President Barack Obama
Specific issues:
17 November 2009 Joint
Statement by President Obama, Chinese President Hu in China Obama welcomes
China as a strong, successful member of community of nations.
16 November 2009 Societies
Free of Internet Censorship Are Stronger, Obama Says The free flow of information on the Internet builds a stronger society, encourages
creativity and helps people around the world participate in the political process
and hold their governments accountable, President Obama told Chinese students in
Shanghai. Speaking at a town hall meeting ahead of meetings with Chinese
leaders in Beijing, Obama said he is “a big believer” in technology
and openness and a “big
supporter of noncensorship” even though it means that he finds himself the
subject of constant criticism. In the United States, “the fact that we have
free Internet or unrestricted Internet access is a source of strength,” and
the president said open Internet use should be encouraged.
15 November 2009 President
Obama’s Remarks at APEC Leaders’ Summit
09 November 2009 Obama:
Iraq Election Law an “Important Milestone” President Obama
says the approval of a long-delayed election law by the Iraqi parliament is an
important milestone. Obama says it helps clear the way for a planned withdrawal
of American combat troops. Shortly after the Iraqi parliament approved the new
election law, Obama went before reporters at the White House. “This
is an important milestone as the Iraqi people continue to take responsibility for
their future,” he said.
09 November 2009 Presidential Proclamation : World Freedom Day
07 November 2009 Statement of President Barack Obama
on House Passage of the Affordable Health Care for America Act .
• The White House : Health Care
• The
Obama Plan: Stability & Security For All Americans
• White House blog History:
The House Debates Health Reform
02 November 2009 Obama Congratulates Afghan President
and Urges Internal Reforms President Obama has congratulated Afghan President
Hamid Karzai on winning re-election but also called for a “new chapter” to
improve Afghan governance and end corruption. Obama also cited a need to
increase the ability of Afghan forces to provide security for their own country.
25 October 2009
Statement by the President on Today's Bombings in Baghdad, Iraq "I strongly condemn these outrageous attacks on the Iraqi people,
and send my deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones. These bombings
serve no purpose other than the murder of innocent men, women and children,
and they only reveal the hateful and destructive agenda of those who would
deny the Iraqi people the future that they deserve. "
20 October 2009 Obama Lauds Afghan President’s Participation in Runoff Vote Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s agreement to participate in a runoff vote for his country’s presidential election is "an important step forward" toward ensuring a credible electoral process and it strengthens Afghanistan’s democracy, President Obama says. Obama issued a statement October 20 welcoming Karzai’s
decision, which came after the Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan
determined that the incumbent president had received a majority of votes from
the August 20 election, but at 49.67 percent had come just short of the 50
percent threshold needed to avoid a runoff vote. The second round voting has
been scheduled for November 7.
20 October 2009 Obama Praises Democratic Advances in Iraq President Obama praised the democratic commitment of the Iraqi people and their government as he also called for timely passage of a new election law for January 2010 parliamentary elections. Obama met with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki October 20 at the White House.
19 October 2009 Statement of President Barack Obama on Sudan Strategy
09 October 2009 Obama Wins Nobel Prize for Nuclear Disarmament, Multilateralism Why did President Obama win the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize after only nine months in office? The Norwegian Nobel Committee cited Obama’s "extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples," particularly his work to rid the world of nuclear weapons.
09 October 2009 Remarks by the President on winning the Nobel Peace Prize
09 October 2009 President Obama wins 2009 Nobel Peace Prize (links to nobelprize.org) Today, Friday, the Nobel Committee awarded President Obama the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize for "for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples".
01 October 2009 Obama Says Iran Talks "Constructive" but Need Follow-Up Action President Obama says the first day of talks between Iran and representatives from the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council plus Germany (collectively known as the P5+1) were a "constructive beginning," but Iran's government needs to follow up pledges of cooperation with "constructive action."
01 October 2009 Obama Facing Critical Decisions in Afghanistan, Pakistan President Obama met with his national security team in the White House Situation Room on September 30 to evaluate the progress that has been made and the challenges that lie ahead in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Among the challenges are recent U.S. public-opinion polling numbers that show declining support for continued U.S. military operations in Afghanistan.
