Embassy Highlights
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President Obama’s Fourth of July MessageJuly 4, 2009 Today, we are called upon to remember not only the day our country was born, but also the indomitable spirit of the first American citizens who made that day possible. We are called to remember how unlikely it was that our American experiment would succeed at all; that a small band of patriots would declare independence from a powerful empire; and that they would form, in the new world, what the old world had never known — a government of, by, and for the people. (Full Text)
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Latest Headlines From the
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Secretary Clinton's Meeting with Bolivian Foreign Minister David Choquehuanca  |
Ian Kelly
Department Spokesman, Office of the Spokesman
Bureau of Public Affairs
Washington, DC
July 2, 2009
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton met with Foreign Minister David Choquehuanca today. It was their second meeting this year.
Foreign Minister Choquehuanca conveyed the Bolivian government’s deep disappointment over the U.S. decision not to reinstate Bolivia's trade preferences under the Andean Trade Preference Act. Secretary Clinton welcomed the opportunity to listen to the Foreign Minister’s concerns and continue our efforts to redefine and deepen our relationship with Bolivia. These efforts underscore the United States’ commitment to be a good partner in Bolivia’s journey to a more just, inclusive, and prosperous future.
Secretary Clinton indicated her continuing support for the bilateral dialogue; the second round of talks will be held in Washington in coming weeks. In those discussions, both nations seek to redefine relations and enhance cooperation in areas such as economic development, health, education, access to justice, and counternarcotics.
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U.S. Embassy Sponsors Trade Mission for Bolivian Exporters to MiamiIn an effort to help Bolivian firms initiate or expand their exports to the United States by providing business-to-business introductions and market access information, the U.S. Embassy’s Commercial Office together with the Bolivian-American Chamber of Commerce, Inc., Visit USA Committee-Bolivia, and AeroSur airline organized a trade mission to Miami, Florida June 16-19, 2009. The mission included business-to-business matchmaking appointments with local companies, as well as site visits and meetings with representatives of academia, business, media, as well as U.S. and local government agencies. The delegation was comprised of Bolivian export firms representing a cross section of Bolivian industries with growing potential.
Trafficking in Persons Report 2009 ReleasedSecretary Clinton announced the release of the ninth annual Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report. The 175-country report is the most comprehensive worldwide report on the efforts of governments to combat severe forms of trafficking in persons, a modern-day form of slavery. Its findings are intended to raise global awareness and spur countries to take effective actions to counter trafficking in persons. The assessment includes reports on 173 countries assigned ranks. Commentary on two additional countries, considered special cases, is also included. (full report)
Freedom of Expression in the Western HemisphereAssistant Secretary Crowley (June 12): "Free and independent press is a vital element of any democracy and plays a key role in the promotion of human prosperity, security, and dignity. ... [W]e call on all governments to take steps to uphold the human right of freedom of expression and to uphold the principles enshrined in the Inter-American Democratic Charter...." (full text)
U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Presents NASA Scholarships to two Bolivian StudentsOn June 5, the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Bolivia Kris Urs presented two NASA International Space School Foundation scholarships to two Bolivian high school students. Outstanding students Santiago Murillo of the Cochabamba Cooperative School, and Hugo Ignacio Mobarec of San Ignacio School in La Paz, received the scholarships this year. (more...)
Prominent U.S. Hispanic Leader Visits BoliviaThe Honorable J. Walter Tejada, member of Arlington County Board since 2003, visited Bolivia last week invited by the U.S. Department of State. Arlington is home to one of the largest Bolivian communities living in the United States. Tejada is an outstanding Hispanic leader who is committed to protecting and enriching the diversity of the Arlington area. He also serves as Vice President of the National Association of Hispanic County Officials. (more...)
Remarks of President Barack Obama
A New Beginning
Cairo, Egypt
June 4, 2009I am honored to be in the timeless city of Cairo, and to be hosted by two remarkable institutions. For over a thousand years, Al-Azhar has stood as a beacon of Islamic learning, and for over a century, Cairo University has been a source of Egypt’s advancement. Together, you represent the harmony between tradition and progress. I am grateful for your hospitality, and the hospitality of the people of Egypt. I am also proud to carry with me the goodwill of the American people, and a greeting of peace from Muslim communities in my country: assalaamu alaykum. (more...)
U.S. Embassy Donates Books to the Municipal Library of MonteroThe Embassy of the United States donated today more than 500 books and other publications to the municipal library in the city of Montero, department of Santa Cruz, within the program “Estados Unidos y Bolivia Unidos en la Lectura.” The donation ceremony took place at the building of the Municipal Council of Montero. This U.S. Government initiative, carried out by the Embassy’s Public Affairs Section (PAS), started in 2004 with the goal of reaching 200 libraries throughout Bolivia. (more...)
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Thomas Shannon concludes visit to discuss status of bilateral relationship | | Bolivian Foreign Minister David Choquehuanca and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Thomas Shannon shake hands at the beginning of the talks |
In response to a request from the Government of Bolivia to resume conversations on the status of bilateral relations, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Thomas Shannon was in La Paz May 20-22 leading a U.S. Government delegation including Debbie Kennedy-Iraheta, Acting Assistant Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean, and William McGlynn, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). The U.S. Government delegation met with Foreign Minister David Choquehuanca and other members of the Bolivian cabinet and held meetings on matters related to the bilateral relationship, including political, commercial and other cooperative relations. Assistant Secretary Shannon also met in private with Bolivian president Evo Morales. During a final press conference, Assistant Secretary Shannon said, “I think we have a series of rounds of dialogue before us; this is a process that is going to require much attention and much work. But, based on what we have obtained here today, I believe that the good will and sincerity of both parties will ensure a successful conclusion of our dialogue.” (A/S Shannon’s full remarks in Spanish)
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