Conference on Red Cross Emblem

U.S. Welcomes Swiss Announcement of Conference on Red Cross Emblem

The United States welcomes the Swiss Government’s announcement today that it will convene a diplomatic conference on December 5-6, 2005 to adopt a Third Additional Protocol to the 1949 Geneva Conventions. If adopted, the Protocol will create a new, neutral emblem in addition to the red cross and red crescent emblems currently in use in accordance with the Geneva Conventions. This neutral emblem is an important step toward the Red Cross and Crescent Movement’s goal of being a truly universal humanitarian movement.

The United States strongly supports diplomatic efforts that will lead to the full membership of the Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national society, in the International Red Cross and Crescent Movement. Israel has been a party to the Geneva Conventions since 1951 and we believe its national society should be recognized as a member of the Movement.

We wish to thank the Swiss Government for its intensive diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing this long-standing humanitarian issue.

2005/1044, Released on November 7, 2005, Press Statement, Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman, Washington, DC, November 7, 2005

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Azerbaijan Elections

Azerbaijan Elections

Azerbaijan’s November 6 parliamentary elections provide the Azerbaijani authorities an opportunity to conduct elections that meet international standards. The free expression of the will of the people through such elections is vital to Azerbaijan’s future and to a strengthened U.S.-Azerbaijani relationship. Peaceful freedom of assembly is integral to a democratic electoral process. The United States encourages the peaceful participation of all Azerbaijanis in the elections, and urges full implementation of President Aliyev’s important election decree of October 25, including the points on freedom of assembly and non-interference of local authorities in the electoral process.

2005/1021 Press Statement, Sean McCormack, Spokesman, Washington, DC, November 4, 2005

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