The head of United Nations political affairs urged the Security Council today to maintain strong support for the agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme, asking its signatories to work out their respective concerns, as it remained vital for international stability.
“The agreement is in the interest of the global non‑proliferation regime and of regional and global security”, Jeffrey Feltman, Under‑Secretary‑General for Political Affairs, said in a briefing on the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015), which endorsed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran’s nuclear programme. Also briefing this afternoon were Sebastiano Cardi of Italy, the Council facilitator for Committee established pursuant to that resolution, and Joanne Adamson of the European Union delegation, who spoke on the work of the agreement’s Joint Commission.
Mr. Feltman introduced the Secretary‑General’s latest report on the topic (document S/2017/1030), which affirmed “diplomatic achievement, compliance and robust verification” under the plan, but said that the recent decision of the President of the United States not to certify the agreement had “regrettably created considerable uncertainty regarding the future of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action”.
As a national executive action, the United States move did not, at present, affect the validity of the agreement, however, according to the report. “I am reassured that the United States has expressed its commitment to stay in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action for now,” the Secretary‑General stated in the report.
On Iran’s compliance, Mr. Feltman noted that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had reported nine times that Iran was continuing to adhere to its nuclear‑related commitments. In addition, there were again no reports of supply, sale or transfer to Iran of nuclear‑related items undertaken contrary to the resolution’s provisions.
However, he went on to say signatories and other Member States had provided information on the launch by Iran of several ballistic missiles as well as the Simorgh space launch vehicle in July 2017. In addition, the Secretariat was still analysing material from ballistic missiles launched at Saudi Arabia, reportedly from Yemen, for determination of Iranian involvement.
The Secretariat had also found evidence that certain weapons brought to its attention, including a shipment of assault rifles and grenade launchers, had shown signs of Iranian origin. In addition, the report requested the Security Council to call upon the Governments of relevant Member States to take the necessary steps to ensure implementation of the travel ban and other provisions of the annex.
Mr. Cardi, reporting on the activities of the Sanctions Committee, described an 8 September meeting in which the launch of the Simorgh space vehicle was discussed, with some Council members calling it inconsistent with resolution 2231 (2015), while others contended that it could not be modified to deliver nuclear weapons. He also reported on communications from three Member States alleging weapons transfers from Iran, which resulted in communications with that country.
Ms. Adamson, reporting on civil nuclear cooperation, said that Iran had made steps towards its accession to the international nuclear regulatory framework and must be further encouraged. The procurement working group was fully operational and the number of States interested in transfers to Iran had increased, she added, but stressed that the proper functioning of the procurement channel needed to be ensured. Commenting that the use of ballistic missiles and developments in the region had cast a shadow on the agreement, she called upon all parties to remain committed to the Joint Plan of Action in good faith and build on that achievement of multilateral diplomacy.
Following those briefings, most Member States urged all signatories to continue their commitment to the Joint Plan of Action, calling it an important instrument for nuclear non‑proliferation, and welcoming IAEA findings. Some expressed concern over possible violations of annex B of resolution 2231 (2015), worrying that any use of ballistic missiles could inflame tensions in the region and calling on Iran to act with caution in that regard.
While agreeing that Iran’s ballistic launches were of growing concern, the representative of France, along with others, urged all parties to the agreement to abide by it, stressing that respecting commitments was a cardinal element of international relations. He stressed that the decision by the United States had created an alarming uncertainty, as mentioned in the Secretary‑General’s report.
The representative of the United States said the Council must follow through on Iranian violations listed in that report, noting that just today there had been reports of Houthis in Yemen firing another missile into Saudi Arabia. That attack was a “red siren” for the Council. She maintained that the Secretary‑General’s fourth report was the most damning yet, as it made the case that Iran was transferring weapons. Iran’s destabilizing behaviour would only grow unless the cost of defying the international community was raised, she argued.
The representative of the Russian Federation, on the other hand, maintained that the Secretary‑General’s report was clear in relaying Iran’s compliance with the Joint Plan of Action. He expressed regret that there had been an attempt to undermine that breakthrough. Emphasizing that the Secretariat should not be conducting investigations outside its area of expertise, he said that overall, the international community needed to abandon the language of threats and sanctions and instead focus on dialogue and fostering mutual trust.
Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on the Maintenance of International Peace and Security
Press release from the US Mission to the UN 12/ 20/ 17Thank you, and we thank the Secretary-General for his briefing and for his commitment to conflict prevention and the sustaining peace agenda. We stand behind the Secretary-General as he implements an ambitious vision for a United Nations that can better address the world’s most complicated and pressing challenges.
