Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Secretary Clinton on U.S. Human Rights Agenda for 21st Century


"Today, I want to speak to you about the Obama Administration’s human rights agenda for the 21st century. It is a subject on the minds of many people who are eager to hear our approach, and understandably so, because it is a critical issue that warrants our energy and our attention. My comments today will provide an overview of our thinking on human rights and democracy and how they fit into our broader foreign policy, as well as the principles and policies that guide our approach.
But let me also say that what this is not. It could not be a comprehensive accounting of abuses or nations with whom we have raised human rights concerns. It could not be and is not a checklist or a scorecard. We issue a Human Rights Report every year and that goes into great detail on the concerns we have for many countries. But I hope that we can use this opportunity to look at this important issue in a broader light and appreciate its full complexity, moral weight, and urgency. And with that, let me turn to the business at hand."
See complete speech:

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Launching of the Frank and Kathy Baxter Science Corner


The Frank and Kathy Baxter Science Corner of the Alianza Binational Center debuted yesterday with a live video conference featuring former Apollo XI astronaut, Buzz Aldrin.
Buzz spoke with Uruguayan students and scientists telling of his experience as a crew memeber of Apollo XI and landing on the Moon forty years ago, and the future prospects for the peaceful use of space to benefit mankind.
The Frank and Kathy Baxter Science Corner is intended to create an environment of communication between the Uruguayan and U.S. scientific communities for the exchange of advanced scientific information, to provide support materials and to encourage the study of science.
Frank Baxter is a former U.S. Ambassador to Uruguay.
See photos:

Obama’s Acceptance of Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo

Today, President Obama formally accepted the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize awarded by the Norwegian Nobel Committee for "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples."
"I come here with an acute sense of the costs of armed conflict -- filled with difficult questions about the relationship between war and peace, and our effort to replace one with the other," remarked President Obama in his acceptance speech. "There will be times when nations -- acting individually or in concert -- will find the use of force not only necessary but morally justified," he added
See complete speech:
http://uruguay.usembassy.gov/usaweb/2009/09-332EN.shtml

Clinton Cites AIDS as Defining Health Challenge of Today


Washington — Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton highlighted the continued threat HIV/AIDS poses to the world in a special event at the White House, calling HIV/AIDS “the defining health challenge of our time.”
Speaking November 30 with senior administration officials responsible for the global fight against HIV/AIDS, Clinton said, “We are gathered on the eve of World AIDS Day to renew and recommit ourselves” to helping the 33 million people worldwide afflicted with the disease that still has no known cure.
World AIDS Day was adopted by 140 countries in 1988. It is commemorated every December 1 to raise awareness about the pandemic that has killed more than 25 million people since it began in 1981.
Clinton used the White House event to mention a new five-year global AIDS strategy that will be unveiled later in the week and to announce that Washington will host the 2012 International AIDS Conference since the ban on people with AIDS entering the country had been lifted by President Obama.
See complete article:

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Video Contest

To commemorate the independences of the United States and Uruguay, the U.S. Embassy Montevideo has launched an online video contest inviting contestants to submit a three-minute video on the subject "Uruguay and the United States".
The contest is open to all interested parties. Entries can be submitted individually or in teams. More than one entry per person or team is allowed. The videos can be in Spanish or in English. The use of subtitles is encouraged. Videos containing unauthorized copyrighted material will be disqualified.
Contestants must submit their videos, no more than 3 minutes in length, directly to YouTube, as a response to the promotional video of the contest: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qU14W4vqNA.
A panel of renowned experts in communications will be selected to judge the entries. The winner, to be announced as soon as the panel has reached a decision, will be awarded a high definition digital video camera.
The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, August 25, 2009, Uruguay's Independence Day.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