01 October 2009 The Obamas Visit Copenhagen to Support Chicago’s Olympic Bid President Obama will travel to Copenhagen, Denmark, to support Chicago's bid for the 2016 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games at the 121st International Olympic Committee Session, according to the White House. The president will depart Washington on October 1, arriving in Copenhagen on the morning of October 2 just before Chicago’s presentation to the IOC voting members. He will join his wife, Michelle Obama, who arrived in Copenhagen on September 30. Mrs. Obama is leading the U.S. delegation to the IOC session.
25 September 2009 Key Accomplishments of the Group of 20 Pittsburgh Summit Countries to continue economic stimulus plans, reform financial regulation.
26 September 2009 President Affirms Commitment to International Cooperation in Strengthening Economy and Stopping Nuclear Proliferation
25 September 2009 Remarks by President Obama at G20 Closing Press Conference
24 September 2009 Remarks by the President at the UN Security Council Summit on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Nuclear Disarmament
23 September 2009 Remarks by the President to the United Nations General Assembly
22 September 2009 Remarks by the President at UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon's Climate Change Summit
21 September 2009 President Obama Promotes Tougher Rules on Wall Street to Protect Consumers
20 September 2009 Statement by the President on the Occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr
17 September 2009 Remarks by the President on strengthening missile defense in Europe
17 September 2009 Obama Announces New Plan to Defend Europe from Iranian Missiles
10 September 2009 Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, 2009
10 September 2009 Readout of the President's call with UK Prime Minister Brown The President and Prime Minister Brown had a productive call earlier today on several issues on our shared strategic agenda. The two leaders discussed preparations for the upcoming G20 meeting in Pittsburgh, including the issues of growth and jobs. They discussed ways to reform international institutions to provide key international players a greater role.
10 September 2009 Obama Urges Congress to Pass Health Care Reform The U.S. Congress is grappling with proposed legislation to substantially reform America's $2.5 trillion health care system, despite the daunting challenge posed by solutions that may conflict with one another. In a nationally televised address to a joint session of Congress September 9, President Obama implored representatives and senators to overcome doubts and considerable misinformation that has plagued debate on reform since earlier this year, and support his proposals. Five committees in the Senate and House of Representatives are considering comprehensive reform proposals and four have completed work on bills. The White House did not submit its own proposed legislation, but instead submitted its objectives.
09 September 2009 Excerpts of the President's Address to a Joint Session of Congress Tonight
08 September 2009 Address by President Obama to America's Schoolchildren Obama focuses on responsibility, staying in school.
01 September 2009 Remarks by the President at Iftar Dinner
01 September 2009 Obama on 2009-H1N1 Flu Preparedness and Response Flu vaccination program expected to begin soon.
26 August 2009 Presidntial Proclamation on the Death Of Senator Edward Kennedy
26 August 2009 Statement from President Obama on the Death of Senator Edward Kennedy
21 August 2009 Remarks by the President on the Recent Elections in Afghanistan
21 August 2009
Ramadan Kareem President Obama extends his best wishes to Muslim communities in the United States and around the world.
17 August 2009 Transcript of the President's Remarks at the annual VFW convention in Phoenix. Terrorists who attacked the United States on Sept. 11, 2001, are plotting to do so again, so defeating them is “fundamental to the defense of our people,” President Barack Obama told veterans at the annual Veterans of Foreign Wars convention.
05 August 2009 President Obama’s Video Message to AGOA Forum President Obama addresses the African Growth and Opportunity Act Forum in Nairobi, Kenya
22 July 2009 Obama Pledges Full Withdrawal of U.S. Forces from Iraq by 2011 Stating that the United States is in the midst of a transition to Iraqi responsibility, President Obama said all U.S. forces are on schedule to be fully withdrawn from Iraq by the end of 2011. "Violence continues to be down, and Iraqis are taking responsibility for their future," Obama said at an afternoon press conference at the White House with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. "The success of this transition is critically important to the security and prosperity of our people, and it is a top priority of my administration."
21 July 2009 Obama Letter on U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Report Report to Congress covers activities from October 4, 2008, to June 30, 2009.
17 July 2009 President Obama on July 17 Bombings in Indonesia Obama condemns attacks in Jakarta and extends deepest condolences.
