| | Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs
The Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs is headed by Assistant Secretary of State Thomas A. Shannon, Jr., who is responsible for managing and promoting U.S. interests in the region by supporting democracy, trade, and sustainable economic development, and fostering cooperation on issues such as drug trafficking and crime, poverty reduction, and environmental protection.
Mission: We are working with our partners in the Americas to generate broad-based growth through freer trade and sound economic policies; to invest in the well-being of people from all walks of life; and to make democracy serve every citizen more effectively and justly.
Objectives: We are strengthening an Inter-American community formed by:
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Economic partners that are democratic, stable, and prosperous;
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Friendly neighbors that help secure our region against terrorism and illegal drugs;
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Nations that work together in the world to advance shared political and economic values.
 | | | Highlights | ![Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, right, meets with members of the Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba, Monday, Dec. 19, 2005, in Washington. [ý AP/WWP]](https://web.archive.org/all/20060111024125im_/http://www.state.gov/cms_images/rice_cuba_140.jpg) Exploring Democratic Transition in Cuba
Secretary Rice: "A genuine transition to political and economic freedom must be led by the people of Cuba. The work we do now will ensure that our government is fully prepared, if asked, to assist a genuine Cuban transition government committed to democracy and which will lead to Cuba's reintegration into the inter-American system." full text
The State of Democracy in Venezuela
The assault on Venezuela's democratic institutions is of increasing concern to the U.S., its hemispheric partners, and international bodies. fact sheet
The Summit of the Americas
President Bush and Secretary Rice attended the 2005 Summit of the Americas in Mar del Plata, Argentina. Summit page | remarks | accomplishments fact sheet
Narcotics Control Reports 2005
South America; Canada, Mexico, and Central America; The Caribbean; Report Introduction
Electronic Newsletter
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