Menendez Opening Remarks at Nominations Hearing & More News Here

May 10, 2022

WASHINGTON –  U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, delivered the next opening remarks at this afternoon’s full Committee listening to to contemplate the nominations of the Honorable Bridget A Brink to be U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, Ms. Elizabeth H. Richard to be Coordinator for Counterterrorism, and the Honorable Alexander Mark Laskaris to be U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Chad.

“While Ukraine has impressed the world with its bravery, a bloody fight continues as we sit here today. Just yesterday, missiles hit as a top European diplomat met with the Ukrainian prime minister. Missiles have struck in Lviv where U.S. diplomats commute from Poland,” Chairman Menendez stated, addressing Ambassador Brink. “You will be more than a war-time ambassador. Your appointment, and I hope expedient confirmation, along with the return of American diplomats, sends a powerful message to the world: We stand with Ukraine, and the free world will not abandon those fighting to protect it.”

Find a duplicate of Chairman Menendez’s remarks as delivered beneath:

“This listening to of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will come to order.

We are right here right now to contemplate nominations for 3 essential positions: Ambassador Bridget Brink to be Ambassador to Ukraine; Ambassador Elizabeth Richard to be Coordinator for Counterterrorism; and Ambassador Alexander Laskaris to be Ambassador to Chad.

I perceive that Senator Peters can be introducing Ambassador Brink. We have a vote happening the Floor, and wish to accommodate Senator Peters, so we’ll acknowledge you at this level.

…

Thank you, Senator Peters, for that glowing introduction. We respect your insights. I do know there’s a vote on the Floor so be happy to go away while you select to take action.

More than two months into Russia’s horrific struggle towards Ukraine, it appears clear that the battle for the way forward for Ukraine is way from over. 

While Ukraine has impressed the world with its bravery, a bloody struggle continues as we sit right here right now.

Just yesterday, missiles hit as a prime European diplomat met with the Ukrainian prime minister. Missiles have struck in Lviv the place U.S. diplomats commute from Poland.

The Russian navy has destroyed cities and cities, and individuals are struggling. But the Ukrainian folks proceed to struggle and defend their nation.

At the identical time, American and European diplomats are working diligently to reopen diplomatic posts whereas making certain the protection and safety of our personnel.

And so Ambassador Brink, thanks for accepting this crucial posting. You can be greater than a war-time ambassador.

Your appointment, and I hope expedient affirmation, together with the return of American diplomats, sends a robust message to the world: We stand with Ukraine, and the free world is not going to abandon these combating to guard it.

Once confirmed, you’ll face a number of, advanced diplomatic challenges: navigating relations with NATO and our companions in Europe; serving to refugees discover meals and shelter; sustaining Russian sanctions whereas assembly Europe’s vitality wants; documenting Russian struggle crimes; and supporting insurance policies and establishments to be prepared for reconstruction efforts.

So with all this in thoughts, I’m happy that the Administration has recognized the best particular person for such a troublesome job.

I’m happy that we’re contemplating a diplomat with intensive expertise who, as Ambassador to Slovakia, has labored with a big Ukrainian refugee neighborhood and ensured the switch of a crucial air protection system to Ukraine – somebody with expertise tackling the safety challenges of Eastern and Central Europe, who served in Belgrade in the course of the Balkan wars and was a scholar in Europe when the Berlin Wall fell.

Having stated all that Ambassador Brink, we stay up for listening to your ideas on how you intend to sort out the challenges that await, and about your priorities for the primary few months.

This is a troublesome problem. I believe you can be as much as it and we want you nicely in your mission.

We are additionally listening to right now from the nominee for the Coordinator for the State Department’s Counterterrorism Bureau, Ambassador Elizabeth Richard. 

The Coordinator is liable for harmonizing the actions of U.S. authorities counterterrorism businesses to help partnering preparations with state, non-state, and multilateral entities. 

Ambassador Richard has a protracted and spectacular document of service—as our Ambassador to Lebanon, Deputy Chief of Mission in Yemen, and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Near East Asia Affairs simply to call just a few in her 36 years of devoted service to United States international coverage. 

I stay up for listening to from you about what new initiatives and instructions you’ll take the Counterterrorism Bureau, upon your affirmation.

Finally, we’re contemplating Ambassador Alex Laskaris for Chad, a rustic which for many years was run by strongman Idris Deby.

It is considered one of three international locations within the Sahel that has lately skilled a coup, additional undermining stability in an already fragile area. But there may be now an opportunity—nevertheless slight—for Chad to bear a change.

Ambassador Laskaris, I can be desirous about listening to now from you what you’ll do to help efforts for Chad’s transition to democracy. In addition, I stay up for listening to your plans for enhancing the U.S. coverage steadiness between protection, diplomacy and improvement—one thing known as for in laws that I led within the Senate with Ranking Member Risch – the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership Program Act of 2021.       

And welcome to your respective households. As Senator Peters stated in his introduction of Ambassador Brink, this can be a dedication by households and a sacrifice by them as nicely. We respect their willingness to sacrifice on behalf of the nation.

Let me flip to Senator Risch for his opening assertion.”

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