PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE July 15, 2011 UPCOMING HEARINGS Hearing: Nominations of Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative

Affairs and Assistant Secretary of State for Administration Committee: Senate Foreign Relations Committee Witnesses: David Adams, to be assistant secretary of state for legislative affairs Joyce Barr, to be assistant secretary of state for administration When: Tuesday, July 19, 10:00 a.m. Where: 419 Dirksen Building Contact: 202-224-4651 http://foreign.senate.gov Hearing: U.S. policy in Yemen Committee: Senate Foreign Relations CommitteeNear Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs Subcommittee Witnesses: Janet Sanderson, deputy assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs Christa Capozzola, deputy assistant administrator in USAID's Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance Christopher Boucek, Carnegie Middle East Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace When: Tuesday, July 19, 2:30 p.m. Where: 419 Dirksen Building Contact: 202-224-4651 http://foreign.senate.gov Hearing: Markup of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, FY2012 Committee: House Foreign Affairs Committee When: Wednesday, July 20, 10:00 a.m. Where: 2172 Rayburn Building Contact: 202-225-5021 http://foreignaffairs.house.gov Hearing: Nominations of the Ambassador to Mexico and the Ambassador to the Republic of Guatemala Committee: Senate Foreign Relations Committee Witnesses: Earl Wayne, to be ambassador to Mexico Arnold Chacon, to be ambassador to the Republic of Guatemala. When: Wednesday, July 20, 10:00 a.m. Where: 419 Dirksen Building Contact: 202-224-4651 http://foreign.senate.gov

Hearing: Nominations of the Republic of Korea Committee: Senate Foreign Relations Committee Witnesses: Sung Y. Kim, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Korea When: Thursday, July 21, 10:30 a.m. Where: 419 Dirksen Building Contact: 202-224-4651 http://foreign.senate.gov

HEARING SUMMARIES Two New Sudans: A Roadmap Forward Senate Foreign Relations Committee July 14, 2011 Witnesses: Princeton Lyman, U.S. special envoy for Sudan, Department of State

Opening Statements: Chair John Kerry (D-MA) Many doubted that a referendum could take place. After over 50 years of waiting, the South Sudanese people finally have achieved independence. The Republic of South Sudan is now the 193rd member of the United Nations. Two new nations have emerged: the Republic of South Sudan and a reformed Sudan, and they shared more than just borderstraditions of migration, trade routes, and an interest in creating a long-lasting peace. Both sides must abide by ceasefire, and those responsible for instances of violence need to be held accountable. Abyei and Southern Kordofan remain serious problems, as there have been allegations of mass graves and human rights abuses. Source of optimism that Sudan was the first country to recognize South Sudanese independence. President Obama has enacted a review of Sudans status as state sponsor of terror. Khartoum needs to reform, which will bring a new relationship with the U.S. and international community. South Sudan must overcome challenges of internal corruption and internal rebellion. The war in Sudan was the longest in Africas history, and has taken 2 million lives. Ranking Member Richard Lugar (R-IN) Violence remains a real prospect on the borders. Sudan and South Sudan represent very diverse populations within their borders. Oil is the primary source of income for both countries, but it is limited and diminishing: o Reliance on oil could lead both to rise in the ranks of failed states. Both have weak government institutions, limited capacity and heavy reliance on foreign donors. Little progress has been made in concluding essential agreements on issues such as wealth sharing and border demarcation.

