The Ambassador and His Excellency Dr. Rasheed Al Huraibi meet with local leaders

Ambassador Grappo Visits Dhofar Region and Salalah May 25 - 28, 2008

Muscat – From Saturday, May 25 to Wednesday, May 28 Ambassador Grappo visited the Dhofar region and on his second trip there as the U.S. Ambassador to the Sultanate.  During the trip, the Ambassador met with local officials, citizens, students and U.S. businesses to learn about the issues that are currently affecting Salalah, and to convey the message of America’s interest in the Dhofar.

The Ambassador, accompanied by a delegation from the Embassy Political and Public Affairs offices began his official visit to Salalah on Monday at a reception and dinner hosted by the American firm OCTAL. (more)

Spent nuclear fuel rods are stored in a cooling pond at North Korea's Yongbyon nuclear reactor facility.

United States to Ease North Korea Political, Economic Sanctions
June 26, 2008

Washington -- The United States will remove North Korea from its list of state sponsors of terrorism within 45 days, as long as it can be verified that North Korean leaders have kept their promises and dismantled their nuclear bomb-making program, says National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley. (more)

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei announces June 26 that North Korea has submitted a nuclear declaration.

Congress Welcomes North Korea's Nuclear Declaration
June 26, 2008

Washington -- Key members of the U.S. Congress say North Korea's submission of its long-awaited nuclear declaration is critical to enhancing East Asian security and eventually removing nuclear weapons from the Korean Peninsula.

"North Korea's cooperation will be essential during the weeks and months ahead.  I hope that they will seize this opportunity to improve relations with the United States, as well as their neighbors, by faithfully fulfilling their obligations," Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Joseph Biden said June 26. (more)

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Berlin on June 24

Palestinian Justice System Essential to Mideast Peace, Says Rice
June 24, 2008

Washington -- Security and the rule of law represent the foundations of any successful state, says Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, citing $242.3 million in total new aid pledged to revamp the Palestinian justice system, which is an essential ingredient in the Middle East peace process.

“To feel invested in a future state, Palestinians must have confidence that their police, courts and penal system are dedicated to upholding the rule of law and respecting human rights,” Rice told representatives from more than 40 nations in Berlin for the Conference in Support of Palestinian Civil Security and Rule of Law.  (more)

Protecting Refugees a High U.S. Priority
June 23, 2008

Washington -- Refugees clearly need protection; the challenge lies in determining what types of protection and how best to provide them.

The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) chose protection as the theme for the 2008 International World Refugee Day, observed on June 20, to raise awareness of the plight of displaced people everywhere. (more)