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Middle East Digest
The "Middle East Digest" is a collection of excerpts from the U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefings that are related to U.S. foreign policy interests in the Middle East.
Secretary Clinton Meets With Bahraini Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Muhammad bin Mubarak Al Khalifa
Secretary Clinton (Nov. 17): "We are very close to Bahrain and they’ve been wonderful partners and friends." Full Text»
Israel Accepts UNIFIL Proposal for Withdrawal from Ghajar
Assistant Secretary Crowley (Nov. 17): "The United States welcomes the announcement today by Israel’s Security Cabinet that it accepts in principle the proposal offered by the UNIFIL Force Commander, providing for the complete withdrawal of Israeli military forces from Lebanese territory in and around the village of Ghajar." Full Text»
2010 International Religious Freedom Report
Secretary Clinton (Nov. 17): "We do this because we believe that religious freedom is both a fundamental human right and an essential element to any stable, peaceful, thriving society." Full Text» Reports» Briefing»
Middle East Peace Negotiations
Assistant Secretary Crowley (Nov. 16): "Our efforts are to get both parties back into direct negotiations as soon as possible. We are engaged with the Israelis. We have engaged with the Palestinians. Our message to both is the same: Get back to direct negotiations, work through the core issues, and get to a just, fair, and equitable settlement and agreement within 12 months." Full Text»
Iran: Harassment and Detention of Lawyers
Assistant Secretary Crowley (Nov. 16): "The United States remains gravely concerned about Iran’s continued harassment, detention, and imprisonment of human rights defenders." Full Text»
Sultanate of Oman’s National Day
Secretary Clinton (Nov. 16): "The historic friendship between Oman and the United States continues to flourish through our partnership to promote free trade, conserve the environment, expand educational opportunities to more people, and to cooperate on many other issues." Full Text»
Egyptian Parliamentary Elections
Assistant Secretary Crowley (Nov. 15): "The United States remains committed to supporting free and impartial elections in Egypt. We welcome the Government of Egypt's stated commitment to expanding political participation and ensuring free and transparent elections, including facilitating domestic monitoring by civil society groups." Full Text»
Interview With Hisham Melhem of An-Nahar
Secretary Clinton (Nov. 12): "The Obama administration is deeply committed to achieving comprehensive regional peace in the Middle East, including peace between Israel and Syria and Israel and Lebanon and the full normalization of relations between Israel and its neighbors." Full Text»
Iraqi Government Coalition Agreement
Secretary Clinton (Nov. 12): "Today’s coalition decision is a milestone in the emergence of the new Iraq and it is a testament to the determination of the Iraqi people to build their own democracy, a goal only they can achieve." Full Text»
Jordanian Parliamentary Elections
Assistant Secretary Crowley (Nov. 10): "Jordan’s decision to welcome international observers is consistent with internationally recognized elections standards and serves as an example for the entire region." More»
Secretary Clinton Phone Call with Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri (Nov. 4)
Secretary Clinton called Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri to reaffirm the strong commitment of the United States to Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence, and stability. More»
Bahrain National Elections
Secretary Clinton (Oct. 31): "The United States congratulates the people and government of Bahrain on the success of its parliamentary and municipal elections. Voter turn-out was robust at approximately 67% and we understand that the voting procedures were peaceful." Full Text»
UN Report on Lebanon
Ambassador Rice (Oct. 29): "The U.S. welcomes [this] report on resolution 1559, particularly its candid portrayal of the continuing threat to Lebanese sovereignty and security posed by the presence of Hezbollah and other armed militias in Lebanon." Full Text»
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The Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs (NEA), headed by Assistant Secretary Jeffrey Feltman, deals with U.S. foreign policy and U.S. diplomatic relations with Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestinian Territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Regional policy issues that NEA handles include Iraq, Middle East peace, terrorism and weapons of mass destruction, and political and economic reform. -Clickable Map
Secretary Clinton Meets With Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Secretary Clinton (Nov. 11): "I know and I’ve said repeatedly that the prime minister and President Abbas are both very committed to the two-state solution and we’re going to find a way forward." Full Text» U.S.-Israel Joint Statement»
Assistance to the Palestinian Authority
Secretary Clinton (Nov. 10): "I am pleased to announce that the United States has transferred an additional $150 million in direct assistance to the Palestinian Authority." Full Text» Fact Sheet»
Secretary Clinton Meets With Egyptian Foreign Minister Aboul Gheit
Secretary Clinton (Nov. 10): "The partnership between the United States and Egypt is a cornerstone of stability and security in the Middle East and beyond, and we look to Egypt for regional and global leadership on a wide range of issues." Full Text»
U.S. Announces an Additional $10 Million Contribution to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon
Ambassador Rice (Nov. 2): "The establishment of the Tribunal was a clear signal that Lebanon’s sovereignty is non-negotiable. We are confident that the work of the Tribunal can continue to help deter further violence and put an end to a tragic era of impunity for political assassinations in Lebanon.” Full Text» View Video»
Case of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani
Secretary Clinton (Nov. 2): "I am deeply troubled by reports that Iranian authorities are finalizing plans to execute Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani. Iran’s leaders have failed once again to protect the fundamental rights of their own citizens, particularly women. Ms. Ashtiani’s case has not proceeded with the transparency and due process guaranteed under Iranian law, and we are concerned about reports of coerced confessions and other mistreatment. The United States joins the international community in calling for Iran to immediately halt any plans for Ms. Ashtiani’s execution and to handle her case with utmost transparency."
Remarks at Millennium Challenge Corporation Signing Ceremony for the Jordanian Compact
Secretary Clinton (Oct. 25): "Our relationship with Jordan is rooted in mutual respect and common purpose and a shared commitment to working for peace and greater prosperity in the region. Jordanian peacekeepers serve in troubled lands far from home." Full Text»
