China: Criminal Procedure Law

Office of the Spokesperson (State Department)

Question Taken at the August 30, 2011 Daily Press Briefing

Question: What is the United States’ reaction to the Chinese Government expanding police powers to detain dissidents?

Answer: We are aware of recently proposed draft amendments to China’s Criminal Procedure Law that, if adopted, may authorize practices, including forced disappearances, restricting the fundamental rights and freedoms of Chinese citizens.

We are concerned that the proposed revisions may be at odds with other provisions in Chinese law that provide for legal protections such as family notification of detainees’ whereabouts and access to counsel.

The United States continues to urge the Chinese Government to consider legal revisions to its Criminal Procedure Law and other laws to better protect citizens’ fundamental rights and freedoms.

China: Sentencing of Tibetan Monk

A "free Tibet" protest is obscured by
Chinese flags. April 2008.

Office of the Spokesperson (State Department)

Question Taken at the August 29, 2011 Daily Press Briefing

Question: Do you have any comment on the Tibetan monk who was sentenced to 11 years in prison?

Answer: We are concerned by reports that a Chinese court has convicted and sentenced Drongdru, a Tibetan monk, for “intentionally killing” Rigzin Phuntsog, the young monk who self-immolated at the Kirti Monastery in March. The court sentenced Drongdru to 11 years in prison. It is unclear whether he was accorded the procedural rights to which he is entitled under China’s Constitution and laws and under international standards.

We urge the Chinese government to ensure transparency and to uphold the procedural protections and rights to which Chinese citizens are entitled under China’s Constitution and laws and under international standards.

The U.S. government repeatedly has urged the Chinese government to allow access to Tibetan areas of China for both journalists and diplomats so accurate information can be reported.

To resolve underlying grievances of China’s Tibetan population, we urge Chinese leaders to address policies in Tibetan areas that have created tension and to protect Tibetans’ unique linguistic, cultural and religious identity.

Note: Communist China invaded the independent Tibet in 1950, crushing its army and annexing it as part of the PRC.  Tibet has since been forced to adhere to socialism and periodic brutal repression of peaceful protests.  The invasion and annexation of Tibet happened at the same time that the PRC sent its so-called People's Volunteer Army to fight for North Korea in the Korean War and to fight for the Viet Minh in the French Indochina War.

Image by Graeme Bartlett, used courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist): Exclusion from Foreign Terrorist Organization List?

Office of the Spokesperson (State Department)

Question Taken at the August 29, 2011 Daily Press Briefing

QUESTION: With the inclusion of Maoists in the newly-formed government in Nepal, is the U.S. considering lifting the FTO designation from these Maoist groups?

ANSWER: The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) is not included on the Foreign Terrorist Organization list, but remains a designated Specially Designated Global Terrorist under Executive Order 13224 and is included on the Terrorism Exclusion List, pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act. While the Party has taken some positive steps, we continue to have areas of concern which must be addressed before the Party could be de-listed.

Note: The Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist split from the Communist Party of Nepal-Unity Center in 1995.  In 1996 they initiated a “People’s War” based on Mao’s principle that “Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun.”

Since they declaration of war they have attacked numerous police stations and carried out bombings.  They maintain close ties with the Maoist insurgency in India.

FBI Seeks Public Assistance in Solving a 1981 Domestic Terrorism Case

The FBI is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Donna Joan Borup. Borup is wanted for her alleged participation in the violent disruption of an anti-apartheid demonstration at JFK International Airport in Queens, New York, on September 26, 1981.

Borup allegedly tossed an acidic substance into the eyes of Port Authority Police Officer Evan Goodstein. As a result, Goodstein was partially blinded. At the time, Borup was a member of the 19th Communist Organization, a Marxist-Leninist Organization that advocated the armed revolution and violent overthrow of the United States government. Borup was arrested and released on bail pending a trail in May 1982.

On May 20, 1982, an arrest warrant was issued for Borup after she failed to appear for trial. On September 29, 1982, an unlawful flight to avoid ptosecution (UFAP) warrant was issued by the Eastern District of New York.

Borup is a white female between 5’4’’ and 5’6’’ tall and approximately 160-170 pounds. She has brown or blue eyes and uses multiple dates of birth that would put her between 59-64 years of age. Borup has used Rebecca Ann Morgan, Donna Borup, and Donna Austopchuk as aliases. She has family ties to New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

“Borup has been on the run for too long and deserves to be brought to justice for her alleged attack against a law enforcement officer. We’re asking the public to look at these photos and to contact the FBI if they recognize Borup, “said Supervisory Special Agent Tim Flannelly.

Borup’s wanted poster is currently on the Clear Channel billboard in Times Square. The slide flashes between her old photo and an age progressed photo.

Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI immediately at 212-384-1000. Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Moldova's National Day

Gheorghe Ghimpu replaces the
Soviet flag with the National
flag over Parliament. 4/1990.
Courtesy of Wiki Commons

Moldova celebrates 20 years of Independence from the Soviet Union, validating the sacrifices made by anti-Soviet resistance fighters over the years.  It has also been two years since the democratic political parties banded together to check the power grabs of the Moldovan Communist Party.

Hillary Rodham Clinton:

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to congratulate the people of Moldova as you celebrate the 20th anniversary of your independence this August 27.

As Vice President Biden underscored during his visit to Chisinau in March, the United States remains a committed partner and friend. We are a strong supporter of Moldova’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and we will continue to support you as you work towards becoming a free and prosperous part of the European community.

Over the past two decades Moldova's reforms have led to even greater peace and prosperity. I encourage Moldova's leaders to continue to find ways to expand opportunity to even more Moldovans.

Congratulations again on twenty years of independence and best wishes for a safe and joyous celebration.

Intervention at Libya Contact Group Meeting

William J. Burns

Deputy Secretary

Istanbul, Turkey

I want to join in thanking Turkey for hosting this meeting of the Libya Contact Group. It comes at an important, even historic, moment.

The events in Tripoli this week unquestionably represent a turning point for the people of Libya. The departure of the Qadhafi regime opens the door to a new future for Libya. But the situation on the ground remains fluid, and the fighting has not ceased. We must collectively continue to call for the immediate end to the violence, and to safeguard civilian life. Remaining Qadhafi loyalists should lay down their arms and join an inclusive transition now, for the sake of Libya.

We join the Libyan people in honoring those who have worked so hard and sacrificed so much for this outcome—the courageous individuals who defended their homes and communities against Qadhafi’s violence, and the nations and international institutions that came together to prevent a massacre in Benghazi and to support the people of Libya as they stood up to a tyrant. That so many nations and international organizations, including the UN, NATO, the African Union, the Arab League, the OIC, and the European Union, have stood together has made all the difference.

Now we must bring that same resolve to supporting the Libyan people as they rebuild their nation. Libya’s future is far from guaranteed. We know from hard experience that winning the peace can be more difficult than winning the war. We know that what happens in these critical days will help determine whether the people of Libya will be able to enjoy the dignities, freedoms and opportunities they have been denied for decades, and to which they are entitled.

Libyans have made this revolution. It is theirs. In a remarkably short period of time, the Transitional National Council has emerged as the representative of the Libyan people throughout the country and as an effective and reliable partner for the international community. For that reason, the Contact Group recognized the TNC as the provisional legitimate governing authority in Libya at its July 15 meeting in Istanbul. That recognition reflected the enhanced legitimacy of the council as it entered the final phases of the struggle against Qaddafi. In recent days, the TNC has gained further recognitions from, among others, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Iraq, and Nigeria. It is now recognized by 54 countries.

The TNC’s assumption of governing authority also implied many responsibilities, as the TNC recognized in the assurances it gave this group last month. The TNC has committed to pursue a process of inclusive democratic reform, to uphold Libya’s international obligations, to respect human rights and to disburse funds in a transparent manner to address the humanitarian and other needs of the Libyan people.

Now more than ever, we will look to the Transitional National Council to live up to those responsibilities and to implement its transition roadmap. It is critical that the TNC continue to engage with stakeholders across Libya, including those who have served in the government in Tripoli, to form a new, inclusive interim authority that can ensure civil order, respect human rights, provide essential services to the people, and pave the way for a full democratic transition.

As the TNC’s roadmap makes clear, this new authority must represent all Libyans, from all tribes, regions, and minorities of the country. This demands a true commitment by all parties to national reconciliation—revenge attacks and reprisals must have no part in the new Libya. Libya’s future will be peaceful only if the leaders and people of Libya reach out to each other to make peace. And the TNC will need to look to the lessons learned by other countries that have gone through national reconciliation processes to ensure that the victims of Qadhafi’s violence and injustice over the years have credible, legally recognized avenues for seeking redress – and acknowledgement – of those injustices.

While this transition will be led by Libyans, it must be supported by the international community. The international community’s mission from this point forward is clear. We must increase and coordinate our support to the TNC, so it can fulfill its responsibility to provide security and basic services to the Libyan people and sustain its commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and national unity of Libya. The point about coordination will be especially important in the weeks and months ahead. As the events on the ground evolve, so too must our international structures, to ensure we are well positioned to be a reliable partner to the new Libya. The international community owes it to the TNC to agree on our own division of labor so that we can provide support to the TNC as effectively as possible.

There are no shortages of challenges. The humanitarian situation continues to be dire; we must accelerate our help, including our efforts to unfreeze assets and make them available to the Libyan people, to whom they truly belong. Immediate Security Council authorization of the release of 1.5 billion in frozen Libyan funds, which we seek in New York later today, will be an important step in meeting the most immediate needs of the Libyan people.

