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United States Government Haiti Earthquake Disaster Response Update

On January 12, a massive earthquake struck the nation of Haiti, causing catastrophic damage inside and around the capital city of Port-au-Prince.  President Obama has said, “at this moment, we are moving forward with one of the largest relief efforts in our history -- to save lives and to deliver relief that averts an even larger catastrophe. In these difficult hours, America stands united. We stand united with the people of Haiti, who have shown such incredible resilience, and we will help them to recover and to rebuild.” (full text)

15 January 2010 – On-the-Record Briefing on the Situation in Haiti

Secretary Clinton: I want to take a moment first to thank the American people who have been extraordinarily generous in the amount of support that they have shown for the people of Haiti during this devastating period. (full text)

14 January 2010 - Haiti Disaster Relief Is Top U.S. Priority Right Now, Obama Says

Washington — The first wave of American search-and-rescue teams, disaster relief experts, military forces and supplies are at work in Haiti, beginning what President Obama says will be a massive U.S. relief effort in response to the January 12 earthquake, which caused losses that he called “nothing less than devastating.” (full text)

Clinton Sees U.S. Aid Based on “Partnership, Not Patronage”

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says she ultimately wants U.S. assistance to break the cycle of dependence. (full text)

Remarks by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations on Eritrea at the Security Council Stakeout

December 23, 2009

I want to talk about the resolution we just adopted imposing sanctions on Eritrea. This was an African initiative. It was the consequence of a decision taken by the African Union. (full text) 

Statement of President Barack Obama on Sudan Strategy

Today, my Administration is releasing a comprehensive strategy to confront the serious and urgent situation in Sudan. (full text)

CONSULAR INFORMATION

Travel Warning for Eritrea - August 28, 2009

The Government of Eritrea has not consistently granted visas to State Department temporary visitors who provide vital support for our Embassy operations. Additionally, in direct violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, a treaty to which the Government of Eritrea is a signatory, consular staff are not notified if an American is arrested, nor can they travel freely to visit an American citizen in trouble. The Government of Eritrea does not allow unrestricted travel by American diplomatic and consular personnel, who are not allowed outside the capital of Asmara without requesting permission to travel 10 days in advance. Permission is oftentimes not granted even when requested in advance. For these reasons we are closed for public operations except for the provision of necessary services to American citizens.  

Latest Headlines From the Embassy

December 2009 American Club lecture

 
Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist Julie McClanahan
congratulating Dr. Tesfamariam Yosief on his
informative presentation
On December 31, 2009, Dr. Tesfamariam Yosief delivered a speech to over 70 attendees in honor of World Aids Day. The speech titled “Social and Medical dimensions of HIV” explained the chemistry of HIV as well as the social and cultural aspects of the disease. Dr. Tesfamariam further explained data of the impact of HIV in Eritrea, Africa and worldwide.

 

 

 

Embassy Asmara Teaches Rosa Parks to Eastern Sudanese Activists

 
On November 10, 2009,  Political Officer Ajani Husbands gave a lecture on Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott to 24 community activists from eastern Sudan, drawing comparisons between the late Ms. Parks and Sudan’s own civil rights activist, Lubna Hussein.  The lecture took place as part of the USG-funded Eastern Sudan Workshop Series, coordinated by the Peacebuilding Center for the Horn of Africa (PCHA).  The week long workshop is the first of five workshops to be held over the next few months to prepare eastern Sudan civic society leaders for the upcoming elections in Sudan.  In addition to the lecture,  PAS provided Arabic copies of President Obama’s Dreams From My Father, and the IIP publication Obama: In His Own Words, which were distributed as prizes to several of the activists. 

Global Entrepreneurship Week

 

On November 19, the American Center (IRC) celebrated Global Entrepreneurship Week.  In the spirit of innovation, discovery, and entrepreneurship, children currently enrolled in English and computer courses at the American Center were tasked with building a “vehicle of the future” with legos.  Participants were extremely creative in their designs, with many incorporating renewable energy ideas such as solar energy.  Each participant received a small gift and three top winners received prizes. 

Eritrea: Africa's Bridge to the World

 
Amb. McMullen delivering a lecture to the audience 

On November 12, 2009, Ambassador McMullen delivered a lecture titled "Eritrea: Africa's Bridge to the World." The lecture analyzed recent DNA paleoanthropology. Ambassador McMullen addressed travel patterns of early man using his family as an example. The lecture emphasized how Ambassador McMullen's family left Eritrea 55,000 years ago and eventually migrated to the state of Iowa in the United States.

Supporting Human Rights and Democracy

"We enhance our own security, prosperity and progress when people in other lands emerge from shadows and shackles to gain the opportunities we enjoy and treasure." Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State

"The press is often a target of retaliation by those who feel threatened by freedom of expression and transparency in democratic processes. Journalists are often the first to uncover corruption, to report from the front lines of conflict zones, and to highlight missteps by governments ... " Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State

- Spotlight USA -

Haiti Earthquake Relief

 

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