This Council is in a unique position – and has a unique responsibility – to respond to crises too large for any one nation to address on its own. Yet to meet these challenges, we must ensure we have the tools and capabilities to respond to the realities of the world we live in. Peacekeeping operations, for example, are a powerful mechanism for the maintenance of international peace and security and the protection of civilians. The United Nations has over 100,000 troops and police deployed worldwide, responding to crises in ways no other institution can. Yet we must ensure that these missions meet the needs of people on the ground.
This is not about producing more reports or reorganizing departments. It’s about taking a careful look at each mission and asking difficult questions. Are we using our resources well? Does each mission promote a political solution? Are we effectively protecting civilians? Are we fostering independence or dependence?
We did this just recently during the mandate renewal for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic – MINUSCA. We supported an increase in MINUSCA’s troop ceiling while also emphasizing the importance of focusing on the quality of troops deployed. To that end, we pressed for stronger requirements in the mandate for preventing and reporting on sexual exploitation and abuse by peacekeepers, and for reporting on performance indicators of force effectiveness more broadly.
In Liberia, the UN devised a peacebuilding plan in preparation for the withdrawal of the peacekeeping mission early next year. This plan was developed in close coordination with the Liberian government and participation from civil society, and the result is a plan all parties can buy into. Yet the Security Council has generally used peacekeeping missions as a tool in response to imminent risks of mass violence or, too often, after conflict has already broken out.
To more comprehensively promote peace and protect human lives, we must look first at underlying challenges to peace and security – including failure to promote development or human rights or to meet humanitarian needs. When left unaddressed, these can develop into threats to international peace and security. These factors not only can exacerbate conflict, but in many instances directly lead to instability – a vicious cycle that often is largely man-made and preventable.
In Yemen, for example, approximately 22 million out of a population of 29 million are in need of humanitarian assistance. There are over 984,800 suspected cases of cholera and more than seven million people at potential risk for famine. Access constraints at key ports only fuel this crisis and prolong the suffering of the Yemeni people.
And famine is not just a human tragedy. It is an issue of peace and security. Early this year, the Secretary-General warned us that we were in the midst of the largest food security emergency since World War II, with more than 20 million people in northeast Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen facing famine. These conditions were not caused by drought or natural causes, but rather from conflict and, in some situations, are a result of parties more interested in power and personal gain than the safety and security of their own people.
And recent reports of human trafficking in Libya have sparked moral outrage and drawn attention to these abominable acts. Men, women, and children fleeing conflict or persecution often find themselves vulnerable to forced labor or sexual exploitation, taken advantage of by ruthless traffickers with no regard for human dignity. The individuals responsible for these horrific crimes are too often also engaged in transnational weapons and narcotics trafficking and in financing terrorist organizations. These challenges remind us every day of how high the stakes are for strengthening democracy, increasing prosperity, and improving security, all of which are elements necessary to building a lasting peace.
Despite its shortcomings, the United Nations has the power to develop solutions to the transnational problems we face. These complex challenges demand a true “whole-of-UN approach,” as well as deepening partnerships with regional and sub-regional organizations and better integrating the work of UN partners and other stakeholders.
The Peacebuilding Commission and the Peacebuilding Support Office play an important role in bridging divides between the three UN pillars to support coherent peacebuilding efforts and analysis. And again, we are grateful for the Secretary-General’s participation in today’s meeting, and we encourage him to continue to raise issues to the Council’s attention early and often when he believes an issue requires Council attention and Council action.
Fragile states share many common characteristics – such as weak governance, environmental degradation, and poverty – which are interlinked with political instability, transnational crime, and violent extremism. These issues overlap, and so too should our responses. Now let us all ensure we have the right tools to act.
PAGE 2: NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION to DC.
Kilmer Votes Against Tax Bill That Raises Middle Class Taxes, Adds Trillions to Debt
Press release issued from Congressman Kilmer 12/ 19/ 17WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) voted against the Republican tax plan. According to nonpartisan analyses, the final version of the bill would raise taxes on 86 million middle-class families and add more than $1.5 trillion to the debt. Of the tax cuts in the plan, 83 percent would go to the wealthiest 1 percent of the country.
