Bureau of Indian Affairs, Red Lake Reservation

Indian Health Service and Bureau of Indian Affairs Responding to Red Lake Reservation Tragedy

The Indian Health Service (IHS) and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) are coordinating a multi-agency federal response to a tragic shooting that occurred Monday on the reservation of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians of Minnesota. Ten people were killed and 7 others were injured. The Directors of the BIA and IHS today expressed their agencies' joint commitment to assisting the tribe in the wake of the tragedy.

"On behalf of all Bureau of Indian Affairs employees, I want to express our deepest condolences to the Red Lake Tribe and to the families of the victims over their tragic loss" Bureau of Indian Affairs Director W. Patrick Ragsdale said. "The BIA is providing active service to the Red Lake community to help them begin the process of recovering and healing."

"This is an incredible tragedy that is affecting the entire tribe" said IHS Director Charles W. Grim. "We are working with other Federal agencies to do all that we can to alleviate the suffering and lingering effects of this dreadful day. Our hearts and our prayers go out to all of them, especially the families of the victims."

The IHS Bemidji Area Chief Medical Officer and the IHS Bemidji Area Director are on-site today on the Red Lake Reservation assessing medical and other public health needs, as well as meeting with community and family members of the victims of the shooting to offer support and condolences. The IHS is coordinating with medical providers and law enforcement staff in the community and will mobilize staff as appropriate to meet health needs. Also, the IHS is collaborating with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the National Institute of Mental Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention disaster response psychological unit, for immediate and long-term support. The IHS and BIA are also working jointly to determine needs for information alerts and other intervention processes to address and prevent future violence.

A number of BIA personnel are already providing support to on-the-ground federal and local agencies in Red Lake. The BIA's Office of Law Enforcement Services has sent personnel to the site to assist the FBI, which has primary responsibility for investigating the incident. They include uniformed police officers, special agents, supervisory special agents, telecommunications officers and law enforcement officers trained in providing peer support counseling to local police and community members. A BIA mobile community substation also has been sent to Red Lake with dispatchers to provide an array of telecommunications services and carry out other specialized law enforcement functions.

In addition, the Bureau's Office of Tribal Services has sent social workers from its Midwest Regional Office, in Ft. Snelling, Minn., to Red Lake to provide support to community members. They also will work with the Red Lake tribal government in obtaining long-term resources to help the tribe deal with any lingering effects produced by the tragedy.

The Director of the BIA oversees the day-to-day activities of the 180-year-old Interior Department agency, which provides services to 1.8 million American Indians and Alaska Natives from the 562 federally recognized tribes. The Director administers all laws governing non-education portions of Indian Affairs, provides leadership and direction for BIA employees and oversees and monitors the work of the BIA regional offices, agencies and field offices. The Director also shares authority and responsibility for the management of the tribal and individual Indian trust funds with the Special Trustee for American Indians, and oversees the Bureau's Land Consolidation Center, the agency's nationwide program to consolidate fractionated interests in Indian lands.

The IHS, an agency of the Department of Health and Human Services, provides a comprehensive health service delivery system for approximately 1.8 million of the nation's estimated 3.2 million American Indians and Alaska Natives who are members of 562 federally recognized tribes.

IHS-7-2005 Public Affairs Contact: (301) 443-3593 Athena Elliott March 23, 2005: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (202) 219-4152 Nedra Darling SOURCE: U.S. Department of the Interior

National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Awards Design Contract for the National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security today announced another important step towards stronger biodefense capabilities by awarding an $11 million design contract for the National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC) facility at Fort Detrick in Frederick, Maryland, to architecture, design, and planning firm Perkins+Will, Inc. The NBACC facility, managed by Homeland Security’s Science & Technology Directorate, will strengthen America’s ability to defend against biological terrorism by delivering dedicated scientific research to better assess, anticipate, prevent, and mitigate biological threats.

The NBACC facility will be made up of two centers, the Biological Threat Characterization Center (BTCC) and the National Bioforensic Analysis Center (NBFAC). The BTCC is charged with defining the characteristics of biothreat agents and conducting rigorous biodefense risk assessments in order to guide national biodefense research, development, and acquisition efforts, and to provide scientific support to the intelligence community. The NBFAC is the lead federal facility for conducting and facilitating the technical forensic analysis and interpretation of materials of concern to support the appropriate lead federal agency.

Founded in 1935, Perkins+Will, Inc. is an integrated architecture and planning firm recognized for its leadership in corporate, commercial, and civic buildings, and is one of the leading design firms in the country for healthcare facilities and research laboratories.

The NBACC facility will be located at the new National Interagency Biodefense Campus (NIBC) at Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland. The NIBC campus includes laboratory facilities belonging to the Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), offering many advantages for enhancing scientific collaboration and leveraging available resources, including proximity to other Federal agencies and policy makers.

Construction of the NBACC facility is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2006, and the site is scheduled to be operational in 2008. Preliminary plans show a facility of approximately 160,000 square feet with a concentration of research and associated space. The NBACC will support approximately 120 staff.###

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary Contact: 202-282-8010 March 23, 2005 SOURCE: Department of Homeland Security

Gutierrez monitors import of textiles and apparel products

COMMERCE SECRETARY ANNOUNCES EXPEDITED MONITORING OF TEXTILE AND APPAREL IMPORTS

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez announced today the initiation of a new system to monitor imports of textiles and apparel products. The system will allow the Department and the public timely access to preliminary textile and apparel data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (aggregated on a category basis), allowing decision makers to more quickly analyze the impact of imports on the U.S. market.

“This action demonstrates the commitment of this Administration to put in place the tools necessary to enforce our trade agreements and level the playing field to support our domestic textile and apparel industry,” said Gutierrez. “We will continue to work with our domestic manufacturers and workers to give them the tools they need to compete internationally.”

The Department anticipates that the new system will be in place by the first week in April 2005, at which time preliminary data on textile and apparel imports for the first quarter of the year should be available. The preliminary data will be posted biweekly on a website maintained by the Department’s International Trade Administration Office of Textiles and Apparel at otexa.ita.doc.gov.

The government’s official U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services data is released approximately six weeks after the end of the referenced month.

Deputy Secretary Robert B. Zoellick, fourteen European capitals

Deputy Secretary Zoellick Travel to Europe

Deputy Secretary Robert B. Zoellick will visit fourteen European capitals March 28-April 5, 2005. During this time he will make stops in Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, and Spain. Near the end of the trip, Zoellick will participate in a session with the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee and the North Atlantic Council at NATO.

This will be Deputy Secretary Zoellick’s first overseas trip in his new post. Secretary Rice pledged that either she or Deputy Secretary Zoellick will visit all NATO capitals early in the President’s second term.

Deputy Secretary Zoellick will reiterate America’s support for Europe as a strong, effective partner, and discuss how the United States can best work with our alliance partners to face common challenges over the next four years. He also wanted to visit each capital, so as to better understand the country’s particular interests and ideas.

In meetings with the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament and the North Atlantic Council at NATO, Zoellick looks forward to in-depth exchanges with elected representatives and NATO Ambassadors from throughout Europe.

2005/344 Released on March 24, 2005 Press Statement Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman Washington, DC March 24, 2005

Bush to Lativia, Netherlands, Russia, Georgia May 2005

President Bush to Travel to Latvia, the Netherlands, Russia, and Georgia

President Bush will travel to Latvia, the Netherlands, Russia, and Georgia from May 6-10 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II. His visit will honor the shared sacrifice of millions of Americans and Europeans to defeat tyranny, and mark the growth of democracy throughout the continent. Building on the President's February visit to Europe, this trip will underscore the common commitment of the United States and our European allies and partners to work together to advance freedom, prosperity, and tolerance in Europe, its neighborhood, and beyond.

