U.S. Meetings with Syrian Groups

U.S. Meetings with Syrian Groups

Question: How often have we met with representatives of Syrian NGOs and activists as part of our consultations on democratization, either bilaterally or in larger meetings with representatives from other nations? When was the most recent meeting, prior to last week’s, with such individuals/organizations?

Answer: We meet regularly with Syrians from across the political spectrum, both in Washington and in Damascus. We have met with members of Syrian civil society on a number of occasions as part of a continuing dialogue determining the ways to support civil society throughout the region. We are interested in everyone’s views.

2005/361 Released on March 28, 2005

Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC March 29, 2005 Question Taken at March 28, 2005 Daily Press Briefing

Paula Dobriansky U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council

Under Secretary for Global Affairs Leads U.S. Delegation to Afghanistan for U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council Meeting

Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs Paula Dobriansky will travel to Afghanistan March 29-31, 2005 to convene the sixth formal meeting of the U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council. Under Secretary Dobriansky co-chairs the Council with Afghan Minister of Women’s Affairs Massouda Jalal and Afghan Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Abdullah.

Under Secretary Dobriansky will be accompanied by the following high-level delegation of Americans from the government, private and philanthropic sectors: Claude Allen, Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy; Barbara Barrett, Chair, President’s Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy; Cheryl Benard, RAND Corporation; Reverend Kathleene Card, Pastor, Trinity United Methodist Church, McLean, VA; Connie Duckworth, Founder, Arzu Carpets and Chair, Committee of 200; Carolyn Firestone, Global Partnership for Afghanistan; Anne Heiligenstein, Deputy Executive Commissioner for Social Services, Texas Department of Health and Human Services; James Kunder, U.S. Agency for International Development Assistant Administrator for Asia and the Near East; Tim McBride, Senior Vice President of Government Relations, Freddie Mac; Charlotte Ponticelli, State Department Senior Coordinator for International Women’s Issues; Diana Rowan, Founder, Afghan Women Leaders Connect; and Cindi Williams, Special Assistant, White House Office of Public Liaison.

The Council, which meets twice annually alternating between Kabul and Washington D.C., was created by Presidents Bush and Afghan President Hamid Karzai on January 28, 2002. Comprised of members from the private sector and government, the Council is devoted to empowering Afghan women to play a critical role in the rebuilding of that nation. The Council specifically promotes public/private partnerships between U.S. and Afghan institutions, and mobilizes private resources to ensure Afghan women gain the practical skills and education they need to improve their status and economic well-being. The Council also seeks to improve women’s access to health care and to reduce the adult illiteracy that impedes Afghan women’s status in all sectors of society.

In Afghanistan, the Council will meet with highest-level Afghan leaders, to discuss current and future programs, and visit programs that are underway under Council sponsorship to assist Afghan women.

For more information contact Susan Crais Hovanec, (202) 312-9675. 2005/360 Released on March 29, 2005 Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC March 29, 2005 SOURCE: State.gov