|  | | | H I G H L I G H T S
| Thursday, October 27, 2005 | | |
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 Annual State Department Iftaar Dinner
Secretary Rice (Oct. 25): "We in America know the benevolence that is at the heart of Islam. ... We in America also know that Muslims, like people of all faiths and people of no faith at all, possess certain basic rights that arise from our equal human dignity." [full text; DSL/cable, dial-up, audio]
 U.S. Response to South Asia Earthquake
The U.S. announced a commitment of $156 million to Pakistan for earthquake assistance at a UN-sponsored donors’ conference in Geneva. The U.S. package includes $50 million for humanitarian relief, $50 million for reconstruction, and $56 million to support Defense Department relief operations. [full text; also see press conference and more]
For the many Americans who will want to make private contributions to assist the victims of this disaster, we recommend that they contact the American Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, or the American Council for Voluntary International Action.
Hurricane Wilma
The State Department has a 24-hour task force to oversee the U.S. response to the damage in Mexico, as well as a Call Center to handle queries from the public. The Call Center can be reached toll free at 1-888-407-4747 or from overseas at 1-202-501-4444. You can obtain up-to-date information on the U.S. Government’s assistance to Americans in Mexico following Hurricane Wilma at travel.state.gov. [full text]
 U.S.-Canadian Relations
Secretary Rice (Oct. 25): "We've had extensive discussions of our bilateral agenda but also of the many, many issues that the United States and Canada are cooperating on across the world.... We have a really good friend in Canada.... We are each other's largest trading partners. And so there is always a great deal to talk about when I'm with the Canadians and I'm delighted that I've had the chance to be here." [full text; trip page]
| | | | | I N O T H E R N E W S | | | | |  The Summit of the Americas brings together the Western Hemisphere's 34 democratically elected leaders to advance a shared, multilateral agenda for improving democracy, human rights, and free markets in the region.
The U.S. supports Kazakhstan's efforts to thrive economically. As Kazakhstan's economy continues to develop, it will be an engine for growth within Central Asia.
| | The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe has demonstrated its value in achieving U.S. foreign policy objectives and in the promotion of our common values: freedom and democracy, economic development, and political-military issues.
A new historical background paper describes the U.S. and the founding of the United Nations.
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