In Riga, Latvia, President Bush will meet the Presidents of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in addition to a bilateral program. In the Netherlands, the President will hold bilateral meetings and commemorate Victory in Europe Day at the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial at Margraten near Maastricht. President Bush will then travel to Moscow, Russia to participate in the World War II commemoration ceremony and to meet President Putin. The President will conclude his trip with a visit to Tbilisi, Georgia to underscore his support for democracy, historic reform, and peaceful conflict resolution.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 24, 2005

Sean Ian McCormack, Ellen G. Engleman Conners, Mark V. Rosenker

President George W. Bush today announced his intention to nominate three individuals and designate one individual to serve in his Administration: The President intends to nominate Sean Ian McCormack, of the District of Columbia, to be Assistant Secretary of State (Public Affairs). A member of the Foreign Service, Mr. McCormack recently served as Special Assistant to the President, Spokesman for the National Security Council and Deputy White House Press Secretary for Foreign Policy. Prior to joining the Administration, he served at the U.S. Embassy in Algiers, Algeria and at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, Turkey. Earlier in his career, Mr. McCormack worked as an analyst for Meridian Corporation. He received his bachelor's degree from Colby College and his master's degree from the University of Maryland.

The President intends to nominate Ellen G. Engleman Conners, of Indiana, to be Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, for a term of two years. Ms. Engleman Conners has served as a Member and Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board since 2003. Prior to that, she was the Administrator of the Research and Special Programs Administration at the Department of Transportation. From 1994 until 2001, Ms. Engleman Conners was President and CEO of Electricore, Inc. She previously served as Director of Corporate and Government Affairs at Direct Relief International. Ms. Engleman Conners received her bachelor's degree and J.D. from Indiana University and her master's degree from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government.

The President intends to nominate Mark V. Rosenker, of Maryland, to be a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board, for a five-year term expiring December 31, 2010. The President also intends to designate him Vice Chairman for a term of two years. General Rosenker has served as a Member and Vice Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board since 2003. Prior to that, he served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Military Office. A Major General in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, General Rosenker began his service in the U.S. Air Force in 1969. He is the recipient of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal and previously served on the American Battle Monuments Commission. General Rosenker earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 24, 2005 Personnel Announcement

FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION, 527, 501(c), Final rules

FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION 11 CFR Part 300 [Notice 2005–8] Political Party Committees Donating Funds to Certain Tax-Exempt Organizations and Political Organizations AGENCY: Federal Election Commission. ACTION: Final rules and transmittal of regulations to Congress.

SUMMARY: The Federal Election Commission is revising its regulations governing donations made or directed by national, State, district, and local political party committees to certain taxexempt organizations and political organizations. The final rules allow these political party committees to make or direct donations of Federal funds to certain 501(c) tax-exempt organizations and certain 527 political organizations. These revisions conform the Commission’s rules to the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in McConnell v. Federal Election Commission, which included a narrowing construction of section 101 of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002. Further information is provided in the supplementary information that follows.

SOURCE: Federal Election Commission

FULL TEXT IN PDF Format Political Party Committees

Arab Leaders/ Iraq Algiers

Arab Leaders/ Iraq Algiers, March. 23 (SANA), Arab leaders underlined on Wednesday respect of Iraq’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence.

They welcomed the election and considered it as a "great achievement" on the way to the democratic peaceful transform of authority.

The final statement of the Arab summit also stressed necessity of the participation of all Iraqi people in the political process, praising the UN role in supporting elections in Iraq.

It asserted the importance of a UN role in completing the political process and in the rebuilding of Iraq.

The leaders condemned terrorism and violence targeting civilians, religious and human establishments and policemen in Iraq. Batoul /S.Y

SOURCE: Syrian Arab News Agency, SANA address : Damascus-Baramka, nearby Damascus University, P.O. Box : 2661Telephones : 2228239/2231736/2224020/2226429/2129702, Fax : 2224572/2220365/2224292/2224557/2211254/2225774, Telex : 411004/411457/411458. E-Mail : sana@net.sy

Azerbaijan Pardons Political Prisoners

Azerbaijan Pardons Political Prisoners, The United States welcomes Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev’s March 23rd decree pardoning 114 prisoners, including all those jailed after election-related demonstrations in October 2003. This is an important step toward developing open political dialogue in advance of parliamentary elections in November. We applaud efforts to resolve the question of political prisoners in Azerbaijan.

We urge Azerbaijan’s government to build on this positive step by promoting democracy and stability through political dialogue, restoring freedom of assembly and freedom of the press, respecting human rights and conducting a transparent parliamentary election meeting international democratic standards.

2005/342 Released on March 23, 2005 Press Statement Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman Washington, DC March 23, 2005

Response Programs for Security Breaches, Unauthorized Access to Customer Information

Federal Bank and Thrift Regulatory Agencies Jointly Issue Interagency Guidance on Response Programs for Security Breaches

The federal bank and thrift regulatory agencies have jointly issued Interagency Guidance on Response Programs for Unauthorized Access to Customer Information and Customer Notice.

The guidance interprets the agencies' customer information security standards and states that financial institutions should implement a response program to address security breaches involving customer information.

The response program should include procedures to notify customers about incidents of unauthorized access to customer information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to the customer.

The guidance provides that, "when a financial institution becomes aware of an incident of unauthorized access to sensitive customer information, the institution should conduct a reasonable investigation to promptly determine the likelihood that the information has been or will be misused."

"If the institution determines that misuse of its information about a customer has occurred or is reasonably possible, it should notify the affected customer as soon as possible," the guidance states. However, notice may be delayed if an appropriate law enforcement agency determines that notification will interfere with a criminal investigation.

Under the guidance, a financial institution should notify its primary federal regulator of a security breach involving sensitive customer information, whether or not the institution notifies its customers.

The guidance is being issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the Office of Thrift Supervision.

The Federal Register notice is attached. Attachment (294 KB PDF), Contacts: Federal Reserve Susan Stawick (202) 452-2955, FDIC David Barr (202) 898-6992, OCC Kevin Mukri (202) 874-5770, OTS Erin Hickman (202) 906-6677, 2005 Banking and consumer regulatory policy

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Office of Thrift Supervision For Immediate Release March 23, 2005

Federal Open Market Committee raise funds rate by 25 basis points

The Federal Open Market Committee decided today to raise its target for the federal funds rate by 25 basis points to 2-3/4 percent.

The Committee believes that, even after this action, the stance of monetary policy remains accommodative and, coupled with robust underlying growth in productivity, is providing ongoing support to economic activity. Output evidently continues to grow at a solid pace despite the rise in energy prices, and labor market conditions continue to improve gradually. Though longer-term inflation expectations remain well contained, pressures on inflation have picked up in recent months and pricing power is more evident. The rise in energy prices, however, has not notably fed through to core consumer prices.

The Committee perceives that, with appropriate monetary policy action, the upside and downside risks to the attainment of both sustainable growth and price stability should be kept roughly equal. With underlying inflation expected to be contained, the Committee believes that policy accommodation can be removed at a pace that is likely to be measured. Nonetheless, the Committee will respond to changes in economic prospects as needed to fulfill its obligation to maintain price stability.

Voting for the FOMC monetary policy action were: Alan Greenspan, Chairman; Timothy F. Geithner, Vice Chairman; Ben S. Bernanke; Susan S. Bies; Roger W. Ferguson, Jr.; Edward M. Gramlich; Jack Guynn; Donald L. Kohn; Michael H. Moskow; Mark W. Olson; Anthony M. Santomero; and Gary H. Stern.

In a related action, the Board of Governors unanimously approved a 25-basis-point increase in the discount rate to 3-3/4 percent. In taking this action, the Board approved the requests submitted by the Boards of Directors of the Federal Reserve Banks of Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, and San Francisco.

