Washington, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–December 23, 2010.  SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending Dec. 18, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 420,000, a decrease of 3,000 from the previous week’s revised figure of 423,000. The 4-week moving average was 426,000, an increase of 2,500 from the previous week’s revised[Read More…]

Washington, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–December 23, 2010. The following is a joint statement by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and European Union High Representative Catherine Ashton on the post-presidential elections situation in Belarus. “The United States and the European Union reiterate their call for the immediate release of the presidential candidates and the[Read More…]

(ENEWSPF)- Iraq is not safe for Christians this Christmas, the Associated Press reports: Iraqi Christians on Wednesday called off Christmas festivities across the country as al-Qaida insurgents threatened more attacks on a beleaguered community still terrified from a bloody siege at a Baghdad church two months earlier. A council representing[Read More…]

Washington, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–December 22, 2010 – 4:16 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, everybody.  Good afternoon.  I know everybody is itching to get out of here and spend some time with their families.  I am, too.  I noticed some of you colleagues have been reporting from Hawaii over the last week.  But[Read More…]

Washington, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–December 22, 2010.  INDEX: DEPARTMENT Salute to Last Class of FSI Public Affairs Officers Graduating Monitoring Senate START Treaty Vote / Secretary Clinton Trip to the Hill Statement on Iran and Human Rights / International Treaty Obligations Cote D’Ivoire Election / President Gbagbo Statements / President-Elect Ouattara Declared Winner[Read More…]

Washington, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–December 22, 2010.  Today the Senate took a great step forward in enhancing our national security by providing its advice and consent to ratification of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty between the United States and the Russian Federation. I congratulate the Senators of both parties who worked tirelessly[Read More…]

NEW YORK–(ENEWSPF)–December 22, 2010. “Today’s bipartisan approval of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act by the United States Senate affirms our nation’s commitment to protecting those who protect us all.  The events of that day were an attack on America by a foreign enemy, and addressing its health impacts[Read More…]

NEW YORK–(ENEWSPF)–22 December 2010 – Condemning mounting rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel, a senior United Nations official today acknowledged Israel’s right to self-defence but urged it to use maximum restraint and ensure that civilians are not endangered. “I condemn the firing of indiscriminate mortars and rockets by militant groups[Read More…]

Washington, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–December 22, 2010 – 10:06 A.M. EST. Participating in today’s Press Briefing is Assistant to the President for Counterterrorism and Homeland Security John Brennan. MR. GIBBS:  Good afternoon.  Good morning.  Good night.  (Laughter.)  Before we take and do our regularly scheduled program, John Brennan — who you all know as[Read More…]

Washington, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–December 22, 2010 – 9:10 A.M. EST THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Hey, folks, how are you?  (Applause.)  It’s a good day.  (Applause.)  It’s a real good day.  As some of my colleagues can tell you, this is a long time in coming.  But I am happy it’s here. Ladies and[Read More…]