Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–May 8, 2013 – 1:49 P.M. EDT MRS. OBAMA:  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Thanks so much.  Thank you, all.  How is everyone?  Good afternoon.  Please, sit.  Welcome to the White House.  I love saying that.  (Laughter.)  I am thrilled that all of you could be here today as we honor[Read More…]

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–May 7, 2013 – 1:44 P.M. EDT PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Good afternoon, everybody.  Please have a seat.     Let me begin by saying it is a great pleasure to welcome President Park and our friends from the Republic of Korea.  Madam President, we are greatly honored that you’ve chosen the[Read More…]

NEW YORK–(ENEWSPF)–07 May 2013 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called today for the immediate release of four peacekeepers being held by “armed elements” in the Golan Heights. According to a statement issued by his Spokesman, the Secretary General “strongly condemns the detention of four United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) peacekeepers[Read More…]

Funds to Rebuild Region, Make Communities Stronger and More Resilient WASHINGTON–(ENEWSPF)–May 7, 2013.  Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell today announced that the Department is releasing $475.25 million in emergency Hurricane Sandy disaster relief appropriations to 234 projects that will repair and rebuild parks, refuges and other Interior assets damaged[Read More…]

Recommendations Could Lead to Federal Marijuana Policy and Drug Sentencing Reform, Alleviate Prison Overcrowding WASHINGON, DC–(ENEWSPF)–May 7, 2013.  Today, ten House Judiciary Committee members joined together to pass a resolution to form the Over-Criminalization Task Force of 2013 to examine and make recommendations for paring down the federal criminal code,[Read More…]

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–May 7, 2013. For six decades, the U.S.-ROK Alliance has served as an anchor for stability, security, and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula, in the Asia-Pacific region, and increasingly around the world.  President Barack Obama of the United States of America and President Park Geun-hye of the Republic of[Read More…]

Civilian Protection, Respect of Prisoners Crucial in Possible Kidal Operation Nairobi–(ENEWSPF)–May 7, 2013.  All warring parties in northern Mali are obligated to abide by the laws of war in the event of a Malian military offensive against opposition armed groups in the Kidal region, Human Rights Watch said today. Past abuses have[Read More…]

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–May 6, 2013. Index for Today’s Briefing DEPARTMENT Deputy Secretary Burns / London Conference on Somalia Condemnation of Attack in Abyei / Condolences to Victims Concerned by Violence in Bangladesh IRAQ Readout of Secretary Kerry’s Call to Prime Minister Maliki / Sectarian Conflict / Refrain from Violence SYRIA Ongoing[Read More…]

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–May 6, 2013.  May is National Foster Care Month, a time to recommit ourselves to ensuring a better future for the more than 400,000 children in foster care throughout our nation. This year’s theme, “Supporting Youth in Transition,” helps remind us of the important role offering support plays in[Read More…]

Moms From Around Country Share Personal Experiences of Drug War Damage with Video Messages CALIFORNIA–(ENEWSPF)–May 6, 2013.  Mothers from around the country are telling their personal stories of drug war damage with video stories, articles and interviews in honor of Mother’s Day. By sharing these powerful stories of losing loved[Read More…]