Princeton Lyman: The relationship between the two countries will not be free of tension and the threat of future conflict: o Crisis in disputed area of Abyei, Southern Kordofan; o Economic issues unresolved, particularly with respect to the oil sector; Could have serious consequences if oil issue is unresolved by the end of the month, and South Sudans threat of shutting of oil flow not helping. Concerned by credible allegations of targeted and ethnic based killings and human rights abuses. President Bashir has rejected parts of the agreements and presence of UN peacekeepers. Sudan is $38 billion in debt and requesting the forgiveness of that debt. South Sudan faces enormous political challenges including its militias and staggeringly low levels of education. Questioning: Chair John Kerry (D-MA) 1. Do you have any evidence or hard information of the scale of abuses in Southern Kordofan? Lyman: o Dont have hard numbers, but there are clear indications of gross violations of human rights. o Talks need to get underway as to how to cease fighting. o Sudanese army has pattern of abuses, as troops are followed by militias who loot and commit other human rights abuses. 2. Is there a timetable for when humanitarian assistance can be provided? Lyman: o Political and security discussions must take place and cessation of hostilities needed first. o There have been suggestions of 72-hour humanitarian pause; both sides have said they are open, and U.S. continues to press on that proposal. 3. Do the leaders in the North have confidence in the roadmap? Lyman: There are some in the government who think that the U.S. has moved the goalposts and will not follow through on its promises. Ranking Member Richard Lugar (R-IN) 1. Will the international community join us in large measure, or will the U.S. take the lead in this nation building operation? Who else will be a part of this effort? Lyman: o There have been $700 million yearly contributions by other donors in South Sudan until now. o Other countries carry three-quarters of peacekeeping budget. o Many European countries have been involved, and Russia and China will be two important players. China is a major investor in oil of Sudan, so Sudanese stability is important to Chinese, as they have great stake in security. Russia provides arms to Sudan and plays an important role on the UN Security Council, and has been supportive of UN peacekeeping mission. 2. The U.S. provides about $1.5 billion to Sudan. Is the administration likely to request larger sums of money? 3

Lyman: There probably will not be additional requests for other operations.

Sen. Mark Udall (D-CO) 1. Are there plans to increase the number of volunteers to South Sudan? Would that strengthen the U.S. relationship with the South Sudanese? Lyman: There has been some discussion of bringing the Peace Corps to South Sudan, as it has one of the highest illiteracy rates in the world. 2. What needs to be done to improve transportation and allow for farmers to move their goods outside of South Sudan? Lyman: o There are very few roads in South Sudan. o USAID is building a road down to the Uganda border; hoping the World Bank and the Chinese will help. We are looking to other donors to do more in the infrastructure area. Ranking Member Richard Lugar (R-IN) 1. With the potential that oil may run out, how are people going to make a living? Lyman: o Food security is a serious problem in Sudan, as prices have gone up recently. o South Sudan has little organized agricultural production. o Agriculture can provide a great opportunity in Sudan and South Sudan. o Mining and now tourism, after the discovery of wildlife, also present opportunity. o In South Sudan, the technology the U.S. is introducing could have a very positive impact on agricultural production.

Nomination Hearing for Ambassadors to the Republic of Macedonia, the Republic of Moldova and the Republic of Armenia; for Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Non-Proliferation; and Alternate Representative of the U.S. to the UN Senate Foreign Relations Committee July 13, 2011 Witnesses: Panel 1: Paul D. Wohlers, to be ambassador to the Republic of Macedonia William H. Moser, to be ambassador to the Republic of Moldova John A. Heffern, to be ambassador to the Republic of Armenia Panel 2: Thomas M. Countryman, to be an assistant secretary of state for international security and non-proliferation Jeffrey DeLaurentis, to be alternate representative of the U.S. for special political affairs in the UN, with the rank of ambassador, and concurrently alternate representative of the U.S. to the sessions of the General Assembly of the UN Panel 1: Opening Statements: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) (presided over the hearing) These nominations are all important to U.S. interests. 4

Will examine U.S. role in stopping the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

