Lao New Year

Laotian flag

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Secretary of State

Washington, DC

April 12, 2012

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of Laos as you celebrate your New Year.

As we commemorate the 57th anniversary of our bilateral relationship, we reflect on our history of partnership and cooperation. Today, we are building on this foundation of mutual understanding and respect by increasing trade, strengthening law enforcement, improving health, and solving regional issues that are important to the people of Laos and the United States.

As you celebrate this special day and honor Lao culture, heritage, and the rich traditions of the Lao New Year, know that the United States stands with you. Best wishes for a safe and happy New Year.

Note: Shortly after independence for the Kingdom of Laos in 1953, a long civil war ensued between the Royal Laotian forces and the Marxist-Leninist Pathet Lao.  The Pathet Lao won the civil war and began a long campaign of persecution against the Hmong people, who bravely fought against the Pathet Lao and their North Vietnamese Army trainers.

General Vang Pao, a decorated veteran of the several wars in Indochina, was the leader of the United Lao National Liberation Front until he passed away in 2011.  The persecution of the Hmong people continues to this day.

Khmer New Year

Flag of the Kingdom of Cambodia

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Secretary of State

Washington, DC

April 12, 2012

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of the Kingdom of Cambodia as you celebrate the Khmer New Year.

For years, the United States and Cambodia have worked together to create a brighter future for both our people by increasing trade, strengthening civil society, and improving health. Today, we are finding new ways to broaden our relationship and address challenges - from promoting regional security and democracy to expanding global health and development.

Flag of "Democratic Kampuchea"

As you gather with family, friends and neighbors to honor Cambodia's rich traditions and culture, know that the United States stands with you as a partner and friend. Congratulations and best wishes for a peaceful, prosperous, and happy New Year.

Note: The Cambodian people have come a long way since the Khmer Rouge, period, when the Marxist-Leninist Khmer Rouge took power, declaring the country Democratic Kampuchea, and began a genocide that killed 1 out of 3 people in the entire country in just three years.  Google search "Killing Fields" for more information.

The Passing of National Defense Commission Chairman Kim Jong Il

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Secretary of State

Washington, DC

 

With the passing of National Defense Commission Chairman Kim Jong Il, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is now in a period of national mourning.  We are deeply concerned with the well-being of the North Korean people and our thoughts and prayers are with them during these difficult times.  It is our hope that the new leadership of the DPRK will choose to guide their nation onto the path of peace by honoring North Korea’s commitments, improving relations with its neighbors, and respecting the rights of its people.  The United States stands ready to help the North Korean people and urges the new leadership to work with the international community to usher in a new era of peace, prosperity and lasting security on the Korean Peninsula.

Human Rights in Belarus

Concerns About Human Rights in Belarus on the Anniversary of the December 19, 2010 Crackdown

 

Coat of Arms of Belarus

The following is a joint statement issued by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and EU High Representative Catherine Ashton.

 

Today we remember the one year anniversary of the start of the brutal crackdown by the Belarus Government on civil society, political opposition and independent media. Over the past 12 months, the Belarusian authorities have imprisoned peaceful demonstrators, suppressed non-violent protests, and worked to silence independent voices. There have also been credible reports of degrading and inhumane treatment of political prisoners. A number of them have been set free, but we reiterate our call for all political prisoners to be immediately released and rehabilitated, including presidential candidates Andrei Sannikau and Mikalai Statkevich, and human rights defender Ales Byalyatski. We also express grave concern over new laws that will further restrict citizens' fundamental freedoms of assembly, association and expression and that target support to civil society.

 

We reiterate that the improvement of bilateral relations with the United States and the European Union is conditional on progress by the Government of Belarus towards the fulfillment of its OSCE commitments and the respect for fundamental human rights, the rule of law and democratic principles. The United States and the European Union remain willing to assist Belarus as it works to meet these obligations.

NOTE: Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Alexander Lukashenko has been the country's president since 1994. Under his lead and despite objections from Western governments, Soviet-era policies, such as state ownership of the economy have been continued. According to some organizations and countries, elections have been unfair, and political opponents have been violently suppressed.

Image and note courtesy of Wikipedia.

Romania's National Day

Flag of the Romanian Socialist
Republic (1965-1989)

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Secretary of State

November 30, 2011

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to all Romanians as you celebrate your national day this December 1.

Ninety-three years ago the Romanian state was founded on the democratic principles of liberty and equality which are the shared values at the heart of our relationship. Today, we count on Romania as a strong ally as we work together to support the stability and prosperity of Afghanistan, the Euro-Atlantic integration of your Balkan neighbors, and global security through extensive law enforcement cooperation. In addition to those long-standing ties, the signing of this year's joint strategic partnership and missile defense agreements marks a new chapter in our enduring relationship, and we look forward to finding new ways to work together.

