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Ambassador Aguirre spoke about transatlantic relations at the Fundacion Antares Foro in Seville on December 4th. In attendance at the presentation was a group of American university students who are in Seville taking a “ U.S. – European relations” class at the Centro de Estudios Extranjeros at the Universidad Pablo de Olavide.
NOVEMBER 2008
Ambassador Aguirre at Ortega y
Gasset Foundation, November 19, 2008
November 19 Ambassador Aguirre spoke at Ortega y Gasset Foundations’ VII Seminar
on Terrorism Studies with a focus this year on “Islamist Terrorism throughout
the Mediterranean: Risks and Threats.” In his remarks on the closing panel with
Secretary of State for Security Antonio Camacho from the Ministry of the
Interior Ambassador Aguirre underscored the need for all countries in the region
to maintain an aggressive counter-terrorism posture and reminded the audience
that the struggle is not against Islam, but rather criminal extremists who are
trying to highjack a noble religion for their nefarious cause. Amb. Aguirre also
took advantage of the occasion to congratulate the Spanish Security Forces for
their recent success in capturing two most-wanted ETA terrorists and pledged the
continued commitment of the United States to share the information necessary to
prevent terrorist actions.
Spanish journalists at DVC with Ambassador Schulte, US Embassy in Madrid,
November 17, 2008
On November 17, IAEA Ambassador Greg Schulte spoke via DVC with a group of
Spanish journalists. He briefed them on the issues that would be addressed at
the Nov 27-28 IAEA Board of Governors Meeting, including Iran’s nuclear program,
as well as the situations in North Korea and Syria.
OCTOBER 2008
David Welch at the US Embassy in Madrid, October 23, 2008
Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, David Welch, discussed a
wide range of topics under his portfolio during a media roundtable at the
Embassy October 23. Welch reiterated the U.S. support to the Middle East peace
process between Israelis and Palestinians and stated there still is time for his
department to reach an agreement before the end of the current Presidency.
Regarding North Africa, a strategic region for Spain and the U.S. Welch
expressed support for an agreement between Morocco and the Polisario Front, and
alerted of a “real and growing” presence of Al Qaeda. “After diminishing its
influence and defeated ideologically in the Middle East and Iraq, Al Qaeda is
trying to expand to other areas, that’s why we need to unite all the regional
efforts to confront this menace,” indicated Welch.
Linda Hogan lecturing at Alcalá University, Madrid, October 19, 2008
Chickasaw poet and novelist Linda Hogan, author of The Book of Medicines and
Women who Watches the World, among other works, was the key note speaker at the
Third International Conference of the European Association for the Study of
Literature, Culture and Environment (EASLCE), which topic was “Cultural
Landscapes: Heritage and Conservation”, University of Alcalá (Spain) October
16-19, 2008. The conference, organized by the Institute of North American
Studies of the University of Alcalá, gathered scholars from 20 countries,
including Spain and other EU countries, but also from Taiwan, Algeria and
Morocco. Hogan, who writes on enviromental, Native American and feminist themes,
lectured on "The Great Without" receiving a great ovation from the international
audience who attended her presentation. On Saturday, October 18 she read poetry
at a public theater in Alcalá.
Ambassador Aguirre talks to Carlos Herrera, US embassy in Madrid, October 16, 2008
Carlos Herrera conducted his top-ranked (currently #2 in Spain) morning radio
program, “Herrera en la Onda” live from the Embassy Oct. 16. During the six-hour
program, Herrera held an extensive interview with Ambassador Aguirre in which
they discussed the U.S. elections and the final presidential debate. Ambassador
Aguirre highlighted the strength of our electoral system and the health of our
democratic model and assured that, whoever becomes the next president, the
bilateral relationship between our two countries will remain strong. During the
program, Herrera also interviewed Embassy Madrid’s DHS attaché about the
Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and chatted with Madrid’s IRC
director about what it is like for a Spaniard to work in the U.S. Embassy.
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.
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.
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.
Minister of Culture, César Antonio Molina, 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.
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).
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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. 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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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Ambassador
Aguirre at
Fundación Antares Foro in Seville, December 4, 2008
