Iran Blocks U.S. Virtual Embassy

Statement by the Press Secretary

We condemn the Iranian government’s efforts to deny their people the freedom to access America’s recently launched Virtual Embassy Tehran. Through this action, the Iranian government has once again demonstrated its commitment to build an electronic curtain of surveillance and censorship around its people. The Iranian government’s systematic efforts to deny information to its citizens—to control what the Iranian people see and hear—is doomed to fail in a 21st century when technology is empowering citizens around the globe.

The United States remains steadfast in our commitment to a dialogue with the Iranian people based upon mutual interests, mutual respect, and admiration for a great and ancient civilization. The Iranian government should explain to its own people why it fears their ability to access the information that they choose.

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Vietor: 'We Are Proud of Our Support of Golos'

Statement by NSC Spokesman Tommy Vietor on Russian Government Harassment of Golos

The Obama administration is concerned with today’s decision by a Moscow court regarding the election monitoring NGO Golos, as well as what appears to be a pattern of harassment directed against this organization. We have communicated our concerns to the Russian government in Moscow and to the Russian Embassy in Washington.

Golos is a well-known and well-regarded Russian independent election monitoring organization that has operated in Russia for over a decade. The data Golos publishes is from Russian observers and Russian citizens around the country. International and domestic observation is a normal part of the democratic process and allowing observers to conduct their work unfettered is critical to electoral transparency. As a participating State of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Russia has agreed that foreign and domestic election observers can enhance the electoral process.

We are proud of our support of Golos, which is intended to strengthen democratic institutions and processes – not influence elections – and we believe that citizens everywhere should have a right to report concerns about their electoral processes. The United States has supported and will continue to support those citizens and non-governmental organizations working for free and fair elections in Russia, as we do globally.

Photo source: Own source

Author: UpstateNYer
Permission: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

President Obama Speaks on US-EU Summit with Van Rompuy and Barroso

President Obama, European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, and European Commission President José Manuel Barroso deliver statements on the US-EU Summit.

President Praises Arab League's Decision on Syria

Statement by the President

I applaud the important decisions taken by the Arab League today, including the suspension of Syria's membership, consideration of economic sanctions, and downgrading of diplomatic relations. After the Assad regime flagrantly failed to keep its commitments, the Arab League has demonstrated leadership in its effort to end the crisis and hold the Syrian government accountable. These significant steps expose the increasing diplomatic isolation of a regime that has systematically violated human rights and repressed peaceful protests. The United States joins with the Arab League in its support for the Syrian people, who continue to demand their universal rights in the face of the regime’s callous violence. We will continue to work with our friends and allies to pressure the Assad regime and support the Syrian people as they pursue the dignity and transition to democracy that they deserve.

Obama Speaks with India's Prime Minister

Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India

Readout of the President's Call with the Prime Minister of India

President Obama spoke with Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh this morning to discuss the successful American action against Osama Bin Laden and to review progress in implementing the initiatives launched during the President’s November 2010 visit to India.

The two leaders re-affirmed their commitment to building a global, strategic partnership, including defense cooperation, and looked forward to the upcoming meetings of the Strategic Dialogue, the Homeland Security Dialogue, the Joint Space Working Group, and the High-Technology Cooperation Group. The two leaders also discussed global and regional issues of mutual concern.

Photo source: Agência Brasil

Author: Ricardo Stuckert/PR

Permission: Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 Brazil

U.S. and Russia Vow Cooperation on Global Security Issues

Readout of Vice President Biden's Call with Russian Prime Minister Putin

Vice President Biden spoke with Prime Minister Putin this morning and discussed a range of issues including Russia’s World Trade Organization accession, the Obama Administration’s commitment to terminate Jackson-Vanik’s application to Russia, and next steps on missile defense cooperation. The Vice President and Prime Minister agreed on the importance of continuing momentum in relations between the United States and Russia. Vice President Biden underscored the continued need for cooperation between the United States and Russia on global security issues and pledged to continue to work with Russia on facilitating travel between our two countries.

NSC Responds to Strategy 31 Protests in Russia

The Russian Federation on the Globe

Statement by National Security Council Spokesman Tommy Vietor
on Strategy 31 Protests in Russia

"The United States is concerned by reports of the detention on March 31 of many Russian citizens who were participating in peaceful rallies throughout Russia to demonstrate their support for Article 31 of the Russian Constitution, which guarantees Russian citizens the right to peaceful assembly. The United States reiterates the importance of embracing and protecting universal values, including freedoms of expression and assembly, enshrined in the Russian Constitution as well as in international agreements Russia has signed. Freedom of assembly and freedom of expression are not only vital ingredients of sound political systems, they are essential for economic modernization and broad-based prosperity. Without freedom of assembly, it will be impossible to foster genuine competition during Russia’s upcoming parliamentary elections in December."

Photo source: Wikipedia
Permission: GNU Free Documentation License