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public affairs ACTIVITIES


2008

 

OCTOBER 2008

arrow Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty Visits Madrid, October 2008

Pawlenty

Governor Tim Pawlenty in Madrid, October 2008

PA Madrid delivered for Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty during his recent visit to Madrid by organizing interviews with no fewer than 5 major Spanish media outlets including Spain’s TVE, economic daily El Economista, and conservative daily La Razón, which devoted an entire page to the report. Governor Pawlenty, who was visiting Madrid for an AmCham organized conference on energy, requested assistance from PA in setting up a media interviews. In his interviews he discussed the current economic situation, the upcoming election, and even McCain’s recent consideration of Pawlenty as a possible vice presidential nomination. He commented that the U.S. Government has a great challenge ahead in resolving the financial crisis, and that it will involve risks, but it is better than not taking any action at all. Pawlenty also stated that the upcoming election campaign will be even more intense due to current events, and the fact that much of the country is still divided between the two candidates. Media reports drew attention to the fact that, in Minnesota, the young Governor has had an impeccable economic record, and has brought his state out of a deficit and furthered the research and development of renewable energy.
 

Entrevista en La Razón, 03/10/08

 

arrow Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs Paula Dobriansky Visits Madrid, September 30, 2008

Dobriansky

Dobriansky met with Spanish press, Madrid, September 30, 2008

On September 30, 2008, Paula Dobriansky, Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs, met with members of the Spanish press to discuss the topic of global climate change. The Undersecretary was in Madrid to participate in a forum regarding the future of energy and technology sectors. She was impressed with the fact that Spain hosts two of the ten most prominent global companies in the area of wind energy production. She emphasized to the press that the United States has invested over 45 billion dollars the last few years to combat climate change and to drive forward the development of technology in this area. The Undersecretary also commented that both of the presidential candidates are committed to reducing carbon dioxide emissions and that the United States would continue to do its part to focus on this important domestic and global problem. The press roundtable was well attended and resulted in several articles including one in El PAIS.com and in the print edition of prominent conservative daily ABC.

Artículo en El País, 30 de septiembre de 2008
Artículo en ABC, 1 de octubre de 2008
 

arrow Dr. George Edwards, Professor of Political Science from Texas A&M University, Visits Spain, September 2008

Dr. Edwards

Dr. Edwards at Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, September 30, 2008

As the third speaker in a year-long series on the US Elections, Dr. George Edwards, Distinguished Professor of Political Science from Texas A&M University, spoke to standing room only crowds of political analysts, university students and members of the general public in Madrid, Sevilla and Barcelona. In his lectures on “The Road to the White House: The Candidates Platforms and Approaches to Foreign Policy”, Dr. Edwards outlined the similarities and differences in the policies espoused by Senators Obama and McCain, particularly with regard to foreign policy. Dr. Edwards also conducted several print and electronic media interviews throughout his week in Spain in which he analyzed the results of the first Presidential and Vice-Presidential Debates and discussed the impact of the current economic crisis on the campaign.


arrow Three American Experts attend at Conference of Public Libraries, A Coruña, September 24-26, 2008

Calnek

Anthony Calnek at the conference, A Coruña, September 24-26, 2008

Under the motto "Libraries for All", the 4th Conference of Public Libraries was held in A Coruña on September 24 - 26, organized by the Spanish Ministry of Culture. Thanking to the American Embassy in Madrid, three American experts showcased the role of libraries as key elements for social integration, in particular of minority groups such as the unfavored, disabled or sick people, young audiences and immigrants. All count on American public libraries as places of integration, citizenship and free access to information to feel included, as one of the best ways for fighting any kind of fundamentalism. The three American speakers, Nancy Bolt, David Lee King, and Anthony Calnek highlighted the importance of international library cooperation, of new technologies, and of creative communication tools to accomplish its social role of integrating all. The Minister of Culture, César Antonio Molina, acknowledged the importance of the public library within the American society and values and thanked the American Embassy for their collaboration within the Conference's opening ceremony.
 