PRESIDENT OBAMA'S VISIT TO RUSSIA, ITALY and AFRICA, 6-11 JULY 2009 |
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11 July 2009 As Delivered Remarks by President to the Ghanaian Parliament
11 July 2009 Obama: Ghana Shows Democracy Can Thrive in Africa Capping his historic visit to Ghana, President Obama told the Ghanaian people his visit to their country had been "particularly meaningful" and that Ghana sends a message to the world: "Democracy can thrive in Africa."
11 July 2009 President Obama's SMS Question Responses While in Ghana, Africa as part of his trip to Russia, Italy and Africa in July, President Obama invited questions regarding his Administration's policies towards Africa to be submitted via text, twitter and blogs. A panel of African journalists based in Washington was asked to select three questions for the President to respond to. Here are the President's responses to these questions.
 (MP3, 6 min 10 secs) [Read transcript]
10 July 2009 Press Conference by the President in L'Aquila, Italy
09 July 2009 G8 Nations Agree to Cut Carbon Emissions 80 Percent by 2050 The effects of climate change are putting every country at risk and no one nation can address it alone, President Obama says, adding that the United States and other developed countries have a responsibility to take the lead in reducing carbon pollution that is causing global temperatures to rise.
09 July 2009 Obama Calls for Global Nuclear Summit in March 2010 President Obama, at the G8 Summit in Italy, added another element to his goal of a nuclear-free world by calling for a global nuclear summit in March 2010, White House aides said. The purpose of the summit would be to achieve the highest levels of nuclear security, which the president believes is essential for enhanced international security and for the peaceful development and the global expansion of nuclear energy, said presidential aide Mark Lippert.
09 July 2009 White House Press Briefing by U.S. Officials in L'Aquila, Italy Officials discuss upcoming Ghana visit, trade and security
09 July 2009 Meeting the International Clean Energy and Climate Change Challenges
09 July 2009 From the White House come the following statements and declarations (PDF's) from the Group of Eight meetings in L’Aquila, Italy:
• L'Aquila Statement on Non-Proliferation (PDF)
• G8 Economic Declaration (PDF)
• Political Declaration (PDF)
• G8 Declaration on Counter Terrorism (PDF)
• G8 Preliminary Accountability Report (PDF)
08 July 2009 Addressing the Nuclear Threat: Fulfilling the Promise of Prague at the L'Aquila Summit
08 July 2009 G8 Leaders Focused on Global Economic Recovery Leaders of the Group of Eight major industrialized nations believe the outcome of the economic crisis is still uncertain and that significant risks remain to global economic and financial stability.
08 July 2009 G8 Leaders Urge Economic Action to Prevent Deeper Social Crisis At a time of global economic turmoil, the leaders of the Group of Eight major industrialized nations say they will help developing nations to cope with the crisis.
08 July 2009 Remarks by President Obama and Italian President Napolitano Discuss U.S. and Europe raising standards on financial institutions
08 July 2009 White House Press Gaggle En Route to Rome, Italy Press secretary Robert Gibbs briefs on Air Force One
08 July 2009 Joint Understanding by Obama, Medvedev on Missile Defense Leaders outline elements in the START follow on treaty.
07 July 2009 Remarks by President Obama and Russian President Medvedev Leaders to discuss bilateral relations and international issues.
07 July 2009 Remarks by President Obama and Russian Prime Minister Putin Leaders to discuss U.S.-Russian relations
07 July 2009 Remarks by President Obama in Meeting with Opposition Leaders
07 July 2009 Remarks by the President at Parallel Business Summit
07 July 2009 Remarks by the President at Parallel Civil Society Summit
07 July 2009 Non-Nuclear Iran Would Reduce Need for Missile Defense President Obama urges Russia to support efforts to prevent nuclear arms races in East Asia and the Middle East, saying the successful enforcement of international law will remove causes of disagreement between the United States and Russia.
07 July 2009 Remarks by the President at the New Economic School Graduation Gostinny Dvor, Moscow, Russia.
06 July 2009 Joint Statement by Presidents Obama, Medvedev on Afghanistan
06 July 2009 Press conference by President Obama and President Medvedev of Russia
• Obama, Russia's Medvedev Agree to Further Missile Defense Talks
• Russia, U.S. Seek to Lead Nonproliferation Efforts by Example
06 July 2009 Transcript of President Obamas Interview with Novaya Gazeta
06 July 2009 Fact Sheet for the Moscow Summit, July 6-8
01 July 2009 Press Briefing on the President's Trip to Russia, Italy and Africa
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09 July 2009 The Obama Administration's arms control and non-proliferation strategy. Gary Samore, Special Assistant to the President and White House Coordinator for Arms Control and Weapons of Mass Destruction, Proliferation, and Terrorism spoke on “The Obama Administration's arms control and non-proliferation strategy” at the International Institute For Strategic Studies.