Paul D. Wohlers: The Ohrid Framework Agreement remains important for establishing a peaceful Macedonia. There have been successes in Macedonia, but more needs to be done on stability. Concerned about Macedonias lack of freedom of press and speech. Macedonia is still working on its candidacy for European Union (EU) membership. William H. Moser: Support efforts to build democratic, prosperous and secure Moldovan state. A strong Moldova is in U.S. interest. John A. Heffern: The Obama administration has greatly strengthened the U.S. relationship with Armenia. The U.S. is building trade and investment with Armenia. Questioning: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) 1. What is the possibility of Turkey and Armenia reviving reconciliation on their shared past? Heffern: o Working on getting agreed protocols back on track. o Will work with embassy in Ankara to get process back on track. 2. Can you elaborate on the process to address the Nagorno-Karabakh question? Heffern: o The Obama administration remains committed to the Minsk process. o There has been some progress, even though Armenia and Azerbaijan have not agreed on principles yet. 3. What are the prospects of free and fair elections in Armenia in 2012 and 2013? Heffern: o Has not been briefed on the coming elections. o The Armenian government has allowed opposition to hold rallies and released detainees from 2008 unrest. Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) 1. How would you characterize democratization in Armenia, and how can we improve democratization there? Heffern: Working through bilateral assistance on governance. 2. There are concerns about the Moldovan government not fighting human trafficking; what is the U.S. doing to assist Moldova in this effort? Moser: Working on training police and strengthening judiciary to improve prosecution of trafficking. 3. Greece has blocked Macedonias efforts to enter the EU because a dispute over its name, what is being done to resolve this dispute? Wohlers: The U.S. supports the UN process and direct negotiations on the issue. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) 1. Do you agree that there was ethnic cleansing of Armenians at the end of the Ottoman Empire? 5

 Heffern: Yes, the events were deplorable. 2. The U.S. has signed the convention on genocide; does what happened to the Armenians not fit the definition of genocide? Heffern: Characterization of the events is a policy decision, which the president makes, not ambassadors. 3. The Macedonian name issue is about much more than just the name, do you understand that? Wohlers: Yes it is an identity question, not just a name issue. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) 1. What is the current state of inter-ethnic relations in Macedonia? Wohlers: o The Ohrid Agreement is the framework for moving forward on ethnic issues. o Minority ethnicities are having more say and acknowledgment. o Recently progress has slowed down. 2. What can the U.S. do to solve political problems in Macedonia? Wohlers: New parliaments started that the U.S. will support and work with. Panel 2: Opening Statements: Thomas M. Countryman: President Obama committed the U.S. to non-proliferation during his speech in Prague. Committed to ambitious but essential Obama administration non-proliferation agenda. Not focused just on nuclear weapons, but also bio-chemical ones. Jeffrey DeLaurentis: American security depends on ability to work with other countries to counter threats. The UN has achieved a lot and has role in the world, but it also has shortcomings that need to be addressed. Will seek to strengthen peacekeeping mandates and civilian protection. Questioning: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) 1. Can you elaborate on what the biggest problems before the UN are right now? DeLaurentis: o Working to make the UN more cost effective. o Looking for ways to improve peacekeeping operations. 2. How would you characterize the UNs record on peacekeeping? DeLaurentis: o Peacekeeping has grown, but is also improving operations. o Managed to close some missions and reviewing mandates to improve them. 3. What is the U.S. stance on reform of the UN Security Council? DeLaurentis: o Open in principle to extension of permanent and non-permanent members. o Participating in reform discussions. o No expansion of the veto. 4. Can you talk about the Palestinian attempts to obtain statehood through the UN? 6

 DeLaurentis: A Palestinian state should come from direct negotiations and not the UN. 5. How can we discourage Iran, North Korea and Syria from developing weapons of mass destruction? Countryman: o Use a variety of different instrumentsdiplomatic, economic, and military. o Coordination within the U.S. government so that there is consistency in the U.S. policy. 6. How will the U.S. engage Pakistan in non-proliferation? Countryman: Trying to show Pakistan advantages of non-proliferation. 7. Are there any steps to be taken to persuade India and Pakistan to join the Non-Proliferation Treaty? Countryman: The administration is working towards this goal in bilateral relations; however it is unlikely this will happen in the near future. 8. Do you expect any further engagement on Libya at the UN? DeLaurentis: There is reason to be optimistic about a resolution in Libya.

