Five years ago, Alan Gross was imprisoned in Cuba simply for trying to give others access to the Internet. He remains in Cuban captivity today.
Alan wasn’t a spy and he wasn’t a soldier. He was a humanitarian working to ensure Cubans could experience some of the freedoms we enjoy every day. It was a privilege to meet with Alan in Cuba two years ago and I have remained in touch with him since. The Cuban government should release Alan immediately.
I pray for Alan's strength and his health, and I will continue working with the White House and State Department to win his release.
Senator Coons, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined MSNBC's Jonathan Capehart on Sunday to discuss U.S. engagement in Iraq, including weekend airstrikes to protect the Yazidi minority group and U.S. personnel from advancing ISIS militants. Senator Coons expressed support for the President's emergency actions and urged Iraqi leaders to pursue a political solution and form an inclusive goverment.
Senator Coons, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, was interviewed on the BBC World Service's NewsHour program Tuesday about the status of nearly 300 girls kidnapped by terrorists in northern Nigeria. He described the Nigerian government's slow and inadequate response to the abductions as "shameful" and expressed his relief that Nigeria's president had finally accepted American offers of assistance. Listen below:
The Central African Republic (CAR), long a fragile state, has spiraled downward since March, when the president was ousted by a diffuse group of rebels called Seleka. The humanitarian situation is dire and getting worse. More than 460,000 Central Africans have been displaced and, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, half of the population of 4.6 million needs humanitarian assistance and about a quarter are seriously food insecure. Without strong, high level international engagement, the CAR risks descending into chronic violence and lawlessness guaranteed to cause even more human suffering.
Secretary Kerry’s statement on November 20 condemning the ongoing abuses and announcing that the U.S. Government will provide $40 million to support the African Union Peacekeeping Mission (MISCA) in CAR is a step in the right direction. Now, the United States must urgently deliver the promised support to MISCA, work with the international community to accelerate humanitarian relief, and engage with community-based and national efforts to advance reconciliation and political transition. Several respected international rights groups issued a statement to that effect on November 19, outlining recommendations for a comprehensive U.S. Government strategy that merit serious consideration.
As chair of the Senate Foreign Relations African Affairs Subcommittee, Senator Coons is closely following the ongoing situation in the CAR and is committed to working to support peacekeeping, humanitarian, and democracy efforts in the country.
Since a March coup ousted the nation’s president, inter-communal and sectarian violence in the Central African Republic (CAR) has resulted in widespread chaos and lawlessness. Despite a rapidly deteriorating situation, the mass violence and suffering of civilians has been met with far too little international outrage or assistance. The recent decisions by the African Union (AU) to expand its stabilization force and the United Nations to strengthen the Peacebuilding Office are welcome moves that could lay the groundwork for expanded protection for civilians and accelerated progress toward greater stability. The U.S. administration should step up with assistance to help ensure that AU forces can carry out their mission effectively and support UN and AU efforts to promote reconciliation and democracy in this troubled country.
An October 31 press release by a number of respected international NGOs starkly describes the situation in the CAR and issues a strong call for greater international focus on the country.
As advocates and organizations dedicated to the prevention of violent conflict and mass atrocities, we are deeply disturbed by the violence that is plaguing CAR. The most recent wave is tipping the situation beyond control and is taking a trajectory towards large-scale interreligious and intercommunal violence.
We urge the international community to act swiftly to prevent atrocities and ensure civilian protection. The international community must rapidly expand its presence in the country, extend protection beyond a few selected sites, and allocate the resources necessary to address the complex and protracted nature of humanitarian needs.
As chair of the Senate Foreign Relations African Affairs Subcommittee, Senator Coons is deeply concerned about the ongoing situation in the CAR, and is committed to working within the committee and with the administration and non-governmental partners to support peacekeeping, humanitarian, and democracy efforts in the country.
Questioning witnesses during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing Thursday on the status of events in Syria, Senator Coons called for sustained efforts to hold Syrian President Bashar al-Assad accountable for violence against Syrian civilians and urged swift action to address worsening humanitarian conditions.
“While I am glad that we were able to find a way to avert the need for military action last month following this committee’s strong approval of an authorization of the use of force, in my view we cannot forget, should not forget, that Assad has murdered more than 100,000 of his own people, and this unconscionable violence continues to this day,” Senator Coons said at Thursday’s hearing.
“I am pleased that some real progress is being made in the removal of the means of delivering chemical weapons and that we are in the process of exhausting diplomatic alternatives to military force,” Senator Coons said. “But I find it jarring that eight weeks ago we sat in the same room and approved a strong policy, directed by President Obama, of holding Assad accountable for his crimes and continuing to stand with the Syrian people, yet do not seem to be making progress on a number of those shared commitments."
