Washington, DC - The United States is aware of the decision by the Dominican Republic to begin deporting persons who are deemed illegally present in the country. We recognize the prerogative of the Dominican Republic to remove individuals from its territory who are present without authorization.

Washington, DC - The United States is profoundly shocked and dismayed by allegations and incidents of serious misconduct by UN peacekeepers serving in the UN Multidimensional Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

Washington, DC - Secretary of State John Kerry: "On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I would like to send our best wishes to the Indonesian people on the 70th anniversary of your independence this August 17.

Washington, DC - With the dismissal of the Prime Minister, Guinea-Bissau faces its first governing crisis since the free and fair elections of 2014. We call on leaders to seek dialogue and consensus in resolving this crisis in a manner that both serves the best interests of the Bissau-Guinean people and that establishes a clear outline of roles in order to avoid prolonged political crisis now and in the future.

Washington, DC - Statement by NSC Spokesperson Ned Price on the Explosion in Tianjin:

Washington, DC - The United States is deeply troubled by today’s decision of an Azerbaijani court to sentence human rights and peace advocates Leyla and Arif Yunus, who have been detained for more than a year, to eight-and-a-half and seven-year prison terms, respectively.