We note with grave concern the Cambodian government’s arrest of Kem Sokha, respected leader of the political opposition, on a number of charges that appear to be politically motivated. Kem Sokha has a long, distinguished, and internationally recognized commitment to human rights and peaceful democracy.

This government move follows a number of troubling recent steps, including the imposition of unprecedented restrictions on independent media and civil society. These measures undercut Cambodia’s progress in recent decades and raise serious questions about the government’s ability to organize credible national elections in 2018 which produce an outcome that enjoys democratic legitimacy.

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We are deeply concerned by reports that an Iranian court has sentenced Mohammad Ali Taheri, the founder of an Iranian spiritual movement, to death. The charges of founding a religious cult and “spreading corruption on earth” are inconsistent with Iran’s international obligations to respect and ensure his freedoms of expression and religion or belief and to reserve the death penalty “only for the most serious crimes.” We are also deeply disturbed by reports that a number of Taheri’s followers have been recently arrested on similar objectionable charges.

We call on the Iranian Government to take whatever steps necessary to reverse Taheri’s conviction and death sentence. We join our voice with those who call on Iran to uphold its obligations under Iranian and international law and to ensure that the human rights of all individuals in Iran are respected and guaranteed.

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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, we extend our best wishes to the Sammarinese people on the occasion of the Feast of San Marino. The United States values its partnership with San Marino and will continue to work with the Sammarinese people in promoting democracy, human rights, and economic prosperity around the world.

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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, congratulations to the people of Uzbekistan as you celebrate 26 years of independence. We also congratulate President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on his first year as President.

Over the past 26 years, the United States and Uzbekistan have partnered on issues such as promoting regional stability, security, and prosperity. This partnership has grown stronger each year, and we look forward to even closer cooperation in the future. The United States continues to affirm our support for Uzbekistan’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

We send our best wishes to the people of Uzbekistan on this special day.

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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 Department of State has renewed the charter of the U.S. Advisory Panel to the U.S. Section of the North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission (NPAFC) for another two years, effective September 29, 2017.

The NPAFC is a venue for coordination of high seas fishery enforcement among Convention Parties. The NPAFC was established by the Convention for the Conservation of Anadromous Stocks in the North Pacific Ocean, which entered into force in 1993. Canada, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, and the United States are members of the NPAFC. The U.S. Advisory Panel will continue to work with the U.S. Section to promote the conservation of anadromous fish stocks, such as salmon and sturgeon, and ecologically related species.

The U.S. Section of the Commission is composed of three Commissioners who are appointed by the President. The Advisory Panel to the U.S. Section is composed of 14 members, 11 of whom are appointed by the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce. Members serve for a term not to exceed 4 years, and may not serve more than two consecutive terms.

The Advisory Panel will continue to follow the procedures prescribed by the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). Meetings will continue to be open to the public unless a determination is made in accordance with Section 10 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act and 5 U.S.C. §552b(c), that a meeting or a portion of the meeting should be closed to the public.

For further information on the renewal of the Advisory Panel Charter, please contact the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs at OES-PA-DG@state.gov.

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