.
@SecBlinken
spoke with Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan to reiterate U.S. support for the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process. Building on the recent U.S.-EU Armenia high-level meeting, they discussed furthering our relationship and support for a strong and independent Armenia.
.
@SecBlinken
spoke with Azerbaijani President Aliyev to welcome the Armenia/Azerbaijan border delimitation deal, a very positive step toward peace. He noted our desire for an even stronger bilateral relationship and urged Azerbaijan to adhere to its human rights commitments.
We are deeply concerned by the passage of an amendment to existing anti-prostitution and homosexuality legislation in Iraq. This amendment threatens those most at risk in Iraqi society and weakens Iraq’s ability to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment.
The United States is imposing sanctions on 16 entities and 8 individuals, as well as identifying as blocked property 5 vessels and 1 aircraft, that have facilitated illicit trade and the sale of UAVs in support of Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics.
In Beijing,
@SecBlinken
will meet with senior government officials for discussions on a range of issues, including the importance of continued progress to fulfill commitments made in California last fall.
I’m in China to make progress on issues that matter most to the American people, including curbing fentanyl trafficking. We will discuss work underway to fulfill commitments made by
@POTUS
and President Xi last fall, as well as the areas where we have significant disagreements.
We are initiating discussions on an orderly and responsible withdrawal of U.S. forces from Niger. We will continue our support for the Nigerien people as they combat terrorism, develop the country’s economy, and transition to democratic rule.
The United States calls on the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to cease attacks in El Fasher and negotiate an end to the war. Continued fighting will deepen the suffering of the Sudanese people and increase international pressure.
.
@SecBlinken
is in Shanghai – the first stop on his visit to the People’s Republic of China this week. His visit is part of our ongoing effort to make progress on key issues and address bilateral, regional, and global challenges.
Today, the United States sanctioned a total of seven individuals involved in the hostage-taking of U.S. nationals in West Africa. We will not hesitate to employ the tools at our disposal to bring home U.S. citizens held hostage abroad and to deter future hostage-takings.
Iran’s cyber actors threaten the security of the United States and our partners. Today,
@USTreasury
sanctioned two entities and four individuals involved in malicious cyber activity for or on behalf of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps's Cyber Electronic Command.
We welcome the release of Gubad Ibadoglu to house arrest on humanitarian grounds. We reiterate our call for his full, expeditious release and urge Azerbaijan’s government to release all others who are unjustly detained.
The Department is taking steps to impose visa restrictions for 13 individuals involved in the misuse of commercial spyware to target journalists, academics, human rights defenders, dissidents, perceived critics, and U.S. Government personnel around the world.
.
@SecBlinken
spoke with Bahraini Crown Prince and Prime Minister
@BahrainCPNews
about the situation in the Middle East and reinforced their shared commitment to preventing the spread of regional conflict.
The United States is committed to strengthening global nonproliferation by deterring and disrupting weapons of mass destruction networks wherever they occur. Today, the
@StateDept
is sanctioning four entities that are proliferating dangerous missile technology.
Violence by extremist settlers against Palestinian civilians is unacceptable. We’re sanctioning Ben Zion Gopstein - the leader of Lehava - whose members engaged in destabilizing violence.
@USTreasury
is also sanctioning two entities for fundraising for violent extremists.
We urge Georgia not to enact Kremlin-inspired “foreign influence” draft legislation. If passed, the law could negatively impact Georgia’s EU path, limit freedom of expression, and stigmatize organizations and media outlets. We urge all to protect the right of peaceful assembly.
In response to Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel, the U.S. is imposing sanctions on actors involved in Iran’s UAV program; suppliers and customers of one of Iran’s largest steel producers, Khuzestan Steel Company; and automaker Bahman Group and three of its subsidiaries.