arrow Ambassador Aguirre Attends Training Session for 2008-09 Foreign Language Teaching Assistants, Madrid, September 25, 2008

Ambassador Aguirre

Ambassador Aguirre with Esperanza Aguirre, Madrid, September 25, 2008

Ambassador Aguirre joined the President of the Comunidad de Madrid, Esperanza Aguirre, for the opening training session for the foreign language assistants who will work with 30,000 public primary and middle school students over the 2008-2009 school year. Of the 619 language assistants, nearly 400 are from the United States, including 38 Fulbright English Teaching Assistants. In addition to the US, language assistants come from the UK (94), France (55), Ireland (12), Canada (9), Germany (8), Australia (5) and Austria (2).

 


arrow Ambassador Aguirre Hosts an Iftar Reception, US Embassy in Madrid, September 24, 2008

Ambassador Aguirre

Ambassador Aguirre with Sr. Mohammad Saleh Al Ali, Islamic Cultural Center of Madrid, Dr. Mounir Mahmoud El Messery, Imam of the Mosque at the Islamic Cultural Center of Madrid, Sr. Alla Bachar, Imam of the Al-Saud Mosque in Marbella, Sr. Ahmed Kafed Loughreit, Librarian at the Islamic Cultural Center of Madrid, Madrid, September 24, 2008

Ambassador Aguirre hosted an Iftar reception for members of Spain ’s Muslim community, at which Dr. Mounir Mahmoud El Messery, Imam of the Islamic Cultural Center of Madrid and Imam Alla Bachar from the Al-Saud Mosque in Marbella , presided over the breaking of the day’s fast.  Also present were several representatives from the Spanish government responsible for religious freedom issues and academic experts in the field of Muslim affairs.  In his remarks, the Ambassador emphasized shared values, highlighting the importance of family and faith to Americans and noting our long tradition of respect for religious freedom.  He also emphasized the need to continue working together to counter extremists who misuse religion to justify violence.
 

arrow Ambassador Eduardo Aguirre Welcomes American Fulbright Grantees, September 2008

Ambassador Aguirre with grantees at the Instituto Internacional, Madrid, September 2008

Ambassador Aguirre attended a reception in honor of the 2008-2009 U.S. Fulbright grantees. The event, which was hosted by the Fulbright Commission, took place at the Instituto Internacional.

The Ambassador was especially pleased to welcome the largest group of U.S. Fulbright grantees Spain has ever had. 31 scholars will be working throughout Spain, researching a wide range of topics from marine biology to literature, history and music, as well as public health and immigration issues. In addition, 38 English teaching assistants will be in Madrid public schools and 5 will be teaching in Cantabria. Another 5 English teaching assistants will work in schools in Andorra.

In his remarks, Ambassador Aguirre said that “This expansion of the Fulbright program demonstrates the recognition by both Spain and the U.S. of the importance of intercultural exchange, which has only grown more vital after September 11th. Over the past 50 years, the Fulbright program has developed a stellar reputation, not only for the high academic standards of its grantees, but also for their integrity and respect for diverse cultures and peoples.” The Ambassador encouraged the grantees to remember the fundamental goals of the Fulbright Program. Quoting Senator Fulbright, the Ambassador told the grantees that the Program aims “to bring a little more knowledge, a little more reason, and a little more compassion into world affairs.”


JULY 2008

arrow American Fulbright Grantee Kayla Lee Visits Madrid, July 2008

Kayla Lee

Kayla performing to the street, July 2008

During the month of July, American Fulbright grantee Kayla Lee stayed in Madrid to teach English and dramatic arts to a group of children at the ARS Escuela de Música y Danza. Kayla wrote songs in English for an original musical called " Wet Side Story," an adaptation of "West Side Story" set under the sea, which was performed by the children at the end of the summer camp. The play emphasized the value of multiculturalism and also encouraged the children to protect the environment. Kayla described this experience as unforgettable and she hopes to return to Spain again next year!