NATO must continue to protect civilians under the mandate of UN Security Council Resolution 1973, for as long as that protection is necessary during this transition.

We thank Secretary General Ban, and his Special Envoy Abdul-Elah Khatib, for marshalling the international response to the crisis in Libya and supporting this political transition. We will continue to look to the UN, and its very able Special Advisor, Ian Martin, to respond to the needs and requests expressed by the TNC, and to help coordinate the international community’s support for the transition, from humanitarian assistance to technical, political and stabilization efforts, for as long as is necessary and appropriate. We will look to regional organizations and NGOs to do their part as part of the broader effort undertaken by the international community and the UN.

This will be complex, and require concerted effort and effective coordination. But it is critical for Libya’s future.

Together, we have helped save thousands of lives and supported a people’s challenge to the rule of a ruthless dictator. Now that the Qadhafi regime is nearly gone, our support for Libya will continue. The United States will stand with the Libyan people and our international partners in the weeks and months ahead, to help ensure a successful democratic transition. In this regard, we look forward to next week’s Paris conference for the new Libya.

Let us now maintain our efforts, stay focused on our goals, and increase our support to Libya’s new leaders, so they can carry forward the work of building a future of peace and freedom for Libya.

Ukraine’s National Day

Hillary Rodham Clinton

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to congratulate the people of Ukraine as you celebrate the 20th anniversary of your independence this August 24. Twenty years ago, Ukraine emerged from the shadow of the Soviet Union and charted a new path toward democracy and freedom.

Over the last two decades, you have made democratic advances and important contributions to global peace and stability. Supporting and sustaining democracy is never easy. It takes hard work and there are roadblocks along the way, but the people of Ukraine have made it clear that they are yearning for greater democratic systems and freedoms. More than 200 years after the framers of our own Constitution wrote of our desire for a “more perfect union,” we are still working towards that goal and I urge you to continue to do the same.

The United States remains committed to helping Ukraine as a partner and friend as you look for ways to promote democratic institutions, encourage greater prosperity, and pursue European integration. Through our Strategic Partnership, we will continue to work together on a range of important issues that strengthen not only our government-to-government relations, but also the ties between our peoples.

Once again, congratulations on this important milestone and best wishes for a year of peace and prosperity.

Battle for Tripoli Continues

"There is no question that the Qadhafi regime has nearly collapsed. There is also no question that the best thing he could do for his people would be to relinquish power immediately. We stand with the proud people of Libya at this historic time."

Note: The downfall of Qadhafi will signify the end of his 42 year dictatorship and his socialist Jamahiriya party-state.

VIDEO: 20th Anniversary of Estonian Independence from USSR

By Hillary Clinton

Happy 20th anniversary, Estonia! On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to congratulate each of you as you celebrate the restoration of your country’s independence.

Today, we honor the heroes who stood up for freedom 20 years ago – without resorting to violence or aggression. On August 20, 1991, with Soviet troops descending on Tallinn, your Supreme Council declared the reestablishment of Estonia as an independent state. This heroic move gave Estonia back its freedom after 50 years of violent oppression and tyranny.

Reclaiming your independence without the use of force took great courage. But your accomplishments in the years since have been equally inspiring. You have continued to set an example for the world -- first negotiating the withdrawal of Russian troops, and then rebuilding after the damage of years of communist occupation.

Today, Estonia is a shining example for countries around the world yearning for democracy and economic opportunity. Your successes give hope to those in the Middle East and North Africa who are looking to fulfill their own aspirations and realize their own potential.

So as you celebrate this special day with family, friends and loved ones, please know that the United States stands with you – now as we have in the past – standing with you as an ally, a partner and a friend. We are committed to your future and we look forward to strengthening our already strong partnership in the years to come. Thank you very much.

On the Occasion of Hungary's National Day

Hillary Rodham Clinton

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Hungary as you celebrate Saint Stephen’s Day this August 20th.

This June I visited Budapest to participate in the inauguration of the Lantos Institute and reaffirm the commitment of the United States to Hungary's future. Americans and Hungarians share a history of mutual respect and values. Today, we are NATO allies, strong economic partners, and we are working to protect and promote democracy and human rights. Together we are working to foster greater stability in Afghanistan, Kosovo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and other countries around the world. In your own country you are continuing to work toward reforms that will help strengthen your economy and eliminate corruption. The United States stands with you as you strive to preserve democratic institutions and set an example for other countries as they work to establish their own democracies, create open and pluralistic societies, and promote human rights.

As you honor your rich history on this special day, know that the United States sends best wishes to all Hungarians for continued peace and prosperity in the year to come.

Note: For many years Hungary, much like Bosnia and even Afghanistan, was occupied by Soviet troops who held no qualms with indiscriminately killing civilians who were deemed to be “counter-revolutionary.”