U.S. Regions Experiencing Climate Change Effects Now, Report Says


By Cheryl Pellerin

The first U.S. report in nearly a decade to assess the impacts of climate change in different regions of the United States confirms and extends research that describes rising sea and air temperatures and sea levels, melting ice, intensified hurricanes and many other changes that are happening now. Such changes will continue into the future, affecting water resources, agriculture, coastal areas and health.
Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States, called a state-of-knowledge report, was released June 16 during a briefing at the White House by John Holdren, assistant to the president for science and technology and director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and Jane Lubchenco, administrator of the U. S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The report, in development for more than a year, “tells us why remedial action is needed sooner rather than later,” Holdren said in a statement. It shows “why that action must include both global emissions reductions to reduce the extent of climate change and local adaptation measures to reduce the damage from the changes that are no longer avoidable.”
Findings are based largely on results of the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP), which began as a presidential initiative in 1989 and that Congress included in the Global Change Research Act of 1990. Thirteen federal agencies participate in the work of the USGCRP.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

U.S. Electric System Begins Long Transformation to a Smart Grid

Following the lead of some European and Pacific Rim nations, U.S. government technical and regulatory agencies, electric utilities, energy service providers and private companies are working to turn the nation’s century-old electric power grid into a 21st-century “smart grid”.
More information on our web site:

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Obama to Allow More Travel, Money Transfers to Cuba

Actions intended to reach out directly to the Cuban people
The United States will allow Cuban Americans unlimited travel and money transfers to family in Cuba, the White House says.
Cuban Americans may also send clothes, personal hygiene items, seeds, fishing gear and other personal necessities to family members in Cuba. Businesses will be able to obtain licenses to sell cellular telephones, television services and other telecommunications devices to Cubans, with family members in the United States allowed to pay for them, the White House said.
More information at our web site:

Monday, April 13, 2009

Economic Crisis Top Item on Summit of the Americas Agenda

The fifth Summit of the Americas to be held in Trinidad and Tobago, April 17–19
One of the central issues confronting the 34 leaders of the Western Hemisphere is that the economic gains so hard won over the past six years are being threatened by the downturn in the global economy, says the White House adviser for the April 17–19 Summit of the Americas.
More information at our web site:

United States Hosts 32nd Meeting of Antarctic Treaty Nations

Historic Antarctic Treaty, Arctic Council joint session launches meeting
At a critical time for the Antarctic Peninsula, which scientists say is one of the fastest-warming places on Earth, and the increasing loss of summer ice in the Arctic Ocean, the first joint session of officials representing the Antarctic Treaty and the Arctic Council convened April 6 in Baltimore.
More information at our web site:

Monday, April 6, 2009

United States to Seek Membership on U.N. Human Rights Council

U.S. Ambassador Rice says Human Rights Council must be balanced
The United States believes that working within the U.N. Human Rights Council is the best way to improve the council’s goal of thwarting global human rights abuses, says the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
More ifnormation at our web site:

Friday, April 3, 2009

Doubling Financial Resources for Agricultural Development

Obama calls on Congress to increase support for developing countries

Obama Calls G20 Summit a Turning Point for Recovery

U.S. increases foreign assistance globally across social, economic sectors
President Obama says the G20 Summit is a turning point in the pursuit of global economic recovery.
“The London Summit was historic. It was historic because of the size and scope of the challenges we face and because of the timeliness and magnitude of our response,” Obama said at an April 2 press conference following the daylong summit in London’s Docklands section along the Thames River.

More information at our web site:

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Obama News Conference on U.S. Economy

President also discusses Mexico, Middle East and Iran
At a news conference March 24, President Obama fielded questions about his economic recovery plan, saying, “our economy only works if we recognize that we’re all in this together — that we all have responsibilities to each other and to our country.”
More information at our web site:

USDA Implements Lacey Act Plant and Plant Product Declaration Requirement

Measure aimed at deterring products stemming from the practice of illegal logging
On May 22, 2008, the Lacey Act was amended to make it illegal to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce, any plant or products made from plants—with limited exceptions—to be taken or traded in violation of domestic or international laws.
More information at our web site:

Op-ed by President Obama on Global Economic Cooperation

President says G20 leaders must take bold, coordinated steps

The piece by President Barack Obama was issued by Tribune Media Services March 23 and is in the public domain:

More information at our web site:
http://uruguay.usembassy.gov/usaweb/2009/09-104EN.shtml

Innovation Critical in Battle Against Ancient Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a 500,000-year-old contagious lung disease that kills someone around the world every 20 seconds. A diagnostic test was developed 125 years ago, its vaccine 80 years ago and drug treatments 40 years ago.