arrow International terrorist expert Evan Kohlmann visits Spain, July 2008

Evan Kohlmann

Evan Kohlmann talks at INCIPE, July 2008

International terrorist expert, Evan Kohlmann from the Nine Eleven Finding Answers Foundation spoke with various audiences in Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla from July 6-11 on the impact of global terrorism on the electronic media, particularly the presence on the internet of Al-Qaida aligned insurgency groups in Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan and Northern Africa. In Sevilla, he participated in the 3rd International Course on “Jihad Terrorism: Contingency Plans and Response”. In interviews published in “Expansion.com”, “La Gaceta” and “elconfidencial.com”, Evan Kohlmann discussed how international terrorist organizations use the internet to delivery their message, build up their base and recruit new members and evaluated their effectiveness.

Entrevista en El Confidencial.com, 14 de julio de 2008
Entrevista en Expansión.com, 11 de julio de 2008

Entrevista en La Gaceta, 8 de julio de 2008


JUNE 2008

arrow Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Kayla Lee directed “Wet Side Story”  at the Gustavo Adolfo Becquer School in Madrid, June 20, 2008

Kayla Lee

West Side Story version at Gustavo Adolfo Becquer School, June 20, 2008

Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Kayla Lee directed a bilingual and imaginative version of Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story, entitled “Wet Side Story” on Friday, June 20, 2008, at the Gustavo Adolfo Becquer School. Before an enthusiastic audience of parents, teachers and friends, the second grade students transformed themselves into sea creatures to perform this witty and fun adaptation of West Side Story. The play highlighted the advantages of multiculturalism, ecological awareness, and the importance of diversity. This is an excellent example of the benefits of the Fulbright English Teaching program, which brings enthusiastic and talented young Americans to work in Spanish bilingual public schools. Not only do the children improve their English, they also learn the importance of teamwork and develop their communication and social skills through this type of creative activity.


arrow The Masterworks Chorus of the Palm Beaches visits the US Embassy in Madrid, June 17, 2008

Ambassador Aguirre

Ambassador Aguirre introduces the Choir before the concert, Us embassy in Madrid, June 17, 2008

The Masterworks Chorus of the Palm Beaches graced the employees of the US Embassy in Madrid with a concert that truly was a “gift,” as Ambassador Aguirre noted, of American culture. The choir, directed by Dr. Jack W. Jones and accompanied by pianist Dr. Sharon, hails from Florida but is touring Spain, making Madrid one of its first stops before heading for Avila and Barcelona. They sang classics like “Battle hymn of the republic” as well as some cheerful Gilbert and Sullivan renditions. For the hour they performed, the Masterworks group transported the embassy workers across the Atlantic with their songs and spirit. Masterworks will continue their Spain tour for another week.


arrow Library Director from US Army War College in Carlisle, Bohdan Kohutiak Visits Madrid, June 2008

Mr. Kohutiak meets with librarians in Madrid, June 09, 2008

Mr. Bohdan Kohutiak, Library Director from the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, is in Madrid and Toledo this week meeting with librarians from the Spanish War College CESEDEN.  On June 11, 12, and 13 he will be in Toledo to participate in the III Jornadas de Bibliotecas de Defensa.

 


 

MAY 2008

arrow Former US Ambassador to the OAS, John Maisto, Outlines US Policy in Latin America, May 2008

John Maisto

Former US Ambassador to OAS, John Maisto, in Spain, May 2008

As the third speaker in a series of former US Latin American Envoys, Ambassador John Maisto articulated US policy in support for democracy and market economies before audiences that included analysts, policy experts, diplomats and university students in Madrid, Salamanca and Barcelona. He also conducted several print and electronic media interviews. In a May 16 interview with the nationally distributed conservative daily ABC (circ. 359.738), Amb. Maisto explained how Spain and the US have the same goal of a free and democratic Cuba, but disagree on tactics and stated how Spain could play an important role due to its defense of human rights and support for democracy and economic development. In an interview with centrist Barcelona daily La Vanguardia (circ. 247.472), Amb. Maisto underscored US support for the multilateral approach of the OAS, as well as our shared commitment to democracy and non-intervention. In an article for "El Pais" on-line, Amb. Maisto underscored how Spain-US relations were on the right path and defended the Bush Administration’s pro-active diplomacy in Latin America from which the next Administration, whether Democrat or Republican, will reap the benefits.  

