. | . |
Mattis notes stability of Western Hemisphere at command change ceremony by Stephen Carlson Washington (UPI) Nov 27, 2018 Secretary of Defense James Mattis presided over the change of command ceremony for U.S. Southern Command, from Adm. Kurt W. Tidd to Adm. Craig S. Faller, saying the command has played a key role in fostering relationships in the Western Hemisphere. At the ceremony, held Monday in Miami, where Southcom is based, Mattis talked about the work done by the command to help people in the region. "There is more in this hemisphere that binds us together than drives us apart," the secretary said at the ceremony, which was attended by defense heads and senior officials from Central and South America and the Caribbean. Mattis told the attendees that compared to turbulence in other parts of the world, the Western Hemisphere is an area of relative calm and prosperity. The Southcom command covers all of South America, as well as Central America south of Mexico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic and the entire southern Caribbean, as well as waters adjacent to the continent and islands, including the Panama Canal. "From Ottawa to Buenos Aires to Santiago we increasingly find an island of hemispheric opportunity and democratic stability amidst a churning and ever-changing global sea," Mattis said. "Our fortunate, forward-looking hemisphere has made strides not only democratically, but also economically and militarily." Mattis pointed out that there were exceptions and said stable military relationships are sought with every nation in the region "except for those suffering under the unfortunate and irresponsible leadership in Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela with their anti-democratic, autocratic domination of their citizens who deserve better." Mattis praised the mission of the Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort that has aided Venezuelan refugees fleeing the economic collapse of their country. "Alongside 10 partner nations and six nongovernmental organizations, we are sending doctors, not bombers, to help limit human suffering," Mattis said. The USNS Comfort has been doing medical missions throughout South and Central America as part of Southcom's Enduring Promise initiative. The secretary noted Tidd's 40 years of service and the work he did in his time at Southcom to foster better relationships throughout the hemisphere. "He recognized that people-to-people ties are the true bridge to effective military cooperation, buttressing our nation's regional diplomacy through his tireless efforts as he acted in concert with many of you who honor us with your presence here today," Mattis said. The secretary praised Faller's 35-year career and welcomed him to his new command, saying Faller should use his previous experience with dealing with allies "from the Middle East to the Indo-Pacific to the Atlantic as you assume your duties as helmsman of U.S. military efforts to our south."
NATO demands Russia free seized Ukrainian ships Brussels (AFP) Nov 26, 2018 NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Monday demanded Russia free Ukrainian ships and sailors held after clashes off Crimea, warning Moscow that "its actions have consequences". Russia fired on and then seized three Ukrainian ships on Sunday, accusing them of illegally entering its waters in the Sea of Azov, in a dramatic spike in tensions that raises fears of a wider escalation. Stoltenberg held phone talks with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko before officials from the two sides held emergency ta ... read more
|
|
The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us. |