Press Releases: Initiative To Address Homegrown Terrorism: Meeting in Rabat, Morocco


Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

June 25, 2018


The United States and the Kingdom of Morocco, under the auspices of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) – and in partnership with the International Institute for Justice and Rule of Law (IIJ) – held a final coordination meeting to review the good practices document developed as part of the Initiative to Address Homegrown Terrorism in Rabat, Morocco on June 25, 2018.

Homegrown terrorists who have never set foot in Syria or Iraq are carrying out attacks at increased levels while being inspired, directed, or enabled by ISIS, al-Qa’ida, and other terrorist groups. The Homegrown Terrorism Initiative is one of many GCTF efforts to address the terrorist threat. The yearlong initiative brought together government officials, criminal justice practitioners, academics, and non-governmental representatives from around the world. Participants discussed the trends and issues associated with homegrown terrorism and the available tools and programs to address it.

A launch event was held in Malta on November 15-16, 2017, followed by two IIJ-led practitioner workshops. The findings from these workshops laid the foundation for a set of non-binding good practices for policymakers and practitioners on preventing, detecting, intervening, and responding to homegrown terrorists. Participants in Morocco reviewed and discussed the draft good practices to identify and address any remaining gaps in the document. The good practices document will be put forward for endorsement at the 2018 GCTF Ministerial Meeting in September 2018.






Press Releases: Houthi Missile Launch Against Riyadh


Press Statement

Heather Nauert

Department Spokesperson

Washington, DC

June 25, 2018


The United States strongly condemns yesterday’s Houthi missile launch directed at Riyadh. These actions only exacerbate the conflict in Yemen and deepen mistrust. We stand firmly with our Saudi partners in defending their borders against these continued threats. We continue to urge all parties to work with UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths toward a political settlement and an end to the conflict in Yemen.






Press Releases: American Soccer Envoys in Pakistan for World Cup Outreach


Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

June 25, 2018


In partnership with U.S. Soccer, former U.S. national soccer team members Tony Sanneh and Lorrie Fair Allen will be traveling to Pakistan from June 24-July 1 (during the FIFA World Cup) as the State Department’s first Sports Envoys to Pakistan. Their U.S.-government sponsored trip is part of continuing American efforts to help youth in Pakistan develop skills to contribute positively to their communities.

The Sports Envoys will work with youth and coaches in Islamabad, Karachi, and surrounding areas, hosting daily clinics and motivational sessions for Pakistan’s diverse communities, including girls from underserved parts of Peshawar. Sanneh and Fair Allen will also connect with Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) members via a Facebook Live program.

In Karachi, the Sports Envoys will provide soccer skills training and convey messages of leadership, teamwork, and inclusion to multiple soccer clubs and academies, including several organizations dedicated to increasing sports inclusivity for girls and women. They will also join World Cup 2018 watch parties and engage with the media and fans in Pakistan.

The World Cup is an opportunity to showcase U.S. sports diplomacy while also providing people with an opportunity to learn about different cultures and connect with fellow soccer fans around the world. Since 2002, the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) has been harnessing the global passion for soccer, among the full spectrum of sports, to build bridges, reach out to new audiences, and promote inclusivity through its Sports Diplomacy office.

For press inquiries in the United States, contact ECA-Press@state.gov. You can follow the Pakistan soccer outreach program on Twitter (@USEmbIslamabad and @USConsulateKhi) and Facebook (@pakistan.usembassy and @karachi.usconsulate). To learn more about State Department sports diplomacy, follow the program on Twitter @SportsDiplomacy.






Press Releases: Congratulations to the New Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, Taur Matan Ruak


Press Statement

Heather Nauert

Department Spokesperson

Washington, DC

June 22, 2018


We congratulate newly-appointed Timor-Leste Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak. The relationship between the United States and Timor-Leste remains rooted in our people-to-people ties and shared democratic values. The United States looks forward to working closely with the new Timor-Leste government to deepen our already strong partnership and to address common international and regional challenges.






Press Releases: Secretary Pompeo’s Working Lunch With His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan


Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

June 22, 2018


Secretary Michael R. Pompeo had a working lunch with King Abdullah today, during which they discussed a wide range of shared interests, including regional stability and the U.S.-Jordan economic and commercial partnership. The leaders discussed their commitment to defeat ISIS, support for lasting and comprehensive peace between Israel and the Palestinians, and ongoing efforts to further strengthen bilateral ties. The Secretary underscored U.S. support for Jordan as the King implements critical reforms to promote Jordan’s prosperity and self-reliance. Secretary Pompeo and King Abdullah reaffirmed their mutual commitment to a strong and long-standing partnership.