Embassy Highlights
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THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary
_________________________________________________________________ August 26, 2009
For Immediate Release Statement from President Obama: Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy. For five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts. I valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've profited as President from his encouragement and wisdom. An important chapter in our history has come to an end. Our country has lost a great leader, who picked up the torch of his fallen brothers and became the greatest United States Senator of our time. And the Kennedy family has lost their patriarch, a tower of strength and support through good times and bad. Our hearts and prayers go out to them today--to his wonderful wife, Vicki, his children Ted Jr., Patrick and Kara, his grandchildren and his extended family. ##
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North American Leaders’ Declaration on Climate Change and Clean EnergyLeaders reaffirm urgency to take aggressive action on climate change  | | Canadian Prime Minister Harper, left, Mexican President Calderón, center, and President Obama at the Leaders’ Summit in Guadalajara. (C) AP Images |
We, the leaders of North American reaffirm the urgency and necessity of taking aggressive action on climate change. We stress that the experience developed during the last 15 years in the North American region on environmental cooperation, sustainable development, and clean energy research, development, and deployment constitutes a valuable platform for climate change action, and we resolve to make use of the opportunities offered by existing bilateral and trilateral institutions. We recognize the broad scientific view that the increase in global average temperature above pre-industrial levels ought not to exceed 2 degrees C, we support a global goal of reducing global emissions by at least 50% compared to 1990 or more recent years by 2050, with developed countries reducing emissions by at least 80% compared to 1990 or more recent years by 2050. (more...)
Sotomayor Confirmed as Newest U.S. Supreme Court Justice
By Stephen Kaufman | | Judge Sotomayor’s confirmation as the first Hispanic Supreme Court justice gave Hispanic Americans a special reason to celebrate. (C) AP Images |
Washington, August 6, 2009 — In a vote of 68–31, the United States Senate confirmed Judge Sonia Sotomayor as the 111th U.S. Supreme Court justice, and Sotomayor is expected to be sworn in to replace retired Justice David Souter on August 8. Speaking at the White House August 6, President Obama said he was “pleased and deeply gratified” that U.S. lawmakers had approved his nominee for the highest level of the judicial branch of the U.S. government. Sotomayor will be “charged with the vital and difficult task of applying principles set forth at our founding to the questions and controversies of our time,” Obama said. The position is a lifetime appointment. (more...)
STATEMENT BY SECRETARY CLINTONBolivian Independence Day August 6, 2009 - On behalf of the Government of the United States and the American people, I extend my congratulations to the Bolivian people as they celebrate one hundred eighty-four years of independence. The United States and Bolivia have 161 years of bilateral relations, a long friendship based on mutual respect and shared principles. On this occasion, we reiterate the United States’ commitment to be a good partner in Bolivia’s journey to a more just, democratic, and prosperous future.
Congratulatory letter from U.S. President Barack Obama to President of Bolivia Evo Morales on the anniversary of the founding of Bolivia | | U.S. President Barack Obama |
Dear Mr. President: On the anniversary of the founding of Bolivia on August 6, the people of the United States and I extend our congratulations to you and to the people of Bolivia. It is with great respect that we note Bolivia’s rich history and important contribution to the cultural vibrancy of the Americas. These occasions remind us of what brings us together as independent nations – a commitment to the freedom and self-determination of our peoples, the principle of mutual respect, and the goal of a more just and peaceful world. We value our relationship with Bolivia, and hope our common values will guide us in strengthening our bond for generations to come. Sincerely, Barack Obama
The Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Bolivia, James Creagan, visited the city of SucreThe Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Bolivia, James Creagan, visited the city of Sucre on July 26-28. During his visit, Dr. Creagan met with the Board of Directors of the binational center Centro Boliviano Americano in Sucre and he handed over an award consisting in a set of books (photo) to Israel Mamani, a student who won the Embassy’s Facebook page “4th of July Contest”. The Chargé d’Affaires also met with the Prefect of the Chuquisaca department, Savina Cuéllar, and with Sucre Mayor Aydee Nava. The U.S. Government supports a variety of development programs in the department of Chuquisaca at an estimated amount of $12 million per year. The U.S. Embassy supports joint development projects with 23 municipalities in the department. Those programs include economic opportunities, health care, and micro-credit.
Cleaning Up: Energy and Climate Bill Will Boost the EconomyThis piece originally ran in the July 22 edition of the Richmond Times-Dispatch
By Steven Chu Over the next few months, Congress will decide on historic energy legislation that would create a generation of clean-energy jobs here in America, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and prevent the worst effects of climate change. I believe passing a strong energy and climate bill is the single most important step we could take to secure our economic prosperity and leave a healthier planet for future generations. (more...)
Speech by Secretary Clinton at the Council on Foreign RelationsClinton address key foreign policy challenges, including military efforts WASHINGTON, July 15, 2009 - "President Obama has led us to think outside the usual boundaries. He has launched a new era of engagement based on common interests, shared values, and mutual respect. Going forward, capitalizing on America’s unique strengths, we must advance those interests through partnership, and promote universal values through the power of our example and the empowerment of people. In this way, we can forge the global consensus required to defeat the threats, manage the dangers, and seize the opportunities of the 21st century. America will always be a world leader as long as we remain true to our ideals and embrace strategies that match the times," said Secretary Clinton during her July 15 address to the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington. (Full text of speech)
President Obama addresses the Ghanian Parliament; Calls on Africans to Claim Their FutureACCRA, Ghana, July 13 2009 - Saying he too has the blood of Africa within him, President Obama does not see the African people as living a world apart, but as a fundamental part of an interconnected world. “I’ve come here to Ghana for a simple reason: the 21st century will be shaped by what happens not just in Rome or Moscow or Washington, but by what happens in Accra as well,” Obama said in a July 11 speech before the Ghanaian Parliament in his first visit to sub-Saharan Africa as president. “I have the blood of Africa within me, and my family’s own story encompasses both the tragedies and triumphs of the larger African story.” (Full speech)
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