USCIRF Statement on President Obama's Nomination of Suzan Johnson Cook...

Jun 18, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 18, 2010

"USCIRF is pleased that the Obama Administration has nominated a candidate for the post of Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom,” said Leonard Leo, U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Chair. "We have been urging this for months and are pleased that the day has finally come. Under the International Religious Freedom Act, the Ambassador-at-Large also serves as a ex-officio member of our Commission, and we look forward to getting to know Suzan Johnson Cook as the confirmation process proceeds in the Senate.”

"Freedom of religion or belief must be a critical component of our nation"s diplomacy, national security, and economic development objectives-and the Ambassador-at-Large can help bolster the engagement of the United States towards these goals,” said Mr. Leo.

USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan U.S. federal government commission. USCIRF Commissioners are appointed by the President and the leadership of both political parties in the Senate and the House of Representatives. USCIRF"s principal responsibilities are to review the facts and circumstances of violations of religious freedom internationally and to make policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State and Congress.

To interview a USCIRF Commissioner contact Tom Carter, Communications Director at 202-538-2044or [email protected].