North American Sub-Regional Workshop on the International Incident and Trafficking Database


Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

September 8, 2017


The United States, in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), organized the first North American sub-Regional Workshop on the international Incident and Trafficking Database (ITDB) this week in Arlington, Virginia.

Established in 1995, the IAEA’s ITDB program has proven to be a valuable tool for sharing information on incidents involving nuclear and other radioactive materials outside of regulatory control, including illicit trafficking of such materials.

Experts from the United States, Mexico, and Canada, as well as representatives from the IAEA and INTERPOL, attended the workshop to promote responsible and accurate reporting of incidents of nuclear and other radioactive materials outside of regulatory control to the IAEA’s ITDB. The data is used to identify trends and analyze past incidents to strengthen the global nuclear security regime. At the week’s conclusion, IAEA and U.S. government officials jointly facilitated a tabletop exercise encouraging North American governments to consider how they can share national-level information on criminal incidents involving nuclear or other radioactive material by utilizing the ITDB.

Recognizing the serious threat of nuclear or radiological terrorism, participants agreed that governments must continue to work together to secure materials at their source, detect trafficking attempts, and investigate criminals who attempt to illegally acquire or traffic nuclear or other radioactive materials.






Press Releases: On the Occasion of the Day of Our Lady of Meritxell in Andorra


Press Statement

Rex W. Tillerson

Secretary of State

Washington, DC

September 7, 2017


On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, our best wishes to the people of Andorra as you celebrate Our Lady of Meritxell Day. The United States will continue to support the efforts of the Andorran people to advance democracy, human rights, and economic progress. We are proud of our relationship with Andorra and we look forward to working together for many years to come.






Press Releases: Angola’s General Elections


Press Statement

Heather Nauert

Department Spokesperson

Washington, DC

September 7, 2017


The United States congratulates the people of Angola for exercising their democratic right to vote in the August 23 historic national elections. We look forward to working with President-elect João Lourenço and the new Parliament of the Republic of Angola to further strengthen our bilateral relationship.

We commend the National Electoral Commission for administering an orderly, well-managed process. We also recognize the important role Angola’s political parties and civil society organizations played in these elections, and we welcome the statements by international and domestic observer missions affirming the credibility of the election. The concerns raised by some opposition parties and civil society groups about unequal access to media should be addressed ahead of future elections.

The United States stands by the people of Angola in their efforts to build strong, democratic, and inclusive institutions that are dedicated to ensuring a peaceful and prosperous future for all Angolans.






Press Releases: Macedonia National Day


Press Statement

Rex W. Tillerson

Secretary of State

Washington, DC

September 7, 2017


On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I am pleased to extend our best wishes to the people of Macedonia as you mark 26 years of independence.

The United States is proud to be Macedonia’s friend and strategic partner. For 26 years, we have worked together in support of Macedonia’s aspirations of joining the EU and NATO. We applaud the actions the new government has taken to demonstrate its commitment to democratic principles, respect for the rule of law, and regional cooperation. The United States will continue to support Macedonia’s efforts to implement the reforms needed to secure its place in the Euro-Atlantic family of nations.

We look forward to continued cooperation in the years ahead.






Press Releases: Remarks With Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita Before Their Meeting


Remarks

Rex W. Tillerson

Secretary of State

Treaty Room

Washington, DC

September 7, 2017


SECRETARY TILLERSON: Good morning, all. I want to welcome the minister to the State Department. We’re pleased to have you here. We look forward to a great deal of discussion.

FOREIGN MINISTER BOURITA: Thank you very much. I’m very delighted to be here and to continue a great tradition of diplomatic exchange between our two countries.

SECRETARY TILLERSON: Indeed.

FOREIGN MINISTER BOURITA: Thank you very much.

SECRETARY TILLERSON: Thank you so much. Thank you.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, do you have any response to North Korea’s nuclear test?

SECRETARY TILLERSON: Oh, we’ll have one.