More information at our web site:
http://uruguay.usembassy.gov/usaweb/2009/09-103EN.shtml

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

U.S. Navy Carries Filters to Haiti, Dominican Republic, Ghana

The U.S. Navy is working with U.S.-based nonprofit International Aid during February, March and April to transport household drinking-water filters to the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Ghana. This assistance is part of a larger effort by International Aid and partner organizations, which aim to distribute 300,000 filters in Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Caribbean in the next two years through a new network of filter distribution centers.

Monday, March 23, 2009

“Planetary Skin” Tool Aims to Improve Response to Climate Change

Every day, on and above Earth, millions of sensors collect vast amounts of data representing interactions among the planet’s systems of land, air, water and life.


The Planetary Skin platform will capture, collect, analyze and report data on environmental conditions around the world.

More information at our web site:

http://uruguay.usembassy.gov/usaweb/2009/09-101EN.shtml

Friday, March 20, 2009

Remarks by President Obama in Celebration of Nowruz

President speaks to leaders and people of Iran, seeking partnership
President Obama released today a special video message for all those celebrating Nowruz. Translated "New Day," Nowruz marks the arrival of spring and the beginning of the New Year for millions in Iran and other communities around the world. This year, the President wanted to send a special message to the people and government of Iran on Nowruz, acknowledging the strain in our relations over the last few decades. "But at this holiday we are reminded of the common humanity that binds us together," he says.
More information at our web site:

President Obama Interview on NBC's Tonight Show

The President talks with Jay Leno about politics, the economy and adjusting to his new lifestyle
More information at our web site:
http://uruguay.usembassy.gov/usaweb/2009/09-100EN.shtml

Stabilizing Afghanistan Common Challenge for America and Iran

No plans for formal U.S.-Iran talks at upcoming international conferences
In two conferences in March, American and Iranian diplomats will focus on a shared challenge: making new progress on promoting security and development in Afghanistan and the Pakistan border region.
“There are no plans for any substantive meetings with Iran,” said State Department spokesman Robert Wood on March 19, but he added that “it’s not unusual for U.S. and Iranian officials to cross paths during a multilateral meeting, so I’m not going to rule anything in or rule anything out.”
More information at our web site:

U.S. Central Bank Moves to Pump Up Economy

Massive purchase of assets dwarfs previous actions
With its interest rate hovering around zero, the Federal Reserve — the U.S. central bank — has resorted to unconventional measures to infuse more than $1 trillion into the ailing financial system.
The bank announced March 18 it will purchase $750 billion in mortgage-backed securities and $300 billion in long-term Treasury bonds to bring down costs of home-purchase financing and other types of loans as well as to reduce long-term interest rates.
More information at our web site:

Thursday, March 19, 2009

World TB Day is March 24

TB is one of the three leading causes of deaths worldwide due to an infectious disease
World TB Day is March 24. This annual event commemorates the date in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of the bacteria that causes tuberculosis (TB). The World Health Organization (WHO), the United States, and countries around the world will commemorate this day by celebrating the lives and stories of people affected by TB: women, men and children who have taken TB treatment, medical professionals, researchers, and community workers - all essential team members in the global fight against TB

More information at our web site:
http://uruguay.usembassy.gov/usaweb/2009/09-092EN.shtml

Is the United States Headed Toward a New Great Depression?

Most economists say the government's rescue efforts make that unlikely
(...)Today, as unemployment rises and the recession deepens, growing numbers of people wonder whether the United States could be headed toward a repeat of the Great Depression, when a quarter of the work force was unemployed and millions of Americans fell into poverty. (...)

United States to Participate in World Water Forum

U.S. to lead interagency delegation to water forum in Istanbul, Turkey
United States Participation in World Water Forum

Acting USAID Administrator Alonzo Fulgham and Daniel A. Reifsnyder, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Environment and Sustainable Development, will lead an interagency delegation of technical experts to the Fifth World Water Forum in Istanbul, Turkey, March 16-22, 2009.