The hearing was convened to update Foreign Relations Committee members on the status of ongoing efforts to eliminate the Syrian chemical weapons stockpile, the potential for negotiations, and the ongoing humanitarian crises. Witnesses included U.S. Ambassador to Syria Robert Ford, Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Nonproliferation Thomas Countryman, and USAID Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance Nancy Lindborg.
Questioning Assistant Administrator Lindborg about steps USAID is taking to ensure delivery of U.S. aid to Syrian refugees, Senator Coons discussed meeting with Syrian refugees in Jordan earlier this year, noting that those he met “expressed anger and disappointment about the delays of promised U.S.-delivered assistance and support.” He expressed concern that months later, assistance continued to be delayed.
Lindborg noted that because many Syrian refugees are living with families in host communities, rather than in camps, USAID is focusing its efforts on development aid aimed at relieving the added stress placed on local water infrastructure, electrical systems, schools, and clinics. More work must be done to ensure we are maximizing our resources, Lindborg said.
Addressing Ambassador Ford, Senator Coons also expressed his concerns about “the very deep sense of abandonment felt by the Syrian opposition,” and emphasized the need for continued support for the Syrian opposition.
Ambassador Ford agreed, calling demonstrated solidarity with Syrian opposition “vital.” Ford pledged that the State Department would deliver on a statement issued last week by foreign ministers from 11 countries assuring Syrians that “Assad and his close associates with blood on their hands will have no role” when a transition government is established in Syria.
At a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday, Senator Coons questioned Secretary of State John Kerry, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Martin Dempsey about President Obama's request for an authorization of the use of military force in Syria. A transcript follows:
SENATOR COONS: Thank you, Chairman Menendez. I would like to thank Secretaries Kerry and Hagel and Chairman Dempsey for your service to your nation, for your testimony in front of us today. I think the authorization of the use of force, I think the commitment of America's military strength is one of the most important issues that we will ever debate in this Congress, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have this conversation today. As secretary Kerry said, in his opening testimony, not just what we decide, but how we decide it, will send a very important message around the world, that this Congress can still function in a nonpartisan way, in the interest of the people of the United States.
As I've listened to Delawareans in recent days, I think they reflect a nation that is weary of war and that is wary of inadvertently repeating some of the challenges of our engagement in Iraq. I've heard specific and pointed concerns that we not rush into action, based on uneven or inaccurate intelligence, that we not be drawn into a civil war we don't fully understand or where we can't quite discern the good guys from the bad guys. And more than anything, that we not commit to an open-ended participation, a direct military invasion in an occupation of a country in a part of the world that is often confounding and is full of competing priorities.
Having reviewed the intelligence this morning in a classified briefing, having participated in a number of briefings from you and from folks leading in your agencies and departments, I am persuaded that this is not that circumstance. That the intelligence is solid. That we have, in this distance, a clear violation of a long-standing global red line against the use of chemical weapons. As you've stated, something embedded in America's statutes and in our treaty commitments, something that is a truly global standard.
My view, as I've watched both the images on TV that were presented at the beginning of this hearing, and as I've spoken to family and friends and neighbors at home, is that we face a real risk here if we do not act. That this is an instance where one of the world's worst dictators has steadily ratcheted up an ascending crescendo of death in his own nation. He began with thugs, police, and the military taking on peaceful demonstrations, graduated to snipers, killing innocent civilians. Has used helicopters and jet fighters against his own people, has deployed cluster bombs and scud missiles. I think over the last two years, there is no doubt that Bashar al Assad and his regime is willing to go to any lengths to stay in power.
So the challenge now for those of us who seek an appropriate path forward is to make sure that we craft an authorization for the use of military force that responds to American's legitimate concerns but still allows the administration to act in a decisive and timely way to both deter and punish the Assad regime for what they've done.
So I have a few questions for you if I might. First to General Dempsey. And I know we've spoken to this before, but I think it is worth repeating. How do we strike the right balance between military action that is too insignificant to actually effectively deter or degrade Assad's capabilities and one that is so decisive and overwhelming that it reaches beyond the scope of an authorization and becomes actually a regime change effort.
GENERAL DEMPSEY: Well, Senator, I won't recommend an option or a set of targets that won't effectively deter and degrade. That's the task that I've been given. And now we'll continue to refine that, not just based on intelligence, but based on the resolution that comes out of this committee.
SENATOR COONS: And could you, in your view, accomplish that mission with an authorization that is limited in scope, in terms of a time duration, and in scope as has been discussed with Secretary Kerry in terms of not introducing U.S. troops on the ground?