Agricultural Program Audit: Examination of Foreign Agriculture and Food Aid Programs House Committee on AgricultureSubcommittee on Rural Development, Research, Biotechnology, and Foreign Agriculture July 13, 2011 Witnesses: Suzanne Heinen, acting administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service, Department of Agriculture Nancy Lindborg, assistant administrator for democracy, conflict, and humanitarian assistance, USAID

Opening Statements: Chair Timothy Johnson (R-IL) This hearing is one in a series of audits preparing for the 2012 farm bill and a follow-up to the April 7 public hearing to review market promotion programs and their effectiveness on expanding exports of U.S. agricultural products. Hearing will focus on the administrative side of the Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) and USAID food aid programs. Subcommittees overall goal is to reduce overall spending while maintaining the quality of programs. Ranking Member Jim Costa (D-CA) The agencies testifying are key in expanding the exports of agricultural products. The FAS is important because: o It connects U.S. producers to world markets; o It creates and expands new markets; o It promotes free and fair markets; and o It helps to reduce barriers to trade. The 2012 farm bill will be smaller than its 2008 counterpartthe House Agriculture Committee is looking to be as cost effective as possible. The U.S. should build on the goodwill of emergency food aid that it has been providing for 50 years. 7

International food assistance should be focused on sustainability.

Suzanne Heinen FAS administers trade, food aid, and capacity building programs. Bolstered by public-private partnerships, FAS addresses global food insecurity while achieving record agricultural export sales: o In FY2011, U.S. agricultural exports are expected to reach a new record of $137 billion; and o 5.2 million people will be feed as a result of FASs programs. As a result of FASs Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program, U.S. agricultural exports are increased by $35 for every dollar spent by the government or private sector for marketing and promotion of food products. This year, the McGovern-Dole Program operated in 15 countries, including Haiti. Nancy Lindborg Testimony will focus on the food aid programs in Title II of the Food for Peace Act. The U.S. has been alleviating hunger around the world through the Food for Peace program since the end of World War II (France and Belgium were early recipients of the program) through donated U.S. agricultural goods. Food for Peace focuses both on emergency relief and longer-term development. In FY2010, Food for Peace programs reached 46.5 million people in 27 countries: o Addressed the recent crisis stemming from the Pakistani floods in a timely manner; and o In the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake, Food for Peace purchased over 3,000 tons of American rice to aid survivors. There is a drought emergency affecting over 10 million the Horn of Africa, and USAID used an early warning system to begin addressing the situation quickly. Food for Peaces development food aid programs focus on the most food insecure countries, where stunting rates are highest, and where a significant percentage of the population live on less than $1.25 a day. In FY2010, U.S. nongovernmental organization (NGO) partners implemented development food aid programs in 21 countries and reached 8 million people. Climate change and growing urban density are exacerbating food insecurity. Food for Peace is focused on maximal impact in the current tight fiscal environment in the United States. Questioning: Chair Timothy Johnson (R-IL) 1. How is FAS saving money on its programs? Heinen: o The Market Access Program, for example, allocates funding using a Unified Export Strategy (UES) process, which allows applicants to apply for several programs at once and in turns saves FAS money on time, expenses, and personnel. o Moving towards electronic systems for food aid programs. 2. Describe program costs for P.L. 480 Title II (Food for Peace). Lindborg: Will submit answer in written form, but USAID is always looking for ways to reduce the cost of exports and programs.

