Washington, DC - The United States condemns the recent sentencing to prison of Cuban citizens Vladimir Morera Bacallao and Jorge Ramirez Calderon for peaceful protest. Mr. Morera Bacallo was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for hanging a sign outside his home; Mr. Ramirez Calderon was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for joining a peaceful protest asking for improved sanitary conditions and water in his community.

Washington, DC - The U.S.-Georgia Strategic Partnership Commission's (SPC) Working Group on People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges met on November 13 in Washington to advance cooperation in the areas of public outreach, education, health, and cultural and sports exchanges.  The meeting builds on the November 2 plenary session of the SPC hosted in Washington by Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Assistant Secretary Victoria Nuland during the visit of Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili. 

Washington, DC - Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to Paris, France, on November 30 to join President Obama for the opening of COP-21 in Paris.

Washington, DC - President Obama today issued a new Executive Order (E.O.) declaring a national emergency with respect to the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States posed by the situation in Burundi.  The Executive Order is not targeted at the people of Burundi, but rather is aimed at activities by individuals within the government and armed groups that contribute to the turmoil there, including threats to peace and security, actions that undermine democratic institutions, and human rights abuses.

Washington, DC - Secretary Kerry spoke by phone today with Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi in advance of the climate conference in Paris that begins later this month.

Washington, DC - On behalf of the American people, we send our heartfelt condolences to the people of the Republic of Korea for the passing of former President Kim Young-sam.