Category: January 2014

President Obama spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin today on a range of bilateral and global issues.  They discussed the situation in Syria, including preparations for the Geneva II conference and the ongoing international program to remove and destroy Syria’s chemical weapons.  They discussed U.S.-Russian cooperation in the P5+1 process on Iran and the start…

Today, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that Iran has taken the initial specific steps it committed to on or by January 20th, as part of the Joint Plan of Action between the P5+1 (the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia, and China, coordinated by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton), and Iran.  As…

WASHINGTON, DC – To honor the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service and Dr. King’s life and legacy, the President and Mrs. Obama, the Vice President, Cabinet Secretaries, and other senior administration officials participated in community service projects and events.  The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service is an opportunity…

We are deeply concerned by the violence taking place today on the streets of Kyiv and urge all sides to immediately de-escalate the situation. The increasing tension in Ukraine is a direct consequence of the government failing to acknowledge the legitimate grievances of its people. Instead, it has moved to weaken the foundations of Ukraine’s democracy by…

WASHINGTON, DC—In this week’s address, President Obama said 2014 will be a year of action, and called on both parties to help make this a breakthrough year for the United States by bringing back more good jobs and expanding opportunities for the middle class. The audio of the address and video of the address will…

The United States joins the international community in condemning the Taliban’s attack on a restaurant in Kabul, Afghanistan, which has killed 21 civilians and injured others.  We send condolences to all the victims of the attack and their families, and pray for a speedy recovery for those injured. There is no possible justification for this…

This afternoon, Vice President Biden spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. The Vice President discussed with Prime Minister Maliki the United States’ support for Iraq’s fight against the Islamist State of Iraq and the Levant. The two leaders agreed on the importance of the Iraqi government’s continued outreach to local and tribal leaders in…

Department of Justice Washington, D.C. 11:15 A.M. EST THE PRESIDENT:  At the dawn of our Republic, a small, secret surveillance committee borne out of the “The Sons of Liberty” was established in Boston.  And the group’s members included Paul Revere.  At night, they would patrol the streets, reporting back any signs that the British were…

New Executive Office Building Washington, D.C. 5:05 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, everybody.  Have a seat, have a seat.  Now, this is not usually where I do bill signings.  (Laughter.)  But in addition to the opportunity to take a walk — and whenever I get a chance to take a walk I seize it —…

PRESIDENTIAL POLICY DIRECTIVE/PPD-28 SUBJECT: Signals Intelligence Activities The United States, like other nations, has gathered intelligence throughout its history to ensure that national security and foreign policy decisionmakers have access to timely, accurate, and insightful information. The collection of signals intelligence is necessary for the United States to advance its national security and foreign policy…