From the IISS: Watch the  Speech and the Q&A Session.
04 July 2009 Fourth of July Message by President Obama (PDF) "Today we are called upon to remember not only the day our country was born, but also the indomitable spirit of the first American citizens who made that day possible. We are called to remember how unlikely it was that our American experiment would succeed at all; that a small band of patriots would declare independence from a powerful empire; and that they would form, in the new world, what the old world had never known - a government of, by, and for the people."
29 June 2009 Remarks by the President on Energy
26 June 2009 Obama Praises Demonstrators' "Enduring Pursuit of Justice" President Obama says the bravery of Iranian demonstrators as they face brutality from their government is "a testament to their enduring pursuit of justice," and he said if the Iranian government wants respect from the international community, it must respect the rights of its people.
17 June 2009 Obama’s Remarks on 21st-Century Financial Regulatory Reform New rules would let markets promote innovation while discouraging abuse.
• Treasury Department White Paper (PDF)
14 June 2009 Statement on Prime Minister Netanyahu's Speech President is committed to two-state solution and peace in the region.
• U.S. Welcomes Israeli Leader's Endorsement of Palestinian State
PRESIDENT OBAMA'S VISIT TO THE MIDDLE EAST & EUROPE, 3-6 JUNE 2009
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Obama begins his trip June 3 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for consultations with King Abdullah on issues including the Middle East peace process, energy and terrorism. He travels June 4 to Cairo for meetings with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and his long-anticipated speech at Cairo University, which is being co-hosted by Al-Azhar University, regarded as one of the world's leading Islamic institutions of higher education.
On June 5 Obama travels to Dresden, Germany, for talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel, a visit with wounded U.S. troops at the military hospital in Landstuhl and a tour of the former Nazi concentration camp at Buchenwald. He closes his trip June 6 with a trip to France, a meeting with President Nicolas Sarkozy in Caen, and participation in ceremonies commemorating the 65th anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy on D-Day. Obama will give a speech at the American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer.
Videos
Two versions of the speech are available for viewing and downloading.
• Low-bandwidth version (Windows Media, 36Mb)
• High-bandwidth version (Windows Media, 90Mb)
 Being Part of a Social Network
America.gov's successful blog about the Obama Administration is geared up to discuss the speech in Cairo.
Those wanting to read the blog or leave a comment can go to http://blogs.america.gov/obama/ or you can join one of several social networks at http://www.america.gov/communities/social-networks.html .
A Gateway to Information
America.gov has also created a special page for the Obama speech and related public affairs materials concerning the partnership between the U.S. and countries in the Islamic world. It is available at http://www.america.gov/obama_cairo.html.
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BACKGROUND TEXTS |
06 June 2009 Obama: D-Day Changed an Entire Century It was unknowable on June 6, 1944, but much of the progress that defined the 20th century began when Allied forces stormed a slice of French beach only six miles long and two miles wide, President Obama said in a speech commemorating the 65th anniversary of the World War II D-Day landings.
05 June 2009 Obama, Germany’s Merkel Confer on a Range of Security Issues President Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel said now is the moment to forge ahead with the Middle East peace process. At a joint press briefing in Dresden, Germany, June 5, Obama said, "We discussed my recent trip to the Middle East and the need for all of us to redouble our efforts to bring about two states, Israel and a Palestinian state, that are living side by side in peace and security. The moment is now for us to act."
05 June 2009 Many Muslims Saw Hope, Change in Obama's Cairo Speech "The speech gave me hope that change can happen, especially by collaboration and by seeing common ground and interest," 19-year-old Ingy Hassieb said. The Egyptian college student reflected on the words he had heard when the new American president, Barack Obama, came to Cairo with the call to initiate "a new beginning between the United States and Muslims."
04 June 2009 Obama Calls for a New Beginning with Muslims Around the World Saying he came to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world, President Obama told an audience in Cairo that the cycle of suspicion and discord that has defined the relationship for so long must end.