Artículo ABC, 16 de mayo de 2008
Artículo La Vanguardia, 16 de mayo de 2008


APRIL 2008

arrow Public Affairs Madrid Hosted a Face-to-Face with NBA Player Juan Carlos Navarro, Madrid, April 29, 2008

DCM Hugo Llorens and Juan Carlos Navarro, US embassy Madrid, April 29, 2008

On April 29, Public Affairs Madrid hosted a face-to-face with Spanish NBA player Juan Carlos Navarro and about 100 Spanish teenagers at the Ambassador’s residence. DCM Hugo Llorens braved the mob of cheering kids to introduce Juan Carlos, aka “La Bomba,” who is a point guard with the Memphis Grizzlies and a hero to Spanish youth. Llorens highlighted the universal appeal and unifying affect of sports and talked about how sports showcase values such as fair play, diversity and teamwork that cross cultural and national lines. During the 45-minute question and answer session, the kids asked Navarro questions about his experiences in the U.S., his daily life, future prospects and plans in the NBA.  Navarro answered humorously and frankly and encouraged the audience of student athletes to continue to try their hardest and to do their best. The student participants came from public and private schools, some of which had participated in last year’s NBA cares program that resurfaced a school basketball court and others who have taken part in the embassy supported “Basketball in Education” program that encourages scholarship and athletics among Spanish youth via an annual basketball tournament (video ). 


arrow Four Representatives from different American Muslim Communities Visit Madrid under Citizen Dialogue Program, April 22, 2008

Ambassador Aguirre

Ambassador Aguirre with Noorain Khan, Felicitas Galedary and Ali Eteraz, April 22, 2008

Four representatives from different American Muslim communities in the US recently visited Spain to meet with their Spanish counterparts as part of the Citizen Dialogue program. Under this program, the U.S. Department of State sends small, diverse groups of Muslim Americans overseas to share their personal experiences with the goal of developing lasting links between peoples and institutions. In Spain, the group met with members of the Muslim community in Madrid , Barcelona and Valencia, as well as high school and university audiences.

Interview with writer and journalist Ali Eteraz, La Gaceta, 04-23-08


arrow American Embassy Association Supports Spanish NGOs Dedicated to Combating Violence against Women and Child Pornography, Madrid, April 18, 2008

Ambassador Aguirre

Ambassador Aguirre stands with recipients, Madrid, April 18, 2008

On April 18, Ambassador Eduardo Aguirre presented checks for almost $13,000 to three Spanish NGOs. The recipients were Protegeles, dedicated to stopping child pornography and pedophilia, and CAVAS and SAM, two groups dedicated to preventing violence and sexual abuse against women. During his remarks, the Ambassador acknowledged each of the groups for their commitment to these important causes and specifically thanked CAVAS for their cooperation with the Embassy's consular and fraud prevention offices.
 

arrow Ambassador Aguirre presented "Best Student Athlete" Awards, American Embassy, Madrid, April 17, 2008

Ambassador Aguirre with awards recipients, Madrid, April 17, 2008

On April 17th Ambassador Eduardo Aguirre presented the awards for "Best Student Athlete" to Marta García Montero of Colegio Estudio and Jorge Hurtado of Colegio Santa María del Pilar.  This is the second year that this award is given by the Asociación de Baloncesto Colegial (ABC) in honor of the two top student ahtletes who have participated in the Copa Colegial.  The US Embassy is pleased to support this initiative because it promotes academic excellence and sportsmanship while teaching the values of team work, self-discipline, and perseverance (video ).

arrow Ambassador Aguirre hosted Model UN Global Classrooms reception, April 16, 2008


Ambassador Aguirre

Ambassador Aguirre with some students, Madrid, April 16, 2008

Ambassador Eduardo Aguirre hosted a reception on April 16 in recognition of the students who participated in the Model UN “Global Classrooms” program. This program is a joint effort of the United Nations Association of the United States (UNA-USA), the Fulbright Commission and the Comunidad de Madrid bilingual secondary schools. Model UN challenges students around the world to become involved in global affairs and negotiation through simulating United Nations conferences. The Model UN program provides students with the opportunity to develop skills that will prove invaluable later in life. These skills include leadership, conflict resolution, problem solving, public speaking, negotiation, and oral and written communication skills. The US Embassy is pleased to have supported this program since it's inception.

