Secretary of State Rice on American Realism
"There is not one challenge in the world today that will get better if we approach it without confidence in the appeal and effectiveness of our ideals -- political and economic freedom, open markets and free trade, human dignity and human rights, equal opportunity and the rule of law. Without these principles, backed by all forms of national power, we may be able to manage global problems for awhile, but we will not lay a foundation to solve them. This is the core of America’s approach to the world. We do not accept a firm distinction between our national interests and our universal ideals, and we seek to marry our power and our principles together to achieve great and enduring progress. This American approach to the world …is as old as America itself. I have referred to this tradition as American Realism."
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
Jaunary 23, 2008
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In Focus
Ambassador Kenney calls on all to be “voice” of human trafficking victims
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Victims of human trafficking, according to U.S. Ambassador Kristie Kenney, are “sold into slavery” and “don’t have a voice.” In remarks at the launching in Manila on August 19 of a |
multi-sectoral campaign against human trafficking, Ambassador Kenney said, “We have to be that voice. And we have to be loud.” At the same launching ceremony, Ambassador Kenney presented to Cecilia Oebanda Flores the 2008 State Department award that recognizes her as one of 2008 “heroes” against “modern-day slavery.” [Full text ] |
U.S. launches 3-minute video contest on democracy
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The U.S. Department of State has launched an international contest for a three-minute video that completes the phase “Democracy is…” A winner each from six geographical |
regional regions will be chosen and awarded an all-expense paid trip to Washington, New York and Hollywood, screening of the winning videos, exposure to the U.S. film and television industry and filmmakers, and meetings with democracy advocates from government, the media and civil society. Contestants may enter anonymously, but anonymous winners cannot collect the grand prize, the State Department’s announcement said. The competition is open from September 15 to December 15 this year, and winners will be announced in September 2009. [Full text ]
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Ambassador Receives Honor Membership, Discusses Peace
and Prosperity in Mindanao
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Ambassador Kristie Kenney spoke
at the 45th National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP)
Founding Anniversary and Alumni Homecoming and Convention
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on August 15. Kenney was given honorary
membership and NDCP alumnae Senator Loren Legarda presented
Ambassador Kenney with a symbolic key welcoming her into Regular
Class 27. During her remarks, Kenney said, “a Mindanao that
reaches its economic potential is a Mindanao that helps all
of the Philippines. It is economic growth that is moving forward
and that by the way is very good for one of your key trading
partners, the United States of America. It builds the economy
of both of our countries and that of many other important trading
partners.” [Full text ]
To listen to the speech [Click here.]
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Bush Pledges Continued Commitment to Asia, Yet Still
Concerns in Region
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President George W. Bush arrived in China today to watch the opening of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. China is the last leg of his eight-day Asian tour which began August 4 and included |
stops in South Korea and Thailand. During his remarks in Bangkok on August 7, the President highlighted increased U.S. security cooperation with Australia, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea and Thailand, and pledged his continued commitment to Asia and that he was confident that Asia would “continue to grow in opportunity, achievement and influence.” However, Bush also noted some concerns in the region; the continued threat of terror, a desire to end tyranny in Burma and the lack of religious freedom and human right abuses in China. [Full article text]
For the transcript of President Bush’s speech [Click here] |
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Read the Philippines
portion in the following U.S. Government Annual Reports:
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Arms To Farms (streaming
video)
In the southern Philippines' Mindanao region,
thousands of former combatants of the Moro National Liberation Front
(MNLF) have made the transition from fighting to peaceful and
productive civilian lives. "Arms to Farms" profiles four former MNLF
rebels and shows how USAID's LEAP program enabled them to reap the
benefits of their choice of peace over war. |
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U.S. Ambassador Kristie Kenney talks with the members of the local media and staffers of the University of the Philippines’ newspaper during a visit to Quezon City on August 20. In the same trip to Metro Manila’s biggest city, she had similar discussion on U.S. elections and U.S.-Philippines issues with Ateneo de Manila University students, paid courtesy calls on the two universities senior officials and on Quezon City Mayor Sonny Belmonte. (Click the picture to view the photo gallery.)
U.S. Ambassador Kristie Kenney and Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. (second, left) look up at the Philippine flag as the Philippine national anthem is played during the flag raising ceremony at the Quezon City Hall on July 28. In her remarks following the ceremony, Ambassador Kenney praised the city as “a beautiful, progressive and vibrant city, a great place for culture and fine dining.” (Click the picture to view the photo gallery.)
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U.S. Ambassador Kristie Kenney and Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat free a green sea turtle, returning the endangered animal back to its natural habitat. On July 10, Ambassador Kenney and Secretary Hermogenes Esperon, Presidential Advisor on the Peace Process, visited Zamboanga and Basilan to meet with local citizens and officials and visit U.S.-supported partnerships in the region. The trip included turn-over ceremonies for books and library enhancements for the Santa Barbara Social Development Center in Zamboanga; a Community Learning and Information Center (CLIC) Assistance Package with an internet connection device, 6 computers, software, a local area network connector, a printer and books to the Cabaluay National High School; and a bridge over the Camanse River in Lamitan, Basilan. (Click the picture to view the photo gallery.)
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American and Filipino officials watch the inaugural ceremony of the reenactment of the arrival of the Thomasites at the Baguio Teachers’ Camp held on July 5. U.S. Ambassador Kristie Kenney visited Baguio to celebrate July 4th which is U.S. Independence Day as well as Filipino-American Friendship day. She also joined in the tribute to the centennial anniversary of the arrival of the Thomasites. (Click the picture to view the photo gallery.)
Ambassador Kristie Kenney and Philippine Foreign Affairs Under Secretary Manuel Enrique Manalo make a toast for continued strong U.S. - Philippine relations during the American Independence Day reception the Ambassador hosted at the U.S. Embassy in Manila on July 3. Officials from the Philippine government, guests from the diplomatic and American communities and various other sectors including local businesses, NGOs and the arts attended the annual U.S. Embassy event. (Click the picture to view the photo gallery.)
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