Flag of the anti-Ceasescu revolutionaries
during the Revolution of 1989.

As you celebrate this special day with family, friends and loved ones, know that the United States stands with you as a partner and friend. Congratulations and best wishes for a year of peace and prosperity.

Note: The Romanian people have come a long way and overcome much poverty since overthrowing the Marxist totalitarian dictatorship of Nikolai Ceausescu.

Both images used are in the public domain and were obtained from Wikimedia Commons.

Zambia’s National Day

Flag of Zambia

Hillary Clinton

Secretary of State

 

I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of Zambia as you celebrate your 47th anniversary of independence this October 24.

 

The United States and Zambia have a long history of partnership and cooperation. We have worked to expand access to health care, improve education, stimulate economic growth, and promote greater democratic freedoms. In your recent electoral process, the people of Zambia demonstrated a commitment to peace and democratic transition, inaugurating Zambia’s fifth president since independence. We look forward to working together in even more ways as we pursue our shared goals.

 

As you celebrate this special day with family, friends and loved ones, know that the United States stands with you as a partner and friend. Congratulations and best wishes on a year of peace, prosperity, and opportunity.

Note: Zambia has come a long way since its independence. The first President, Kenneth Kaunda, was a sponsor of terrorism, especially of anti-Rhodesian militant groups. From 1972 to 1991 the socialist United National Independence Party was the only legal political party, making Zambia a socialist one-party state.  The country in its youth also developed close ties to the Soviet Union, the People's Republic of China, and Baathist Iraq.

In the 2000s, the Zambian economy has stabilized, inflation has lowered, GDP has grown, and foreign investments have gone up.

Flag of Zambia image is in the public domain and was obtained from Wikimedia Commons.

Deaths of Turkish Soldiers in PKK Attacks

Current flag of the PKK

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Secretary of State

October 19, 2011

 

The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms the recent attacks by the PKK in Turkey’s Hakkari province. I join President Obama in offering our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of all those killed and injured in this tragedy. We will continue our strong cooperation with Turkey as we work to combat violent extremism in all its forms and safeguard the security of peace-loving people everywhere.

Note: The PKK (Kurdistan Workers Party) is Marxist Kurdish Nationalist insurgency within Turkey and a designated terrorist organization waging an armed campaign since 1978, including international bombings and securing of funds through drug trafficking.

PKK flag image is the property of "Herm" and is used via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.  The image was obtained from Wikimedia Commons.

Federal Republic of Germany's National Day

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Secretary of State

East German Volkspolizei (People's

Police) wait for the official opening of

the Brandernerg Gate, 22 DEC 1989

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to congratulate the people of Germany as you celebrate the anniversary of German reunification this October 3. Just over 20 years ago, Germany’s reunification was not a foregone conclusion. Today, the story of Germany inspires countries around the world. You eradicated old prejudices and borders and came together as a nation. Over the last 20 years, Germany has committed to building a strong, peaceful country and you have influenced countless others to do the same. Today, you are a foundation for the European Union and NATO. In almost every corner of the globe, from the Middle East, to Asia, to South America, Germany stands as a powerful force for democracy and human rights.

Re-enactment of the V-J Day

Times Square photo by a

German couple, 12:01 AM on

Reunification night, Cologne.

I hope this anniversary is a time for every German to reflect on how far your country has come. You should be proud of the example you have set. I send my deepest congratulations and look forward to strengthening our cooperation even more as we work to build a more peaceful and prosperous world.

Note: The free and prosperous Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) absorbed the socialist German Democratic Republic (East Germany) failed state on October 3, 1990, bringing instant job opportunities, wealth, and a higher standard of living to the beleagured citizens of the USSR's puppet state.


The Volkspolizei photo is in the public domain. Kissing photo by Gary Mark Smith, used via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.  Both were obtained from Wikimedia Commons.

Armenia's Independence Day

The coat of arms of Soviet Armenia

Hillary Clinton

“On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of Armenia as you celebrate the 20th anniversary of your Independence this September 21.

The United States values our relationship with Armenia, rooted in mutual respect and interests. Together, we are working to reduce poverty, expand trade and investment, promote the work of civil society groups and broaden access to healthcare. As we celebrate the bonds between our two countries and honor Armenia’s rich cultural heritage, we reaffirm the commitment of the United States to strengthen the cooperation between our two countries.

Whether you celebrate with family, friends or loved ones, know that the United States is a partner and friend. Congratulations and best wishes to all Armenians around the world for a peaceful and prosperous year to come.”

Note: Armenia’s sovereignty was hijacked by the Bolsheviks and incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1922.  Along with other Baltic states, Armenia declared independence from the USSR in 1991.

Image used above is in the public domain and was obtained from Wikimedia Commons.