Out of the 250 students who participated in the Global Classrooms initiative, eight have been selected to travel to New York in mid-May to participate in the UN Association-USA’s annual Model UN Conference at the United Nations Headquarters. This will be the second time that Spain participates in this worldwide event. Five other students have been selected to attend an international Model UN conference in Chicago in early May. Congratulations to the students selected to travel to the US and to all the students who took part in Global Classrooms this year! (video )

 

MARCH 2008

arrow Storytellers Margaret Read and Gerald Fierst Visit Spain, March 3-7, 2008


Gerald Fierst gestures at public shool in Madrid, March 2008

Margaret Read MacDonald, noted children's author and Gerald Fierst, storyteller and theater artist, told American and world folktales to over 700 children at 9 bilingual public schools in Madrid. This highly successful program introduced hundreds of children to American culture and values through the performance of these noted American folk artists. This program was also an excellent way to support the Fulbright English Teaching Assistants in the Madrid area public schools by bringing a program to their schools that taught English vocabulary and conversation while reinforcing a positive image of the US among their students. At the end of each program the US Embassy donated a collection of children's books to the schools.
 

arrow Treasury Deputy Secretary Kimmitt Visits Spain, March 5-9, 2008


Robert Kimmit during a TV interview.
Photo Credit: Margaret Bond, March, 2008

During his March 5-9 visit to Madrid to meet with Spanish Government and business leaders and to attend the Georgetown Global Forum on Competitiveness, U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Robert M. Kimmitt was interviewed by 24 hour business news network Intereconomia TV and spoke with a group of eight journalists from economic and business papers. In his interviews, the Deputy Secretary discussed a variety of topics including the need for banking and financial control systems to stop terrorist financing, the health of the U.S. economy, and the importance of policies to promote continued global growth.

arrow Black History Month Speaker Tania Leon's Visit to Madrid, March 3-5, 2008


Tania Leon

Tania Leon at Conservatorio of Majadahonda, March 4, 2008

As part of the Mission’s celebration of Black History Month which focused on exposing youth audiences to the multiethnic immigrant culture of the US as portrayed through music, PA Madrid invited Cuban-born, composer and conductor Tania Leon to meet with students at a public secondary school, a university and a public conservatory. Ms. Leon also delivered a lecture as part of a series at the Museo de America on Afroamerican Culture and conducted media interviews. In addition, the Ambassador hosted a lunch in her honor that included the minister of culture for the Madrid regional government, several prominent Spanish artists and cultural contacts. The visit of Ms. Leon coincided with the Festival of Sacred Art sponsored by the regional government of Madrid. She delighted the audience by agreeing to conduct a young a capella group from the Basque Country as they interpreted several of her works (video ).


FEBRUARY 2008

arrow Former US Ambassador to Honduras, Cresencio Arcos Visits Spain, February 19-22, 2008


Cresencio Arcos

Former Ambassador Arcos at INCIPE in Madrid, February 19, 2008

Former U.S. Ambassador to Honduras, Cresencio Arcos, is in Spain to give a series of talks on U.S.-Latin America relations and the role of Hispanic voters in the 2008 U.S. elections.  During this visit he is speaking to diverse audiences, including academics, students, journalists and government officials

 


 

JANUARY 2008

arrow Mediterranean Information Resources Officer Myra Brown's Visit to Madrid, February 1, 2008