Release Date: March 22, 2005 For immediate release SOURCE: 2005 Monetary policy

SCHIAVO, ELEVENTH CIRCUIT, Docket No. CV-05-00530-T

IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE ELEVENTH CIRCUIT No. 05-11556 D. C. Docket No. CV-05-00530-T, FILED U.S. COURT OF APPEALS ELEVENTH CIRCUIT March 23, 2005 THOMAS K. KAHN CLERK

THERESA MARIA SCHINDLER SCHIAVO, incapacitated ex rel, Robert Schindler and Mary Schindler, her parents and next friends, Plaintiffs-Appellants,

versus

MICHAEL SCHIAVO, as guardian of the person of Theresa Marie Schindler Schiavo, incapacitated, JUDGE GEORGE W. GREER, THE HOSPICE OF THE FLORIDA SUNCOAST, INC., Defendants-Appellees.

Appeal from the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florid (March 23, 2005)

Before CARNES, HULL, and WILSON, Circuit Judges. PER CURIAM:

Plaintiffs have appealed the district court’s denial of their motion for a temporary restraining order to require the defendants to transport Theresa Marie Schindler Schiavo to a hospital to reestablish nutrition and hydration and for any medical treatment necessary to sustain her life, and to require the state court judge defendant to rescind his February 25, 2005 order directing removal of nutrition and hydration from Schiavo and to restrain him from issuing any further orders that
would discontinue nutrition and hydration. After notice and a hearing, the district 1 court entered a careful order which is attached as an Appendix to this opinion. Plaintiffs have also petitioned this Court to grant the same injunctive relief under the All Writs Act, 28 U.S.C. § 1651(a).

Although we ordinarily do not have jurisdiction over appeals from orders granting or denying temporary restraining orders, in circumstances such as these, “when a grant or denial of a TRO might have a serious, perhaps irreparable, consequence, and can be effectually challenged only by immediate appeal, we may exercise appellate jurisdiction.” Ingram v. Ault, 50 F.3d 898, 900 (11th Cir. 1995) (internal citations, marks, and ellipsis omitted); see also United States v. Wood, 295 F.2d 772, 778 (5th Cir. 1961). In these circumstances we treat temporary restraining orders as equivalent to preliminary injunctions or final judgments, either of which are appealable. See 28 U.S.C. §§ 1291 & 1292(a)(1). FULL TEXT In PDF Format Docket No. CV-05-00530-T

Illicit Arms Transfers, Kosovo Liberation Army

Possible Illicit Arms Transfers from the United States to the Kosovo Liberation Army

Question: Did the State Department approve any transfers of arms from the United States to the Kosovo Liberation Army in 1999? What actions were taken to stop alleged illicit sales of weapons to this group?

Answer: Under the Arms Export Control Act, no defense articles and services covered by the U.S. Munitions List—including the .50 caliber sniper rifles cited in the 60 Minutes segment—can be exported from the United States without the written authorization of the Department of States’ Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC). No such authorizations were approved for exports of firearms or any other defense article to the former Kosovo Liberation Army.

I would refer you to the Department of Homeland Security’s Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of the Treasury’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms for any questions about law enforcement actions related to the illegal exports of firearms.

2005/341 Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC March 23, 2005 Question Taken at March 22, 2005, Daily Press Briefing

Timothy D. Adams, Arnold I Havens

President George W. Bush today announced his intention to nominate one individual and designate one individual to serve in his Administration: The President intends to nominate Timothy D. Adams, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary of the Treasury (International Affairs). Mr. Adams recently served as Policy Advisor for the Bush-Cheney 2004 campaign. He previously served as Chief of Staff at the Department of the Treasury. Prior to joining the Administration, Mr. Adams served as Policy Director for the Bush-Cheney 2000 campaign. Earlier in his career, he co-founded and served as Managing Director of The G7 Group, a Washington, D.C. based consulting firm. Mr. Adams also served as Deputy Associate Director of the Office of Policy Development at the White House during President George H. W. Bush's Administration. He received his bachelor's degree and two master's degrees from the University of Kentucky. The President intends to designate Arnold I Havens, of Virginia, to be the Acting Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. # # #

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 23, 2005 Personnel Announcement

Joint Statement, Bush, Fox, Martin

bush martin, bush fox, Baylor University in Waco, Texas, Wednesday, March 23, 2005.

Joint Statement by President Bush, President Fox, and Prime Minister Martin, Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America

We, the elected leaders of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, gather in Texas to announce the establishment of the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America.

Over the past decade, our three nations have taken important steps to expand economic opportunity for our people and to create the most vibrant and dynamic trade relationship in the world. Since September 11, 2001, we have also taken significant new steps to address the threat of terrorism and to enhance the security of our people.

But more needs to be done. In a rapidly changing world, we must develop new avenues of cooperation that will make our open societies safer and more secure, our businesses more competitive, and our economies more resilient.

Our Partnership will accomplish these objectives through a trilateral effort to increase the security, prosperity, and quality of life of our citizens. This work will be based on the principle that our security and prosperity are mutually dependent and complementary, and will reflect our shared belief in freedom, economic opportunity, and strong democratic values and institutions. Also, it will help consolidate our action into a North American framework to confront security and economic challenges, and promote the full potential of our people, addressing disparities and increasing opportunities for all.

Our Partnership is committed to reach the highest results to advance the security and well-being of our people. The Partnership is trilateral in concept; while allowing any two countries to move forward on an issue, it will create a path for the third to join later.

Advancing our Common Security

We will establish a common approach to security to protect North America from external threats, prevent and respond to threats within North America, and further streamline the secure and efficient movement of legitimate, low-risk traffic across our shared borders. As part of our efforts, we will:

• Implement common border security and bioprotection strategies;
• Enhance critical infrastructure protection, and implement a common approach to emergency response;
• Implement improvements in aviation and maritime security, combat transnational threats, and enhance intelligence partnerships; and
• Implement a border facilitation strategy to build capacity and improve the legitimate flow of people and cargo at our shared borders.

Advancing our Common Prosperity
We will work to enhance North American competitiveness and improve the quality of life of our people. Among other things, we will:

• Improve productivity through regulatory cooperation to generate growth, while maintaining high standards for health and safety;
• Promote sectoral collaboration in energy, transportation, financial services, technology, and other areas to facilitate business; and invest in our people;
• Reduce the costs of trade through the efficient movement of goods and people; and
• Enhance the stewardship of our environment, create a safer and more reliable food supply while facilitating agricultural trade, and protect our people from disease.

Next Steps

We will establish Ministerial-led working groups that will consult with stakeholders in our respective countries. These working groups will respond to the priorities of our people and our businesses, and will set specific, measurable, and achievable goals. They will identify concrete steps that our governments can take to meet these goals, and set implementation dates that will permit a rolling harvest of accomplishments.

Within 90 days, Ministers will report back to us with their initial report. Following this, the groups will report on a semi-annual basis. Because the Partnership will be an ongoing process of cooperation, new items will be added to the work agenda by mutual agreement as circumstances warrant.

Through this Partnership, we will ensure that North America remains the most economically dynamic region of the world and a secure home for our people in this and future generations.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 23, 2005

Unrest in Kyrgyzstan

Unrest in Kyrgyzstan

The United States is concerned about the unrest in southern Kyrgyzstan, including in the cities of Osh and Jalalabad. We continue to urge the government to practice restraint. We condemn the use of force by any side and the seizure and destruction of government property.

Under Secretary for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns met on March 22 with Kyrgyz President Askar Akayev's foreign policy advisor, Alikbek Djekshenkulov. Under Secretary Burns urged the Kyrgyz government to open a dialogue without preconditions with the opposition to chart a course toward long-term stability by addressing irregularities in the recent parliamentary elections and laying the groundwork for free and fair presidential elections this fall. The United States urges opposition leaders to join in this dialogue without preconditions.

U.S. Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Steve Young will continue efforts to bring about a peaceful resolution. The United States is pleased that President Akayev has agreed to receive OSCE Representative for Central Asia Lojze Peterle in Bishkek. We fully support Mr. Peterle's efforts to facilitate a dialogue and work toward a resolution.

2005/340 Press Statement Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman Washington, DC March 22, 2005

A-10s, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, Bagram Airfield

A 10	BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – An A-10 from the 75th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron here returns to base after flying a close-air-support mission over Afghanistan.

