Latest News from StateNewswire

The United States has not yet decided whether to recognize the Taliban or any other entity as the Government of Afghanistan or as part of such a government.

2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Pakistan

The constitution establishes Islam as the state religion and requires all provisions of the law to be consistent with Islam.

2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Sri Lanka

The constitution provides for freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, including the freedom to change religion.

2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Turkmenistan

The constitution establishes the republic as a secular country and provides for the freedom of religion and for the right of individuals to choose their religion, express and disseminate their religious beliefs, and participate in religious observances and ceremonies.

2022 Report on International Religious Freedom:Tajikistan

The constitution provides for the right, individually or jointly with others, to adhere to any religion or to no religion and to participate in religious customs and ceremonies.

2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Kyrgyzstan

The constitution guarantees freedom of conscience and religion and bans religious groups from undertaking actions inciting religious hatred.

2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Nepal

The constitution establishes the country as a “secular state” but defines secular as the “protection of religion and culture handed down from the time immemorial.”

Remarks for Deputy Secretary Sherman Indian Ocean Conference

Hello, and thank you to Prime Minister Hasina and Foreign Minister Momen for hosting the 2023 Indian Ocean Conference and for inviting me to speak to this esteemed group.

On the Enactment of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act

Release: The United States is deeply troubled by Uganda’s passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, a law that undermines the human rights, prosperity, and welfare of all Ugandans. Uganda’s failure to safeguard the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons is part of a broader degradation of human rights protections that puts Ugandan citizens at risk and damages the country’s reputation as a destination for investment, development, tourism, and refugees.

The United States and Sweden: A Strong Partnership for the Transatlantic Region and the World

Release: The shared history between the United States and Sweden goes back 240 years ago, when our two countries signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce. Sweden became the first country outside of the combatants in the Revolutionary War to formally recognize the United States as an independent country. Our common values continue to advance strong, successful, and increasingly sustainable societies in both our countries and around the world.

Troika and EU Response to African Union Communiqué of 27 May

Release: Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the European Union [the Troika plus EU] welcome the African Union (AU) Communiqué of 27 May following the Heads of State and Government Peace & Security Council meeting on Sudan. We agree with the AU’s condemnation of the actions of the two...

Concerns Over Potential use of New Polish Legislation to Target Opposition

Release: The U.S. Government is concerned by the Polish government’s passage of new legislation that could be misused to interfere with Poland’s free and fair elections. We share the concerns expressed by many observers that this law to create a commission to investigate Russian influence could be used to block ...

Azerbaijan National Day

By State Newswire | May 29, 2023

Release: On behalf of the United States of America, I wish the people of Azerbaijan a happy Republic Day.

Agreement on a Short-Term Ceasefire and Humanitarian Arrangements in Sudan

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America announce that on May 20, 2023, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, representatives of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces signed an Agreement on a Short-Term Ceasefire and Humanitarian Arrangements.

The Fifth Special Session of the Conference of the States Parties to Review Operation of the Chemical Weapons Convention

Upon the completion of the Fifth Review Conference of the Chemical Weapons Convention, the United States reiterates its unwavering commitment to achieving a world free of chemical weapons.

Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General Levi

Deputy Secretary of State Wendy R. Sherman met today with Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General Ronen Levi in Washington, D.C. Deputy Secretary Sherman reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad support for Israel’s security and commitment to continued cooperation.

Joint Statement on the U.S.-Egypt Joint Economic Commission