04 June 2009 A New Beginning President Obama's speech in Cairo, Egypt.
• Photos from the President's speech:
Whitehouse flickr set
• Fact Sheet: The U.S. and Muslim communities around the world (PDF)
• U.S. Embassy London Hosts Guests for "A New Beginning"
04 June 2009 Remarks by President Obama and President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt before Bilateral Meeting
03 June 2009 Obama Opens Talks with Saudi King Abdullah President Obama says he wanted to seek the counsel of Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah as he begins a major initiative to address many of the thorny issues that confront U.S. relations in the Middle East and with the Muslim world.
• Readout of The President's Meeting with King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia
03 June 2009 Briefing by Senior Administration Officials on Cairo Speech
03 June 2009 Remarks by President Obama and King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia Before Their Meeting
03 June 2009 President Obama Travels to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Germany, and France King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia welcomed U.S. President Barack Obama, on his arrival at the Royal Terminal of the King Khalid International Airport, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
02 June 2009 Transcript of the Interview of the President with Justin Webb of the BBC on 1st June 2009.
01 June 2009 Obama Seeks Enhanced Engagement with the Middle East, Europe The centerpiece of President Obama's five-day visit to the Middle East and to Europe will be his speech June 4 at Cairo University on U.S. relations with the Muslim world, say White House advisers. "President Obama's speech will be an important part of this engagement with the Muslim world, which began in his inaugural (speech) and has continued through venues such as his interview with Al Arabiya, his Nowruz message, and his speech and town hall (meeting) in Turkey," said White House press secretary Robert Gibbs.
President Obama speaks with the BBC's North America Editor Justin Webb
(BBC website)
29 May 2009 Briefing on Presidents Upcoming Trip to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Germany and France
29 May 2009 President Obama to Speak to Muslim World from Cairo June 4 Shortly after his election, President Obama announced plans to deliver a major foreign policy speech from a Muslim capitol. This promise becomes a reality June 4, when the president will speak from Cairo.The speech will be about America's relations with the Muslim world, and it is expected to be indicative of Obama's perspective, recently broadcast in an interview with Al Arabiya.
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10 June 2009 White House Document on Advancing the Role of Women Series of documents central to Obama administration’s agenda.
29 May 2009 Obama Administration Breaks New Ground on the Internet During his presidential campaign, Barack Obama impressed Americans and the world with his deft use of the Internet and social networking technologies. Now his administration is using the Internet to make government more accessible and include citizens in the policymaking process. The Open Government initiative, calls for more citizen participation to enhance government effectiveness and for greater collaboration across all levels of government and with the private sector to harness innovative tools.
28 May 2009 Remarks by President Obama and President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority
27 May 2009 Remarks by the President on Alternative Energy
26 May 2009 Remarks by the President in Nominating Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the United States Supreme Court
26 May 2009 Obama Picks Sonia Sotomayor to Serve on U.S. Supreme Court President Obama announced May 26 that he will nominate U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Sonia Sotomayor to be a Supreme Court justice. If confirmed by the Senate, Sotomayor, who the president said has "a depth of experience and a breadth of perspective that will be invaluable as a Supreme Court justice," would be the first Hispanic to serve on the highest court in the United States.
25 May 2009 Remarks By The President On Memorial Day
21 May 2009 Obama Sets Framework for Trying Terrorist Detainees Saying that this generation of Americans faces "a great test in the specter of terrorism," Obama laid out a framework for how the U.S. will proceed in trying and treating detainees accused of acts of terrorism that conforms to accepted U.S. legal practice, and how they will be confined if convicted by U.S. federal district courts or revised military commissions.
21 May 2009 Remarks of President Barack Obama on National Security President says “There is a core principle that we will apply to all of our actions: even as we clean up the mess at Guantanamo, we will constantly re-evaluate our approach, subject our decisions to review from the other branches of government, and seek the strongest and most sustainable legal framework for addressing these issues in the long-term.”
14 May 2009 Remarks of President Barack Obama at Arizona State University Commencement
12 May 2009 Statement on White House Visit of Middle East Leaders President Obama to discuss achieving peace in the Middle East.
11 May 2009 Flags at Half Staff for Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week Proclamation by the President of the United States of America on Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2009
07 May 2009 Obama Proposes Massive Global Health Initiative The U.S. is launching a six-year global health initiative that will help some of the poorest regions of the world fight health challenges that kill people who could otherwise be saved with improved health care, says President Obama.
