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For U.S. Citizens: Registration Begins for the New Foreign Service Selection Process
The Department of State is inaugurating an improved process for selecting Foreign Service Officers. Registration for the new selection process begins today, July 16, and the new test will be given for the first time in September 2007. The Foreign Service Selection Process is open to American Citizens.
The new process takes two familiar elements of proven effectiveness - a written test and a day-long oral assessment - and combines them with review of extensive information about a candidate's work history, education, and capabilities. This new "Total Candidate" approach will enable us to identify candidates with the knowledge, skills and abilities vital to success in Foreign Service work. The new process combines best practices from the private sector and our own experience. (complete text)
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Democracy Fellowships
The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) invites applications to its Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program. Established in 2001 to enable democracy practitioners and scholars from around the world to deepen their understanding of democracy and enhance their ability to promote democratic change, the program is based at NED’s International Forum for Democratic Studies, in Washington, D.C.(complete text)
Statement by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
Assistance Agreements with Gulf States, Israel and Egypt
In advance of my trip to the Middle East with Secretary Gates, I am pleased to announce a renewed commitment to the security of our key strategic partners in the region. To support our continued diplomatic engagement in the region, we are forging new assistance agreements with the Gulf States, Israel, and Egypt. This effort will help bolster forces of moderation and support a broader strategy to counter the negative influences of al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, Syria, and Iran. During our visits to Egypt and Saudi Arabia, Secretary Gates and I will meet with our counterparts to discuss ways to advance security and stability in Iraq. I will also meet the Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Egypt, and Jordan to discuss regional issues in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. Later, I will travel to Jerusalem and Ramallah to continue discussions on the development of a political horizon with Israeli and Palestinian officials.(complete text)
New Web Chats In Democracy Dialogue Series Scheduled for July 26 and 30
July 26 at 18:00: Democracy Dialogues - The Backlash against NGOs, With Thomas Carothers of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace(Enter Chat)
In some countries around the world governments are starting to view nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) as a threat to their power. After two decades of steady expansion of democracy-building programs worldwide, many governments are cracking down on such activities.
July 30 at 18:00: Democracy Dialogues - The U.S. Department of State's "NGO Principles," With Deputy Assistant Secretary for Democracy Erica Barks-Ruggles (Enter Chat)
Civil society organizations – from the media to human rights groups and other nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) -- are often the leading voices for change around the world and often bear the brunt of the pushback from those in power who feel threatened by reform. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's 10 Guiding Principles on NGOs, issued on Human Rights Day in December 2006, guide the U.S. government’s treatment of NGOs and can serve as a guide for other governments, journalists and civil society. Join Erica Barks-Ruggles, a deputy assistant secretary for democracy, human rights and labor, for an online discussion on the role NGOs play in democracies and the importance of defending NGOs under siege.(complete text)
President Bush Discusses the Middle East, Focuses on Assistance to Palestinians
THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon. In recent weeks, debate in our country has rightly focused on the situation in Iraq -- yet Iraq is not the only pivotal matter in the Middle East. More than five years ago, I became the first American President to call for the creation of a Palestinian state. In the Rose Garden, I said that Palestinians should not have to live in poverty and occupation. I said that the Israelis should not have to live in terror and violence. And I laid out a new vision for the future -- two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side-by-side in peace and security.(complete text)
President's Radio Address
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning.
This week, my Administration submitted to Congress an interim report on the situation in Iraq. This report provides an initial assessment of how the Iraqi government is doing in meeting the 18 benchmarks that Congress asked us to measure. This is a preliminary report. In September, General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker will return to Washington to provide a more comprehensive assessment.(complete text)
UAE Student Leaders Visit U.S. Consulate General Dubai to Prepare for USA Trip
Eight UAE national students recently attended a pre-departure briefing offered by Public Affairs Officer Marion Ram at the American Consulate General in Dubai to prepare for their participation in the U.S. Institute for Student Leaders. The prestigious program is fully funded by the Department of State and the Middle East Partnership Initiative and allows students to study in the United States for six weeks. At the summer institutes, the students will receive leadership training and learn about community service. They will also have an opportunity for educational travel and related activities during the course of study. Participating students were selected from a large pool of highly qualified and competitive applicants. All of this year’s eight participants are undergraduate students. The U.S. Institute for Student Leaders is offered through Georgetown University, University of Delaware, Montana State University, Dickinson College and Benedictine College.(complete text)
INDEPENDENCE DAY, 2007
I send greetings to Americans everywhere celebrating Independence Day.
Two hundred thirty-one years ago, 56 brave men signed their names to a bold creed of freedom that set the course of our Nation and changed the history of the world. On this anniversary, we remember the great courage and conviction of our Founders, and we celebrate the enduring principles of our Declaration of Independence.
Through selfless sacrifice and unrelenting determination, the patriots of the American Revolution ensured that our Nation's claim to liberty and equality would not be dismissed or forgotten. The ideals they fought for and the country they helped establish are lasting symbols of hope to the entire world.(complete text)
PRESIDENT BUSH’S REMARKS AT REDEDICATION CEREMONY OF THE ISLAMIC CENTER OF WASHINGTON
The Islamic Center of Washington, Washington, D.C.
THE PRESIDENT: Imam, thank you very much. Thank you for inviting me. I bring my personal respect to you, sir. And I appreciate your friendship. I do want to thank the governors of the Islamic Center. I welcome the Ambassadors. Thank you all for coming. I appreciate other distinguished guests who are here. It is an honor to join you at this rededication ceremony.
As the Imam mentioned, half a century has passed since one of our great leaders welcomed the Islamic Center into our nation's family of faith. Dedicating this site, President Dwight D. Eisenhower offered America's hand in friendship to Muslims around the world. He asked that together we commit ourselves "to peaceful progress of all men under one God."(complete text)
Islamic Center in Washington DC Celebrates 50th Anniversary
Original Dedication Speech by President Eisenhower, June 28, 1957
Mr. Ambassador, Dr. Bisar, Governors of the Islamic Center, and distinguished guests: It is a privilege to take part in this ceremony of dedication.
Meeting with you now, in front of one of the newest and most beautiful buildings in Washington, it is fitting that we re-dedicate ourselves to the peaceful progress of all men under one God.
And I should like to assure you, my Islamic friends, that under the American Constitution, under American tradition, and in American hearts, this Center, this place of worship, is just as welcome as could be a similar edifice of any other religion. Indeed, America would fight with her whole strength for your right to have here your own church and worship according to your own conscience.(complete text)
Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000: Trafficking in Persons Report 2007
"Trafficking in persons is a modern-day form of slavery, a new type of global slave trade. Perpetrators prey on the most weak among us, primarily women and children, for profit and gain. They lure victims into involuntary servitude and sexual slavery. Today we are again called by conscience to end the debasement of our fellow men and women. As in the 19th century, committed abolitionists around the world have come together in a global movement to confront this repulsive crime. President George W. Bush has committed the United States Government to lead in combating this serious 21st century challenge, and all nations that are resolved to end human trafficking have a strong partner in the United States."
-- Secretary Rice(complete text)
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