| Page 231 | Association of Accredited Public Policy Advocates to the European Union

EXPERTS CHALLENGE TRUMP’S ETHICS PLAN

Submitted by christian on Thu, 01/12/2017 - 18:31

There is a common thread in the ethics plan outlined by President-elect Trump: His pledge to separate his private interests from public policy depends almost entirely on him and his team following their own rules with almost a total absence of public disclosure, outside oversight or independent verification.

OPENING STATEMENT OF SECRETARY OF STATE-DESIGNATE

Submitted by christian on Thu, 01/12/2017 - 13:56

Extract

"I come before you at a pivotal time in both the history of our nation and our world.

Nearly everywhere we look, people and nations are deeply unsettled. Old ideas and international norms which were well-understood and governed behaviors in the past may no longer be effective in our time.

PRAISES ABOUT REX TILLERSON DURING CONFIRMATION HEARINGS

Submitted by christian on Thu, 01/12/2017 - 12:59

Has the potential to be an outstanding Secretary of State
Well prepared to do what is essential for the security of the United States
Knows crucial regions. He knows the leaders and he understands the challenges and the risks
Experience and knowledge of Russia an asset not a liability
Superbly qualified and the right person at the right time
An inspired choice by President-Elect Trump for this critical position. Uniquely qualified to serve in this important office

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TRANSITION

Submitted by christian on Wed, 01/11/2017 - 13:32

White House

DONALD TRUMP WHITE HOUSE STAFF

Submitted by christian on Tue, 01/10/2017 - 18:46

Senior Advisor : Jared Kushner (Trump’s son in law)
Senior Advisor to the President: Stephen Miller (Trump loyalist and Head of the Economic Policy Team. Currently National Policy Director for the Trump transition. Stephen Miller is a Jeff Sessions Aide who was a member of Donald Trump’s campaign and transition team. He has also been picked to write the inaugural address.
Senior Counselor to the President & White House Strategist: Steve Bannon (Former Executive Chair of Breitbart News Website)

INSURGENT PARTIES AND THEIR VIEWS OF EUROPE

Submitted by christian on Mon, 01/09/2017 - 16:08

Source: EFCR (June 2016)

Edited

ELECTION OF NEW PRESIDENT OF THE EP

Submitted by christian on Mon, 01/09/2017 - 12:37

MEPs will elect their President on 17 January after the departure of Martin Schulz, who is stepping down to return to German politics. The new President will serve until European elections in 2019.

Candidates

USE OF DIGITAL DIPLOMACY

Submitted by christian on Sun, 01/08/2017 - 12:16

Twitter is changing how diplomats interact and influencing how we see global leaders. From embarrassing tweets and international spats, the public is getting to see a different side of diplomacy. For politicians, Twitter has become a very powerful channel to broadcast messages. It has become an indispensable channel for digital diplomacy. More than two-thirds of heads of state and government in the world are on Twitter. Twitter isn't just about posting statements and updates. It allows global leaders to connect with their peers.

UPCOMING U.S. CONFIRMATION HEARINGS

Submitted by christian on Sat, 01/07/2017 - 17:22

Tuesday, Jan.10

Position: Attorney General

Nominee: Senator Jeff Sessions
Background: Alabama Republican Congressman
Committee: Senate Judiciary
Confirmation Hearings: Jan.10 and 11.

Position: Homeland Security Secretary

EUROPE WITHOUT U.S. AMBASSADORS UNTIL LATE SPRING OR SUMMER

Submitted by christian on Sat, 01/07/2017 - 15:56

The United States has 170 embassies and 11 missions other than an Embassy headed by a chief of mission (OSCE, UNVIE, USOAS, USOECD, USEU, USUN, USNATO, USUN Geneva, USAU, ASEAN, and US Mission to Somalia). About 30 percent of these posts are encumbered by political/noncareer appointees (about 50 ambassadors), while the remaining 70 percent are filled by career diplomats.