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 The Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs is headed by Assistant Secretary of State Thomas A. Shannon, Jr., who is responsible for managing and promoting U.S. interests in the region by supporting democracy, trade, and sustainable economic development, and fostering cooperation on issues such as drug trafficking and crime, poverty reduction, and environmental protection.
Mission: We are working with our partners in the Americas to generate broad-based growth through freer trade and sound economic policies; to invest in the well-being of people from all walks of life; and to make democracy serve every citizen more effectively and justly.
Objectives: We are strengthening an Inter-American community formed by:
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Economic partners that are democratic, stable, and prosperous;
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Friendly neighbors that help secure our region against terrorism and illegal drugs;
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Nations that work together in the world to advance shared political and economic values.
The Merida Initiative
 Assistant Secretary Shannon: "This was an initiative that really was constructed in a collaborative way, based off the President's trip to Latin America and Mexico in March of 2007. We were able to establish with our partners in Mexico and Central America a new form of engagement and dialogue that allowed us to fashion an assistance program which is much more than assistance program. It's really a program of cooperation and collaboration that has the security assistance component to it."
Full Text | Fact sheet
- A conversation between Assistant Secretary Shannon and Department Spokesman Sean McCormack on the Merida Initiative.
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President Bush Discusses Cuba, Marks Day of Solidarity
President Bush: "Thanks for coming to mark this Day of Solidarity with the Cuban People. ... Most of all, this is a day of hope. We have hope because we see a day coming when Cubans will have the freedom of which they have dreamed for centuries...." Full Text | Proclamation | Fact Sheet | Briefing: Text, Video | Teleconference Call |
| | | Highlights | Expulsion of U.S. Ambassadors to Venezuela and Bolivia
We regret the actions of both President Chavez and President Morales to expel our ambassadors in Venezuela and Bolivia. This reflects the weakness and desperation of these leaders as they face serious internal challenges and an inability to communicate effectively internationally in order to build international support. ...No country has ever improved the well-being of its citizens by antagonizing neighbors and refraining from fruitful integration with the world’s democracies. Full Text
Humanitarian Assistance
The U.S. is providing humanitarian assistance to the Cuban people following Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Fact Sheet
Summit Promotes Security, Prosperity, Democracy
[T]hese summits have helped to reinforce the Americas' understanding that sustainable development requires a commitment to democratic governance, enfranchising all sectors of the population and eradicating the pernicious problem of corruption. These principles of democratic governance and fundamental freedoms are enshrined in the Inter-American Democratic Charter, which unites the hemisphere's governments in a series of unprecedented obligations to defend these basic rights. Op-Ed
Keeping Promises Among Partners
Secretary Rice: "Passing this trade agreement will be a culmination and realization of our partnership with Colombia. It will help the Colombian government and people to lock in their democratic and economic reforms. ... And it will send a message across the world that the United States will honor the promises we make to our friends and allies." Op-Ed
Visit Consular Affairs to keep up with Travel Warnings, travel-related Public Announcements, and other items of interest to travelers. Read DHS press release regarding the end of Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) temporary accommodation. |
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