Biden to Host Event to Reauthorize Violence Against Women Act

Attorney General Eric Holder, Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, and White House Advisor on Violence Against Women Lynn Rosenthal Will Attend

WASHINGTON, D.C . – On Wednesday, April 18, 2012, Vice President Biden will host an event highlighting the critical need to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. 

The Vice President will be joined by Attorney General Eric Holder, Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, and White House Advisor on Violence Against Women Lynn Rosenthal. At the event, the Vice President and others will discuss the Obama-Biden Administration’s ongoing coordination across the federal government to combat violence against women and announce new steps the Administration is taking to reduce domestic violence and sexual assault.

Prior to the Vice President and other senior administration officials’ remarks, domestic violence awareness advocate and Emmy Award-winning journalist Paula Zahn will host a panel discussion with community leaders and advocates to highlight the successes of the Violence Against Women Act and what more needs to be done.

Biden Meets with Vice President Sambo of Nigeria

Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo

Offers Condolences for the Lives Lost in the Boko Haram Attacks on Easter Weekend

Vice President Biden welcomed Federal Republic of Nigeria Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo to the White House yesterday as part of the United States’ commitment to peace and prosperity for Nigeria and for the entire West African region.

The Vice President offered his condolences and those of the American people to Vice President Sambo for the lives lost in the Boko Haram attacks on Easter weekend in Kaduna and Kano.

Vice President Biden reiterated our strong support for Nigeria and its efforts to improve socioeconomic and security conditions across the country, including in the north.

The Vice Presidents discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation on issues of mutual interest such as advancing trade and investment, promoting peace and security in West Africa, and countering terrorism.

Vice President Biden thanked Vice President Sambo for Nigeria’s important role on the continent, and its exemplary leadership during the unrest in Cote d’Ivoire, Mali, and elsewhere.  

Vice President Sambo reaffirmed to the Vice President his Government’s commitment to expanding services and access to electricity, enhancing infrastructure to aid development, and improving the quality of life for all of Nigeria’s citizens.

Photo courtesy of http://connectafrica.wordpress.com

Biden Meets with Prime Minister Thaçi of Kosovo

Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi

Stressed U.S. Support for Kosovo's Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity

Vice President Biden welcomed Republic of Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi to the White House today as part of the United States’ ongoing commitment to peace and stability for Kosovo and for the entire Balkan region.  

The Vice President congratulated Prime Minister Thaçi on the recent progress in the European Union-facilitated Dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, as well as the start of the EU’s feasibility study on next steps toward Kosovo’s European integration.  

The United States strongly supports the Dialogue and looks forward to the full implementation of agreements reached between Kosovo and Serbia, which will benefit the people of both countries.  

Vice President Biden reiterated our support for Kosovo’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.  Prime Minister Thaçi reaffirmed to the Vice President his commitment to help build a region based upon good neighborly relations and to carry out further needed democratic and economic reforms.