| | 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.
Secretary Rice Thanks Canadians
 Secretary Rice (Sept. 11): "The character of [the U.S.-Canada alliance] is evident in times of peace and good fortune. But in those darker times, when tragedy summons us to support one another, to comfort one another and to heal one another, that is when we see the true strength of the bond of friendship that we enjoy...five years ago today, you came to our aid when a calm fall morning was shattered by terror and by evil." full text | more from the Secretary's trip | Canada Country Page
Secretary Rice Addresses the People of Cuba
Secretary Rice: "All Cubans who desire peaceful democratic change can count on the support of the United States. We encourage the Cuban people to work at home for positive change, and we stand ready to provide you with humanitarian assistance, as you begin to chart a new course for your country." video | full text | listen
· Interview on MSNBC's Hard Ball With David Gregory
· Interview on NBC's Meet the Press With Tim Russert
U.S. Policy Toward Cuba
Assistant Secretary Shannon: "...this is actually a very propitious moment to begin to talk aloud about the importance of a transition to democracy in Cuba and the importance of finding a way to show solidarity with the Cuban people. It is our view that Cuba's future has to be determined by the Cuban people." full text | Cuba Country Page | Statements and Press Releases | | | Highlights | President Bush Welcomes President of Peru to the White House
Presidents George W. Bush and Alan Garcia underscored the strong relationship between the United States and Peru, and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening democracy and expanding free trade in the region as a means of improving the well-being of all citizens by securing freedom and delivering the greatest possible economic benefits to the largest number of people. They pledged to continue working together toward these and other shared objectives. remarks | joint statement
CAFTA-DR: U.S. Increases Support for Labor and Environmental Improvements
The U.S. Government will commit $39.6 million in 2006 to help Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) member countries. full text | fact sheet
Major Drug Transit, Illicit Drug Producing Countries Announced
President Bush recently authorized the Secretary of State to transmit to the Congress the annual report on the Major Drug Transit or Major Illicit Drug Producing Countries for Fiscal Year 2007. The President identified as major drug transit or major illicit drug producing countries in the Western Hemisphere: The Bahamas, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Venezuela.
Special Briefing by Deputy Assistant Secretary McCampbell | Press Release
Why The Americas Matter
Assistant Secretary Shannon's remarks at the 4th Annual Killam Public Lecture at the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in Ottawa, Canada.
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