Category: Dec2013

In recent weeks, government affiliated armed groups and independent “self-defense” militias in the Central African Republic have committed shocking and horrific atrocities against innocent civilians that demand a swift response by the international community. Today’s passage of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2127 is an important step in preventing further atrocities or an escalation of…

THE PRESIDENT:  At his trial in 1964, Nelson Mandela closed his statement from the dock saying, “I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination.  I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.  It is an…

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Obama announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to key Administration posts: Kevin T. Hanretta – Assistant Secretary for Operations, Security, and Preparedness, Department of Veterans Affairs Paula E. Boggs – Member, President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities Robin L. Diamonte – Member, Advisory Committee to the…

Today, we have lost one of history’s great leaders. I extend my deepest condolences to the Mandela family and to the government and people of South Africa, the Republic that President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela helped free from the cruelty and hatred of apartheid and forged anew into a rainbow nation of hope and healing. I…

Nelson Mandela once said, “A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.”  Mandela’s wisdom and compassion were formidable enough to change the world.  First his courage and then his forgiveness inspired us all, and challenged us to do better.   In the words of the South African poet Peter Horn, he “dreamed…

President Obama spoke by phone this evening with South African President Jacob Zuma to express his heartfelt condolences on the death of Former President Nelson Mandela.  The President conveyed how profoundly Mandela’s extraordinary example of moral courage, kindness, and humility influenced his own life, as well as those of millions around the world.  President Obama…

PRESIDENT XI:  Honorable Vice President Biden, let me again warmly welcome you to China, my old friend. You have long been committed to the growth of China-U.S. relations, and I commend you for the large amount of work you have taken.  And I hope your current visit will help us to further deepen mutual trust,…

THE PRESIDENT:  Hey!  (Applause.)  Hello, everybody.  Hello, hello.  Good to see you.  Everybody, sit down.  Good afternoon.  (Applause.)  Welcome to the White House.  This is a little bit of a rowdy bunch.  (Laughter.) Well, it is wonderful to be with all of you, and I couldn’t be more appreciative of all the stuff that you…

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you, everybody.  Thank you so much.  Please, please have a seat.  Thank you so much.  Well, thank you, Neera, for the wonderful introduction and sharing a story that resonated with me.  There were a lot of parallels in my life and probably resonated with some of you. Over the…

MRS. OBAMA:  Well, hello, everyone.  You guys look great — I’m talking about the front row.  (Laughter.)  You guys look okay, too.  Well, I am thrilled to welcome you all here to the White House.  Are you excited? CHILDREN:  Yes! MRS. OBAMA:  Why are you excited?  (Laughter.)  Because it’s Christmas?  Because you’re going to get…