The United States condemns the terrorist attacks in Tehran today. We express our condolences to the victims and their families, and send our thoughts and prayers to the people of Iran. The depravity of terrorism has no place in a peaceful, civilized world.
In recognition of LGBTI Month, the Department of State affirms its solidarity with the human rights defenders and civil society organizations working around the world to uphold the fundamental freedoms of LGBTI persons to live with dignity and freedom.
We also recognize that LGBTI persons continue to face the threat of violence and discrimination. Violence and discrimination targeting any vulnerable group undermines our collective security as well as American values. When all persons are protected on the basis of equality and with dignity, global stability is strengthened. We will continue to support the human rights of LGBTI persons together with like-minded governments, businesses, and civil society organizations globally.
The United States remains committed to human rights and fundamental freedoms for all persons. Dignity and equality for all persons are among our founding constitutional principles, and these principles continue to drive U.S. diplomacy.
The United States is deeply concerned by the recent detention of Taner Kiliç, Chair of Amnesty International Turkey—the latest in a series of respected human rights defenders, journalists, academics, and activists detained in Turkey. These detentions, often with little evidence or transparency, are an alarming trend. We are closely following these cases, and underscore the importance of respect for due process and individual rights, as enshrined in the Turkish Constitution and consistent with Turkey’s own international commitments. As we have expressed to the Turkish government on numerous occasions, persistent curbs on free speech and other freedoms erode the foundations of democratic society.
Non-governmental organizations and a robust civil society are an essential element of any strong democracy. Turkey benefits from having more engaged voices, not fewer. The detentions of individuals such as Mr. Kilic chill public debate and undermine the quality of democracy.
The Department of State released today Foreign Relations of the United States, 1977–1980, Volume XV, Central America. This volume is part of a Foreign Relations subseries that documents the most important foreign policy issues of the Jimmy Carter administration.
The Carter administration’s policy toward Central America stressed human rights and non-interventionism with an aim to expand democracy in the region. Carter’s diplomats worked with Guatemala and Belize to secure a basis for Belize’s future independence from the United Kingdom. In Nicaragua, the Carter administration sought to advance political moderation as the Sandinista National Liberation Front rose against President Anastasio Somoza. After July 1979, Carter offered aid and counsel to the Government of National Reconstruction. Bilateral relations with Costa Rica were dominated by the events in Nicaragua due to Costa Rica’s territorial proximity, and then by the political situation in El Salvador. In Honduras, the United States advised the military Junta government to hold elections and broaden the representation within the government. In El Salvador, a military government faced growing popular opposition from the political left and right. Carter opted to offer military and economic aid in exchange for improvements in human rights practices and progress toward open elections.
This compilation was compiled and edited by Nathaniel L. Smith. The volume and this press release are available on the Office of the Historian website at https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1977-80v15. Copies of the volume will be available for purchase from the U.S. Government Publishing Office online at https://bookstore.gpo.gov (GPO S/N 044-000-02688-1; ISBN 978-0-16-093948-8), or by calling toll-free 1-866-512-1800 (D.C. area 202-512-1800). For further information, contact history@state.gov.
On behalf of the American people, I want to extend my sincere congratulations to the Azerbaijani people on the commemoration of their Republic Day.
The United States and Azerbaijan share a strong partnership, built through years of cooperation on energy and security issues as well as dialogue on democratic principles. As the month of Ramadan begins, I also congratulate Azerbaijan on its rich history, including the establishment of the first Muslim-majority parliamentary republic 99 years ago. Then, as now, you had a vision and worked to make it a reality. The United States encourages efforts to build a more secure and prosperous nation that respects the fundamental freedoms of its people. We also remain committed to the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
The United States looks forward to even greater cooperation with Azerbaijan across all areas of our relationship in the years to come.