Myra Brown

Myra speaks to Isaac Albeniz's students in Madrid, February 1, 2008

Mediterranean Information Resources Officer Myra Brown made a visit to Madrid to speak about race in the United States. She spoke to students at the bilingual Isaac Albéniz High School on February 1. Her presentation included examples from American media that relate to racial issues and stereotypes within the United States. The information presented encouraged questions and dialogue among students. She offered a positive message about embracing and understanding differences among races not only within the United States, but also within Spain.


arrow US Ambassador to NATO Victoria Nuland Visits Madrid, January 17, 2008

Ambassador Nuland while interviewed at Intereconomía TV, January 17, 2008

On January 17, US Ambassador to NATO Victoria Nuland visited Madrid.  In her interviews, Ambassador Nuland emphasized the important role that Spain was playing and needed to continue playing in NATO missions, particularly in ISAF, discussed NATO's transformation and previewed the upcoming Bucharest NATO summit in April.




Interview by Intereconomía, February 1, 2008 (video )
Interview by Tiempo, February 1, 2008
Interview by ABC, January 19, 2008


DECEMBER 2007

arrow DVC on Dialogue on Violence Against Women, US Embassy in Madrid, December 4, 2007

DVC participants at the US Embassy in Madrid, December 4, 2007

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, PA Madrid organized a Digital Video Conference with Ivon Mesa, the Director of Domestic Violence Intake Operations in the county of Miami-Dade, Florida, and a group of Spanish women including several high-ranking members of the Community of Madrid Government, the Ayuntamiento of Madrid as well as members of civil society groups. Ms. Mesa’s presentation included a detailed description of the ordinance she promoted regarding domestic violence and the workplace, the first of its kind in the United States.  

NOVEMBER 2007

arrow Ambassador Aguirre Interviewed on Spain’s TVE, November 7, 2007

Ambassador Aguirre at Los Desayunos, November 7, 2007

On November 7, Ambassador Aguirre was interviewed on Spain’s premier morning news program, TVE’s Los Desayunos.  During the 20 minute interview, he discussed counter-terrorism and counter narcotics cooperation, the radical Islamist terrorist threat, praised the Spanish Government for their handling of the M-11 bombings and the judicial process and the ruling.  Ambassador Aguirre also discussed his and the Embassy’s participation in the sixth annual conference on terrorism at Madrid’s prestigious Ortega y Gasset foundation taking place this week (video ).
 

arrow Ambassador Aguirre Opens Sixth Annual Conference on Terrorism, November 6, 2007

Ambassador Aguirre

Ambassador Aguirre at Fundación Ortega y Gasset, November 6, 2007

Amb. Aguirre gave introductory remarks at the inauguration of the 6th Annual Permanent Seminar on Terrorism Studies: Preventing Radicalization of Muslim Communities (November 6-8) at Madrid’s prestigious Fundación José Ortega y Gasset. Closing remarks were given by Senior Advisor on Muslim Engagement Issues, Farah Pandith. In addition, the Embassy provided an operational grant and sponsored the participation of two prominent American Muslims to discuss preventing radicalization among youth and in prisons.  This annual conference, with its Spanish, U.S. and international speakers, has evolved into an important voice in the discussion in Spain on terrorism.  High level participation from the Mission ensured that the discussion focused on the critical issue of prevention of radicalization and also shifted the focus beyond law enforcement and security issues to include voices from Spanish civil society (video ).

arrow Farah Pandith, Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia visits Madrid during the Ortega and Gasset conference on terrorism, November 2007

Fara Pandih

Farah Pandith at the US embassy in Madrid, november 2007

Pandith says, better dialogue and communication among Muslim youth is essential in order to prevent radical extremism. The recruitment of young Muslims by extremist terrorist networks throughout Europe is on the rise due to the lack of misinformation about Islam, and the internet. Pandith presents alternative ideas on what can be done in order to prevent the enrollment of young people and why the international community must act together to eradicate extremist groups and their ideologies.
Furthermore, Pandith discusses her own personal story as a young Muslim migrating and growing up in the US
  (video ).


arrow American Astronaut Makes “Out of this World” Presentation to Spanish Kids, November 6, 2007

