As I have said in the past, I do not post the remarks the Secretary of State sends out to countries on their national days as a routine. I post them when they are somehow particularly significant. Back in May, I posted her remarks on Yemen's national day. It was significant due to ongoing events in that country. The following day she issued a statement critical of Yemeni leadership.
So in that vein, I am posting these national day greetings. Morocco is one of our oldest allies. When she was our newly-minted SOS, in April 2009, and received Moroccan Foreign Minister Fihiri at the State Department, Secretary Clinton stated:
I think Morocco was the very first country that recognized us, going back a long time.
The first! The very first! Well, then certainly we owe our very oldest friend and ally a shout out on their national day! Bonne Fête!!!!
- US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (L) is greeted by Abdeslam Jaidi, Moroccan consul to the United Nation upon her arrival at Marrakech airport early on November 1, 2009. She is scheduled to meet on Monday and Tuesday with her Arab counterparts attending the sixth Forum for the Future, jointly organised by Morocco and Italy. The Forum for the Future is a joint initiative between the Group of Eight industrial powers and some 20 countries in the Middle East and North Africa, along with the European Commission and the Arab League. AFP PHOTO ABDELHAK SENNA/POOL (Photo credit should read ABDELHAK SENNA/AFP/Getty Ima
Morocco National Day
Press Statement
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of StateWashington, DCJuly 29, 2011On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I send my warmest wishes to King Mohamed VI and the Moroccan people on the occasion of your country's national day this July 30.
During this time of profound change in the Middle East and North Africa, the United States supports your efforts to strengthen the rule of law, human rights and good governance. I congratulate King Mohamed VI and the Moroccan people on the peaceful constitutional referendum held July 1, and welcome it as an important step toward democratic reform.
Morocco is a longstanding friend, partner, and ally of the United States. Wherever you celebrate this special day, know that the United States stands with you. I look forward to continuing to strengthen this partnership as we work together toward our common goals.
It is the Swiss Confederation's 720th Birthday! Yes, 720!!! Amazing. Curiously, for a country many of us have always considered progressive, Switzerland's women were not granted suffrage until 1971. Here is a very interesting and instructive timeline on the granting of suffrage to women. We are happy that they finally updated their status in that regard!
- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (R) is welcomed by Swiss Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey before the signing ceremony of Turkey and Armenia peace deal in Zurich October 10, 2009. Turkey and Armenia plan to sign a deal to end a century of hostility stemming from the World War One mass killing of Armenians by Ottoman forces although it could fall prey to nationalists further down the line. REUTERS/Christian Hartmann (SWITZERLAND POLITICS)
Happy Birthday, Switzerland!
Statement On the Occasion of Switzerland's National Day
Press StatementHillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of StateWashington, DCJuly 29, 2011
On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to congratulate the people of Switzerland on the 720th anniversary of your republic this August 1.
In the seven centuries since the first Federal Charter was signed, the Swiss Confederation has played an important role in world affairs. Your rich history of neutrality gives you the ability to mediate and reconcile difficult conflicts. You have been a vital partner for over 30 years representing American interests in Iran and other countries throughout the world.
America’s Founders were inspired by the ideas and values of early Swiss philosophers like Jean-Jacques Burlamaqui and Emer de Vattel, and the 1848 Swiss Constitution was influenced by our own U.S. Constitution. Swiss commitment to democracy is an example for nations and people everywhere who yearn for greater freedoms and human rights.
As you celebrate this special day, know that the United States stands with you and we look forward to a future filled with friendship and cooperation.
