As delivered by Ambassador Ian Kelly to the Permanent Council, Vienna February 16, 2012 We remain concerned by proposed local legislation in Russia that would severely restrict freedoms of expression and assembly for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals, and indeed all Russians. As Secretary Clinton has said, gay rights are human rights and ... Read More»

As delivered by Ambassador Ian Kelly to the Permanent Council, Vienna February 16, 2012 The United States notes that the Government of Turkmenistan held presidential elections on February 12 and that President Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedov was re-elected. We look forward to continued cooperation with President Berdimuhammedov and the government of Turkmenistan on issues of mutual interest. ... Read More»

As delivered by Ambassador Ian Kelly to the Permanent Council, Vienna February 16 , 2012 The United States welcomes the February 10th appointment of a new Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We congratulate Chairman Bevanda and the entire government as they take up the important responsibility of leading Bosnia and Herzegovina forward on ... Read More»

As delivered by Ambassador Ian Kelly to the Permanent Council, Vienna February 16, 2012 We wish to thank the distinguished Permanent Representative of Belarus for raising the issue of Internet freedom in the United States.  Debate and exchange of views are important elements of this forum. You are correct in noting that the two proposed ... Read More»

As delivered by Ambassador Ian Kelly to the Permanent Council, Vienna February 9, 2012 The United States wishes to express concern about recent developments in Kazakhstan on freedom of expression. The United States follows with great interest the implementation of Kazakhstan’s new law on television and radio, and regrets that the new law does not ... Read More»