The United States congratulates the Iraqi people on today’s parliamentary election. Citizens from every ethnic and religious group, and from all 18 provinces, including those internally displaced, made their voices heard.

The newly elected members of parliament will have the important task of forming an inclusive government, responsive to the needs of all Iraqis. We hope this process moves quickly, and on the constitutional timeline, so that Iraq can continue moving toward a more secure, prosperous, and brighter future.

The United States stands ready to partner with Iraqi leaders as we continue to build a long-term relationship of cooperation and friendship between our two nations — a strategic partnership based on the Strategic Framework Agreement that will contribute to stability in the region and growing peace and prosperity in Iraq.

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Acting Assistant Secretary Susan Thornton will travel to Beijing, China and Tokyo, Japan May 14-16.

On May 14, she will be in Beijing to hold bilateral consultations with Chinese government officials.

Acting Assistant Secretary Thornton will visit Japan May 15-16 to participate in the second annual Wall Street Journal CEO Council Conference and to meet with Japanese government officials to discuss regional security issues.

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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 United States remains deeply concerned about the ongoing crisis in Nicaragua, and condemns the overnight violence that left at least two student demonstrators dead and many more injured.

Those responsible for killings and other human rights abuses and violations must be brought to justice. We call on the Nicaraguan government to respect the rights of protesters and to create the conditions needed for a credible dialogue, including the cessation of all violence. The Government of Nicaragua should allow independent international human rights organizations, such as the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, to assess the human rights situation in Nicaragua.

We reiterate our strong support for the Nicaraguan people and their demands for genuine democracy.

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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.

DEPUTY SECRETARY SULLIVAN: I’m delighted to welcome Chilean Foreign Minister Ampuero here to the State Department to continue to develop our personal relationship, and also to reaffirm the important ties between the United States and Chile. Thank you.

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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 May 10, 2018, U.S. Chargé d’ Affaires Eric Khant and Jamaica’s Minister of Transport and Mining Robert Montague signed an agreement to amend the U.S.-Jamaica Air Transport Agreement of 2008 to include seventh-freedom rights for all-cargo operations, effective as of the date of signing. Seventh-freedom rights permit flights between a second and third country without touching the airline’s home country. These rights facilitate the efficient and cost-effective movement of goods, strengthen global express delivery cargo networks, enhance connectivity and competitiveness, and promote economic growth.

Air Transport Agreements provide air traffic rights for airlines to offer international passenger and cargo services. The modern Open Skies Air Transport Agreement between Jamaica and the United States eliminates government intervention in commercial airline decisions about routes, capacity, and pricing. By increasing market access, the Agreement enables airlines of both of our countries to provide affordable, convenient, and efficient air service for consumers and businesses, and is a valuable tool to promote economic and employment growth.

These initiatives underscore the U.S. government’s commitment to the Caribbean as outlined in the Caribbean 2020 strategy – the U.S. policy framework to enhance partnerships in security, energy, diplomacy, prosperity, education, and health in the Caribbean region.

For more details, please click the following link: https://www.state.gov/e/eb/tra/ata/index.htm For details on Caribbean 2020 please click: https://www.state.gov/p/wha/rt/caribbeanstrategy/index.htm

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.