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Archive: 1997-2000
  

Bureau of Political-Military Affairs

The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (PM), headed by Assistant Secretary Lincoln P. Bloomfield, Jr., is the principal link between the Departments of State and Defense. The Bureau provides policy direction in the areas of international security, security assistance, military operations, post-conflict stabilization, and defense trade. PM is instrumental in the State Department's efforts to accomplish three major goals under the United States Strategic Plan for International Affairs:

  • Combating Terrorism: PM plays a key role in the Global War on Terrorism that includes securing base access and overflight permission to support the deployment of U.S. military forces, coordinating the participation of coalition combat and stabilization forces, and promoting critical infrastructure protection.

  • Regional Stability: PM promotes stability around the world by fostering effective defense relationships with key friends and allies; regulating arms transfers; promoting responsible U.S. defense trade; controlling access to military technologies; combating illegal trafficking of small arms and light weapons; negotiating status of forces and base access agreements; and facilitating the education and training of international peacekeepers and other foreign military personnel.

  • Humanitarian Assistance: PM manages humanitarian mine action programs around the world and works with the Defense Department to provide assistance in the event of natural disasters and other crises abroad. Th e bureau also coordinates U.S. Government response to chemical, biological, radiological, and natural events overseas.

  
Highlights
Defense Trade Policy
Assistant Secretary Bloomfield's remarks to the Society for International Affairs (SIA) Conference.

Assistant Secretary's Visit to UAE
Assistant Secretary Bloomfield meets with United Arab Emirates journalists.Assistant Secretary Bloomfield met with United Arab Emirates journalists on October 17, 2004, during a visit to Abu Dhabi.

Relief Aid for Sudan
Clearance of unexploded ordnance will enable Rumbek Airstrip to receive more relief aid for southern SudanUnited States clears unexploded ordnance to help speed relief aid to Sudan's Rumbek region [see photos]

Honduras Completes Landmine Clearance
The United States welcomes the recent declaration by the Government of Honduras that it is now "mine free." 

To Walk the Earth in Safety
Report cover:  To Walk the Earth in SafetyThe Department of State releases fifth annual report on the accomplishments of the U.S. Humanitarian Mine Action Program.

"First Steps: The International Response to the Landmine Crisis"
WHUT/Howard University Television broadcasted documentary on the global landmine problem. See the preview to this TV documentary shown on PBS stations around the U.S.

Spotlighting Work That Saves Lives
Read Assistant Secretary Bloomfield's Letter to the Editor of the Washington Post.

Mine Action Event at U.S. Open
Remarks by Special Representative Bloomfield honoring Humanitarian Mine Action intiatives during event at the U.S. Open 2004.

  
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