Comming Event: Jaz Concert

Jaz Concert... Coming on May 11 Ericka Ovette and Paul Pieper live at the Hamra Theater! Tickets are free! Hope to see you there! Websites of the artists: http://www.erickaovette.com/ http://www.paulpieper.com/bio.php

Statement by Tom Casey, Deputy Spokesman
Arrest of Syrian Political Activist Riad Seif
We condemn the recent arrest of Syrian political activist Riad Seif. His arrest and detention, along with the lack of transparency in the recently started legal proceedings against 10 Damascus Declaration National Council members, are yet another example of the Syrian regime’s contempt for the universally-recognized right of free expression of ideas, and its blatant attempts to silence and intimidate the Syrian people. The U.S. expects the Syrian government to live up to its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and cease its harassment of Syrians who are peacefully seeking to bring about democratic and political reform in their country.(full text)

STATEMENTS BY THE PRESIDENT
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release, December 14, 2007

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

I applaud the recent formation of the National Council of the Damascus Declaration in Damascus, Syria.  The brave men and women who formed this Council reflect the desires of the majority of Syrian people to live in freedom, democracy, and peace, both at home and alongside their neighbors in the region. The Syrian regime continues to hold hundreds of prisoners of conscience and has arrested more than thirty National Council members in the past few days.  All those detained should be released immediately.  The Syrian regime continues to deny its citizens fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression, freedom of movement, and the right to elect a representative government responsive to their needs.  The formation of the National Council is an encouraging sign to all people who support freedom and democracy.  We support the National Council's principles of non-violent struggle and open membership to all the people of Syria who believe the time has come for change. 

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THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release, December 13, 2007

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
I strongly condemn yesterday’s assassination of Lebanese Brigadier General Francois al-Hajj and extend my condolences to his family and the families of the innocents who were murdered alongside him.

This assassination marks the twelfth political assassination or attempted assassination Lebanon has suffered since October 2004. Like the many victims before him, General al-Hajj was a supporter of Lebanon’s independence and an opponent of Syria’s interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs. I call on the international community to support the Government of Lebanon in its efforts to bring to justice the perpetrators of these vicious attacks, and to stand with the citizens of Lebanon who continue to struggle to safeguard their freedom, sovereignty, and democracy. This act of terrorism again reminds us of the importance of the International Tribunal established by the UN Security Council earlier this year and of the urgency of ensuring that the Tribunal is fully funded and capable of commencing its operations as soon as possible, to begin holding accountable those responsible for this systematic campaign of murder against Lebanon’s most ardent patriots. We must work together to support and strengthen an independent and democratic Lebanon.

This attack comes as Lebanon is seeking to choose a new president. The United States supports the efforts of the democratically elected Lebanese Government and the Lebanese Armed Forces to maintain the sovereignty and stability of Lebanon before the presidential elections. As Lebanon seeks to select a president democratically and in accordance with its constitution, interference by the Syrian regime and its allies, aimed at intimidating the Lebanese people, must end. The people of Lebanon deserve the opportunity to choose their leaders in freedom and without fear. 

 

International Human Rights Day

STATEMENT BY GONZALO GALLEGOS, DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF PRESS RELATIONS

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman 

For Immediate Release, December 10, 2007

International Human Rights Day
Today marks the 59th Anniversary of the adoption of the United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a document that affirms the inherent rights of people everywhere and enshrines basic freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, association, and belief.
 
As we join men and women around the globe in observing International Human Rights Day and Week, we recognize the noble work of human rights defenders who risk harassment, beatings, arrest and even death for seeking to secure the rights of their fellow citizens.  While we applaud the hard-won gains for human rights and democratic government that have been made in recent decades, we are sobered by the fact that there remain governments that respond to growing demands for personal and democratic rights by oppressing non-governmental organizations and others who peacefully advocate for them.

The United States stands in solidarity with the brave men and women across the globe who work to defend human dignity and advance the cause of freedom. 

Cultural Events

Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarship The U.S. Embassy is proud to announce the opening of the Fulbright Scholarship competition for academic year 2009-2010. This scholarship provides candidates an opportunity to pursue a Master's Degree in the United States. Applicants must have excellent academic records, and strong English language skills. Applicants must be Syrian citizens or Palestinians residing in Syria. Students of medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy are NOT eligible. Click here for more information and application details. The deadline for application is May 1, 2008. Apply Now

Earth Day Lecture