Press Releases: Coordinator Christopher Painter To Travel to Israel for Cyber Week 2017


Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

June 26, 2017


Christopher Painter, Coordinator for Cyber Issues at the U.S. Department of State, will travel to Tel Aviv from June 25-29 for Cyber Week 2017, which is Israel’s premier cybersecurity conference. As part of the conference, Mr. Painter will join other senior leaders to discuss questions around the intersection between sovereignty and cybersecurity. Mr. Painter will also engage in bilateral meetings with senior Israeli government officials.

For updates, follow Coordinator Painter at @State_Cyber on Twitter. Please send interview requests to SCCI_Press@state.gov.






Press Releases: State Department Terrorist Designations of Mohammad Yusuf Shah AKA Syed Salahuddin


Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

June 26, 2017


Department of State has designated Mohammad Yusuf Shah, also known as (AKA) Syed Salahuddin, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) under Section 1(b) of Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, which imposes sanctions on foreign persons who 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. As a consequence of this designation, U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with Salahuddin and all of Salahuddin’s property and interests in property subject to United States jurisdiction are blocked.

Mohammad Yusuf Shah, AKA Syed Salahuddin, is the senior leader of the militant group Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). In September, 2016, Salahuddin vowed to block any peaceful resolution to the Kashmir conflict, threatened to train more Kashmiri suicide bombers, and vowed to turn the Kashmir valley “into a graveyard for Indian forces.” Under Salahuddin’s tenure as senior HM leader, HM has claimed responsibility for several attacks, including the April 2014 explosives attack in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, which injured 17 people.

Today’s action notifies the U.S. public and the international community that Mohammad Yusuf Shah, AKA Syed Salahuddin, has committed, or poses a significant risk of committing, acts of terrorism. Designations of terrorist individuals and groups expose and isolate organizations and individuals, and result in denial of access to the U.S. financial system. Moreover, designations can assist or complement the law enforcement actions of other nations.

A list of State Department-designated FTOs and SDGTs is available here: http://www.state.gov/j/ct/list/index.htm.






Press Releases: Qatar


Press Statement

Rex W. Tillerson

Secretary of State

Washington, DC

June 25, 2017


Qatar has begun its careful review and consideration of a series of requests presented by Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and UAE.

While some of the elements will be very difficult for Qatar to meet, there are significant areas which provide a basis for ongoing dialogue leading to resolution.

A productive next step would be for each of the countries to sit together and continue this conversation. We believe our allies and partners are stronger when they are working together towards one goal which we all agree is stopping terrorism and countering extremism. Each country involved has something to contribute to that effort. A lowering of rhetoric would also help ease the tension. The United States will continue to stay in close contact with all parties and will continue to support the mediation efforts of the Emir of Kuwait.

 






Technology Week Recap

This week was Technology Week at the White House, and the Trump Administration held events focusing on modernizing government technology and stimulating the technology sector.

On Monday, the White House invited major tech leaders and university presidents for the inaugural summit of the American Technology Council. Hosted by the White House’s Office of American Innovation, the event consisted of multiple breakout sessions to discuss ways to modernize the government by retiring out-of-date legacy systems and increasing the use of shared services.

President Trump meeting with technology leaders in the Oval Office.

On Tuesday, United States Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin and Director of the National Economic Council Gary Cohn held a listening session with technology leaders to discuss tax reform in the United States and the implications of a new tax plan on the technology sector.

On Wednesday, President Trump traveled to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He toured Kirkwood Community College and spoke about agricultural innovation and empowering the American farmer.

President Trump delivers remarks in Iowa.

On Thursday, the White House hosted the American Leadership in Emerging Technology Event, where American tech industry leaders demonstrated technologies like advanced drones and 5G wireless networks to the President.


President Trump hosting an emerging technology event.

On Friday, President Trump signed the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017.

After a successful week of addressing American innovation and meeting with leaders of the technology sector, next week the Trump Administration will turn its focus to energy.




Press Releases: On the Occasion of Croatia’s National Day


Press Statement

Rex W. Tillerson

Secretary of State

Washington, DC

June 24, 2017


On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, congratulations to the people of Croatia on the anniversary of your declaration of independence this June 25.

The relationship between the United States and Croatia is strong, now celebrating 25 years of diplomatic relations. Croatia is an active NATO Ally and EU member, and we applaud Croatia’s contributions to transatlantic and regional security.

The United States looks forward to deepening our enduring partnership with the people of Croatia.