News from 2023


Remarks by Ambassador Beth Van Schaack for 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.


2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Nicaragua

The constitution prohibits discrimination based on religion; provides for freedom of belief, religion, and worship; and states no one “shall be obligated by coercive measures to declare his or her ideology or beliefs.”


2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Suriname

The constitution provides for freedom of religion. Both the constitution and the penal code prohibit discrimination based on religion. Any violation may be brought before a court of justice.


2022 Report on International Religious Freedom:

The constitution grants individuals the right to choose, practice, and change religions; it prohibits discrimination based on religion.


2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Costa Rica

The constitution recognizes Roman Catholicism as the state religion; the law requires the state to contribute to the Catholic Church’s maintenance.


Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson at a Joint Press Availability

News Release: PRIME MINISTER KRISTERSSON: Okay. Most welcome to this press conference, and most welcome to Luleå, Secretary Blinken.


Assistant Secretary Pyatt’s Travel to Azerbaijan

News 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 ...


Deputy Secretary Verma’s Meeting with Mauritian President Roopun

Release: The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller.


Croatia Statehood Day

News Release: On behalf of the United States of America, I extend our best wishes to the people of Croatia as you celebrate your Statehood Day.


Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson at a Joint Press Availability

Release: PRIME MINISTER KRISTERSSON: Okay. Most welcome to this press conference, and most welcome to Luleå, Secretary Blinken.


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

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...


U.S. Relationship with the Indian Ocean Rim Association and Commitment to the Indian Ocean Region

News Release: U.S.-IORA Relationship. Established in 1999, the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is a leading intergovernmental organization in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). As a Dialogue Partner with IORA since November 2012, the United States has had a lengthy and productive relationship with the organization, ...


Secretary Blinken’s Call with Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu

Release: The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller.


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...


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

Release: The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller.


Condemning Violence Against KFOR and Escalatory Actions in Northern Kosovo

Release: We call on all parties to take immediate actions to de-escalate tensions. The United States condemns the unacceptable violence yesterday against NATO-led KFOR troops, law enforcement, and journalists.


Deputy Secretary Verma’s Meeting with Mauritian Prime Minister Jugnauth

Release: The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller.


Croatia Statehood Day

Release: On behalf of the United States of America, I extend our best wishes to the people of Croatia as you celebrate your Statehood Day.


Secretary Blinken to Deliver Speech at Helsinki City Hall

News Release: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will deliver a speech at Helsinki City Hall on Friday, June 2, 2023 at 11:45 a.m. EET / 4:45 a.m. EDT. The speech will highlight all the ways in which Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has been a strategic failure, and our continued efforts to support Ukraine’s defense of its territory, sovereignty, and democracy in pursuit of a just and durable peace.


Kingdom of Spain Signs the Artemis Accords

News 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 ...