05 May 2009 Statement by the President on Global Health Initiative
02 May 2009 Weekly Address by President Obama on 2009 H1N1 Flu President Obama outlines U.S. government actions to address new strain of flu virus.
01 May 2009 Statement by the President in honor of World Press Freedom Day
30 April 2009 Obama Marks His First 100 Days Marking an odyssey that began 100 days ago when he became the first African-American president in U.S. history, President Obama reflected for long moments before the nation on what his presidency has achieved and what still needs to be done.
29 April 2009 News Conference by the President
29 April 2009 Remarks by the President in Arnold, Missouri Town Hall In his opening remarks the President took a moment to be retrospective.
23 April 2009 Remarks by the President at the Holocaust Days of Remembrance Ceremony
20 April 2009 Remarks by the President to CIA Employees Remarks during the President's visit to CIA Headquarters in Langley, Virginia.
16 April 2009 President Obama on Choosing a Better Future in the Americas Obama says it's time for U.S. to “move in a new direction” in the region.
14 April 2009 Speech by President Obama on U.S. Economy: A New Foundation Addresses progress, economic challenges in America’s future.
10 April 2009 Obama Letter to Congress on Funding for Iraq, Afghanistan Money to support U.S. military, diplomatic and intelligence operations.
07 April 2009 Obama Makes Unannounced Visit to Iraq President Obama made a surprise visit to Iraq April 7, where he said that a gradual withdrawal of U.S. forces will help cement security gains as the Iraqi government continues gaining strength.
• President Obama's Remarks to the Troops in Iraq
07 April 2009 Remarks by President Obama at Student Roundtable in Turkey Obama committed to rebuilding U.S. relations with Muslim world.
06 April 2009 Repairing Ties in Turkey, Obama Reaches Out to Muslim World President Obama completed his first overseas tour in Turkey, where he said America’s new efforts to engage with the Muslim world are part of his administration's commitment to a foreign policy rooted in mutual respect and seeking common solutions to global challenges.
• President Obama's speech to the Turkish Grand National Assembly
05 April 2009 Obama Seeks World Free of Nuclear Weapons President Obama vowed that the United States will take concrete steps toward a world free of nuclear weapons. "We will reduce the role of nuclear weapons in our national security strategy and urge others to do the same," Obama said in an April 5 speech in Hradcanske Square outside the medieval Prague Castle in the Czech Republic.
05 April 2009 Obama Condemns North Korea's Missile Launch President Obama condemned North Korea's launch of a long-range Taepodong-2 missile April 4 as a threat to the security of Northeast Asia and international peace and security. "With this provocative act, North Korea has ignored its international obligations, rejected unequivocal calls for restraint, and further isolated itself from the community of nations," said Obama.
03 April 2009 Obama Seeks Renewed Trans-Atlantic Ties The U.S. is taking a new approach to a host of emerging global challenges, but friends and allies such as Europe must shoulder their share of the burden, says President Obama, making the case for renewed trans-Atlantic ties.
31 March 2009 - 3 April 2009 President Obama's Visit to the United Kingdom
31 March 2009 Press Gaggle by Robert Gibbs Aboard Air Force One en-route London, England
31 March 2009 New Afghan-Pakistan Plan a Comprehensive Strategy, Obama Says America's new strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan is focused on dismantling terrorist networks but will employ a wide array of tactics, from strengthening regional security forces to a renewed focus on diplomacy, development and international cooperation, says President Obama.
30 March 2009 President Obama's Interview with the Financial Times
30 March 2009 Obama Heads to Europe with Extensive Schedule President Obama heads to Europe to address issues that range from the global economy and financial regulation to security, especially in Afghanistan and Pakistan, nuclear nonproliferation and the Middle East.
28 March 2009 Press Briefing on Agenda for G20 Summit, NATO Summit, and EU Summit
27 March 2009 A New Strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan Prepared Remarks of President Barack Obama
26 March 2009 Obama Urges Renewed NATO Effort in Afghanistan As NATO prepares to celebrate its 60th birthday, President Obama calls for a renewed commitment to Afghanistan and other shared security challenges facing the 26-nation alliance.
26 March 2009 President Obama to Hold Bilateral Meetings While in London The President will meet with a number of leaders.
25 March 2009 Obama Names Ambassador to Combat Trafficking in Persons President Obama nominates Counsel to U.S. House Committee Luis de Baca.
