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HighlightsSaturday, December 11, 2004 

Travel to Europe and Morocco
Secretary Powell traveled to Europe for multilateral and bilateral consultations. In Morocco, he co-chaired the first meeting of the "Forum for the Future."

Moroccan buildingForum for the Future
The inaugural "Forum for the Future" meeting took place on December 11, 2004, in Rabat, Morocco. Secretary Powell joined Foreign and Finance Ministers from BMENA (Broader Middle East and North Africa) and G-8 countries at the event. The meeting also included business and civil society representatives [read more in a fact sheet].

collage of photos: Iraqi girl at school, wounded girl from Sudan with bandages lies in makeshift bed, men and women in line to vote in Kosovo, and women in Cuba marching in protest (AP Wideworld photo)Human Rights Day
Secretary Powell: "President George W. Bush has officially declared the week of December 10-17, 2004, to be Human Rights Week and December 10, 2004, to be Human Rights Day. In commemorating this week, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles which have come to characterize our nation....Today, millions of people across the globe are denied basic human rights, and so on every continent we make important immediate and long-term investments in democracy and human rights....Our fight for human rights will continue so long as tyrannical regimes infringe upon the freedom of citizens." [full text]

Transatlantic Relations
Secretary Powell (Dec. 9): "NATO remains the essential forum for our transatlantic community, but we are only as strong as our capabilities. Our capabilities are our credibility. The United States and Europe must work in partnership, using our different strengths and abilities to advance the values of freedom and peace...." [full text]

Afghan students sit at desks with books. From December 7, 2004 State Dept. publication. Copyright AP WideWorld.Afghanistan: Building a Free, New Society
Hamid Karzai, the first democratically elected President in Afghanistan’s history, was inaugurated on December 7, 2004. Fact sheet describes Afghanistan's progress in democracy, education, health, infrastructure, economic growth, and security and stability.
In Other News
Marriage and visa fraud potentially threaten the national security of the United States. The U.S. is firmly committed to fighting these crimes and bringing those who commit them to justice.

Afghanistan Unveiled is the first film about Afghan women by Afghan women. It is about life under the Taliban and a journey for the truth by 14 Afghan journalists.


The State Department has sponsored a new book promoting international opportunities for people with disabilities: "Survival Strategies for Going Abroad: A Guide for People with Disabilities."

Visit our student website to find an interesting country and learn about it, read kids' stories about what life is really like in other parts of the world, test your geographical knowledge, and much, much more.


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