U.S. Department of State

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton meets with Prime Minister of Lebanon Najib Mikati at the United Nations in New York, New York on September 25, 2012. [State Department photo/ Public Domain]

State Department Welcomes 2012 TechWomen to San Francisco

Sanae Baatti, a Moroccan mentee, and Taghrid Samak, an American mentor, participate in TechWomen 2012, an international exchange that leverages technology as a means to empower women and girls, in San Francisco, California, September 5, 2012. [State Department photo/ Public Domain]

About the Author: Lee Satterfield serves as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Professional and Cultural Exchanges in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Yesterday, the 2012 class of TechWomen arrived in San Francisco to participate in an international exchange that leverages technology as a means to empower women and girls from Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, the Palestinian Territories, Tunisia and Yemen. Forty-one female emerging leaders in the technology field from the Middle East and North Africa will be paired with American counterparts for a five-week mentoring program. Click here to learn more.

Launched by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in 2011, TechWomen builds on her vision of “smart power.” It embraces the full range of diplomatic tools, in this case technology, to bring people together for greater understanding and to empower women and… more »

Additional Humanitarian Assistance in Response to Violence in Syria

Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
September 5, 2012

The United States remains deeply concerned by the humanitarian crisis caused by violence in Syria. Over 100,000 refugees have flooded into neighboring countries in the month of August, stretching host country capacity. We commend the generosity of Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq in assisting approximately 240,000 Syrians who have fled.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has stated that as many as 2.5 million people in Syria are in need of humanitarian assistance, more than double the number that was assessed in March 2012, and over 1.2 million people have been internally displaced.

To help meet the growing humanitarian need, U.S. Agency for International Development Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah announced today in Jordan that the United States is providing an additional $21 million to the U.N. World Food Program (WFP). Of this new funding, $14.3 million will provide food assistance to conflict-affected people inside Syria and $6.7 million to support Syrians displaced to neighboring countries.

With this new assistance, the United States is providing a total of more than $100 million for humanitarian activities both inside Syria and in neighboring countries: MORE

Investing in Security: Program Develops New Generation of Humanitarian Demining Leaders

About the Author: Major General Walter D. “Waldo” Givhan, United States Air Force, currently serves as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Plans, Programs and Operations in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs.

I recently had the privilege of visiting James Madison University to attend the closing ceremony for the 2012 Senior Managers’ Course in Explosive Remnants of War and Mine Action, where I met a select group of individuals serving on the front lines of humanitarian crises and post-conflict environments around the world.

This year, the 17 participants represented 13 different countries, including Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Laos, Lebanon, Libya, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Uganda, and Vietnam. These “Senior Managers” are each leaders in their respective national mine action and ERW programs. This diversity the students bring in terms of background and experience is one of the main reasons… more »

Secretary Clinton’s Call with Former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri

Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
June 15, 2012

Yesterday, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke by telephone with former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri. The two discussed recent security incidents in Lebanon, the crisis in Syria, and steps the United States, the Government of Lebanon, and former Prime Minister Hariri might take to improve the situation. The Secretary expressed concern over heightened tensions in Lebanon and noted the importance of all Lebanese political parties supporting efforts to promote calm and stability. Secretary Clinton stressed the United States’ commitment to a stable, independent, and sovereign Lebanon.

Secretary Clinton’s Call with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati

Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
June 14, 2012

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati on June 14 by phone. They discussed regional developments, including the violence in Syria and its effects on Lebanon. The Secretary voiced concern over recent incidents in Lebanon and expressed appreciation for the Prime Minister’s and other Lebanese leaders’ efforts to maintain calm. Secretary Clinton emphasized the United States’ commitment to a stable, independent, and sovereign Lebanon.

A Note on U.S. Humanitarian Aid Reaching Syria and Neighboring Countries

In this picture taken during a UN observer-organized tour, a Syrian man rides his bicycle as he passes destroyed buildings in the Baba Amr neighborhood during the UN observers' visit to Homs city, central Syria, on May 3, 2012. [AP File Photo]

About the Author: Robert S. Ford serves as U.S. Ambassador to Syria.

During my tenure in Syria, my main focus was strengthening the relationship between the American and Syrian people. During this difficult, violent, and dangerous time in Syria’s history, the American people are proud to support your transition to democracy, an ongoing process which we began a mere 236 years ago.

Through the U.S. government, they have also provided over $52 million to humanitarian assistance efforts for Syrian people suffering from the ongoing violence inside Syria and for those who have fled the violence and are now in neighboring countries. I know that this assistance does not meet all the needs for those who are suffering, but we will continue to provide assistance throughout this difficult period to as many Syrians in need as possible.

Here is the breakdown of the humanitarian aid:

- $16.5 million to the World Food Program… more »

Violence in Lebanon

Press Statement
Mark C. Toner
Acting Spokesperson
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
May 21, 2012

We are concerned by the security situation in Lebanon following the shooting of Sheikh Ahmad Abdul Wahad and Sheikh Mohammed Hussein Merheb near a Lebanese Army checkpoint in the northern region of Akkar. The United States expresses its sincere condolences for the loss of life. We welcome the commitment of the Lebanese Government and the Lebanese Armed Forces to conduct a swift and transparent investigation of the shooting incident, and we call on all parties to exercise restraint and respect for Lebanon’s security and stability.

U.S. Humanitarian Aid Reaching Syria and Neighboring Countries

The United States is pursuing every avenue to get humanitarian relief to those affected by the violence in Syria and is engaged in focused diplomatic efforts to secure full and unfettered access for humanitarian organizations to reach those in need. The United States is providing an additional $8 million in humanitarian assistance to support the people of Syria, bringing the total amount of U.S. emergency aid to nearly $33 million to date for this crisis. Our assistance is through international and non-governmental humanitarian partners, including:

$10.5 million to the World Food Program (WFP);
$8.5 million to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR);
$7.8 million to non-governmental organizations (NGOs);
$3 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA); and
$3 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

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