Ranking Member Jim Costa (D-CA) 1. Why does FAS need both the Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development Program? Heinen: The programs have slightly different time horizons; for example, the Foreign Market Development Program focuses more of the long-term development of agricultural markets. 2. Can FAS leverage the private sector more? Heinen: For every dollar the Market Access Program has, an average of $1.50 is contributed by the private sector for marketing and promotion of U.S. agricultural products, and in some cases much more than that. Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-IN) 1. How many private sector jobs are created as a result of FAS marketing and promotion of U.S. agricultural exports? Heinen: For every $1 billion in U.S. agricultural exports, 8,400 jobs are created. 2. How does USAID decide which countries receive Food for Peace funding? Lindborg: o Focused on countries with the most need (people live on less than $1.25 a day). o Countries that suffer from chronic malnutrition, among other factors. 3. How does USAID choose its specific food aid projects? Lindborg: o Unmet need and the availability of trusted partners are a few criteria USAID considers. o USAID also looks to leverage other assistance programsin South Sudan, Food for Peace will pursue cross sectoral projects to address food and nutritional needs. Rep. Larry Kissell (D-NC) 1. Is there resistance to U.S.-based genetically altered material overseas? Lindborg: Different countries have different policies, but the U.S. is focused on getting its food products to those who need them most. Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA) 1. With is the present outlook for agricultural trade and the role of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in this area? There is concern that President Obamas government restructuring initiative will reduce the USDAs mandate in agricultural trade. Heinen: The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will make the final recommendations, but the USDA believes that it should maintain its current role in the area of agricultural trade. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) (not a member of the subcommittee) 1. Improving global nutrition will increase the price on programshow is USAID dealing with that? Lindborg: USAID is improving monitoring and evaluation function of programs and is working with Tufts University to better target nutritional needs in the first two years of a childs life. 2. How is USAID encouraging global partners to give generously to international food aid initiatives? Lindborg: The U.S. is focused on maintaining a leadership role in this area and is encouraging emerging economies like Brazil to increase its involvement.

Rep. Robert Schilling (R-IL) 1. What processes are in place to improve the administrative functions within private nonprofit organizations to implement projects? Heinen: FAS explains with priorities and guideline for results each year to implementing partners. Lindborg: USAID has an open competitive process for potential implementing partners, and it is on the ground monitoring projects during their implementation. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL) 1. How will the prospective reorganization of FAS impact American farmers? Heinen: The reorganization will improve the efficiency of FAS, but there are concerns that FAS will lose some of its analytic capabilities and its trade portfolio. Rep. Timothy Johnson (R-IL) 1. Overall, how do international food aid programs benefit Americans? Heinen: o The programs provide jobs and opportunities. o They also reduce conflict and the need for future U.S. assistance. o They promote efficient farming and keep worldwide prices down.

Promoting Peace? Reexamining U.S. Aid to the Palestinian Authority House Committee on Foreign AffairsSubcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia July 12, 2011 Witnesses: Jacob Walles, deputy assistant secretary of state, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Department of State Lieutenant General Mike Moeller, United States security coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority, USAID George Laudato, administrators special assistant for the Middle East, USAID

Opening Statements: Chair Steve Chabot (R-OH) The U.S. government needs to reassess and adjust policy towards Palestine because of the political reconciliation. The UN General Assembly is not the place where the question of Palestinian statehood should be decided. No aid money should be given to Palestine without adherence to the Quartet principles. Ranking Member Gary Ackerman (D-NY) Direct negotiations with Israel are the only legitimate way to Palestinian statehood. Reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas is not a good idea. Aid should be pulled if Palestine moves forward on the reconciliation without recognizing the peace process. Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D-CA) Agree with the chair and ranking member. 10

If reconciliation continues, no more funding should be given to Palestine.

Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-SC) Drafted a letter for the House Appropriations Committee to restrict funding to the Palestinian Authority. Rep. Brian Higgins (D-NY) and Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-VA) Agree with the chair and ranking member. Jacob Walles The objective is to have a negotiated peace. Programs are focused on building government institutions and security. Fatah deserves continued support. Will evaluate new government if reconciliation moves along. Lieutenant General Mike Moeller: Israel supports the Palestinian security forces program in the West Bank. The U.S. is assisting and supporting the training of Palestinian security forces. The U.S. is also building institutional structures so the forces can be sustained. Since reconciliation has been announced, there has not been any change in the program. Because of the program, Israel has been able to cut number of checkpoints. George Laudato: Working on building infrastructure. Stringent oversight procedures. Questioning: Chair Steve Chabot (R-OH) 4. How much money have Arab states contributed to the Palestinian Authority? Walles: o $1.8 billion since 2007. o Recent decline in money given to Palestine. o The U.S. is discussing this with Arab states. 5. Will the U.S. veto a UN bid for Palestinian statehood? Walles: No support for the UN path to Palestinian statehood. Ranking Member Gary Ackerman (D-NY) 4. Will a unity government adopt Hamass war policy? Walles: the Obama administration is not against a union government if it accepts the Quartet principles. 5. What will the U.S. policy be if the reconciliation goes through? Walles: o The agreement is still not implemented. o Will review policy, program and structure to assess further steps. Moeller: If aid is cut, both Israel and Palestine would be affected. Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-SC) 4. What sort of statement is needed to move the Quartet forward? Walles: working with the Quartet to restart negotiations. 11