“Today’s vote is an enormous missed opportunity. Done right, tax reform could help grow our economy, give small businesses a boost, and make it easier for middle class families to get ahead,” Rep. Derek Kilmer said. “Instead, this bill raises taxes on 86 million middle-class families while giving 83 percent of the tax cuts to the wealthiest one percent and adding more than $1.5 trillion to the debt that our kids will have to pay off.”
From the start of the process, Kilmer offered to work with Republicans on a bipartisan plan. Earlier this year, he and members of the New Democrat Coalition met with Rep. Kevin Brady, the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, which drafts tax policy, and offered to work on bipartisan tax reform. The group offered an alternative tax plan that would have drawn bipartisan support. Kilmer outlined the plan in an op-ed in The News Tribune earlier this week.
The final version of the bill, which would alter the nation’s economy for decades, was issued just four days before a vote. Critics of the bill raised concerns that special interests added last minute loopholes including a Real Estate Tax Break designed specifically to give massive tax breaks to wealthy real estate owners. Another loophole could actually end up sending more jobs overseas.
Nonpartisan analyses demonstrate that the bill would add more than $1.5 Trillion to the national debt over the next decade. That would trigger automatic cuts to things that help everyday Americans from seniors to farmers. For example, next year alone Medicare, the health insurance program for elderly, would be cut by $25 Billion. According to Politico, “nearly every federal program that helps farmers, would see funding evaporate.”
According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office the tax bill would cause sweeping changes to healthcare, which would lead to a 10 percent increase in health care premiums and cause 13 million fewer Americans to purchase insurance.
In addition, critics have raised concerns that the bill penalizes working people because it applies a higher tax rate to employee wages and salaries than to income earned by proprietors who do the exact same job. In a recent interview with The New York Times about this issue, Adam Looney, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and a former Treasury Department official said “We’ve never had a tax system where wage earners are substantially penalized” in this way.
The bill also failed to address an issue that directly affects Washington’s tribal communities. Under the current tax code, tribal governments are not given equal access to the same tax incentives that states and local governments can use to spur economic growth. Rep. Kilmer and a group of 37 other lawmakers raised this issue earlier this month and called on the committee to include a provision to give parity to tribal governments in the final package.
Despite Rep. Kilmer’s opposition and the disapproval of the majority of Americans, the bill passed.
Senator Murray’s Statement on Passage of GOP Tax Cuts for the Rich: “It’s hard to overstate the cruelty of the Trump-Republican bill”
Press release issued 12/ 20/ 17(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), one of seven Senate Democrats named to the conference committee, released the following statement after Republicans jammed through tax cuts that benefit the wealthiest Americans and biggest corporations on a party-line vote.
“From the very start, President Trump and Republicans shut out Democrats, nonpartisan experts, and the vast majority of Americans because they knew this legislation would never survive the light of day. The result of their closed-door negotiations is a terribly partisan bill that funnels even more money to those at the very top, at the expense of hardworking families and future generations.
“From the millions of Americans who will lose health coverage or see their premiums go up, to the middle class families who will see their tax bill increase in the coming years, to the pristine region of Alaska that will open to drilling, it’s hard to overstate the cruelty of the Trump-Republican bill. It’s also hard to overstate the hypocrisy of so-called fiscal conservatives who apparently didn’t think twice about blowing a massive hole in our deficit and endangering Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid--- all so they could dole out more tax cuts to the ultra-wealthy and the Trump family.
“While I am deeply disappointed President Trump and Republicans succeeded in jamming their destructive bill through without real hearings, true openness to amendments, bipartisan input—or allowing the Senator-elect from Alabama to cast a vote-- I am extremely proud of the millions of people from every corner of this country who made their voices heard and who did everything they could to highlight the gross inequities of the GOP tax bill. I want the American people to know this fight is not over. I urge everyone to join me in continuing to hold Republicans accountable for their votes—and to work with Democrats to reverse the pieces of this legislation that so heavily tip the scales to the wealthiest in the country.”
Senator Cantwell Statement on Banking Committee’s Rejection of Ex-Im Bank Nominee Scott Garrett
Press release issued 12/ 19/ 17WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement in response to the U.S. Senate Banking Committee’s 13-10 vote to reject Scott Garrett’s nomination to chair the Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im). As a Congressman, Garrett favored dismantling the bank.
"I applaud the Senate Banking Committee’s decision to reject Mr. Garrett’s nomination. If we want to create jobs across America, we need a fully functioning Export-Import Bank approving these deals from manufacturers that are ready to close sales and hire workers,” said Senator Cantwell. “The president needs to send us a qualified nominee who wants to see the bank succeed."