24 March 2009 News Conference by the President
23 March 2009 Barack Obama: A time for global action President Obama on the urgent need for global economic cooperation.
21 March 2009 President Obama to Focus on Budget Priorities Next Week In his weekly address, President Barack Obama announced that in the coming week, he will highlight the core principles of his budget: cutting the deficit in half by the end of his first term and making investments in long-delayed priorities like energy independence, education and health care reform.
20 March 2009 Obama Calls for New Beginning in U.S.-Iranian Relations In a special video message to the people of Iran, President Obama called for a "new day" in relations between Washington and Tehran and a future rooted in honest engagement and mutual respect.
20 March 2009 President's Video Message in Celebration of Nowruz
Video of the President's remarks on Whitehouse.gov.
11 March 2009 Analysis: Obama Adds Turkey to Upcoming European Tour By adding Turkey to the itinerary of his upcoming European tour, President Obama seeks to continue America’s outreach to the Muslim world as well as renew relations with a key ally and increasingly active diplomatic partner straddling Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East.
07 March 2009 President Obama Presses the Case for Bold Action to Address the Economic Crisis Remarks of President Barack Obama in his Weekly Address
05 March 2009 Visit by President Obama to Europe The President and Mrs. Obama will visit the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the Czech Republic from 31 March to 05 April 2009.
03 March 2009 Remarks by President Obama and Prime Minister Gordon Brown "I think that there are a set of shared values and shared assumptions between us," President Obama said following a meeting with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
View video of joint remarks on C-SPAN
• Prime Minister Brown's Speech to a Joint Meeting of Congress
Watch the PM's speech on C-SPAN
• Call to Prime Minister Gordon Brown of Great Britain
03 March 2009 Financial Crisis Tops Agenda in British Prime Minister's Visit America's "special relationship" with Britain is more vital than ever as both nations stand together to face a host of emerging challenges, from a global financial crisis to international efforts to stabilize Afghanistan, says President Obama.
27 February 2009 Remarks of President Barack Obama – Responsibly Ending the War in Iraq
26 February 2009 Remarks by the President on the Fiscal Year 2010 Budget
• Obama Submits U.S. Budget Proposal for Fiscal Year 2010
• The full text of the proposed budget for fiscal year 2010 (PDF, 2 MB) is available on the Government Printing Office Web site..
25 February 2009 President Lays Out Economic Recovery Agenda President Obama spoke to Americans before a joint session of the U.S. Congress about his plans to stabilize, revitalize and expand an American economy that has been weakened and buffeted by an array of conflicting forces, from tight credit to stumbling stock markets.
• Overhaul of the Economy
24 February 2009 Remarks of President Barack Obama -- Address to Joint Session of Congress
21 February 2009 Weekly Address by the President President Obama remarks on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
18 February 2009 Obama's First Foreign Visit Is to Canada Economics, energy and the environment will top the agenda when President Obama makes his first official trip to northern neighbor Canada.
18 February 2009 Statement by President Obama on Afghanistan "To meet urgent security needs, I approved a request from Secretary Gates to deploy a Marine Expeditionary Brigade later this spring and an Army Stryker Brigade and the enabling forces necessary to support them later this summer. This increase has been requested by General McKiernan and supported by Secretary Gates, the Joint Chiefs and the Commander of Central Command."
17 February 2009 Remarks by Obama at Signing of Economic Stimulus Bill "Today does not mark the end of our economic troubles. Nor does it constitute all of what we must do to turn our economy around. But it does mark the beginning of the end – the beginning of what we need to do to create jobs for Americans scrambling in the wake of layoffs; to provide relief for families worried they won’t be able to pay next month's bills; and to set our economy on a firmer foundation, paving the way to long-term growth and prosperity."
• Recovery.gov
• Signed, sealed, delivered: ARRA (White House blog)
17 February 2009 Webchat with Reporter Juan Williams and Forum on Obama's Election Juan Williams, a leading news analyst and journalist for National Public Radio, answered questions in a webchat on the significance of President Obama’s election and what it says about America today. The webchat ended with an open forum.
13 February 2009 Abraham Lincoln "Made My Own Story Possible," Obama Says Marking the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth February 12, President Obama said he feels "a special gratitude to this singular figure who in so many ways made my own story possible and in so many ways made America's story possible."