5. Where do food and aid supplies entering into Gaza come from? Walles: o Commercial market and donor funding. o Everything goes through Israeli checkpoints. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) 9. Can we not make assistance dependent on peace agreements? Walles: o Terrorist attacks in the West Bank have gone down by 96 percent since 2005. o We could lose the progress that has been made. 10. Why can Palestine not accept Israels right to exist? Walles: needs to be directly negotiated. Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-VA) 1. How do you compare oversight in the Gaza Strip and West Bank? Laudato: o In Gaza, work through NGOs, not Hamas. o In the West Bank, work with the Palestinian Authority. 2. How would aid in Gaza change if the new government was established? Laudato: o Would not change, because U.S. laws are already being adhered to. o Could change in the West Bank. Moeller: o The Palestine security training program is not operating in Gaza. o If a power-sharing government was created, then would meet U.S. laws. 3. Has the Palestinian Authority committed to the two-state solution? Walles: o Top leadership is committed to the two-state solution. o Local polling shows support for the two-state solution. Rep. Ben Chandler (D-KY) 1. What is the effectiveness of economic projects? Laudato: o Palestine and Israel are involved in water projects. o Effectively working together. o Palestinian entrepreneurs recognize that the Israelis are their best partners. Chair Steve Chabot (R-OH) 1. How can we justify assisting Palestine if they do not accept Israels right to exist? Walles: o Building Palestine so that it is in a position to foster a two-state solution. o Considerable gaps do remain. o It is in the U.S. national interest to help Palestine. 2. What are the implications if Salam Fayyad is not the next Prime Minister? Walles: o Institutions are more important than individuals. o Institutions have to be committed to the quartet principles and the two-state solution. 3. Can you describe the vetting process relative to the Palestinian security program? Moeller: o The Palestinian Authority does a pre-vetting of candidates. 12

o o

Then Israel, the U.S. and Jordan do their own vetting. Of 650 candidates the Palestine put forward, only five were rejected by Israel, showing that their pre-vetting is strong.

Ranking Member Gary Ackerman (D-NY) 1. How do we solve the border issue? Should Israel suggest a security border and then work with the Palestinians on finding a space between that and the 1967 borders that would be acceptable to both? Walles: o There is a difficulty in reconciling Israeli and Palestinian positions on this topic. o Working on getting back to the negotiation table. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) 1. How much money does the U.S. give to Palestine? Walles: The total request for this year is $550 million. 2. How much money does the U.S. give to Israel? Walles: $3 billion all in military aid. 3. Where does the Red Sea/Dead Sea project stand? Laudato: o There are regional discussions taking place. o Environmental assessments are still taking place. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) 1. What do you think of the flotilla? Walles: o The flotilla is not necessary, since aid is going into the Gaza strip through other mechanisms. o Hamas does not seem to be involved in the flotillas.