Lopez-Alegria

Ambassador Aguirre at Fundación Ortega y Gasset, November 6, 2007

On November 6, Spanish born U.S. Astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria gave a truly riveting presentation to a group of 150 Spanish public school students. His presentation included a video that answered all the questions typical kids ask about life in space including where astronauts sleep, how they brush their teeth, cook, bath and use the bathroom! The presentation was followed by a lively dialogue with the students and culminated in video interviews of the astronaut and some students also posted to the Embassy’s youth website at www.estamosunidos.es (video )

arrow Picture gallery

OCTOBER 2007


arrow Spanish Students Get into the Halloween Spirit with Teresa Álvarez, October 31, 2007

Teresa Álvarez

Teresa Álvarez visited the Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer elementary school in La Elipa

As part of the Embassy Speakers program, Teresa Alvarez visited the Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer elementary school in La Elipa to read a book of Halloween poems and stories to two fifth grade English classes. After reading the book, she answered the children's questions about how Halloween is celebrated in the U.S. and handed out candy to those who could say "trick or treat" in English.

 

arrow US Embassy hosted AMVER Award Ceremony, Madrid, October 14-16, 2007

US Ambassador, Eduardo Aguirre, awards Consultores de Navegación fleet director Antonio Carrion with a flag for his company's time and five vessels currently working with the AMVER system.

The US embassy hosted the AMVER award ceremony honoring search and rescue authorities for their service and commitment.

US Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, Eduardo Aguirre, conducted the ceremony and awarded Spain’s ships directors and companies for their time, service and willingness to human life.

AMVER is a unique, computer-based, and voluntary global ship reporting system used worldwide by search and rescue authorities to arrange for assistance to persons in emergency at sea; its primary mission is to quickly send accurate information on the positions and characteristics of vessels near a reported emergency.

The Atlantic Merchant Vessel Emergency Reporting System (AMVER) after its creation in 1958 by the United States Coast Guard has helped and rescued hundreds of ships and lives in time of distress around the world.

In 2006, more than 300 lives were rescued thanks to Spain’s and the international community effort. (video )



arrow Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Daniel Fried visited Madrid October 14-16

Daniel Fried

Assistant Secretary Daniel Fried with Spanish television Antena 3's Corinna Miranda, October 15, 2007

During A/S Fried's October 15-15 visit to Madrid, he spoke with Antena 3's Corinna Miranda and also with prominent centrist Spanish daily El Mundo. In his interviews he spoke in depth about the current situation with Turkey, including the congressional resolution on the Armenian Genocide, Turkey's tensions with Iraq, and sent a strong message that Turkey should carefully consider the consequences before launching an operation into that country. Fried also discussed the U.S.'s plan for an anti-missile shield and forcefully explained that the purpose of the shield is to provide protection against the Iranian threat. The Antena 3 interview aired on its international network the evening of October 17. The EL MUNDO interview was published Oct 18.

Interview on Antena 3, October 17, 2007 audio logo
Interview on El Mundo, October 18, 2007

 

arrow NBA players Wow fans at US Embassy in Madrid, October 9, 2007

NBA

Chargé d'Affaires Hugo Lloren among Jorge Garbajosa and José Manuel Calderón, Spanish NBA basket players, US Embassy in Madrid, October 10, 2007

On October 9th, US Embassy Madrid hosted a reception in honor of the visiting NBA teams and the NBA Cares community outreach program. Chargé d'Affaires Hugo Llorens and his wife Lisett greeted guests along with José Calderón and Jorge Garbajosa, the two Spanish players on the Toronto Raptors. Over 35 students from two local public schools attended the event and were thrilled to have a chance to meet two of their favorite players. Also present were Madrid government officials, journalists and the directors of several sports associations. Later that evening, Jose Calderón thanked the Embassy for its support and he and teammate Jorge Garbajosa presented the Chargé with basketball jerseys and an autographed basketball. The following day, the NBA Cares program inaugurated a newly refurbished basketball court and held a basketball clinic at Ciudad de Jaén, a bilingual school in Madrid with a large immigrant population (video ).


