Ranking Member's Press
Kerry Legislation Will Support Economic Stability And Democracy In Egypt And Tunisia
Washington, D.C. -Senate Foreign Relations Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) joined today with Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Joe Lieberman (I-CT) in announcing plans to introduce legislation creating two new enterprise funds for Egypt and Tunisia. These funds support private entrepreneurs and businesses and help create jobs to further economic prosperity in both countries. This will in turn encourage the democracy movements in both countries by providing opportunity through financial investment and t… Continue Reading
March 08, 2011
Chairman Kerry Marks The 100th Anniversary Of International Women’s Day
Washington, D.C. -To mark the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) released the following statement: "Today, on International Women's Day, we take time not only to honor the contributions of women around the world, but to pledge our support and steadfast commitment to helping women seek equality in all aspects of society. It's no secret that around the world, the unique talents of women are undervalued. We must empower t… Continue Reading
March 08, 2011
Chairman Kerry Welcomes Talks Between Serbia And Kosovo
Washington, D.C.-Beginning today, Serbia and Kosovo will hold direct talks for the first time since Kosovo declared independence three years ago. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) released a statement commending the European Union sponsored talks to address a number of disputed issues, including border transit. "A decade ago, the tragic conflict in Kosovo attracted the attention of the world," said Chairman Kerry. "Painstaking efforts by individuals on both sides o… Continue Reading
March 03, 2011
Chairman Kerry Opening Statement At Hearing On The Global Economy
Washington, D.C. -Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) chaired a hearing this afternoon on "Navigating a Turbulent Global Economy - Implications for the United States." Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner testified before the Committee. Full text of Chairman Kerry's statement as prepared: I'm very pleased to welcome Secretary Geithner here today. We are all aware that the economic challenges that America faces today increasingly blur the line between domestic … Continue Reading
March 03, 2011
Chairman Kerry Concerned About Efforts To Remove Muhammad Yunus From Bank Post
Washington, D.C. -Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) released the following statement on the possible removal of Nobel-winning microfinance pioneer Muhammad Yunus as Managing Director of the Grameen Bank, which he founded: "I am deeply concerned by efforts to remove Muhammad Yunus as managing director of the Grameen Bank. The international community will watch this situation closely, and I hope that both sides can reach a compromise that maintains Grameen Bank's aut… Continue Reading
March 02, 2011
Chairman Kerry Unveils New Financial Package To Promote Democracy In The Arab World
Washington, DC - During today's foreign affairs budget hearing, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) unveiled plans to develop a new package of significant financial assistance to promote democracy and economic transformation in the Arab world. Chairman Kerry stated: "Events this powerful demand a response of equal power. Our commitment now to the ordinary people who are risking their lives to win human rights and democracy will be remembered for generations in the Ara… Continue Reading
March 02, 2011
Chairman Kerry Opening Statement At Foreign Affairs Budget Hearing
Washington, D.C. -Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) chaired a hearing this morning on national security and the foreign policy priorities in President Obama's 2012 international affairs budget. Full text of Chairman Kerry's statement as prepared: Madame Secretary, it is a pleasure to see you again, and I cannot think of a more relevant moment for you to appear before this Committee. We have joined with allies in making clear that Col. Qadhafi must go. He has los… Continue Reading
March 02, 2011
Chairman Kerry Repeats Call For Qadhafi To Leave And Urges Consideration Of A No-Fly Zone Over Libya
Washington, D.C. -During this morning's foreign affairs budget hearing, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) again called for Colonel Moammar Qadhafi to step down and urged consideration of a no-fly zone over Libya. "We have joined with allies in making clear that Col. Qadhafi must go. He has lost all legitimacy. We cannot be half way about that goal. The people of Libya do not ask for or need foreign troops on the ground. They are committed to doing what is necess… Continue Reading
March 02, 2011
Chairman Kerry Condemns Assassination Of Pakistani Cabinet Minister Bhatti
Washington, DC - Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) released a statement condemning today's assassination of Shahbaz Bhatti, Pakistan's Minister for Minority Affairs, outside his home in Islamabad: "Mr. Bhatti was a brave defender of all of Pakistan's religious and ethnic minorities and his death is a loss to his country and his family. Coming so soon after the killing of Punjab Governor Salman Taseer, another strong advocate for tolerance and moderation, today's act… Continue Reading
March 01, 2011
Chairman Kerry Calls For Vigorous Diplomacy With North Korea
Washington, D.C. -Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) chaired a hearing this morning on the troubling developments on the Korean Peninsula and what can be done to break North Korea's cycle of provocations. Two panels of witnesses, including Special Representative Stephen Bosworth, Assistant Secretary Kurt Campbell, and three experts from the private sector testified before the Committee. "Now, we all have grown weary of North Korea's brinksmanship - a habit of ra… Continue Reading