Human Rights in Cuba House Foreign Affairs Committee July 12, 2011 (Note: This hearing is different from those usually covered in the Weekly Updateit was the testimony of a woman honoring her activist son) Witnesses: Reina Loina Tamayo, the mother of Orlando Zapata Tamayo

Opening Statements: Chair Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) Thank this courageous woman for being here. This briefing will be held in Spanish and translated into English. Thanks to Congressman Steve Chabot (R-OH) for attending. Reina Loina Tamayo Here to ensure that her son, Orlando Zapato Tamayo, did not die in vain. The government of Cuba is abusive and the oppression has gotten worse; 13

o Political prisoners are left to rot in jail. Son spent years in prison and died after a hunger strike: o He is recognized as a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International; o He was sentenced in 2003 at the age of 43 for expressing himself freely; o While in jail, Orlando was charged with additional crimes totaling a 57 year term; o He received 12 beatings for calling for release of political prisoners; o Orlando refused rehabilitation recommended by the regime; o He was fed powdered milk and crackers only; o In prison, he was isolated and slept on the floor with only sheets; o The regime provided no medical treatment for any of the beatings; o Reina was denied visitation of her son; o Orlando died on February 23, 2010 after having been denied water for 18 days. Fidel and Raul Castro are terrorists that have oppressed the Cuban people for 50 years. The government secretly filmed their household and they are the victims of its repression. She was beaten and spat on for visiting sons grave. Governments around the world should suspend any support to Castro regime. The Castro family live lavishly while the Cuban people continue to suffer.

Questioning: Audience member 1. Would a lift on the embargo help the Cuban people? Reina Loina Tamayo: The embargo should not be lifted. The U.S. should reduplicate those efforts. There needs to be tighter pressure on the Castro regime.

ARTICLES AND REPORTS BBC July 12: Aid supplies boosted in Somalia The Organization of Islamic Cooperation has started handing out food aid. They are currently only working in Mogadishu, but are researching an expansion into al-Shabaab controlled regions. Aid is desperately needed in Somalia which has been hit hard by the Horn of Africa draught. July 13: Border region in Sudan 'bombed' There has been a resurgence of bombings in Southern Kordofan, violating a peace agreement that was intended to stop the most recent violence. Sudan has accused South Sudan and aid workers of supporting Nuba fighters, threatening to expel aid workers from the region. July 13: EU proposal to save fish stocks The European Commission has revamped its fishing policy to eliminate the waste inherent in the current system. All of a ships catch must be kept and will count toward its quota. Oceana, an environmental group, says the plan is a step forward, but much more still needs to be done. Foreign Policy July 13: A Shot in the Back The CIA mission to kill Osama bin Laden used a fake vaccine drive to gather information about the al-Qaeda leader. This can greatly endanger the health situation in the region: it makes people question the credibility of health care providers, which could lead to the spread of diseases.

14

The Guardian July 10: Rich nations risk breaking their pledges on farming aid, says anti-poverty group ONE Campaign criticized donor nations for falling behind on their agriculture support pledges. The U.S. has only given out $73 million of its $3.5 billion pledge. Italy, the U.K., Canada and France are also named in ONEs report. The U.K. says the figures used in the report are outdated. New York Times July 14: In Shadow of Death, Iraq and U.S. Tiptoe Around a Deadline Iraq and the U.S. have made a deal to keep troops in Iraq after the 2011 withdrawal deadline. The decision comes among increased attacks on Americans and criticism of Iraqi security forces. The Iraqi government has also been accused of targeting Sunni militants more than Shiite militants. Washington Post July 12: Iraqis face long wait for U.S. visas The number of Iraqis obtaining visas for entry into the U.S. has dramatically slowed, mostly affecting refugees and Iraqis that have worked for the U.S. This has been linked to harsher vetting standards that Homeland Security put in place last month. July 13: Studies: AIDS drugs prevent infection Two studies have shown that taking anti-retroviral drugs preventatively can reduce the chances transmitting AIDS. If uninfected people take the drug regularly, their chances of contracting the disease from their infected partners is cut in half. Disclaimer: Articles linked in the Update are intended to provide a dashboard view of newsworthy and topical issues from popular news outlets that will be of interest to readers of the Update. The articles are an information sharing vehicle rather than an advocacy tool. They are in no way representative of the views of InterAction or the U.S. NGO community as a whole.

15