arrow Former Ambassador Lino Gutierrez visited Spain to participate in roundtable discussions at several prestigious Spanish think tanks in Madrid and Barcelona, October 2007

Ambassador Gutierrez

Former Ambassador Gutierrez with Ernesto Ekaizer, US Embassy in Madrid, October 3, 2007

As the first US Speaker in a series of three programs on US policy toward Latin America, former Ambassador Lino Gutierrez participated in roundtable discussions at several prestigious Spanish think tanks in Madrid and Barcelona. He emphasized the strong US commitment to human rights, strengthening democratic institutions and free trade in the Western Hemisphere. He spoke with optimism about the future of the region, but also noted his concern over rising populism and the persistence of a dictatorial regime in Cuba. In addition to these events, the Ambassador gave several media interviews, including El Pais, Radio Nacional de España and Mapa Mundi.
 

SEPTEMBER 2007

arrow Mediterranean Information Resources Officer Myra Brown's Visit to Madrid, September 28, 2007

Myra Brown

Myra Brown at Instituto Gustavo Adolfo Becquer, September 27, 2007

Myra Brown is the Mediterranean Information Resources Officer based in Rome, Italy. She traveled to Madrid this week to meet with colleagues here and to give a presentation on the history of African American music in the United States to Spanish school children at the Instituto Gustavo Adolfo Becquer bilingual public high school in Madrid, September 27, 2007 ( video clip)


 

arrow US Embassy in Madrid Hosts Annual Iftar Dinner, September 17, 2007

embajador Aguirre

Ambassador Aguirre greets the Imam of Madrid's Islamic Cultural Center Mosque prior to the Embassy's September 17 Iftar Dinner

At a dinner for some 50 guests, Ambassador Aguirre hosted many of Spain's key Muslim leaders, clerics, and community organizers. Invitees traveled from Sevilla, Granada, and Barcelona to join their colleagues in Madrid. Guests also included key Muslim Ambassadors to Spain. In his remarks, which included the President's Ramadan message, the Ambassador emphasized the importance of rejecting destructive messages of hate that use religion to destroy innocent people.

Palabras del embajador Aguirre para el Iftar, 17-09-2007

Presidential Message: Ramadan 2007
Muslim Life in America
Photo Gallery

 

AUGUST 2007

arrow Cultural Affairs Officer Marti Estell Visits the Esteban Vicente Museum, Segovia, August 8, 2007

CAO Marti Estell

Cultural Affairs Officers Marti Estell with Museum Director José María Parreño, August 8, 2007

American Art Highlighted in the Castilian Heartland
Cultural Affairs Officer Marti Estell visits the Esteban Vicente Museum in the Castilian town of Segovia. The Museum houses the work of Spanish-born painter Esteban Vicente, who was born in Turegano, Segovia, moved to the U.S. during the Depression Era and became an American citizen in the 1940s. Vicente is a prominent representative of the New York School of Abstract Expressionism. The Museum features over 200 works by Vicente, donated by the painter’s family, the bulk of its permanent collection, and also hosts temporary exhibits, and sponsors lecture series and other cultural activities. The Cultural Affairs Officer visited the temporary exhibit "An American Look, 1936-1996" which features photographs by over 20 American photographers from the collection of the IVAM (Valencian Institute of Modern Art). The Esteban Vicente Museum is located in a restored Fifteenth century palace, a great blend of Spanish history and American modern art.
 

JULY 2007

arrow Spanish-born American astronaut Michael López-Alegría addressed a group at the Instituto de Empresa, Madrid, July 3, 2007

López Alegría

López-Alegría spoke to a group, Instituto de Empresa, Madrid, July 3, 2007

Spanish-born American astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria addressed a group at the Instituto de Empresa in Madrid on July 3. He spoke to the group about the importance of space research for society. His presentation included a power point of photographs from his time spent on the international space station as commander of expedition 14 and included descriptions and images of the science experiments they conducted aboard the station, the maintenance work on the station and daily life.


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updated: 10/08/08


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