News from May 2023


Sanctioning PRC and Mexico Based Individuals and Entities for Enabling Illicit Drug Production

Release: The United States is a leader in the global effort to stop the illicit manufacture and trafficking of illicit fentanyl and other synthetic drugs, a major cause of death among adults ages 18 to 45 in the United States. Today, the Department of the Treasury sanctioned 17 individuals and entities involved...


Assistant Secretary Geoffrey Pyatt’s Remarks at the Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference

News Release: MODERATOR: Thank you all, and thank you for the introduction. I am thrilled to be here today as an Alaskan kid and to have you all here in Anchorage, and we have a great panel this morning.


Imposing Sanctions on Syrian Financial Facilitators

Release: Today, the United States is designating under Caesar Act authorities two Syrian money service businesses and affiliated three individuals that provide financial support to the Assad regime. These two Damascus-based exchange companies have facilitated millions of dollars in transfers since 2021 to accounts...


Remarks by Ambassador Beth Van Schaack at the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, Colombia: "Delivering Justice and Accountability in Colombia"

Release: It is a privilege to be here today, standing beside President Roberto Vidal. The Special Jurisdiction for Peace’s (JEP) commitment to delivering justice and accountability in complex cases arising out of Colombia’s decades of conflict is inspiring and sets an example for the world.


Deputy Secretary Verma’s Meeting with Mauritian Leader of the Opposition Duval

News Release: The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller


Sanctioning PRC and Mexico Based Individuals and Entities for Enabling Illicit Drug Production

Release: The United States is a leader in the global effort to stop the illicit manufacture and trafficking of illicit fentanyl and other synthetic drugs, a major cause of death among adults ages 18 to 45 in the United States. Today, the Department of the Treasury sanctioned 17 individuals and entities involved...


DOS-GIN grant application closes on July 1

U.S. Embassy Conakry PDS Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability Request for Statements of Interest grant opened on May 31.


Kingdom of Spain Signs the Artemis Accords

Release: In a ceremony held at the Moncloa Palace in Madrid, the Honorable Julissa Reynoso, U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Andorra joined NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Associate Administrator for International and Interagency Relations Karen Feldstein to witness the Artemis Accords signing ceremony for the ...


Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Hammer Travels to Djibouti and Ethiopia

News Release: Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa (SEHOA) Ambassador Mike Hammer will travel May 31 - June 6 to Djibouti and Ethiopia. In Djibouti, Ambassador Hammer will participate in the East Africa Security Forum hosted by the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM) and the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of ...


Imposing Sanctions on Syrian Financial Facilitators

News Release: Today, the United States is designating under Caesar Act authorities two Syrian money service businesses and affiliated three individuals that provide financial support to the Assad regime. These two Damascus-based exchange companies have facilitated millions of dollars in transfers since 2021 to accounts ...


Secretary Antony J. Blinken Following Tour of HYBRIT Steel Plant

News Release: SECRETARY BLINKEN: Madam Minister, thank you so much. And I really want to say thanks first and foremost for what I was going to say is a warm welcome here in Luleå - (laughter) - certainly warm in our hearts. And I’m so grateful to be here with all of our colleagues from the Biden administration and from the European Union as well as our Swedish host.


Continued Peace Talks Between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Release: We are pleased to see that talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan have continued. As Secretary Blinken said, peace is achievable in the South Caucasus. We recently expressed appreciation for Prime Minister Pashinyan’s commitment to peace, and we welcome President Aliyev’s recent remarks on consideration of amnesty.


Deputy Secretary Verma’s Meeting with IORA Secretary General Al Farisi

News Release: The following is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller


Department of State Celebrates Groundbreaking of New U.S. Embassy in Port Louis, Mauritius

News Release: As a demonstration of the enduring commitment to strengthening the relationship between the United States, Mauritius and the region, Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma and U.S. Ambassador to Mauritius Henry Jardine, with representatives ...


Continued Peace Talks Between Armenia and Azerbaijan

News Release: We are pleased to see that talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan have continued. As Secretary Blinken said, peace is achievable in the South Caucasus. We recently expressed appreciation for Prime Minister Pashinyan’s commitment to peace, and we welcome President Aliyev’s recent remarks on consideration of amnesty.


2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Guyana

The constitution provides for freedom of religion and worship, including the right to choose and change one’s religion.


Risch, McCaul Press Admin's Handling of Crisis in Sudan

News Release: WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and U.S. Representative Michael McCaul (R-Texas), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, last week sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken requesting information regarding the administration’s handling of the crisis in Sudan.


Assistant Secretary Geoffrey Pyatt LNG Allies Event

Release: A/S Pyatt: - It’s great to have DOE Assistant Secretary Brad Crabtree as a partner here in Washington, DC.


2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Grenada

The constitution protects freedom of conscience, including freedom of thought and religion.


Assistant Secretary Pyatt’s Travel to Azerbaijan

Release: Department of State Bureau of Energy Resources (ENR) Assistant Secretary Geoffrey R. Pyatt will travel to Baku, Azerbaijan, May 30 - June 2. While there, he will participate in the 28th annual Baku Energy Week, which consists of the International Caspian Oil & Gas Exhibition, the Caspian International ...