February 28, 2011
Chairman Kerry Announces Foreign Relations Committee Subcommittee Chairmanships
WASHINGTON, D.C. -Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) released the following statement to announce Foreign Relations Committee subcommittee chairmanships for the 112th Congress: "The challenges we face this year are enormous, and we have an outstanding group of subcommittee chairs to tackle the issues before us. Senators Boxer, Menendez, Cardin, Casey, Webb, Shaheen, and Coons were invaluable in the last Congress. With the commitment, intellect, and expertise they bri… Continue Reading
February 22, 2011
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Report Warns Water Security In Central And South Asia May Jeopardize Long-term Regional Stability
Washington, DC - Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) released a report today written by the Committee's majority staff that draws attention to the growing problem of water scarcity in Central and South Asia and how it has the potential to exacerbate existing regional conflicts and lead to new ones. The report, "Avoiding Water Wars: Water Scarcity and Central Asia's Growing Importance for Stability in Afghanistan and Pakistan," sheds light on the drivers of water scarci… Continue Reading
February 22, 2011
Chairman Kerry Urges Four Concrete Steps On Libya
Washington, DC - Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) released the following statement today in response to the attacks on civilians ordered by President Qadhafi: "The Qadhafi government's use of deadly force against its own people should mean the end of the regime itself. It's beyond despicable, and I hope we are witnessing its last hours in power. Libyans should have the opportunity to choose leaders who respect their basic rights. "The question now is what can be … Continue Reading
February 17, 2011
Chairman Kerry Condemns Violence In Bahrain
Washington, DC - Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) condemned the violence in Bahrain today, stating: "Using tear gas, batons, and rubber bullets on peaceful protestors is the worst kind of response to a nonviolent demonstration. I urge the government of Bahrain to put an end to the violence and allow the Bahrainis to voice their call for greater political freedom. Historic protests are taking place across the Arab world and it is vital for every government to respond… Continue Reading
February 15, 2011
Chairman Kerry Urges United States And Pakistan To Work Together And Find Common Ground
Lahore, Pakistan -- Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) reaffirmed support for the strategic relationship between Pakistan and the United States today in remarks at a press conference in Lahore, Pakistan. Chairman Kerry arrived in Pakistan Tuesday night for meetings with senior government officials at a time when the relationship is strained by the detention of a U.S. government official in connection with the killing of two Pakistani men in apparent self-defense during… Continue Reading
February 11, 2011
Chairman Kerry On The Resignation Of President Mubarak
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) issued a statement today following the announcement that President Hosni Mubarak resigned: "This is an extraordinary moment for Egypt. Courageous and peaceful demands for freedom and opportunity have now won the Egyptian people a chance at a new beginning. Now the hard work intensifies to prepare for free and fair elections that will allow the people to choose a broadly representative and responsive government. Eg… Continue Reading
February 07, 2011
Chairman Kerry Welcomes Referendum Results And Recognition In Sudan
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA), who made three trips to Sudan in recent months, said North and South Sudan passed two major milestones today with the certification of referendum results on independence for the South and the North's recognition of the outcome. He also said the time has come to initiate a review of Sudan's status as a state sponsor of terrorism as a result of Khartoum's recognition of the referendum. Chairman Kerry issued the follo… Continue Reading
February 03, 2011
Kerry, McCain Resolution Urges Democratic Reform In Egypt
WASHINGTON, D.C. -Responding to the rising violence in Egypt, Senator John Kerry (D-MA), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, introduced a bipartisan resolution, S. Res. 44, calling on President Hosni Mubarak to immediately begin an orderly and peaceful transition to a democratic political system and to enact the necessary reforms to hold free, fair, and internationally credible elections this y… Continue Reading
February 02, 2011
Chairman Kerry On The New START Treaty
Washington, DC -- Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) issued the following statement today after attending a ceremony at the White House at which President Obama signed the instrument of ratification for the New START Treaty. "The new treaty represents an important milestone in arms control agreements between the United States and Russia," said Chairman Kerry. "Anytime we reduce the number of nuclear weapons deployed by these two countries, we make the world a safer pl… Continue Reading
February 01, 2011
Chairman Kerry On President Mubarak’s Announcement To Not Seek Reelection
WASHINGTON, D.C. -Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) released the following statement after President Mubarak announced that he will not run for reelection: "This was an important announcement by President Mubarak to bring his presidency to an end and pledge that free and fair elections will be held. I believe that President Mubarak should now work with the military and civil society to establish an interim caretaker government. "It remains to be seen whether this… Continue Reading