Republic of Korea's Independence Day

August 15th is the anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Korea (South Korea), much to the chagrin of North Korea, the People's Republic of China, and the Soviet Union.

Hillary Rodham Clinton:

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send heartfelt congratulations to the people of the Republic of Korea as you celebrate your Independence this August 15.

Our deeply rooted partnership, founded on a shared history and common values, has made both our nations and the region more prosperous and secure. Together, we are collaborating on a wide range of issues -- from strengthening regional security, to expanding trade, to harnessing the potential for green growth and sustainable development. And I am confident that together we will continue to tackle even more challenges and seize more opportunities.

Whether you are celebrating this special day with family, friends or loved ones, I wish all Koreans around the world continued peace and prosperity in the year to come.

Korea: Reunion of Korean-Americans with Family in DPRK

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

Question Taken at the August 11, 2011 Daily Press Briefing

Question: Would the U.S. support face-to-face meetings between North Korean families who fled to the U.S. during the war and are still living here and their family members still in the DPRK?

Answer: The United States would welcome efforts to reconnect Korean-Americans separated from their family members in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) since the end of the Korean War.

As part of their humanitarian mission, the American Red Cross facilitates reconnecting families around the globe, and this would potentially include Korean-Americans with relatives in the DPRK. We refer you to the American Red Cross for more details on their Restoring Family Links services.

Vietnam: Conviction of Blogger Pham Minh Hoang

Office of the Spokesperson (Taken Question)

Washington D.C.

Question: Do you have a comment about the French-Vietnamese lecturer and blogger who is currently on trial in Vietnam?

Answer: We are dismayed by Vietnam’s conviction of French-Vietnamese blogger Pham Minh Hoang to three years in prison and three years under house arrest. No individual should be prosecuted for exercising the right to freedom of opinion and expression. Vietnam’s prosecution of individuals for expressing their views contradicts the government’s commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Human rights are and will remain a key component of our relationship with Vietnam.

Check out this Vietnam War book which exposes how this type of civil rights and human rights abuse by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is NOTHING new or out of the ordinary.

Marx and Engels quotes on War, Terror, and Genocide

Did you not read our articles about the June revolution, and was not the essence of the June revolution the essence of our paper?  Why then your hypocritical phrases, your attempt to find an impossible pretext?  We have no compassion and we ask no compassion from you. When our turn comes, we shall not make excuses for the terror. But the royal terrorists, the terrorists by the grace of God and the law, are in practice brutal, disdainful, and mean, in theory cowardly, secretive, and deceitful, and in both respects disreputable.

--Karl Marx, in the final issue of Neue Rheinische Zeitung (18 May 1849) Marx-Engels Gesamt-Ausgabe, Vol. VI, p. 503

"Until its complete extermination or loss of national status, this racial trash always becomes the most fanatical bearer there is of counter-revolution, and it remains that. That is because its entire existence is nothing more than a protest against a great historical revolution... The next world war will cause not only reactionary classes and dynasties, but also entire reactionary peoples, to disappear from the earth. And that too is progress." -Karl Marx, 1849, Neue Rheinische Zeitung.

"The classes and the races too weak to master the new conditions of life must give way.... They must perish in the revolutionary holocaust." -Karl Marx (Marx People's Paper, April 16, 1856, Journal of the History of Idea, 1981)

“To the sentimental phrases about brotherhood which we are being offered here on behalf of the most counter-revolutionary nations of Europe, we reply that hatred of Russians was and still is the primary revolutionary passion among Germans; that since the revolution hatred of Czechs and Croats has been added, and that only by the most determined use of terror against these Slav peoples can we, jointly with the Poles and Magyars, safeguard the revolution. We know where the enemies of the revolution are concentrated, viz. in Russia and the Slav regions of Austria, and no fine phrases, no allusions to an undefined democratic future for these countries can deter us from treating our enemies as enemies. Slav nationality leaves the revolution entirely out of account, then we too know what we have to do” –Engles, Neue Rheinische Zeitung No. 223, February 16, 1849

DPRK: Divided Families

(Taken Question for Mark C. Toner, Office of the Spokesperson)

Question: Does the State Department have any comment on the possibility of a letter exchange between a small number of North Koreans and their family members living in the United States? Can the Department confirm that a letter exchange will occur? What details do we have about the agreement?

Answer: The United States remains concerned about the issue of Korean-Americans separated from their family members in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) since the end of the Korean War. We continue to do all that we can to raise this issue in relevant fora.

We regularly meet with the American Red Cross to discuss possibilities and modalities to reconnect Korean-Americans with relatives in the DPRK. As part of their humanitarian mission, the American Red Cross facilitates reconnecting families around the globe. We refer you to the American Red Cross for more details on their Restoring Family Links services.