The A-10s at Bagram perform multiple CAS missions, including convoy escort, shows of force, firepower in support of Coalition troops on the ground, and search and rescue, as displayed in the March 18 rescue of more than 200 Afghan flood victims. (Photo by Capt. Catie Hague, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs)

A-10s PROVE COMBAT CAPABILITIES CAN SAVE LIVES

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — More than 200 villagers were rescued from flood waters Friday as airborne A-10s from the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing out of Bagram Airfield helped identify and report the victims’ exact location.

One hour into a close-air-support combat mission, two A-10s received a call while refueling from an aerial tanker. They were redirected to coordinates about 70 kilometers northeast of Kandahar to search for survivors.

“We were on the tanker when we got a call from the [Air Support Operations Center], which passed us coordinates for an area where the Army was trying to rescue several hundred folks from rising flood waters,” said Capt. Andy Taylor, an A-10 pilot with the 75th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. “We headed that way, coordinating with the Army helicopters working in the area. They wanted us to look for people stranded on the ground by the flood.

“There were several areas that had become islands and were continuing to be swamped over by raging waters,” he said. “We used the [infrared] feature on our targeting pods to locate several groups of people, marking those areas with IR to highlight for the helos where the folks were stranded.”

The A-10s worked the area for about an hour, helping the Army locate and rescue hundreds of Afghan villagers.

“Our targeting pod and the A-10's long loiter time allowed us to successfully carry out this support mission,” said Capt. Chad Anthony, also a 75th EFS A-10 pilot and flight lead during this rescue operation.

“The pod allows us to see great detail day or night, and the IR marker lets us, and those we’re supporting, identify what we're looking at,” Anthony said. “We practice a lot with the pod, so we were well prepared for Friday night’s mission. Also, there aren't many fighters that can stay in a target area as long as we can.”

A-10s carry the Litening II targeting pod, explained Capt. Allen Duckworth, another A-10 pilot with the 75th. The pod possesses both infrared and camera sensors. It incorporates a laser designator and an IR laser pointer, which highlights targets with a flash visible to night-vision devices.

“The pod allows us to find targets, point them out to each other or to Coalition troops on the ground, and mark, or designate, these targets for accurate weapons delivery,” Duckworth said.

In Friday’s operation, it was these capabilities that made it possible for Bagram’s A-10 pilots to pinpoint exactly where survivors were located in order to secure their rescue.

“This mission took the Hog to an entirely new level,” said Col. Warren Henderson, 455th Expeditionary Operations Group commander. “We’ve always carried out [Combat Search and Rescue],” he said, “but we’re definitely conducting more non-traditional roles here in Afghanistan … in this case, using the A-10’s capability of pinpoint accuracy to save lives versus take lives.”

Using information provided by the A-10s in the air, the Army was better able to carry out their rescue operation in Uruzgan Province.

“I know, at times, we tend to focus on the more violent aspect of our job,” Taylor said, “but it was great being able to help so many Afgan people survive such a dire situation.” -30-

NEWS RELEASE HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND 7115 South Boundary Boulevard MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101 Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894 March 22, 2005 Release Number: 05-03-26 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SOURCE: centcom.mil/

International Committee of the Red Cross

U.S. Contributes $107 Million to the International Committee of the Red Cross

The United States is pleased to announce an initial contribution of $107.4 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross in support of its 2005 Emergency Appeals.

The International Committee of the Red Crossprovides protection and humanitarian assistance throughout the world in areas of armed conflict. In more than 60 countries, the International Committee of the Red Cross assists and protects more than 5,000,000 conflict victims and displaced persons. The International Committee of the Red Cross is often the only international organization allowed to move freely within occupied territories, to cross combatant lines, to access prisoners or detention centers, and to act as an intermediary in prisoner of war exchanges. The United States is the largest single contributor to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The United States has the highest regard for the difficult and often dangerous work of the International Committee of the Red Cross’ staff of over 9,000 in providing assistance and protection to victims of conflict. Our contributions are indicative of our strong support for its crucial role in international humanitarian assistance.

2005/339 Released on March 22, 2005 Press Statement Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman Washington, DC March 22, 2005

Shooting of USAID Officer in Darfur

Shooting of USAID Officer in Darfur

Secretary Condoleezza Rice Washington, DC March 22, 2005

I was deeply saddened today to learn that a member of the United States Agency for International Development’s Disaster Assistance Response Team was shot and wounded early this morning in Darfur. The thoughts and prayers of all of us at the Department of State and USAID are with her and her family as she continues to receive treatment.

This is the first time in the history of the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance program that one of our officials has been shot. The injured USAID official was traveling in a clearly marked humanitarian vehicle in a four-vehicle convoy between Nyala and Kass in West Darfur when she was shot in an apparent ambush by unknown persons. The convoy was traveling on a road that was considered open by the Office of the U.N. Security Coordinator. The wounded individual has received medical treatment, and the U.S. mission in Khartoum is coordinating with the African Union, the U.N., and other parties to arrange a medical evacuation as soon as possible.

We have contacted the Government of Sudan and have asked the African Union to launch an immediate investigation into this very serious incident. We strongly condemn the violence on all sides of the conflict. The United States, along with its partners in the African Union and the international community will continue our efforts to bring this conflict to an end.

2005/338 Released on March 22, 2005

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Achieves OSHA Recognition

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Achieves OSHA Recognition Ceremony To Be Held March 25 in Kittery, Maine

BOSTON -- The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine, has earned membership in the prestigious "Star" Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) of the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). A recognition ceremony is scheduled for Friday, March 25 at the shipyard.

"The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard has done an excellent job of safety and health management," said New England OSHA Regional Administrator Marthe Kent. "Of particular note is the participation of top level management in the shipyard's systems for protecting employees, as well as impressive levels of employee training and involvement."

The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard employs approximately 4,300 workers in the highly complex, industrial business of overhauling, repairing, modernizing and refueling Los Angeles Class nuclear powered submarines. In addition to an exemplary safety and health management system, the facility has an injury and illness case rate approximately 33 percent below the national average for its industry. It is the first Navy facility to achieve "Star" VPP status.

The VPP recognizes and promotes effective workplace safety and health management. Companies in OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs achieve average injury rates significantly lower than other companies in their industry. From coast to coast, approximately 1,230 work sites representing more than 200 industries participate in the programs.

Information kits about the application and approval process are available from the VPP manager at the OSHA regional office in Boston at 617-565-9860.

Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. The role of the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships, and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit osha.gov.

Event: "Star" Voluntary Protection Program Ceremony
Presented by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Date and Time: Friday, March 25, 2005; 11:00 a.m.
Location: Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kittery, Maine
Contact: John M. Chavez 617-565-2075 ###

First Sale of Wild Horses to Tribes

BLM Announces First Sale of Wild Horses to Tribes under New Law

The Bureau of Land Management today announced that it is selling more than 500 wild horses to two Indian Tribes in the Dakotas under a new law passed by Congress. The BLM has sold 141 wild horses (105 mares and 36 studs) to the Rosebud Sioux of South Dakota and 120 horses (96 mares and 24 studs) to the Three Affiliated Tribes of North Dakota. Completion of other sales to these Tribes will take place over the next several weeks.

BLM Director Kathleen Clarke said, “As the BLM implements the new sale-authority legislation passed by Congress, we are pleased to announce our first sales to Tribes. We look forward to completing more sales with Tribes and all others interested in providing long-term care for the wild horses affected by the new sale-authority law.”

The Bureau carried out its first sale of wild horses – 200 mares to a Wyoming-based company – on March 1 under legislation recently passed by Congress. This measure, which became law in December 2004 (Section 142 of Public Law 108-447), directs the BLM to sell those wild horses and burros that are more than 10 years old or have been unsuccessfully offered for adoption at least three times. About 8,400 BLM-managed animals became eligible for sale under these criteria.

