US Mission Geneva

The United States and the European Union reiterate their call for the immediate release of the presidential candidates and the over 600 demonstrators who have been taken into custody in the wake of the presidential elections in Belarus. We strongly condemn all violence, especially the disproportionate use of force against presidential candidates, political activists, representatives of civil society and journalists.

Ambassador Betty E. King spoke with reporters after addressing the U.N. Human Right’s Council’s special session on the Cote D’Ivoire. YouTube video and transcript.

Ambassador Betty E. King: The United States deplores the growing violence and recent human rights violations and abuses occurring in Cote d’Ivoire and the deterioration of security. We deeply regret the loss of life during the demonstrations and call for all Ivoirians to remain calm and peaceful. Reports of mass human rights violations and abuses, including enforced disappearances, targeted killings, arbitrary detentions, and intimidation of those that oppose former President Gbagbo, as well as the discovery of possible mass graves, must be investigated. Hundreds have been arbitrarily arrested or detained, and we have credible reports that almost 200 people may have been killed already, with dozens more likely tortured or mistreated, while others have been snatched from their homes in the middle of the night.

Clinton: 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.

“The United States is pleased to join with the African Group and over 30 states in calling this Special Session to discuss the human rights situation in Cote d’Ivoire… As the leading body on global human rights, the Council has a responsibility to act.”

Please note that USTR’s year-in-review “Weekly Trade Spotlight” has been posted on USTR.gov. This post highlights USTR’s accomplishments in advancing America’s economic recovery to create better jobs here at home through trade.

Mr. Chairman, the United States provided a status report in this dispute on December 6, 2010, in accordance with Article 21.6 of the DSU.

* As has been noted, a number of legislative proposals that would implement the DSB’s recommendations and rulings in this dispute were introduced in the First Session of the current (111th) Congress. The Second Session of the 111th Congress began in January.

* The Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives held a hearing on certain of these proposals earlier this year. In addition, the U.S. Administration is working with Congress to implement the DSB’s recommendations and rulings.

I was pleased to lead our delegation to the 14th round of the Geneva Discussions. One of the most important developments since the last round of the Geneva discussions was President Saakashvili’s statement on the non-use of force to the European Parliament. At the Geneva talks today we welcomed that unilateral declaration on the non-use of force.

The decision to support the Declaration represents an important and meaningful change in the U.S. position, and resulted from a comprehensive, interagency policy review, including extensive consultation with tribes. While the Declaration is not legally binding, it carries considerable moral and political force and complements the President’s ongoing efforts to address historical inequities faced by indigenous communities in the United States.