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This is an archived USAID document retained on this web site as a matter of public record.
USAID Hosts Leadership Meetings for Syrian and Palestinian Americans
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 10, 2008
Press Office: 202-712-4320
Public Information: 202-712-4810
www.usaid.gov
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. Department of State hosted leaders from the Syrian-American and Palestinian-American communities for two consecutives days at the Department of State in Washington, D.C. to discuss USAID development programs, and peace and stability in the broader Middle East and North Africa. President Bush's Freedom Agenda was a special topic of focus.
On the first day more than 15 leaders from the Syrian-American community from around the U.S. attended various meetings, including a briefing by Elliott Abrams, Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor for Global Democracy Strategy on U.S. policy towards Syria.
Mr. Abrams reviewed U.S. policy toward Syria, and criticized the Syrian regime for repression at home, destabilizing the region through its support of Palestinian terrorist groups and foreign terrorists entering Iraq, and interfering in Lebanon. Ambassador David Hale, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Near East Affairs also provided a presentation on Syrian-American relations and emphasized that the Syrian regime must take concrete steps to change its behavior. Also participating in the briefings was Jeffrey Grieco, USAID Assistant Administrator for Legislative and Public Affairs. He presented an overview of USAID programs in the Middle East region and explained that: "USAID is working to support the President's Freedom Agenda and to help nations throughout the Middle East to increase economic growth and improve the health and education of their people."
On the second day more than 21 leaders from the Palestinian-American community attended the leadership meeting and heard Ambassador Hale explain how the $82 million in security training for the Palestinian Authority will help it build the institutions necessary for a state and thereby positively affect the peace process. He urged the Palestinian-American leaders to support initiatives intended to advance peace and stability, as well as good governance in the Palestinian territories. Mr. Grieco spoke at length about the programs that USAID is doing in the Palestinian territories and how these efforts are positively impacting a better future for Palestinian youth.
"It is extremely important to keep in touch with the Middle Eastern American communities and keep them informed of our work and good will," said Walid Maalouf, Director of USAID's Office of Public Diplomacy for Middle Eastern and MEPI Affairs. Three major issues are important for Middle Eastern Americans he continued, "Peace between the Palestinians and the Israelis, freedom and democracy in the whole region and USAID development." In order to learn more about USAID's Middle Eastern public diplomacy efforts, please visit www.usaid.gov/about_usaid/presidential_initiative/diplomacy/.
The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for nearly 50 years.
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