“I urge horse advocacy groups, humane organizations, and more Tribes – as well as the general public – to help the BLM find good homes for those horses affected by the new law,” said Director Clarke. The Bureau has set up a toll-free number for those interested in buying a wild horse or burro (1-800-710-7597). Interested groups or individuals may also contact the BLM at a new e-mail address regarding the purchase of wild horses and burros (wildhorse@blm.gov).

There are about 37,000 wild horses and burros roaming on public lands managed by the BLM in 10 Western states. Wild horses and burros have virtually no natural predators and their herd sizes on the range can double about every five years. As a result, the current free-roaming population exceeds by some 9,000 the number that BLM-managed rangelands can sustain. The Bureau has determined – on the basis of its analysis of rangeland conditions – that 28,000 is the number of wild horses and burros that BLM-managed rangelands can support in balance with other resources and other approved uses of the public lands.

Federal law authorizes the BLM to remove wild horses and burros from the range to control herd sizes; those animals removed are cared for in holding facilities and thousands are placed into private ownership through adoption each year. Since 1973, the BLM’s adoption program has put more than 203,000 animals into private care. Currently there are about 24,000 wild horses and burros cared for in short-term facilities in the West and long-term facilities in the Midwest.

The cost of holding and caring for wild horses and burros in both short- and long-term facilities is projected to be about $20 million in Fiscal Year 2005, which will be more than half of what the agency expects to spend on the wild horse and burro program in the current fiscal year. The cost of caring for and feeding a wild horse in a long-term facility is about $465 per animal per year.

The BLM manages wild horses and burros under the authority of the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act. Congress has amended this law three times – in 1976, 1978 and most recently in December 2004, when it directed the BLM to sell wild horses and burros meeting the law’s newly established sale criteria. The BLM remains fully committed to its adoption program, which it will keep separate from its new sale-authority program. Thus, the Bureau will not be selling wild horses and burros at any of its adoptions.

The BLM manages more land – 261 million surface acres – than any other Federal agency. Most of this public land is located in 12 Western States, including Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $1.8 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM’s multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, and cultural resources on the public lands.

This page was created by theU.S. Bureau of Land Management,Office of Public Affairs1849 C Street, Room 406-LSWashington, DC 20240Phone: (202) 452-5125Fax: (202) 452-5124

Bureau of Land Management For Immediate Release: Monday, March 21, 2005 Contacts: Tom Gorey(202) 452-5137 Celia Boddington (202) 452-5128

ARS Laboratory Will Focus on Egg Safety and Quality

Newly Formed ARS Laboratory Will Focus on Egg Safety and Quality

By Sharon Durham March 22, 2005 Egg safety, quality and marketability are the focus of a new Agricultural Research Service (ARS) laboratory established this year in Athens, Ga.

The new Egg Safety and Quality Research Unit, based at the Richard B. Russell Research Center, will conduct research to protect both the health of consumers and the marketability of eggs. Scientists will develop improved technologies for egg production and processing that will reduce or eliminate microorganisms that can transmit disease to humans or cause spoilage.

One of the unit's key research goals is to determine how microbial pathogens infect poultry and cause egg contamination, according to ARS microbiologist Richard Gast, the unit's research leader. Additionally, scientists will investigate how poultry production practices can influence such infections.

Researchers will develop methods to prevent pathogens from infecting egg-laying poultry, and tests to detect infected flocks and contaminated eggs. Ultimately, the research may also help improve egg processing practices, which could reduce microbial contamination while enhancing egg quality.

Researchers in the unit include Gast, veterinary medical officer Jean Guard Bouldin, microbiologist Peter Holt, physiologist Randy Moore, and food technologists Deana Jones and Mike Musgrove.

In 2003, an estimated 87.2 billion eggs were produced in the United States, with about 85 percent of them destined for human consumption, according to figures from USDA's Economic Research Service. Per capita consumption of eggs and egg products in 2003 was the equivalent of 254 eggs, an increase of 19 eggs per person from 1990, ERS estimated.

ARS is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific research agency.

Ambassador Carlos Pascual, U.S. Institute of Peace

Ambassador Carlos Pascual to Speak at U.S. Institute of Peace Conference “Reconstructing and Stabilizing War-Torn State: The Challenge Before Us”

On Wednesday, March 23, 2005 Ambassador Carlos Pascual will deliver the keynote address at the U.S. Institute of Peace Conference (USIP) entitled, "Reconstructing and Stabilizing War-Torn States: The Challenge Before Us." This all-day conference, being sponsored by the U.S. Institute of Peace, will bring together current and former leaders from major post-conflict reconstruction and stabilization programs in Afghanistan, the Balkans, East Timor, Haiti, Iraq and Liberia to share their experiences and lessons learned.

Ambassador Pascual will discuss the international security challenges posed by failing and post-conflict states and highlight the U.S. Government’s efforts to create a civilian joint operations capability for stabilization and reconstruction.

The conference takes place from 9:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. and is open to the press. President of USIP Ambassador Richard Solomon will deliver opening remarks.

Date: Wednesday, March 23, 2005

Time: 9:15 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.

Location: The Madison Hotel, Dolley Madison Ballroom, 15th and M Streets, NW

Due to space constraints, RSVPs are required. Media who plan to bring cameras should contact USIP’s press office to coordinate. To RSVP, please contact Megan Chabalowski at mchabalowski@usip.org. For general press information, please contact the USIP press office at 202-429-3832, or publicaffairs@usip.org. For inquiries about the Office of Reconstruction and Stabilization, please contact Melanie Anderton at 202-663-0301, or scrs_pa@state.gov, or visit the website at state.gov/s/crs. 2005/337 Released on March 22, 2005 Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC March 22, 2005

WYOMING GRAY WOLF COURT DECISION

STATEMENT ON WYOMING GRAY WOLF COURT DECISION U. S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE WASHINGTON D.C.

"The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is pleased the court has recognized the validity of our approach to gray wolf management in the northern Rocky Mountain states. We have consistently maintained that we have acted in a scientifically sound manner and in accordance with the Endangered Species Act. We maintain our commitment to working with the State of Wyoming to develop a successful wolf management program for the state.

Matthew Hogan, Acting Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Contacts Mitch Snow 202-208-5634 03/21/05

SOURCE: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Flood Safety Awareness Week

NOAA’S NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ANNOUNCES FLOOD SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK: MARCH 21-25, 2005

NOAA’s National Weather Service will host the first annual Flood Safety Awareness Week from March 21-25, 2005, to raise public attention to the dangers of flooding and ways to protect life and property. NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

“No state or territory is immune from the dangers of flooding, but knowing how to react when floods threaten can mean the difference between life and death,” said Brig. Gen. David L. Johnson, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), director of NOAA's National Weather Service. The National Weather Service strives to improve flood forecasts and warnings, as part of NOAA’s continuing mission to serve society’s increasing need for weather and water information.

Floods, on average, kill more than 100 people and are responsible for $4.6 billion in damage in the United States each year. More than half of those deaths occur in vehicles overtaken by floodwaters.
“From ice jams and rapidly melting snow to torrential thunderstorms and slow-moving tropical storms, floods can be a threat throughout the year,” said Thomas Graziano, Ph.D., acting chief of the Hydrologic Services Division at NOAA’s National Weather Service. “Extensive and persistent public education on the hazards of flooding is key to reducing the loss of life and is the goal of Flood Safety Awareness Week.”

Topics to be covered during Flood Safety Awareness Week:

Monday, March 21: Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service

The Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service (AHPS) is the National Weather Service’s on-going effort to modernize hydrologic services from floods to droughts. AHPS extends the range and quantifies the certainty of NWS river forecasts and provides timely user-friendly, visual products accessible on the Internet.

Tuesday, March 22: Turn Around, Don’t Drown!

