Category: March 2012

The detention of members of the Damas de Blanco this weekend in Havana in the lead up to Pope Benedict’s visit underscores the disdain of Cuban authorities for the universal rights of the Cuban people.  The quiet dignity of the Damas stands in stark contrast with the acts of those who are standing in the…

NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE: Mark L. Asquino, of the District of Columbia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. Edward W. Brehm, of Minnesota, to be a Member of the Board of…

Last week, the Senate passed a bipartisan transportation bill that will keep construction workers on the job and keep our economy growing.  Now the House of Representatives needs to take bipartisan action so I can sign this into law. An economy built to last depends on a world-class infrastructure system that allows us to transport…

Earlier today, President Obama spoke with President Juan Manuel Santos of Colombia to discuss the April 14-15 Summit of the Americas to be held in Cartagena, Colombia.  President Obama praised President Santos for his work as Summit host and said that he looks forward to a productive visit to Cartagena.  The Presidents reaffirmed the importance…

With the passing yesterday of King George Tupou V of Tonga, the United States has lost a friend and the people of Tonga have lost a visionary leader. Upon ascending to the throne, King George championed a process of peaceful democratization that led to the first majority elected Parliament of Tonga taking office in 2010. …

President Obama called Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas this morning to discuss a range of issues of mutual interest.  The President reaffirmed America’s commitment to Middle East Peace and to the overall objectives outlined by the Quartet.  The President noted the positive efforts by King Abdullah of Jordan and his Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh to…

WASHINGTON, DC— In this week’s address, President Obama called on all Americans to place their bets on America’s future as we reduce our dependence on foreign oil by expanding domestic oil and gas production, increasing the efficiency of the vehicles we drive, and investing in advanced technologies and alternative fuels. While there is no quick…

Michelle and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Coptic Christian Pope Shenouda III, a beloved leader of Egypt’s Coptic Christians and an advocate for tolerance and religious dialogue.  We stand alongside Coptic Christians and Egyptians as they honor his contributions in support of peace and cooperation. We will remember Pope Shenouda III…

Palmer House Hilton Chicago, Illinois 12:13 P.M. CDT THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, Chicago!  (Applause.)  Thank you!  Thank you so much.  It is good to be home!  (Applause.)  Good to be home.  Thank you very much.  Thank you.  Everybody, please have a seat.  Thank you so much. I have never seen the city look prettier — (laughter)…

Minnesota Air National Guard Hangar Minneapolis, Minnesota 3:59 P.M. CDT MRS. OBAMA:  Well, first of all, let me make sure you guys know that everything that we’re doing with Joining Forces wouldn’t happen without Brad.  He is the person on the ground making a lot of this stuff happen.  So, yes — (applause.)  And he’s…