Scotland/Foreign Affairs

Executive Order Providing for the Closing of Executive Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government on January 9, 2025

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1. All executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government shall be closed on January 9, 2025, as a mark of respect for James Earl Carter, Jr., the… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/12/30/executive-order-providing-for-the-closing-of-executive-departments-and-agencies-of-the-federal-government-on-january-9-2025/">Executive Order Providing for the Closing of Executive Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government on January 9, 2025</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Mon Dec 30 2024

Message to the Congress on Death of James Earl Carter, Jr.

By this Message, I officially inform you of the death of James Earl Carter, Jr., the thirty-ninth President of the United States. President Carter was a man of character, courage, and compassion, whose lifetime of service defined him as one of the most influential statesmen in our history. He embodied the very best of America: A… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/12/30/message-to-the-congress-on-death-of-james-earl-carter-jr/">Message to the Congress on Death of James Earl Carter, Jr.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Mon Dec 30 2024

Proclamation Announcing the Death of James Earl Carter, Jr.

TO THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES: It is my solemn duty to announce officially the death of James Earl Carter, Jr., the thirty-ninth President of the United States, on December 29, 2024. President Carter was a man of character, courage, and compassion, whose lifetime of service defined him as one of the most influential statesmen in… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/12/29/proclamation-announcing-the-death-of-james-earl-carter-jr/">Proclamation Announcing the Death of James Earl Carter, Jr.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Mon Dec 30 2024

South Korea - Plane crash (29.12.24)

France was deeply shocked to learn about the terrible toll of the plane crash at Muan airport in South Korea on Sunday 29 December. In these tragic circumstances, France extends its sincerest condolences to the bereaved families.

Updated: Mon Dec 30 2024

Statement from President Joe Biden on U.S. Support for Ukraine’s Defense

Today, I am proud to announce nearly $2.5 billion in security assistance for Ukraine, as the Ukrainian people continue to defend their independence and freedom from Russian aggression. Since Russia launched its further assault against Ukraine in February 2022, the United States has rallied the world to stand with the Ukrainian people, and it… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/30/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-u-s-support-for-ukraines-defense/">Statement from President Joe Biden on U.S. Support for Ukraine’s Defense</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Mon Dec 30 2024

Statement by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden on the Passing of Former President Jimmy Carter

Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian. Over six decades, we had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well. … The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/29/statement-by-president-joe-biden-and-first-lady-jill-biden-on-the-passing-of-former-president-jimmy-carter/">Statement by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden on the Passing of Former President Jimmy Carter</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Sun Dec 29 2024

Statement by Vice President Kamala Harris on the Passing of Former President Jimmy Carter

President Jimmy Carter was guided by a deep and abiding faith — in God, in America, and in humanity. Jimmy Carter’s life is a testament to the power of service — as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, the 76th Governor of Georgia, and the 39th President of the United States. He reminded our nation and the world… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/29/statement-by-vice-president-kamala-harris-on-the-passing-of-former-president-jimmy-carter/">Statement by Vice President Kamala Harris on the Passing of Former President Jimmy Carter</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Sun Dec 29 2024

Statement from President Joe Biden on the Plane Crash in the Republic of Korea

Jill and I are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life that occurred as a result of the Jeju Airlines accident in Muan, Republic of Korea. As close allies, the American people share deep bonds of friendship with the South Korean people and our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by this… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/29/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-the-plane-crash-in-the-republic-of-korea/">Statement from President Joe Biden on the Plane Crash in the Republic of Korea</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Sun Dec 29 2024

On-the-Record Press Gaggle by White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby

10:35 A.M. EST MODERATOR: Hi, everyone. Good morning. And thanks so much for joining today’s News of the Day Gaggle with National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby and Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology Anne Neuberger. This call, as a reminder, is on the record. I’ll turn it over to John Kirby… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2024/12/27/on-the-record-press-gaggle-by-white-house-national-security-communications-advisor-john-kirby-38/">On-the-Record Press Gaggle by White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Sat Dec 28 2024

Statement from President Joe Biden on the Passing of Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India

Jill and I join the people of India in grieving the loss of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The unprecedented level of cooperation between the United States and India today would not have been possible without the Prime Minister’s strategic vision and political courage. From forging the U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Agreement to helping launch… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/27/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-the-passing-of-former-prime-minister-manmohan-singh-of-india/">Statement from President Joe Biden on the Passing of Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Sat Dec 28 2024

Israel / Palestinian Territories (27 Dec. 2024)

France condemns Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir's visit to the Al Aqsa Mosque Compound yesterday, which took place in violation of the historic status quo regarding the holy sites in Jerusalem. In Jerusalem, the now-systematic challenges to the status quo at the Al Aqsa Mosque Compound risk creating a widespread flare-up. France recalls the need to preserve the historic status quo regarding the holy sites in Jerusalem and stresses the importance of Jordan's specific role (…)

Updated: Fri Dec 27 2024

Yemen - Houthi attack on Israel (27 Dec. 2024)

France strongly condemns the attacks that the Houthis have carried out against Israel over the past few days. France reiterates that these attacks, like the many other Houthi attacks against commercial ships in the Red Sea and against Israel that they have been carrying out for more than a year, are unacceptable, destabilizing, and must end immediately. France reaffirms its commitment to regional stability and to Israel's (…)

Updated: Fri Dec 27 2024

Kazakhstan - Plane crash (26 Dec. 2024)

France was deeply saddened to learn of the crash that took place yesterday near Aktau, Kazakhstan, of Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 en route from Baku to Grozny. France expresses its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, as well as their respective countries, and wishes a speedy recovery to those who survived the crash.

