Press Releases: State Department Terrorist Designations of Marwan Ibrahim Hussayn Tah al-Azawi and Majelis Mujahidin Indonesia


Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

June 12, 2017


The Department of State has designated Marwan Ibrahim Hussayn Tah al-Azawi and Majelis Mujahidin Indonesia (MMI) as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) under Section 1(b) of Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, which imposes sanctions on foreign persons determined to have committed, or pose a significant risk of committing, acts of terrorism that threaten the security of U.S. nationals or the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United States. As a consequence of these designations, U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions or dealings with Azawi and MMI, and all of their property and interests in property subject to United States jurisdiction are frozen. In addition to the State Department designations, the Department of the Treasury also designated Attallah Salman ‘Abd Kafi al-Jaburi, an Iraq-based, Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) senior leader in charge of factories producing improvised explosive devices, vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, and explosives, and involved in the development of chemical weapons, as an SDGT under E.O. 13224.

Marwan Ibrahim Hussayn Tah al-Azawi is an Iraqi ISIS leader connected to ISIS’s development of chemical weapons for use in ongoing combat against Iraqi Security Forces. ISIS has repeatedly used sulfur mustard in chemical weapons attacks in Syria as well as in Iraq.

Majelis Mujahidin Indonesia (MMI) is an Indonesia-based terrorist group formed in 2000 by Abu Bakar Bashir, leader of the designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and SDGT group, Jemaah Islamiya (JI). The group has conducted attacks in Indonesia, including claiming responsibility for a May 2012 attack at the book launch of Canadian author Irshad Manji; the attack left three attendees hospitalized. MMI also has links to al-Qa’ida’s affiliate in Syria, the FTO and SDGT group al-Nusrah Front.

Today’s action notifies the U.S. public and the international community that Azawi and MMI have committed or pose a significant risk of committing acts of terrorism. Designations expose and isolate organizations and individuals, and result in denial of access to the U.S. financial system. Moreover, designations can assist or complement the law enforcement actions of other U.S. agencies and other governments.

A list of State Department-designated FTOs and SDGTs is available here: http://www.state.gov/j/ct/list/index.htm.






Press Releases: On the Occasion of Portuguese National Day (Portugal Day)


Press Statement

Rex W. Tillerson

Secretary of State

Washington, DC

June 12, 2017


I am pleased to extend warm greetings on behalf of the United States on the occasion of Portugal Day.

The United States and Portugal share a close bond, dating back to the founding of the United States. Our alliance is built upon and strengthened by innumerable ties of friendship and family. The transatlantic relationship between the United States and Portugal remains vital today. Our two countries cooperate closely through NATO and the United Nations in support of global peace and security.

On this important occasion, we reiterate our commitment to further deepen the friendship between the United States and Portugal and look forward to continued cooperation with our Portuguese partners.






Press Releases: Republic of the Philippines Independence Day


Press Statement

Rex W. Tillerson

Secretary of State

Washington, DC

June 11, 2017


On behalf of President Trump and the American people, congratulations and best wishes to the people of the Republic of the Philippines as you commemorate your 119th independence day on June 12.

The United States proudly stands with the Philippines as a longstanding ally, especially as the country confronts challenges associated with terrorism and extremism, including recent attacks in Marawi City and elsewhere. We admire the resilience and strength of Filipino people in battling adversity and building a more prosperous and secure future.

On this special day, we honor the enduring U.S.-Philippine alliance, built on our shared democratic values, growing commerce, and strong people-to-people ties.






Press Releases: On the Occasion of the Official Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II


Press Statement

Rex W. Tillerson

Secretary of State

Washington, DC

June 9, 2017


On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I offer congratulations to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the people of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland as they celebrate Her Majesty’s 91st birthday on June 10.

Queen Elizabeth II has served as a symbol of stability and strength throughout her 65 year reign, even in the face of great challenges and tremendous change. She rightfully enjoys the respect and admiration not only of the British people, but of people throughout the world.

The United States’ partnership with the United Kingdom is as vibrant and relevant today as it was when Winston Churchill coined the term “Special Relationship” in 1946. We continue to cooperate closely on a wide range of regional and global challenges, including countering terrorism, promoting economic prosperity, and supporting human dignity and the rule of law. The United Kingdom is a strong NATO ally and, together, we have advanced our shared security goals and common interests.

The United States looks forward to continuing our close cooperation to address the most important and pressing issues facing our two countries.

I wish Her Majesty the Queen and the people of the United Kingdom a joyful birthday celebration.






Press Releases: Detention of Murad Amriev in Russia


Press Statement

Heather Nauert

Department Spokesperson

Washington, DC

June 9, 2017


We are gravely concerned about the safety and well-being of Murad Amriev, a Russian athlete from Chechnya, who was reportedly detained by Belarusian authorities and returned to Russia, where he may be in custody. Mr. Amriev has reportedly expressed fears of torture and abuse in Chechnya. We urge the Russian government to ensure Mr. Amriev has access to his lawyer and that his rights under the Russian constitution, laws and international obligations are respected. We call on the Russian government to ensure the safety of Mr. Amriev and his lawyer.