As one of the most trade dependent state in the nation, the Ex-Im Bank is vital to Washington state’s economy. Since Ex-Im was reauthorized in December 2016, six transactions worth $2.6 billion whose primary exporter is from Washington State have been stalled.
Senator Cantwell has long fought for a full functioning and permanently reauthorized Export-Import Bank to ensure American companies can compete on a level playing field with global competitors. She pressed for board members to be nominated and confirmed to the banks board last year. In December of 2015, the Ex-Im Bank received a 4-year reauthorization thanks in part to Cantwell’s advocacy. Later that year, a coalition of Democrats secured an agreement from Majority Leader McConnell to hold a vote to reauthorize Ex-Im, which resulted in an overwhelming majority of support.
PAGE 3: President Donald J. Trump’s First Year of Foreign Policy Accomplishments
White House released the following fact sheet 12/ 19/ 17AN AMERICA FIRST FOREIGN POLICY: President Donald J. Trump has fulfilled his promise to put America First by prioritizing the defense of America’s borders at home and its interests abroad.
President Trump has announced new policies to secure America’s borders:
Set the highest standard ever for United States visa and immigration vetting and adjudications so that the United States can validate traveler identities, prevent fraud, and ensure individuals do not represent a public safety or national security threat
Implemented enhancements that have raised the bar for refugee vetting and screening
Withdrew from negotiations on the Global Compact on Migration to ensure America’s control of its borders
PROTECT THE HOMELAND: President Trump has taken innovative and aggressive action to protect our people and eliminate threats to the homeland at their source.
President Trump has successfully prosecuted the war against ISIS by empowering commanders with broad authority to defeat the terrorist group.
The coalition against ISIS has recaptured over 95 percent of the territory previously held by ISIS in Iraq and Syria, the government of Iraq has liberated its territory from ISIS , and millions have been freed from the terrorist group’s stranglehold.
President Trump has dramatically increased pressure on North Korea to end its WMD and missile programs:
Initiated the toughest sanctions ever on North Korea that cut off 30 percent of its oil imports, and—when combined with previous resolutions—that banned over 90 percent of the country’s exports
Designated North Korea as a State Sponsor of Terror
Pressured China to reduce banking ties to North Korea
Encouraged action against North Korea from countries around the world such as Malaysia, Kuwait, Peru, and Sudan
President Trump took the bold step of declining to certify that what Iran gave up under the nuclear deal was appropriate and proportionate to the benefits it received, while making clear that the United States demands that Iran fully and strictly comply with all of its nuclear-related obligations.
President Trump launched sanctions against 93 Iran-related entities and individuals to counter Iran’s non-nuclear destabilizing behavior.
President Trump called on Pakistan to do more to combat terrorism within its borders.
President Trump has made it clear that the use of chemical weapons will not be tolerated, as demonstrated by his swift and decisive order to strike the Syrian air base responsible for launching the horrific chemical weapons attack on April 4, 2017, in Khan Shaykhun, Syria, killing innocent civilians.
PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH: President Trump is rebuilding our military, and has revitalized international partnerships and prompted our allies to take on a greater share of the burden of collective defense.
President Trump ordered a dramatic rebuilding of the Nation’s crucial military capacities and capabilities and worked with Congress on a defense budget that would reverse the sequester:
Requested and received an additional $21 billion in Department of Defense funding to address urgent readiness shortfalls
Ordered a Nuclear Posture Review to ensure America’s nuclear forces are up to date and serve as a credible deterrent
Ordered $367 million in missile defense investments for fiscal year 2017 and $4 billion for 2018 to defend against the threat of North Korean missiles
Directed the elevation of US CYBERCOM to a unified combatant command, improving leadership, operational effectiveness and resourcing for cyber efforts
President Trump has reinvigorated the National Space Council and reset America’s sights on manned exploration of the solar system.
Spending by NATO on defense has increased 4.3 percent, or $12.4 billion, over the previous year while increased troop contributions to Afghanistan have contributed to the record highest fill rate of 93 percent.
President Trump has worked with partners and allies in the Middle East to enhance counterterrorism cooperation, including through the creation of the U.S.-Gulf Cooperation Council Terrorist Financing Targeting Center and joint sanctions designations of Al al-Qa’ida and ISIS terrorists.
President Trump has reinvigorated our nuclear security cooperation with countries around the world to ensure that terrorists cannot gain access to the materials necessary for producing nuclear weapons.