GENERAL DEMPSEY: Well, it won't surprise you to know that as the military leader responsible for this, the more -- the broader the resolution, the less limiting, the better off I will be in crafting a set of options. But I completely -- I defer to the secretary of state to give me what I need to do then.
SENATOR COONS: Well, if I might then to Secretary Kerry, because our goal here is to not pass or even consider an authorization that is so narrow that it prevents any effective message to be sent here. As you said, in a compelling way in your opening statement, our actions are not just meant to deter Assad but to send a strong message to Pyongyang, to Tehran, to non-state actors around the world who might use chemical weapons or might seek nuclear weapons. How do we craft an authorization, how do we take actions that are effective in deterring other countries that are watching our decisiveness and our action in this instance?
SECRETARY KERRY: I think the language that the administration submitted with respect to the military action necessary to degrade and deter and prevent the use of chemical weapons, specifically, is very targeted.
But as I've said several times now and will repeat again, I know the administration has zero intention of putting troops on the ground, and within the confines of this authorization, I'm confident would have zero problem in including some kind of prohibition there, if that makes you comfortable.
I would not urge an excessively pinpointed congressionally mandated set of targets. And I think in the course of the classified briefings, the intelligence community and the military community will make it very clear to you why that's not advisable. And I think they have to have some -- the general needs some latitude here to be able to make sure he can accomplish his task. But I think the broad confines and constraints of this particular operation are not hard for us to arrive at in agreement, and I'm confident we'll do it very quickly.
SENATOR COONS: Thank you.
One of my other concerns, Mr. Secretary, is the flood of refugees and their impact on the region. In a visit in January to a Syrian refugee camp in Jordan, I was moved both by the humanitarian situation they're facing and by the very real impact that this is having on our regional allies. On Jordan, on Turkey, the destabilizing impact on Lebanon, and of course, the real impact it's potentially going to have on our close ally, Israel.
I was encouraged to hear there was successful missile defense system test earlier today. Secretary Hagel, what steps are we taking to ensure that our allies in this immediate area of Turkey and Jordan and Israel are able to defend themselves from a potential response by the Assad regime?
SECRETARY HAGEL: Well, Senator, first, Jordan, you know we have Patriot Missile defense batteries in Jordan. And we also are working very closely with the Israelis. You know they have a very sophisticated Iron Dome and aero-system missile defense system. We are in constant coordination with all the allies in the region. And as you may know, General Dempsey was just in Jordan for a commander's meeting, which included all the senior military from the neighboring countries and our partners. So we are closely connected with and assisting our allies on this and other issues.
SENATOR COONS: Thank you.
Last question, Secretary Kerry, if I might. I am interested in our having a follow-on conversation about how this specific strike and this specific authorization that you're seeking can also lead to a broader strategy, a strategy for support and engagement with the opposition that will lead to the diplomatic resolution of the Syrian civil war that you've spoken about repeatedly.
I don't think these are mutually exclusive. I do think it's possible for us to take action that reinforces a global red line against chemical weapons use but to still continue to strengthen and broaden our engagement with the opposition in a way that moves towards a post- Assad Syria that is sustainable and secure. And I look forward to your input with us on your next hearing on that topic.
SECRETARY KERRY: Absolutely, Senator, I look forward to it, too. What I'd like to do is get the whole committee maybe to come down to the department, and we can have this discussion in that confine, as a committee, also. And I think that might be helpful, in addition to what we do in the classified briefing tomorrow.
SENATOR COONS: Thank you. Mr. Chairman, if you want to do that, I'm happy to do that.
Today, from Tanzania, the White House announced new and improved U.S. efforts to combat poaching and wildlife trafficking. Wildlife trafficking is a multi-billion dollar illegal business that is a threat to populations of targeted species including elephants and rhinos, to tourism and economic development, and to our national security and the security and stability of the nations where this violence is occurring. As the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, Senator Coons is very concerned about the recent rise in wildlife poaching, particularly in Africa, and applauds President Obama’s renewed and enhanced commitment to addressing this serious issue.
The President signed an executive order to establish a Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking, which will develop a national strategy to address the issue. The order will also establish an Advisory Council made up of non-governmental experts on the issue to make recommendations to the Task Force. These efforts will help enhance coordination among existing U.S. programs and policies to combat wildlife trafficking and assist other nations to do the same.
The initiative includes $10 million in funding from the State Department dedicated to combatting wildlife trafficking in Africa. This funding will strengthen the ability of nations to address the issue through laws and penalties, enhance investigations, law enforcement, and criminal prosecutions, and support regional cooperation. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will also station an official at our embassy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, which is a major export point for illegally traded wildlife and wildlife products. This official will help the Government of Tanzania with a wildlife protection and security plan.
