US Mission Geneva

The U.S. space agency is set to launch an unmanned mission to Mars November 26, and while the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) will leave Earth’s orbit alone, the craft represents 40 years of research and analysis conducted by generations of scientists trying to better understand life in the universe.

The signing of a Yemeni political agreement brokered by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) brings the Yemeni people significantly closer to realizing their aspirations “for a new beginning” in their country, President Obama said. The president praised the Yemeni people for “courageously and steadfastly” voicing their demands for political change over the past six months despite facing “violence and extreme hardship.”

Secretary Clinton: “The MCC and the government of Indonesia have worked for almost three years to develop this $600 million compact, one of our largest ever, to reduce poverty and promote economic growth hand-in-hand with the Indonesian government and people,”

Three small Brazilian companies harnessing the power of “smart” mobile phones have won recognition from a U.S. computer giant and a chance to find new capital and mentors.

Senior U.S. officials say an annual two-day commerce and trade conference with Chinese officials made “meaningful progress” in crucial areas of the U.S.-China trade relationship, along with pledges for a level playing field for American and other foreign suppliers.

International cooperative actions to mitigate climate change will be up for discussion when a major international meeting convenes in Durban, South Africa, November 28 through December 9. The chief U.S. negotiator, Todd Stern, expects that this year’s session on the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will build on progress made in the last two years.

Long a subject locked in the home behind a curtain of silence, violence against women will be pushed into an international spotlight in the days and weeks ahead in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

“The world of energy diplomacy is one that we see as central to the mandate that we have as a foreign policy agency,” said Ambassador Carlos Pascual, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s special envoy and coordinator for international energy affairs.

“Today’s measure, co-sponsored by 61 states, including the United States and key Arab partners, condemns human rights abuses by the Syrian regime, including the killing, arbitrary imprisonment, and torture of civilians, including children.”