State's Rademaker says U.S. Committed to Multilateralism
The United States is "profoundly multilateralist," and in a number of recent instances "we have chosen to provide the leadership -- the backbone -- required for multilateralism to succeed," a key State Department official says.
Bush "Optimistic" U.N. Will Act on Iraq
On the eve of the updated report on Iraq to the U.N. Security Council by the U.N. chief weapons inspectors, President Bush says he is hopeful that the world's "most important multilateral body" will prove its relevance and act to make sure that the Saddam Hussein regime in Iraq is disarmed of its weapons of mass destruction, as demanded by numerous council resolutions.
AP: Powell Says Iraq Still Playing 'Tricks'
Secretary of State Colin Powell told the U.N. Security Council Iraq is still playing "tricks" on U.N. weapons inspectors. He said while a few people have come forward for interviews with the inspectors, more people should be coming forward.
Text:
Report by the Chief Inspector for Biological and Chemical Arms
State: U.S. Announces Proposals for FTAA Negotiations
On February 11, the United States announced comprehensive offers to eliminate tariffs and trade barriers in the ongoing negotiations to create a Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA).
Resource:
Yahoo Index: Global Economy
Resource:
Yahoo Index: International Trade
State: U.S. Answers International Red Cross Emergency Appeal
The United States is making a new contribution of $19.8 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross in response to the organization's emergency appeals for 2003 field operations.
Resource:
International Committee of the Red Cross
State: Bush Again Urges U.N. Security Council to Prove Its Relevance
The United Nations Security Council has to decide soon whether its resolutions requiring the Saddam Hussein regime in Iraq to disarm are to mean anything, President Bush said February 7.
Background:
The UN Security Council
State: Worldwide Caution
This supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated November 20, 2002. It is being issued to remind U.S. citizens of the need to remain vigilant due to a heightened threat of terrorist actions that may target civilians, including the possibility of attacks by non-conventional weapons. It also reminds American citizens traveling or living overseas to avoid demonstrations and provides standard preparedness advice. This Worldwide Caution expires on May 4, 2003.
Threat Level Change: ORANGE
President Bush raised the Homeland Security Advisory System threat level to High Condition (Orange) Friday afternoon. Many agencies that will be a part of the new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are taking additional steps to increase protective measures. The following are examples of some of the additional steps being taken as a result of the increased threat level. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will increase the number of random airport security checkpoints, as well as the number of Air Marshals assigned to flights. TSA will also increase perimeter security in and around airports, possibly impacting airport parking by reducing parking spaces and/or increasing random vehicle inspections. At our borders and international airports, federal inspectors will more closely question an even larger number of people, increasing the scrutiny of travel documents and vehicles entering our borders. And the Coast Guard will work with state and local agencies to increase port and waterway security. Follow the links below to learn more about what the federal government is doing, as well as steps you can take to be better prepared.
Secretary Ridge's and Attorney General Ashcroft's Remarks
Fact Sheet - Federal Agency Actions
Are You Ready? - Guide to Citizen Preparedness