People often underestimate the force of water. More than half of all flood-related deaths are attributed to vehicles that are swept downstream. Of these drownings, many are preventable simply by not driving or walking onto flooded roads. Most cars begin to float and lose contact with the road, assuming the road has not been washed out, in only 18-24 inches of water. Remember, when approaching a flooded roadway, Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

Wednesday, March 23: Inland Flooding from Tropical Systems

Heavy rain and subsequent flooding produced by tropical systems such as hurricanes, and their remnants can be deadlier than the strong winds such storms create. Slow-moving systems typically produce heavy rain in the same area for extended periods resulting in significant flooding.

Thursday, March 24: Determining Flood Risk and Flood Insurance

Flood losses are not covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy. Flood insurance is available, however, to any property owner in a community participating in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program. Flood hazard maps, produced by FEMA, enable consumers to determine their risk and choose appropriate flood insurance.

Friday, March 25: Flood Safety

The National Weather Service, along side government and private sector partners, informs communities across the United States how to become aware of flood risks and how to properly react when a flood threatens. Knowing what to do before, during and after a flood can save lives and reduce injuries and property damage.

The NOAA National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts and warnings for the United States and its territories. The National Weather Service operates the most advanced weather and flood warning and forecast system in the world, helping to protect lives and property and enhance the national economy.

NOAA is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of our nation's coastal and marine resources.

On the Web: NOAA: noaa.gov NOAA’s National Weather Service: nws.noaa.gov Flood Safety Awareness Week: floodsafety.noaa.gov/

NOAA 2005-025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Theresa Eisenman

USDA REVISES STANDARDS FOR SWEET POTATOES

USDA REVISES U.S. STANDARDS FOR GRADES OF SWEET POTATOES

WASHINGTON, March 21, 2005 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service is revising the U.S. Standards for Grades of Sweet Potatoes.

The revision will add a new grade, U.S. No. 1 Petite, which will allow for the packing and shipping of smaller size sweet potatoes under the U.S. standards. These standards were last revised in 1963.

A description of the revision will appear in the March 22 Federal Register and become effective April 21. Questions can be directed to David Priester, AMS Fruit and Vegetable Programs, USDA Stop 0240, 1400 Independence Ave., Washington, DC, 20250, or by sending an e-mail to David.priester@usda.gov.

The U.S. Standards for Grades of Sweet Potatoes is available through the address above or at ams.usda.gov/standards/vegfm .

AMS works with industry representatives and others to establish or revise U.S. standards for nearly 240 agricultural products. Industry uses the standards in the marketplace to specify the quality of commodities. Standards facilitate commerce by providing a common language for trade and a means of measuring value in the marketing of agricultural products.

AMS no. 040-05 Rufino Hurtado (202) 720-8998 mailto:george.chartier@usda.gov, Billy Cox (202) 720-8998, billy.cox@usda.gov

SOURCE: Agricultural Marketing Service at USDA

Stephen J. Hadley, Michael Allen, Dan Levin, John C. Rood

Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Stephen J. Hadley announced today the appointment of Michael Allen as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Legislative Affairs.

Most recently, Mr. Allen was Special Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs where he managed congressional relations for the White House Homeland Security Council. Prior to that position, he worked for the Office of Homeland Security at the White House and in the Bureau of Legislative Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. He previously worked for Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama.

Mr. Allen received his bachelor's degree from Vanderbilt University, his J.D. from the University of Alabama School of Law, and an L.L.M. in International Law from the Georgetown University Law Center.

###

Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Stephen J. Hadley announced today the appointment of Dan Levin as Senior Associate Counsel to the President and National Security Council Legal Adviser.

Most recently, Mr. Levin served as Acting Assistant Attorney General in Office of Legal Counsel at the U.S. Department of Justice. He previously served in a number of positions within the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and served as Deputy Legal Adviser for the National Security Council. Prior to his government service, Mr. Levin was a partner with the law firm of Hale and Dorr.

Mr. Levin received his bachelor's degree from Harvard College and his J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School.

# # #

Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Stephen J. Hadley announced today the appointment of John C. Rood as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Counterproliferation Strategy.

Most recently, Mr. Rood served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Forces Policy. Prior to joining the U.S. Defense Department, Mr. Rood served as the Director for Proliferation Strategy, Counterproliferation, and Homeland Defense at the National Security Council. He previously served as Senior Policy Advisor to Senator Jon Kyl of Arizona, and in a variety of positions at the Central Intelligence Agency.

Mr. Rood received his bachelor's degree from Arizona State University.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 21, 2005 Personnel Announcement

USCGC Munro (WHEC 724), HMS Invincible (R05) and HMS Nottingham (D91)

Coalition Maritime Forces Intercept Hijacked Vessel

USCGC MUNRO, At Sea (NNS) -- U.S. Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Munro (WHEC 724), working with British ships HMS Invincible (R05) and HMS Nottingham (D91) in the Gulf of Aden, intercepted a hijacked Thai fishing vessel at around noon March 17.

Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (COMUSNAVCENT) received telephone reports from the International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy Reporting Center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, concerning the hijacking of Thai-flagged fishing vessel Sirichai Nava 12 by three Somali crew members the evening of March 16, as well as a fax indicating that the hijackers demanded $800,000 in ransom for the vessel’s crew.

Commander, Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, under the direction of COMUSNAVCENT, tasked British Royal Navy aircraft carrier Invincible, destroyer Nottingham and Munro to investigate the situation. A Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) team from Munro boarded Sirichai Nava, while a boarding team from Nottingham boarded a second fishing vessel, Ekhwat Patana, which was with the Thai vessel. Munro’s boarding team detained the Somalis without incident.

One of the crew members of the Thai vessel had a minor flesh wound, which was treated by the Munro boarding team. The Coast Guardsmen also discovered four automatic weapons in the pilothouse, expended ammunition shells on the deck of the vessel, as well as ammunition on the detained suspects. The three suspects were transferred to Munro pending follow-on disposition guidance from higher authority.

Munro is currently on deployment in the region and is assigned to CTF 150, which is the coalition maritime task force conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the vicinity of the Horn of Africa, Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, North Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman.

MSO are aimed at setting the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment. Illicit activity at sea has a global impact. MSO pressurizes the maritime environment and is the single most significant component of the conventional maritime effort against terrorism.

Invincible and Nottingham are deployed to the Middle East as part of the Royal Navy Maritime Strike Force 05.

Story Number: NNS050318-01 Release Date: 3/18/2005 11:29:00 AM From Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs For more news from around the fleet, visit www.navy.mil/

Laura Bush, 2004 National Awards for Museum and Library Service

Laura Bush Presents Nation’s Highest Award to Three Museums and Three Libraries for Extraordinary Service to Communities

Institutions in Michigan, Illinois, Nevada, San Diego, Texas and Puerto Rico honored

WASHINGTON, D.C. – First Lady Laura Bush presented the 2004 National Awards for Museum and Library Service to three museums and three libraries in a March 14 ceremony at the Hotel Washington, at 15th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW at 3:30 p.m. Recognizing the vital role of museums and libraries as leaders in a democratic society, the Institute of Museum and Library Services annually awards museums and libraries that exhibit outstanding service to their communities. The winners are as diverse as the cultural landscape of the country: small and large, urban and rural. They have one thing in common: each have found innovative ways of using their collections and programs to provide lifelong learning and address critical community concerns. It is the nation's highest honor for the extraordinary public outreach provided by museums and libraries.

"As a former schoolteacher and librarian, I know that museums and libraries are true treasures for discovery and learning,” Mrs. Bush said. “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to recognize all of these wonderful institutions.” See Laura Bush's full remarks.

The awards ceremony featured performances by exceptionally talented community representatives from two of the winning organizations. Representing the Western Folklife Center, author Linda Hussa read a poem called On A Clear, Cold Calving Night from her poetry anthology, Blood Sister, I am to These Fields. Representing the Flint Public Library, 18-year-old star orator Martres Brown read an excerpt from Martin Luther King Jr.’s I Have a Dream speech.