Ballistic Missile Defense Agreement Between the United States of America and Romania

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

September 13, 2011

The United States welcomes the strong commitment of Romania to join a growing group of allies and partners that are contributing to efforts to counter existing and emerging ballistic missile threats in the Twenty-First Century.

Today, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Romania’s Foreign Minister Teodor Baconschi signed the Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Romania on the Deployment of the Ballistic Missile Defense System in Romania. This Agreement calls for the establishment and operation of a U.S. land-based SM-3 ballistic missile defense (BMD) system in Romania. The deployment to Romania is anticipated to occur in the 2015 timeframe as part of the second phase of the European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA). In addition to deepening the bilateral strategic relationship between our two countries, cooperation in this area will make a substantial contribution to NATO’s collective security and will be an integral part of a NATO missile defense capability.

The EPAA will provide protection of NATO European territories and populations, including Romania, and augment protection of the United States. This Agreement is an important step in our efforts to protect from the growing threat posed by the proliferation of ballistic missiles of increasingly greater ranges, lethality, and sophistication, and potentially armed with weapons of mass destruction. The BMD interceptor site in Romania will provide a defensive capability to protect Europe and the United States against ballistic missiles launched from the Middle East.

Upon ratification by the Romanian Parliament and entry into force, the ballistic missile defense agreement will allow the United States to construct, maintain, and operate a facility encompassing the land-based SM-3 ballistic missile defense system.

Technical Aspects of the United States Ballistic Missile Defense System in Romania

In May 2011, the United States and Romania jointly selected the Deveselu Air Base near Caracal, Romania, to host a U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense System which employs the SM-3 interceptor (also referred to as the “Aegis Ashore System”). The United States will provide the Romanian Government with situational awareness into operations at the ballistic missile defense facility, which includes receiving information on ballistic missiles tracked by the missile defense system and the status of the U.S. missile defense of Europe.

•U.S. and Romanian military forces will cooperate in providing physical security for the missile defense interceptor facility.

•The site will consist of a radar deckhouse and associated Aegis command, control, and communications suite. Separately, it will house a number of launch modules containing SM-3 interceptors. The United States Government will be financially responsible for the construction of its facility and for the deployment, operations, and maintenance of its ballistic missile defense system. The United States will also be responsible for those services requested and received, such as utilities.

•Personnel can live and work safely near the Aegis radar system. The United States has safely operated the Aegis Radar Test site in Moorestown, New Jersey for over 30 years without any danger to people or the environment.

•SM-3 interceptors are for defensive purposes only and have no offensive capability. They carry no explosive warheads of any type, and rely on their kinetic energy to collide with and destroy incoming enemy ballistic missile warheads.

•The Aegis Ashore configuration of the ballistic missile defense system will be thoroughly tested at a specialized test center at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) in Hawaii starting in 2014.

Characteristics of the United States Ballistic Missile Defense System in Romania

•The U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense site is approximately 430 acres (175 hectares) and is located within the existing Romanian Air Base at Deveselu.

•An estimated 150 to 200 military, government civilians, and support contractors will be required to operate the U.S. facility at the site.

•SM-3 Interceptors based in Romania will not be used for flight tests, and will be launched only in defense against an actual attack.

Proven Defensive Capabilities

•The Aegis Ashore ballistic missile defense system incorporates decades of reliable and effective operations of the Aegis ship-based system into its design and test program.

•The Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System has been proven effective through repeated testing. Since 2002, the system has been successful in 22 of 27 flight tests with the SM-3 interceptor.

Note: Romania was formerly part of the Eastern Bloc.  Since the end of World War II it was ruled by a repressive socialist regime until the overthrow of Nikolai Ceaucescu in 1989.

The Slovak Republic’s National Day

Hillary Rodham Clinton

September 1, 2011

Note: Czechoslovakia was one country ruled brutally by the Soviet Union.  The Prague Spring in 1968 brought a brief hope of democracy until the Soviet Army invaded Czechoslovakia, instated a new puppet government, and did away with the “counter-revolution.”  After the fall of the USSR, free elections resulted in the partition of Czechoslovakia as independent democratic countries: the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic, commonly known as Slovakia.

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of the Slovak Republic on the anniversary of your constitution this September 1.

Nineteen years ago, the people of Slovakia adopted an independent constitution that enabled your country’s extraordinary transition to a sustainable democracy. Today the Slovak Republic is a pillar of regional stability, a leader in economic integration, and a model for security cooperation. Our two nations share a mutual commitment to promoting freedom and defending our shared democratic values around the world. The strong cultural and familial ties between Slovakia and the United States have fostered a close partnership and an enduring friendship between our countries and our people.

As you celebrate this milestone in your democratic heritage, I wish all Slovaks continued peace and prosperity in the year to come.

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.

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.

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.

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.