12 February 2009 Remarks by the President at the Lincoln Bicentennial Celebration As we mark the bicentennial of our 16th President's birth, I cannot claim to know as much about his life and works as many who are also speaking today, but I can say that I feel a special gratitude to this singular figure who in so many ways made my own story possible -- and in so many ways made America's story possible.
11 February 2009 Remarks By the President at Re-Opening of Ford's Theatre Michelle and I are so pleased to be here to rededicate this hallowed space. We know that Ford's Theatre will remain a place where Lincoln's legacy thrives, where his love of the humanities and belief in the power of education have a home, and where his generosity of spirit are reflected in all the work that takes place.
10 February 2009 Obama: Spend Now or Face Catastrophe Later The U.S. Senate passed its version of an economic stimulus bill, one that would pump more than $800 billion into the U.S. economy through a combination of public spending and tax cuts. The bill now must be reconciled with an earlier, different version passed by the House of Representatives. Congress hopes to achieve a compromise between the two bills quickly, in an effort to stimulate the economy by spending on infrastructure improvements, renewable energy projects and health care.
09 February 2009 The First Press Conference by the President
05 February 2009 Americans Need Swift, Bold, Wise Action on Economy, Obama Says "By now, it's clear to everyone that we have inherited an economic crisis as deep and dire as any since the days of the Great Depression."..."What Americans expect from Washington is action that matches the urgency they feel in their daily lives -- action that's swift, bold and wise enough for us to climb out of this crisis."
January 2009
26 January 2009 Interview of the President by Hisham Melhem, Al Arabiya
24 January 2009 President Obama delivers Weekly Address In his first weekly address since being sworn in as the 44th president of the United States, President Barack Obama discusses how the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan will jump-start the economy.
22 January 2009 Obama Names Special Envoys for Middle East, Afghanistan-Pakistan President Obama joined Secretary of State Hillary Clinton January 22 to announce former Senator George Mitchell as his special envoy to the Middle East peace process and Ambassador Richard Holbrooke as his special representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan — moves that underscore the new administration’s commitment to renewing America's leadership through reinvigorated diplomacy.
22 January 2009 Obama Orders Guantánamo Shut Down President Obama issued orders closing the detention center at the Guantánamo Bay U.S. naval base in Cuba within a year and placing new restrictions on interrogation of terrorism suspects. "The message we are sending around the world is that the United States intends to prosecute the ongoing struggle against violence and terrorism and we are going to do so vigilantly," Obama said at a January 22 White House signing ceremony.
21 January 2009 Senate Confirms Group of Obama's Cabinet Picks In one of his first official acts after being sworn in as the 44th president of the United States, President Obama signed papers formally nominating his Cabinet selections and other top advisers. The U.S. Senate subsequently convened and confirmed seven of his 25 nominations.
21 January 2009 Obama Asks for 120-Day Delay for Guantánamo Trial System At the request of President Obama, trial proceedings of detainees at the detention center in the Guantánamo Bay U.S. naval base in Cuba have been suspended until approximately May 20, a Pentagon official says.
21 January 2009 Remarks by President Obama at White House Staff Meeting Obama welcomes senior staff, Cabinet secretaries to White House.
20 January 2009 Barack Obama Becomes 44th President of the United States Shortly after noon EST (1700 GMT) January 20, Barack Obama took the presidential oath of office, becoming the 44th president and first African-American leader of the United States. Chief Justice of the Supreme Court John Roberts administered the oath of office to Obama on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. "I will faithfully execute the office of the president of the United States," Obama said as he placed his hand on the Bible last used to inaugurate President Abraham Lincoln in 1861.
20 January 2009 Elizabeth Alexander's Inaugural Poem Poet writes and reads "Praise Song for the Day".
20 January 2009 President Obama’s Inaugural Address
"America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations."
• Stars & Stripes At City Hall
• Americans Heed Barack Obama's Call to Service
• January 20 Is Moving Day at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
• Michelle Obama Enters White House with Substance and Style
• Hillary Clinton Outlines Obama's Africa Policy
20 January 2009 A National Day of Renewal and Reconciliation Moments ago, in his first official act since taking the oath of office, President Barack Obama issued a proclamation, calling on Americans to serve one another and our common purpose on this National Day of Renewal and Reconciliation.
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President Barack Obama