Updated: Thu Dec 26 2024

Russia - France denounces the dismissal of the appeal of the conviction of director Evgenia Berkovitch and playwright Sv

France expresses its profound indignation regarding the dismissal of the appeal of the conviction of director Evgenia Berkovitch and playwright Svetlana Petrichuk, who were sentenced to six years in a penal colony on July 8. France will be following the situation of Ms. Berkovitch and Ms. Petrichuk with the utmost vigilance while they are under detention. We remind the Russian authorities of their obligations under international humanitarian law and we urge them to release all political (…)

Updated: Thu Dec 26 2024

Ukraine - Condemnation of Russia’s massive strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure (26 Dec. 2024)

France condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia's massive strikes on Ukraine, which took place on December 25 and targeted six regions in the country, severely damaging energy infrastructure and leaving thousands of households without electricity on Christmas Day. France assures the Ukrainian authorities of its full solidarity and will continue to provide support for as long as it takes and as intensely as (…)

Updated: Thu Dec 26 2024

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves North Dakota Disaster Declaration

Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of North Dakota and ordered Federal assistance to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by wildfires and straight-line winds from October 5 to October 6, 2024. Federal funding is available to state, tribal, and eligible… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/12/24/president-joseph-r-biden-jr-approves-north-dakota-disaster-declaration-6/">President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves North Dakota Disaster Declaration</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Wed Dec 25 2024

Statement from President Joe Biden on Russia’s Overnight Aerial Attacks against

In the early hours of Christmas, Russia launched waves of missiles and drones against Ukrainian cities and critical energy infrastructure. The purpose of this outrageous attack was to cut off the Ukrainian people’s access to heat and electricity during winter and to jeopardize the safety of its grid. Let me be clear: the Ukrainian people… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/25/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-russias-overnight-aerial-attacks-against/">Statement from President Joe Biden on Russia’s Overnight Aerial Attacks against</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Wed Dec 25 2024

Afghanistan - Joint statement (24.12.24)

Special Envoys and Representatives for Afghanistan of Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States met in Geneva on December 16, 2024 to discuss the situation in Afghanistan. Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights, Representatives of the World Bank (WB) and of (…)

Updated: Tue Dec 24 2024

Democratic Republic of the Congo - Telephone conversation between Jean-Noël Barrot and his counterpart (23.12.24)

On Monday, December 23, 2024, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot spoke over the phone with his counterpart, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Territorial Integration of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Minister reiterated France's commitment to the DRC's territorial integrity and expressed concern regarding the deteriorating security situation in the eastern DRC, in particular in North Kivu. The Ministers discussed the December 20th (…)

Updated: Tue Dec 24 2024

Message to the Senate on the President’s Veto of S. 4199

I am returning herewith without my approval S. 4199, the “Judicial Understaffing Delays Getting Emergencies Solved Act of 2024” or the “JUDGES Act of 2024.” S. 4199 seeks to hastily add judgeships with just a few weeks left in the 118th Congress. The House of Representative’s hurried action fails to resolve… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/12/23/message-to-the-senate-on-the-presidents-veto-of-s-4199/">Message to the Senate on the President’s Veto of S. 4199</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Tue Dec 24 2024

Press Release: Bill Signed: H.R. 5009

On Monday, December 23, 2024, the President signed into law: H.R. 5009, the “Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025,” which authorizes fiscal year 2025 appropriations principally for Department of Defense programs and military construction, Department of Energy national security programs, Intelligence programs, and Department of State programs;… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/legislation/2024/12/23/press-release-bill-signed-h-r-5009/">Press Release: Bill Signed: H.R. 5009</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Tue Dec 24 2024

Press Release: Bill Signed: HR 663

On Monday, December 23, 2024, the President signed into law: H.R. 663, the “Native American Child Protection Act;” Thank you to Representative Gallego, and Senators Lujan and Collins for their leadership. H.R. 1097, the “Everett Alvarez, Jr. Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2023;” Thank you to Representatives Panetta and Fallon, and Senators Padilla and Lummis… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/24/press-release-bill-signed-hr-663/">Press Release: Bill Signed: HR 663</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Tue Dec 24 2024

Statement from President Joe Biden on H.R. 5009, Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authoriz

Today, I have signed into law H.R. 5009, the “Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025” (the “Act”). This Act authorizes fiscal year appropriations principally for the Department of Defense, Department of Energy national security programs, Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, and the Intelligence Community. This… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/23/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-h-r-5009-servicemember-quality-of-life-improvement-and-national-defense-authorization-act-for-fiscal-year-2025/">Statement from President Joe Biden on H.R. 5009, Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Tue Dec 24 2024

Executive Order on Adjustments of Certain Rates of Pay

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1. Statutory Pay Systems. The rates of basic pay or salaries of the statutory pay systems (as defined in 5 U.S.C. 5302(1)), as adjusted under 5 U.S.C. 5303, are… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/12/23/executive-order-on-adjustments-of-certain-rates-of-pay-4/">Executive Order on Adjustments of Certain Rates of Pay</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Mon Dec 23 2024

FACT SHEET: President Biden Commutes the Sentences of 37 Individuals on Death Row

Today, President Biden announced that he is commuting the sentences of 37 individuals on federal death row. Those individuals will have their sentences reclassified from execution to life without the possibility of parole. President Biden has dedicated his career to reducing violent crime and ensuring a fair and effective justice system. He believes that America… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/23/fact-sheet-president-biden-commutes-the-sentences-of-37-individuals-on-death-row/">FACT SHEET: President Biden Commutes the Sentences of 37 Individuals on Death Row</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Mon Dec 23 2024