The President also announced plans to leverage new authority granted under the new Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program, which was signed into law this January. Senator Coons cosponsored this legislation, which allows the Secretary of State to offer rewards for information on members of transnational criminal organizations, including wildlife trafficking. The President will also enhance existing authorities under the Endangered Species Act, African Elephant Conservation Act, and the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act to address the issue. Senator Coons voted to reauthorize funding for these conservation programs and others incorporated in the Multinational Species Conservation Fund during the last Congress.
Last May, Senator Coons participated in a full Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing entitled, “Ivory and Insecurity: The Global Implications of Poaching in Africa,” the first full committee hearing addressing this issue. He also recently hosted two screenings of the National Geographic film, “Battle for the Elephants” in Washington, D.C. and Wilmington to inform Delawareans about this ongoing challenge.
This issue is incredibly complex and growing in intensity. Senator Coons believes it will take the involvement of a number of U.S. agencies, working in coordination with other nations, non-profit organizations, and private entities to successfully combat it. The President’s announcement today builds on the significant steps Secretary Clinton, and now Secretary Kerry have taken to address the poaching crisis. Senator Coons looks forward to working with his colleagues to support implementation of this important new initiative.
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity, and commending its successor — the African Union — Senator Coons was proud to sponsor a resolution that the Senate passed unanimously on Wednesday night. Senator Jeff Flake, ranking member of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa, cosponsored the resolution.
“This resolution commends the African Union on its increasingly positive contribution to peace, security and development across the continent,” Senator Coons said. “As chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa, it is my hope that the AU continues to play a constructive role in the region.”
In 2007, the new AU adopted a charter that aims to “reinforce commitments to democracy, development and peace in Africa.” Notably, the African Union departed from the OAU’s strict doctrine of nonintervention in the internal affairs of member states, which had impeded its ability to address serious governance, conflict or human rights issues. The AU is now able to intervene in a member state under certain circumstances, including with respect to war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity. African Union peacekeeping forces, political mediation missions, and other peace-building processes have been instrumental in ending conflict and bringing stability to Burundi, Comoros, Sudan, Somalia, and Mali.
The AU’s new chairwoman, Nkhosazana Dlamini-Zuma from South Africa, has promised to focus on strengthening regional integration, economic development, and good governance during her term as Chair.
A week ago, Senator Coons chaired a Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa hearing on prospects for democratic reform and economic recovery in Zimbabwe. Panelists highlighted the need for the coalition government of Zimbabwe to carry out previously agreed electoral and democratic reforms as a precondition for free and fair elections later this year. Meaningful AU engagement with the government of Zimbabwe and the Southern African Development Community to advance democratic reform in Zimbabwe would be a positive signal that the AU is committed to realizing the promise of its charter.
The United States can and should take pride in the contribution the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), along with the UN Global Fund and African governments, has made towards achieving a milestone few believed possible just a few years ago: HIV/AIDS no longer poses an acute health emergency in many African states. We have made important contributions in purchasing antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) at discount rates, distributing ARVs to urban as well as rural areas, and improving national capacity to manage the disease.
The number of new HIV infections across Africa has dropped by 25 percent since 2001 – and more than 50 percent in 13 sub-Saharan African countries – according to the UNAIDS 2012 global report.
Here in South Africa, progress is even sharper. Rates of infection have fallen by at least 30 percent. Nearly 2 million people are on antiretroviral drugs, known as ARVs, which have helped extend the life span of the sick and limit the transmission of the disease. Approximately 75 percent of South Africans who need ARVs have access to them, putting the country just shy of The Global Fund's 80 percent standard for universal access.
Perhaps most meaningful to ordinary South Africans: Life expectancy in South Africa has gone up – reaching levels not seen since 1995.
However, as this article poignantly illustrates, as the rates of new infection and deaths fall, the effects of the acute emergency live on for caregivers and children of HIV/AIDS victims. As these children grow up, the ones who have provided for them – often female relatives and neighbors – are running out of steam, as well as financial and social resources to help launch them successfully into a healthy, productive adulthood. Studies suggest that children of HIV/AIDS victims are more likely to drop out of school and to suffer from anxiety, depression and abuse than their peers. Many of the women who have taken in multiple orphans are entering middle age and facing their own health problems that are only exacerbated by the growing needs of the children they have taken in and nurtured for many years.
Although the disease itself may pose a diminishing health danger for the population, states are likely to grapple with the social and economic after-effects of the disease for years to come. As PEPFAR enters its second decade, we would do well to ensure that the needs of those living with the legacy of the epidemic are not forgotten.
