US Mission Geneva

Many have stressed the importance of political signals, particularly from Leaders gatherings such as the G20 and APEC Leaders meetings. Some went the next step and suggested what particular messages needed to be conveyed. The signals from the G20 and the APEC Leaders meeting were clear and the content reflected those very messages that the broader membership here called for.

During the course of this week, we have already had productive discussions on this year’s work regarding the Protocol V on Explosive Remnants of War and Amended Protocol II on Landmines. This year, we have also engaged in serious negotiations of a Protocol on Cluster Munitions.

The United States welcomes Mr. Albert Kwete Minga Bope and the delegation from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the first WTO review of the trade policies and practices of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The United States is strongly committed to continuing its global leadership in eliminating the humanitarian risks posed by landmines.

Hunger, both at home and abroad, is not a problem of capability, or a problem of scarcity, or a problem of technological limitations. It is a problem of collective action.

We have no excuse for the state of global hunger today, save the world’s unfortunate inattention to the issue. The work David has done, the grassroots coalition he has built to raise awareness and combat hunger is the key to closing this protracted chapter in human history.

A beloved American tradition, Thanksgiving Day offers us the opportunity to focus our thoughts on the grace that has been extended to our people and our country. This spirit brought together the newly arrived Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe — who had been living and thriving around Plymouth, Massachusetts for thousands of years — in an autumn harvest feast centuries ago.

• 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 United States remains deeply concerned by the risks posed by Explosive Remnants of War (ERW), and we are pleased to be a world leader in Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA)-related assistance. For many years our HMA assistance programs have addressed both ERW and landmines.

The United States commends Mauritania for progress in aligning its national legislation with international human rights standards, through the passage of laws, and the ratification of several international and regional treaties.