More information at our web site:
http://uruguay.usembassy.gov/usaweb/2009/09-095EN.shtml

U.S. Companies Focus on Extracting Oil from Algae

Will it be cost-effective someday soon to produce jet fuel from algae — the same green, viscous substances that can choke aquatic life out of a pond? The Defense Department posed that question to private industry recently and is pushing for an answer with funding.
More information at our web site:

State Announces Winners of Global Online Video Contest

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is pleased to announce the four winners of its online video contest, “My Culture + Your Culture =?”.
More information at our web site:

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

U.S. Institute Helps Developing Nations Put Climate Data to Use

As climate variability drives alterations in the physical environment, it is increasingly critical that all nations — especially the most vulnerable — are able to understand and harness climate and weather data in their efforts to adapt to a changing planet.

More information at our web site:
http://uruguay.usembassy.gov/usaweb/2009/09-091EN.shtml

New Guantánamo Detainee Policy Rooted in International Law

Elimination of “enemy combatant” status another step toward closure
The Obama administration has issued new standards for holding terrorism suspects at the Guantánamo Bay detention center that are rooted in international law and mark the White House’s latest step toward final closure of the facility by early 2010.

More information at our web site:
http://uruguay.usembassy.gov/usaweb/2009/09-090EN.shtml

Monday, March 16, 2009

Award Honors, Supports Women Who Fight for Social Justice

First lady Michelle Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton joined forces March 11 to congratulate the 2009 winners of the secretary of state’s International Women of Courage awards, celebrate International Women’s Day and announce the Obama administration’s efforts to empower women everywhere.
More information at our web site:

Vice President Biden Travels to Latin America March 27–30

Visits to Chile, Costa Rica to discuss upcoming Summit of the Americas

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Vice PresidentMarch 13, 2009
Vice President Biden to Travel to Latin America
The Vice President will travel to Chile and Costa Rica from March 27-30 to consult with Latin American leaders regarding the Summit of the Americas, which is scheduled for mid-April in Trinidad and Tobago.

More information at our web site:
http://uruguay.usembassy.gov/usaweb/2009/09-088EN.shtml

Economy Seen as Overarching Issue for Americas Summit

April 17-19 Summit of the Americas to focus on energy, environment and prosperity

While economic prosperity, energy security and environmental sustainability are primary issues for the fifth Summit of the Americas in April, the overarching issue confronting the Western Hemisphere is the current economic crisis, says a senior U.S. diplomat.

More information at our web site:
http://uruguay.usembassy.gov/usaweb/2009/09-084EN.shtml

12 Fulbright Scholarships Awarded to Uruguayan Students and Educators

"Building the Fulbright Future" programs promote English and community learning The Fulbright Commission of Uruguay has awarded six students and six educators with scholarships to improve English language skills and foster community involvement in educational initiatives. The scholarships, presented during a ceremony on Mar. 10, 2009, are part of the “Building the Fulbright Future” program supported by the U.S. Embassy.

More information at our web site:
http://uruguay.usembassy.gov/usaweb/2009/09-085EN.shtml

Friday, March 13, 2009

U.N. Secretary-General Says Violence Against Women Must Stop

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon repeated his urgent call for the international community to unite and work harder to end violence against women, marking the United Nations’ observance of International Women’s Day.
More information at our web site:

U.S.-Supported Foreign Broadcasting Adapts to Digital Age

The U.S. government’s premier international radio and television broadcast organization — the Voice of America (VOA) — will continue to provide timely news and information to more than 130 million people worldwide while pursing innovative ways to engage this audience, says VOA Director Dan Austin.

More information at our web site:
http://uruguay.usembassy.gov/usaweb/2009/09-086EN.shtml

Summit of the Americas Expected to Focus on Economic Crisis

Future U.S.-Cuban relations also will be discussed at April 17–19 summit
A central concern facing the 34 nations at the fifth Summit of the Americas in April will be the global economic crisis and whether the United States will take Latin America's needs into account, say a panel of U.S. specialists on Latin America policy.