President Trump refocused America’s strategy in Afghanistan, providing enhanced military resources to fight ISIS and the Taliban, and outlining a conditions-based strategy for peace.
President Trump is working to ensure that our partners and allies have the capabilities they need to fight shared challenges, such as terrorism.
President Trump championed quadrilateral cooperation with Australia, India, and Japan to ensure a free, open, prosperous, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
ENHANCING AMERICAN INFLUENCE: President Trump has made historic trips and delivered speeches abroad restoring America’s influence around the world.
On his first trip abroad, President Trump visited the historic homes of three great world religions, meeting with leaders of more than 50 Muslim majority nations in Saudi Arabia, reassuring America’s key ally in Israel, and meeting with the Pope in the Holy See.
President Trump traveled to Europe where he revitalized the NATO alliance and attended meetings of the G-7 and G-20.
In November, President Trump conducted the longest trip to Asia by an American president in 25 years where he rallied Asian nations to maximize pressure on North Korea, outlined his vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and advanced fair and reciprocal trade.
President Trump exhorted Muslim nations to fight extremism in Riyadh, stood up for Western values in Warsaw, faced down the North Korean threat in Seoul, and delivered a clear vision of nation-state sovereignty and principled realism at the United Nations.
PAGE 4: Looking to spread some holiday cheer? Consider books for the state’s institutional libraries
Sec. of State press release 12/ 18/ 17OLYMPIA – Nobody wants to read the same books over and over again, so the Washington State Library is appealing to the public for donations this holiday season. Because many of the state’s branch libraries are infrequently restocked due to budget reductions, the State Library has created Amazon Wish Lists for each institution.
“The Washington State Library operates libraries inside many of the state’s correctional institutions as well as Eastern and Western State Hospital,” said State Librarian Cindy Aden. “Many, if not all, of these libraries have had the same books and music on the shelves for years and are in need of a serious inventory update. It’s a perfect opportunity for folks feeling charitable this time of year to help us out…and their gifts are tax deductible as well.”
Some patients at the two state hospital live inside the institutions for many years, never having access to another public library. Aden said that’s one reason why it’s so critical to provide an ample variety of reading and listening material to help improve the quality of their lives. And because funding for the operations of the State Library has been significantly cut over the past 15 years, there is rarely money available to replace collections.
Conversely, better than 90-percent of inmates currently housed in state correctional facilities will eventually be released into the community. Secretary of State Kim Wyman, whose office oversees the State Library, says a gift to those institutions can help prevent offenders from returning to their old ways on the outside.
“Do we want these individuals released on our streets with no practicable job skills, no education and no idea where to turn for assistance?” Wyman asked. “The answer should be a resounding ‘no,’ which is why the materials selected by each institutional library often include resources that can help an inmate successfully reintegrate once they’re let out.”
The wish lists for each institutional library can be found on the State Library’s website.
Washington’s Office of Secretary of State oversees a number of areas within state government, including managing state elections, registering corporations and charities, and governing the use of the state flag and state seal. The office also manages the State Archives and the State Library, as well as documents extraordinary stories in Washington’s history through Legacy Washington.
Final recommendation to deny proposed Vancouver oil terminal heads to Governor’s desk
UTC Press release issued 12/ 19/ 17OLYMPIA, Wash. – Today the Washington Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) finalized the recommendation to deny the proposed Vancouver Energy project at the Port of Vancouver and deliver to Gov. Inslee.
On Nov. 28, the council voted unanimously to recommend the Governor deny the Vancouver Energy project.
The report and supporting documents will be delivered to Gov. Inslee today. He has 60 days to issue a final decision.
In 2013, Tesoro Savage Petroleum Terminal LLC, also known as Vancouver Energy, applied for a site certification agreement from EFSEC to construct and operate the Tesoro Savage Vancouver Energy
Distribution Terminal at the Port of Vancouver, Washington. At full operation, the project would be capable of receiving up to 360,000 barrels of crude oil transported by train, per day, for delivery to refineries primarily located on the West Coast.
The Final Environmental Impact Statement for the project was released on Nov. 21.
EFSEC was created by the state Legislature in 1970 to provide one-stop licensing for large energy projects. The council's responsibilities include siting large natural gas and oil pipelines, thermal electric power plants that are 350 megawatts or greater and their dedicated transmission lines, new oil refineries or large expansions of existing facilities, and underground natural gas storage fields.
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Luke 2:6-7 NKJV
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