The United States condemns the call by Venezuela’s illegitimate Constituent Assembly for trials of the political opposition, including members of the democratically-elected legislature, on charges of treason and alleged involvement in Venezuela’s economic crisis. Venezuela’s economic situation is the result of the misguided policies and corruption of the Maduro regime, which bears direct responsibility for the suffering of the Venezuelan people.

This injustice is only the latest in a sustained effort by the Maduro regime to undermine democracy, repress political dissent, and sow fear among its critics. It embodies yet another rupture in Venezuela’s constitutional order and defies the fact that in democracies, ideas and opinions are not crimes.

We call on the Venezuelan government to hold free, fair and internationally monitored elections; disband the illegitimate Constituent Assembly; respect the constitution and the authorities of the National Assembly; provide for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners; and tend to the humanitarian needs of the Venezuelan people.

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SECRETARY TILLERSON: Mr. Secretary, welcome. Welcome to the State Department again. It’s always a pleasure to have you here.

FOREIGN SECRETARY VIDEGARAY: Thank you. Thank you very much.

SECRETARY TILLERSON: Thank you. And I – particularly I want to thank the Government of Mexico for its offer of assistance to the state of Texas. They’ve offered a wide range of assistance coordinating with the governor down in Texas and also through FEMA, but very generous of Mexico to offer their help at this very, very challenging time for our citizens down in Texas and now moving toward the border with Louisiana, as we’re all watching. So thank you very much, Mr. Secretary.

FOREIGN SECRETARY VIDEGARAY: You’re absolutely welcome, and we are – we’re here to help. We are neighbors, we are friends, and that’s what friends do.

SECRETARY TILLERSON: Thank you. Thank you.

FOREIGN SECRETARY VIDEGARAY: Thank you.

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.

On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, we offer our best wishes to the government and the people of Malaysia as you celebrate your 60th anniversary of independence on August 31.

The United States and Malaysia enjoy a strong partnership rooted in close bonds between our people, dating to before the establishment of diplomatic relations six decades ago. Our long friendship with the people of Malaysia is emblematic of our enduring commitment to ensuring security and prosperity across the Asia-Pacific, and is why Kuala Lumpur is among the capitals I visited on my first trip to Southeast Asia earlier this month.

Congratulations again on your 60th anniversary.

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.

The tax reform plan President Trump announced today is a vital measure for strengthening U.S. prosperity as well as global prosperity through investment and job creation. A strong economy is a fundamental element of U.S. foreign policy, and the State Department will continue to engage in economic diplomacy to bolster the prosperity of our nation through increased investment and trade.

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.

SECRETARY TILLERSON: Mr. Minister, welcome. Welcome to the State Department. It’s always a pleasure.

FOREIGN MINISTER GABRIEL: Always my pleasure. Thank you.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, how —

SECRETARY TILLERSON: I wanted to just make a quick statement about the situation down in the Texas Gulf Coast and now Louisiana. Again, being a native Texan, my wife and I still make our home in Texas, and we have a lot of family and friends that have been directly impacted and – but also just millions and millions of Texans are really, really suffering right now. So I’d simply ask that all Americans keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

I think the state of Texas is doing a remarkable, remarkable job dealing with what is an extraordinarily difficult situation of historic proportions. As you know, the President is on his way down today. I think he has plans to go back a second time, I think, indicating the seriousness of the situation, but also the commitment of the federal government to provide all the assets that the state of Texas needs to respond to what’s going to be a very, very, very long rebuilding process.

So we’d ask that all Americans keep them in your prayers, please. Thank you.

QUESTION: How provocative or dangerous do you see the latest launch by North Korea?

SECRETARY TILLERSON: We’ll have more to say about it later.

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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.