More information at our web site:
http://uruguay.usembassy.gov/usaweb/2009/09-083EN.shtml

Thursday, March 12, 2009

President Obama's Address on Education

President Barack Obama gives remarks on education at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce gathering Tuesday, March 10, 2009, in Washington at the Washington Marriott Metro Center's Grand Ballroom.
In the opening of his speech at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the President met critics head on who complain of too much change, too fast...
More information at our web site:
http://uruguay.usembassy.gov/usaweb/2009/09-080EN.shtml

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Obama Lifts Ban on Government-Funded Stem Cell Research

Promising vigorous support for scientists, President Obama signed an executive order lifting the ban on federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research. He also issued a memorandum to "restore scientific integrity in government decision making".
More information at our web site:

United States Recognizes Women of Courage

Eight exceptional women are being recognized by the U.S. secretary of state as “Women of Courage.”
The award “pays tribute to outstanding women leaders worldwide” and “recognizes the courage and leadership shown as they struggle for social justice and human rights,” according to a March 5 State Department announcement.
More information at our web site:

Secretary Clinton's Op-Ed Celebrating International Women's Day

Global problems "are too big and too complex to be solved without the full participation of women".
"On a trip to China eleven years ago, I met with women activists who told me about their efforts to advance conditions for women in their country. They offered a vivid portrait of the challenges women faced: employment discrimination, inadequate health care, domestic violence, antiquated laws that hindered women’s progress".
More information at our web site:

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Singer/Composer Stevie Wonder Honored at White House Ceremony

At the onset of his career, when he was hailed as a music prodigy before he’d even reached his teens, the word “little” preceded his name.
But Stevie Wonder — newest recipient of the Library of Congress’ prestigious Gershwin Prize for Popular Song — is “little” no more, neither in age nor in terms of his global influence across the musical landscape.

More information at our web site:
http://uruguay.usembassy.gov/usaweb/2009/09-073EN.shtml

Illegal Drug Trade Takes Lives, Ruins Societies

The illegal drug trade takes lives, ruins societies and undermines legitimate law enforcement and government institutions, according to the State Department's 2009 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report.
More information at our web site:

Monday, March 2, 2009

U.S. Celebrates Women’s Contributions to the World Every March

Washington — The world-renowned marine biologist, author and environmentalist Rachel Carson is the inspiration for the 2009 National Women’s History Month theme, Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet.
More information at our web site:
http://uruguay.usembassy.gov/usaweb/2009/09-069EN.shtml

Human Rights Report Sees Worldwide Demand for Greater Freedom

Washington — More people worldwide are demanding greater personal and political freedom, but many governments are resisting this trend, says this year’s human rights report released February 25 by the U.S. Department of State.
“A disturbing number of countries imposed burdensome, restrictive or repressive laws and regulations against NGOs [nongovernmental organizations] and the media, including the Internet,” the report says.
More information at our web site:

Record Number of Farmers Growing Biotech Crops

A record 13.3 million farmers in 25 countries are using agricultural biotechnology to help meet the world's food demands, according to a leading agricultural research group. In 2008, the 13th year since biotech crops were first commercialized, farmers planted a record 125 million hectares (309 million acres) of genetically improved crops.
More information at our web site:

Language-Immersion Program Focuses on Teaching Through Play

On a Saturday morning, when many of their peers are probably playing sports or watching television, six children listen to their teacher identify toy animals in Chinese. In a nearby classroom, others ask in Arabic for specific colors as they make paper flowers. Next door, a third group sings in French.

More information at our web site:
http://uruguay.usembassy.gov/usaweb/2009/09-066EN.shtml

Youth Worldwide Join in Call to Stop Use of Child Soldiers

Thousands of “red hands” presented to U.N. secretary-general
Young people from around the world on February 12 presented U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon with thousands of symbolic “red hands” to draw attention to the plight of child soldiers.

More information at our web site:
http://uruguay.usembassy.gov/usaweb/2009/09-065EN.shtml

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Black History Month Honors Legacy of Struggle and Triumph

Washington — Each February, Black History Month honors the struggles and triumphs of millions of American citizens over the most devastating obstacles — slavery, prejudice, poverty — as well as their contributions to the nation’s cultural and political life.
More information at our web site:

Friday, January 30, 2009

Obama Orders Guantánamo Shut Down

Washington — President Obama issued orders closing the detention center at the Guantánamo Bay U.S. naval base in Cuba within a year and placing new restrictions on interrogation of terrorism suspects.
More information at our web site: