European Washington File | United States Diplomatic Mission to Bucharest, Romania

Daily Washington File

Thursday, 19 April 2007

Near East and South Asia

New U.S. Military Chief in Middle East Urges Iraqi Unity
(Navy admiral “guardedly optimistic” but seeks ways to measure success)
Defense Secretary Gates Cites Concerns About Syria, Iran
(Says Iraq’s neighbors should dampen homegrown insurgency, sectarian conflict)
U.S. Prepared To Boost Reconstruction Aid for Lebanon
(Administration officials lobby Congress for additional funds)
Africa
U.S. Ambassadors-Designate to Africa Address Terrorism, Aid
(Nominees for posts in Madagascar, Cameroon, Guinea review priorities)
Economics, Trade and Development
U.S. Presses for Broader Use of Targeted International Sanctions
(Financial enforcement undercuts rogue regimes ability to conduct business)
U.S. Life and Culture
Virginia Tech Victims Include International Students, Scholars
(State’s Hughes assures students, families U.S. is committed to their safety)
USINFO Webchats
Expert on Latin America To Examine Impact of Democracy in Region
(USINFO webchat to cover link between economic development, democracy)
Official Texts and Transcripts
Transcript: State’s Hughes on Budget Increase Request for Fiscal Year 2008
(Public diplomacy requires ongoing support for programs, personnel)
Transcript: State Department Spokesman’s Daily Briefing
(Sean McCormack briefs reporters April 19)
Transcript: Press Gaggle on Air Force One En Route Tipp City, Ohio
(Deputy press secretary Dana Perino briefs reporters April 19)