Representatives of each of the museums and libraries accepted the awards alongside individuals whose lives have been changed for the better as a result of the programs and services offered by these institutions. Institutions receiving the awards include:

Chicago Botanic Garden, Chicago, Illinois. Flint Public Library, Flint, Michigan Mayaguez Children’s Library, Inc., Mayaguez, Puerto Rico The Regional Academic Health Center Medical Library of the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas Western Folklife Center, Inc., Elko, Nevada Zoological Society of San Diego, San Diego, California

“Museums and libraries play a powerful role in building and sustaining the communities that are the foundation of American democracy today,” said Institute of Museum and Library Services Director Robert S. Martin, Ph.D. “That means being much more than a place to view artwork or a building that houses volumes of books. It means becoming a place – both physical and virtual – that understands its unique ability and duty to respond to the needs of those in the immediate community, and in many cases far beyond.” View Dr. Martin's opening remarks.

The National Award for Museum Service was established in 1994, and the National Award for Library Service was established in 2000. Recipients of the awards are chosen for their innovative approaches to public service, and for their success in improving communities and making a difference in peoples’ lives. All types of museums, from anthropological to zoological, fine art to folk art, urban, suburban, rural, large and small are eligible for the award. Public and private nonprofit libraries are eligible to receive this award, and nominations of libraries of all sizes are encouraged.

The celebration of the 2004 National Awards for Museum and Library Service is made possible by the generous support of 3M Library Systems.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is an independent Federal grant-making agency dedicated to creating and sustaining a nation of learners by helping libraries and museums serve their communities. The Institute fosters leadership, innovation, and a lifetime of learning by supporting the nation’s 15,000 museums and 122,000 libraries. The Institute also encourages partnerships to expand the educational benefit of libraries and museums.

Press Contacts202/606-8339 Mamie Bittner mbittner@imls.gov Eileen Maxwell emaxwell@imls.gov

UNMANNED COMBAT AIR SYSTEMS

JOINT U.S., U.K. COLLABORATIVE PROGRAM ANNOUNCED FOR UNMANNED COMBAT AIR SYSTEMS

The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the U.K. Ministry of Defence (MOD) today announced a collaborative program to determine the military benefit of Unmanned Combat Air Systems within future coalition operations.

The U.S. Joint Unmanned Combat Air Systems (J-UCAS) program and the U.K. MOD will jointly conduct experimentation in a real-time distributed simulation environment centered at the U.S. Air Force’s Simulation and Analysis Facility at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and integrated with assets in both countries. DARPA and the U.K. MOD’s Defence Science & Technology Laboratory, working in concert with U.S. and U.K. Service personnel, will develop appropriate coalition concepts of operation, assess interoperability issues/risks and determine measures of effectiveness in addition to developing and managing the simulation environment.

The program will culminate in an effectiveness demonstration involving live and virtual manned and unmanned assets from both nations operating in a networked coalition warfare scenario. The information generated by this unique collaboration will be limited to the military benefits and interoperability of U.S. and U.K. unmanned combat air vehicle concepts, which will aid both nations in evaluating the cost-effectiveness of these vehicles as components of a future coalition offensive air capability. The program began in December 2004 and is scheduled to conclude in July 2009. -END

The J-UCAS program is a joint Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency/U.S. Air Force/U.S. Navy effort to demonstrate the technical feasibility, military utility, and the operational value of a networked system of high-performance, weaponized, unmanned air vehicles to effectively and affordably execute combat missions. The J-UCAS Common Operating System will allow unmanned aircraft systems to intraoperate with each other and with the Global Information Grid. The J-UCAS system-of-systems concept plans to demonstrate the military utility and the operational value of airpower in the 21st century combat environment. More information on the J-UCAS program can be found at at darpa.mil/j-ucas . Media with questions, please contact Jan Walker, (703) 696-2404, or jwalker@darpa.mil . News Release

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency 3701 North Fairfax Drive Arlington, VA 22203-1714 IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 16, 2005

“Providing technological innovation for national security for over 40 years.”

S.686 A bill to provide for the relief of the parents of Theresa Marie Schiavo

S.686 Title: A bill to provide for the relief of the parents of Theresa Marie Schiavo. Sponsor: Sen Frist, William H. [TN] (introduced 3/20/2005) Cosponsors (2) Private bill Related Bills: H.RES.182, S.653 Latest Major Action: 3/21/2005 Signed by President. All Information (except text), Text of Legislation

SECTION 1. RELIEF OF THE PARENTS OF THERESA MARIE SCHIAVO. The United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida shall have jurisdiction to hear, determine, and render judgment on a suit or claim by or on behalf of Theresa Marie Schiavo for the alleged violation of any right of Theresa Marie Schiavo under the Constitution or laws of the United States relating to the withholding or withdrawal of food, fluids, or medical treatment necessary to sustain her life.

SEC. 2. PROCEDURE. Any parent of Theresa Marie Schiavo shall have standing to bring a suit under this Act. The suit may be brought against any other person who was a party to State court proceedings relating to the withholding or withdrawal of food, fluids, or medical treatment necessary to sustain the life of Theresa Marie Schiavo, or who may act pursuant to a State court order authorizing or directing the withholding or withdrawal of food, fluids, or medical treatment necessary to sustain her life. In such a suit, the District Court shall determine de novo any claim of a violation of any right of Theresa Marie Schiavo within the scope of this Act, notwithstanding any prior State court determination and regardless of whether such a claim has previously been raised, considered, or decided in State court proceedings. The District Court shall entertain and determine the suit without any delay or abstention in favor of State court proceedings, and regardless of whether remedies available in the State courts have been exhausted.

SEC. 3. RELIEF. After a determination of the merits of a suit brought under this Act, the District Court shall issue such declaratory and injunctive relief as may be necessary to protect the rights of Theresa Marie Schiavo under the Constitution and laws of the United States relating to the withholding or withdrawal of food, fluids, or medical treatment necessary to sustain her life.

porphyrin tubes may lead to new nanodevices, inexpensive hydrogen fuel

Tiny porphyrin tubes developed by Sandia may lead to new nanodevices Research could result in clean, inexpensive hydrogen fuel

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Sunlight splitting water molecules to produce hydrogen using devices too small to be seen in a standard microscope. That's a goal of a research team from the National Nuclear Security Administration's Sandia National Laboratories. The research has captured the interest of chemists around the world pursuing methods of producing hydrogen from water.

"The broad objective of the research is to design and fabricate new types of nanoscale devices," says John Shelnutt, Sandia research team leader. "This investigation is exciting because it promises to provide fundamental scientific breakthroughs in chemical synthesis, self-assembly, electron and energy transfer processes, and photocatalysis. Controlling these processes is necessary to build nanodevices for efficient water splitting, potentially enabling a solar hydrogen-based economy."

The prospect of using sunlight to split water at the nanoscale grew out of Shelnutt's research into the development of hollow porphyrin nanotubes. (See "Porphyrin nanotubes versus carbon nanotubes" below.) These light-active nanotubes can be engineered to have minute deposits of platinum and other metals and semiconductors on the outside or inside of the tube.

The key to making water-splitting nanodevices is the discovery by Zhongchun Wang of nanotubes composed entirely of porphyrins. Wang is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Georgia working in Shelnutt's Sandia research group. The porphyrin nanotubes are micrometers in length and have diameters in the range of 50-70 nm with approximately 20 nm thick walls. They are prepared by ionic self-assembly of two oppositely charged porphyrins - molecules that are closely related to chlorophyll, the active parts of photosynthetic proteins. These hollow structures are one member of a new class of nanostructures made of porphyrins that Shelnutt and his team are developing. The porphyrin building blocks (tectons) can be altered to control their structural and functional properties.

Shelnutt says these porphyrin nanotubes have "interesting electronic and optical properties such as an intense resonance light scattering ability and photocatalytic activity." When exposed to light, some porphyrin nanotubes can photocatalytically grow metal structures onto tube surfaces to create a functional nanodevice. For example, when the nanotubes are put into a solution with gold or platinum ions and exposed to sunlight, their photocatalytic activity causes the reduction of the ions to the metal. Using this method the researchers have deposited platinum outside the nanotube and grown a nanowire of gold inside the tube.

