Washington, DC - Secretary of State John Kerry: "On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I would like extend my best wishes to the Sammarinese people on the Feast of San Marino and the Republic on September 3.

Washington, DC - The United States condemns the recent fighting in Jonglei State and Upper Nile State in South Sudan. We call on all parties to immediately cease provocative action and hostile engagement, and to further develop security arrangements at the planned security workshop starting September 5.

Washington, DC - The United States is deeply troubled by today’s decision of an Azerbaijani court to sentence prominent investigative journalist Khadija Ismayilova to seven and a half years in prison. We are further concerned by reports of irregularities during the investigation and trial, including the apparent exclusion of witness testimony and other key evidence.

Washington, DC - Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom David Saperstein traveled to the People’s Republic of China August 20-28, 2015 to discuss religious freedom with government officials, religious leaders, and civil society representatives. He visited Beijing, Shijiazhuang, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Hong Kong.

Washington, DC - NASA and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Monday launched SERVIR-Mekong, a joint project to strengthen regional environmental monitoring in five countries in the lower Mekong region of Southeast Asia.

Washington, DC - From September 3-5, Assistant Secretary Russel will travel to Naypyidaw and Rangoon, Burma to meet with senior Burmese government officials, Aung San Suu Kyi, and civil society. While there, he will discuss preparations for the general elections that will be held on November 8, express U.S. support for the ongoing peace process, and encourage further progress on human rights issues.