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World Press Freedom Day


Every year, May 3rd is a date which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom; to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession. The U.S. Mission to UNESCO is particularly pleased to note that this year's UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize was awarded to Mexican journalist Lydia Cacho Ribeiro. Members of the Prize's independent jury were impressed by her courage as she continues to expose political corruption, organized crime and domestic violence in the face of death threats, an attempt on her life and legal battles. The Prize, which honors the memory of the murdered Colombian journalist Guillermo Cano, is awarded every year by the UNESCO Director-General and since 2007 is supported by the U.S.-based Ottaway Foundation.

Links of interest


President Bush's Statement on World Press Freedom Day

Article: World Press Freedom Day Supports Journalists Facing Threats

e-Journal: Media Making Change

USAID Press Release on World Press Freedom

2008 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize awarded to Mexican reporter Lydia Cacho Ribeiro

UNESCO World Press Freedom Day Website

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The U. S. Imposes Import Restrictions to Protect the Cultural Heritage of Iraq


The Department of State is pleased to announce that pursuant to statutory and Presidential delegated authorities, an import restriction has been imposed by the Department of Homeland Security on cultural heritage material from the Republic of Iraq. The restriction becomes effective today, April 30, 2008, upon publication in the Federal Register of the Designated List of restricted categories of material. The U.S. has contributed $2 Million to Protect and Restore Iraqi Antiquities, and worked with UNESCO and other international experts to help save Iraq's museums and cultural property.

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The United States Commemorates UNESCO’s Education For All Global Action Week 2008


“Today, there are approximately 774 million adults who lack basic literacy skills and more than 72 million children who are out of school. This week the world recognizes Education for All week to draw attention to the need for education as a means to reduce poverty and provide economic opportunities for children, youth and adults. While we are making progress in providing access to primary education, we must also ensure that individuals have access to a quality education. Education for All week increases the world’s awareness of the importance of education and how it is essential to improve the lives of people of all ages around the world.” Louise V. Oliver, United States Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO

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The United States Participates in the Major Economies Meeting on Energy Security and Climate Change


Representatives of the world's major economies gathered in Paris to discuss climate change on April 16-18. Jim Connaughton, Chairman, White House Council on Environmental Quality, and Paula Dobriansky, United States Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs participated in the Meeting, whose goal was to begin laying the groundwork for the world leaders' climate meeting to be held in conjunction with the G-8 summit in July.

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