Fulbright Program for Advanced Research and University Lecturing Awards in the United States for the academic year 2009-2010
The U.S. Embassy in Damascus is inviting Syrian scholars to apply to the Fulbright Program for Advanced Research and University Lecturing Awards in the United States for the academic year 2009-2010.  Fulbright fellowships provide funding for scholars to conduct post-doctoral research or lecture at a U.S. university of other institution for a period of time ranging from an academic semester to a full academic year. Click to download the application (547 KB).

The Embassy welcomes nominations and notes that completed applications must reach the American Cultural Center by August 31, 2008, in order to be considered. Completed applications must be typed and accompanied by three letters of reference.  Candidates should have sufficient English skills (reading, writing, and speaking) to carry out research in the United States.

More details can be found on the Internet at: http://www.cies.org/vs_scholars/vs_awards.

Latest Figures on Iraqi Refugee Admissions and Humanitarian Aid
U.S. Government humanitarian aid for Iraqi refugees, conflict victims and internally displaced persons now stands at $208 million for this fiscal year (from October 1, 2007 until today).  The United States has been the largest contributor to programs assisting displaced Iraqis since 2003, funding programs for food, health, education, water and sanitation, emergency shelter and protection. (English, Arabic)

Statement by Tom Casey, Deputy Spokesman
Arrest of Syrian Political Activist Riad Seif
We condemn the recent arrest of Syrian political activist Riad Seif. His arrest and detention, along with the lack of transparency in the recently started legal proceedings against 10 Damascus Declaration National Council members, are yet another example of the Syrian regime’s contempt for the universally-recognized right of free expression of ideas, and its blatant attempts to silence and intimidate the Syrian people. The U.S. expects the Syrian government to live up to its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and cease its harassment of Syrians who are peacefully seeking to bring about democratic and political reform in their country.(full text)

STATEMENTS BY THE PRESIDENT
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release, December 14, 2007

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

I applaud the recent formation of the National Council of the Damascus Declaration in Damascus, Syria.  The brave men and women who formed this Council reflect the desires of the majority of Syrian people to live in freedom, democracy, and peace, both at home and alongside their neighbors in the region. The Syrian regime continues to hold hundreds of prisoners of conscience and has arrested more than thirty National Council members in the past few days.  All those detained should be released immediately.  The Syrian regime continues to deny its citizens fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression, freedom of movement, and the right to elect a representative government responsive to their needs.  The formation of the National Council is an encouraging sign to all people who support freedom and democracy.  We support the National Council's principles of non-violent struggle and open membership to all the people of Syria who believe the time has come for change. 

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THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release, December 13, 2007

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
I strongly condemn yesterday’s assassination of Lebanese Brigadier General Francois al-Hajj and extend my condolences to his family and the families of the innocents who were murdered alongside him.

This assassination marks the twelfth political assassination or attempted assassination Lebanon has suffered since October 2004. Like the many victims before him, General al-Hajj was a supporter of Lebanon’s independence and an opponent of Syria’s interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs. I call on the international community to support the Government of Lebanon in its efforts to bring to justice the perpetrators of these vicious attacks, and to stand with the citizens of Lebanon who continue to struggle to safeguard their freedom, sovereignty, and democracy. This act of terrorism again reminds us of the importance of the International Tribunal established by the UN Security Council earlier this year and of the urgency of ensuring that the Tribunal is fully funded and capable of commencing its operations as soon as possible, to begin holding accountable those responsible for this systematic campaign of murder against Lebanon’s most ardent patriots. We must work together to support and strengthen an independent and democratic Lebanon.

This attack comes as Lebanon is seeking to choose a new president. The United States supports the efforts of the democratically elected Lebanese Government and the Lebanese Armed Forces to maintain the sovereignty and stability of Lebanon before the presidential elections. As Lebanon seeks to select a president democratically and in accordance with its constitution, interference by the Syrian regime and its allies, aimed at intimidating the Lebanese people, must end. The people of Lebanon deserve the opportunity to choose their leaders in freedom and without fear.