About the State Department A-Z index Secretary of State Colin L. Powell Senior State Department Officials Strategic Plans, Performance Reports Department Organization U.S. Embassies and Consulates State Magazine more... Press and Public Affairs Audio and Video Releases Press Releases (Secretary) Press Releases (Other) Daily Press Briefings (Transcripts) Major State Department Publications Electronic Subscription Service Photo Gallery more... Travel and Living Abroad Travel Warnings Emergencies Abroad Passports for U.S. Citizens Visas for Foreign Citizens more... Countries and Regions Iraq Sudan Afghanistan Country Background Notes U.S. Embassies, Consulates, Missions more... International Topics and Issues Environment and Conservation Human Rights Landmines International Affairs Budget more... History, Education and Culture Educational and Cultural Affairs Diplomatic History Student Page more... Business Center Doing Business in International Markets Contracting Opportunities Small Business Office Foreign Per Diem Rates Federal Regulations more... Other Services Children's Services Employee Services Notarial and Authentication Services more... Employment No FEAR Act Civil Service Foreign Service Student Programs International Organizations more... Saturday, October 23, 2004  Middle East Partnership Initiative Deputy Spokesman Ereli (Oct. 22): "[We will be awarding] an additional $18.5 million in economic support funds as part of the Middle East Partnership Initiative. This money will go to support projects in Jordan, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, the West Bank and Gaza that focus on our effort to help these people--civic organizations, citizens groups, educational institutions...that reform and develop." [full text] Elections in Iraq Secretary Powell (Oct. 21): "We realize it's a difficult situation. We're fighting an insurgency, but our commitment is solid to have elections as required for the UN resolution by the end of January 2005." [full text] Secretary Powell Traveling to Asia Secretary Powell is traveling to Japan, the People's Republic of China, and the Republic of Korea. Read his interview about the trip. Doors to Diplomacy Competition The U.S. Department of State, along with the Global SchoolNet Foundation, announces the 2005 "Doors to Diplomacy" Award competition. This educational award will recognize the student-created web project that best teaches others about the importance of international affairs and diplomacy. [more] U.S. Assistance in the Philippines USAID Administrator Natsios joins students of Basilan National High School in surfing the Internet using computers and an Internet connection that USAID donated. [More on Administrator Natsios' visit to the Philippines]   Read the Deputy Secretary Armitage interview on U.S.-Australia relations and other current issues. Foreign Terrorist Organizations designations play a critical role in the fight against terrorism and are an effective means of curtailing support for terrorist activities and pressuring groups to get out of the terrorism business. [more] The Department of State is committed to fighting anti-Semitism throughout the world, and is proud of its many accomplishments. Is your destination the U.S.? This brief video explains new visa policies and procedures for visitors to the United States--a nation with secure borders and open doors. [DSL/Cable; dial-up; audio; transcript] Background Notes are factual publications that contain information on all the countries of the world with which the United States has relations. See the whole collection.

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