Al-Faw Palace, Camp Victory—(ENEWSPF)–January 13, 2011 – 5:50 p.m. Arabian Standard Time. VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Task Force Troy, Task Force 807 Med, Task Force Phantom, USDC, I just want to say I am amazed you’re still here.  (Laughter.)  And I don’t mean in Iraq.  I mean, this is my seventh[Read More…]

Washington, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–January 13, 2011.  INDEX: DEPARTMENT Secretary’s remarks at Forum for the Future in Doha / C Secretary’s meetings in Qatar Secretary’s Speech on U.S.-China Relations Memorial for Richard Holbrooke U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission / Infrastructure Exchange Partnership with Pennsylvania DoT Secretary’s phone call with UK Foreign Minister Hague CUBA U.S.[Read More…]

NEW YORK–(ENEWSPF)–13 January 2011 – The United Nations panel tasked with monitoring the long-awaited referendum on the future status of Southern Sudan continued visiting polling centres in the region today, the fifth day of the week-long exercise. Members of the panel, headed by former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa, met with[Read More…]

NEW YORK–(ENEWSPF)–13 January 2011 – Three Bulgarian crew members working for the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) were abducted in Darfur today, just over one month after three of their colleagues were freed after more than a month in captivity. The incident happened at approximately 10:35 this morning as[Read More…]

Washington, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–January 13, 2011 – 10:19 A.M. EST. See below for answers to questions (marked with an asterisk) posed in the briefing that required follow up. MR. GIBBS:  Good morning. Q    Get any sleep? MR. GIBBS:  About three hours.  Charitably I’d say — I’d round up to three hours, how[Read More…]

WASHINGTON—(ENEWSPF)—January 13, 2011. Timed for tax season, the U.S. Department of the Treasury launched a pilot today to offer taxpayers a safe, convenient and low-cost financial account for the electronic delivery of their federal tax refunds.  The new account card option provides everyday money-saving conveniences and consumer protection features for[Read More…]

Tucson, Arizona–(ENEWSPF)–January 12, 2011 – 6:43 P.M. MST THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you very much.  Please, please be seated.  (Applause.) To the families of those we’ve lost; to all who called them friends; to the students of this university, the public servants who are gathered here, the people[Read More…]

Islamabad, Pakistan–(ENEWSPF)–January 12, 2011 – 5:04 P.M. Pakistan Standard Time. PRIME MINISTER GILANI:  Mr. Vice President, it gives me immense pleasure to once again welcome you to Pakistan.  We regard you as a good friend and appreciate your important contribution to reviewing the friendship and partnership between the United States[Read More…]

Washington, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–January 12, 2011.  President Obama met today with Prime Minister Saad Hariri of Lebanon.  The President commended the Prime Minister for his steadfast leadership and efforts to reach peace, stability, and consensus in Lebanon under difficult circumstances.  The efforts by the Hizballah-led coalition to collapse the Lebanese government only[Read More…]

Washington, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–January 12, 2011.  INDEX: DEPARTMENT Secretary Clinton Travel / Meetings with Officials / Bilateral and Regional Issues / Gulf Cooperation Council Special Representative Gration Travel to Darfur / Meeting with Government Officials and Civil Society / Voter Turnout / Referendum Ambassador Bob Loftis Remarks on Southern Sudan A/S Valenzuela[Read More…]