The nanotube with the gold inside and platinum outside is the heart of a nanodevice that may split water into oxygen and hydrogen. The research team has already demonstrated that the nanotubes with platinum particles on the surface can produce hydrogen when illuminated with light. To complete the nanodevice that splits water, a nanoparticle of an inorganic photocatalyst that produces oxygen must be attached to the gold contact ball that naturally forms at the end of the tube. The gold nanowire and ball serve as a conductor of electrons between the oxygen- and hydrogen- producing components of the nanodevice. The gold conductor also keeps the oxygen and hydrogen parts separate to prevent damage during operation.

"Laboratory-scale devices of this type have already been built by others," Shelnutt says. "What we are doing is reducing the size of the device to reap the benefits of the nanoscale architecture."

Shelnutt says the nanodevice could efficiently use the entire visible and ultraviolet parts of the solar spectrum absorbed by the tubes to produce hydrogen, one of the Holy Grails of chemistry.

These nanotube devices could be suspended in a solution and used for photocatalytic solar hydrogen production.

"Once we have functional nanodevices that operate with reasonable efficiency in solution, we will turn our attention to the development of nanodevice-based solar light-harvesting cells and the systems integration issues involved in their production," Shelnutt says. "There are many possible routes to the construction of functional solar cells based on the porphyrin nanodevices. For example, we may fabricate nanodevices in arrays on transparent surfaces, perhaps on a masked free-standing film. However, we have a lot of issues to resolve before we get to that point."

Water-splitting is just one of the possible applications of the nanodevices based on porphyrin nanostructures. Shelnutt expects the tubes to have uses as conductors, semiconductors, and photoconductors, and to have other properties that permit them to be used in electronic and photonic devices and as chemical sensors.

The work was partially funded by a grant to the University of Georgia from the Department of Energy, Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences.
Porphyrin nanotubes versus carbon nanotubes

Porphyrins are light-absorbing molecules related to chlorophyll, the active part of photosynthetic proteins and light-harvesting nanostructures (chlorosomal rods). They are the active molecules in many other proteins such as hemoglobin, which gets its intense red color from a porphyrin.

Porphyrin nanotubes are made entirely of oppositely charged porphyrin molecules that self-assemble in water at room temperature. The more well-known carbon nanotubes are formed at high temperatures and have covalent bonds between carbon atoms. Porphyrin nanotubes lack the high mechanical strength of the carbon tubes but possess a wider range of optical and electronic properties that can be exploited in making nanodevices. In fact, carbon nanotubes are often modified by attaching porphyrins to increase their utility. This is unnecessary for the porphyrin nanotubes, which can be tailored to specific purposes like water-splitting by varying the type of porphyrin incorporated into the nanotube itself to obtain the desired properties.

Other porphyrin nanostructures such as nanofibers and rectangular cross-section nanotubes have been made and can also be used in the fabrication of nanodevices. ###

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Veterans Affairs (VA) mustard gas or the chemical weapon Lewisite

VA Reaches Out to Veterans Exposed to Mustard Agents

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced a national outreach campaign to locate veterans who were exposed to mustard gas or the chemical weapon Lewisite during their service.

"Many of these veterans have already sacrificed for their country, above and beyond the normal call of duty,' said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson. "At VA, we will ensure they receive the benefits and care they have earned."

Most of these veterans participated in chemical testing programs during World War II. They were exposed to mustard agents, which includes sulfur mustard and nitrogen mustard, and Lewisite, which is a blister-producing chemical that contains organic arsenic.

VA launched an awareness campaign in 1993 about benefits for veterans exposed to chemical warfare materials. This new effort includes direct mailings to veterans newly identified by the Department of Defense (DoD).

Most of these “mustard gas veterans” took part in DoD tests during World War II. The tests were designed to evaluate clothing, ointments and equipment that would protect American troops from mustard agent attacks.

As part of those tests, DoD reported some participants were exposed to a drop of a chemical-warfare agent on an arm, while others had full-body exposure in test chambers, sometimes with limited protective clothing. According to DoD, approximately 4,500 service members were exposed to these agents.

VA is mailing information to the veterans and survivors within the first group of participants identified by DoD. The information covers VA medical and financial benefits, data about the effects of exposure to chemical warfare agents, and telephone numbers for VA and DoD offices involved in the outreach campaign. VA is continuing to seek addresses for additional veterans and survivors.

VA invites veterans to file disability compensation claims for any condition related to service, including exposure to mustard agents and Lewisite.

Veterans or their survivors with questions about these benefits should contact VA at 1-800-749-8387 or visit VA’s benefits Web site at vba.va.gov.

# # # People wishing to receive e-mail from VA with the latest news releases and updated fact sheets can subscribe at the following Internet address: va.gov/opa/pressrel/ March 17, 2005

Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Interim Final Rule on Use of Train Horns

Federal Railroad Administration Changes Effective Date of Interim Final Rule on Use of Train Horns

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced today that it has changed the effective date of its Interim Final Rule (IFR) on the Use of Locomotive Horns at Highway-Rail Crossings to June 24, 2005 from April 1, 2005. The action is detailed in a notice published in today’s Federal Register.

The extension of the effective date for the IFR provides additional time to complete the required approval process of the Final Rule. FRA intends to publish the Final Rule this spring.

“We are keenly aware that communities nationwide are eagerly awaiting publication of the Final Rule,” said FRA Acting Administrator Robert D. Jamison. “We are confident that it will satisfactorily address the varied concerns and interests of communities throughout the country regarding the use of train horns at highway-rail grade crossings.”

This change will give public authorities additional time to establish the necessary conditions that will permit them to preserve pre-existing whistle bans or establish new quiet zones within their respective jurisdictions.

The IFR originally published on December 18, 2003, stipulated an effective date of December 18, 2004. It generated significant interest from communities across the country, requiring additional time for the FRA to fully consider approximately 1,400 comments submitted. As a consequence, FRA published a notice on November 22, 2004, indicating that the effective date of the IFR would be changed to April 1, 2005. Today’s notice supersedes the previous announcement.

The Federal Railroad Safety Authorization Act of 1994 required FRA to issue regulations that would require railroads to sound locomotive horns on approach to, and while traveling through public highway-rail grade crossings, except under specified conditions. Extensive information about the train horn proceeding is available at fra.dot.gov.

- END - FRA 08-05 Friday, March 18, 2005 Contact: Steve Kulm or Warren Flatau Tel.: (202) 493-6024

S. 686, Terri Schiavo

President's Statement on S. 686, Allowing Federal Courts to Hear Claim of Terri Schiavo

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT: Today, I signed into law a bill that will allow Federal courts to hear a claim by or on behalf of Terri Schiavo for violation of her rights relating to the withholding or withdrawal of food, fluids, or medical treatment necessary to sustain her life. In cases like this one, where there are serious questions and substantial doubts, our society, our laws, and our courts should have a presumption in favor of life. This presumption is especially critical for those like Terri Schiavo who live at the mercy of others. I appreciate the bipartisan action by the Members of Congress to pass this bill. I will continue to stand on the side of those defending life for all Americans, including those with disabilities. # # #

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 21, 2005

Dialogue in Kyrgyzsta

United States Calls for Dialogue in Kyrgyzsta: The United States Government has been following events in Kyrgyzstan closely since the second round of parliamentary elections last week. We are concerned by incidents of violence in Jalalabad and other parts of the country. We call on all parties in Kyrgyzstan to engage in dialogue and resolve differences peacefully and according to the rule of law.

The United States strongly endorses the March 20th Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE) statement calling for nonviolence and immediate dialogue. U.S. officials have been in contact with both the government and opposition to reinforce this message.

2005/336 Released on March 20, 2005 Press Statement Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman Washington, DC March 20, 2005