August 5th, 2012

President Obama today released the following statement on the tragic shooting in Wisconsin:

Michelle and I were deeply saddened to learn of the shooting that tragically took so many lives in Wisconsin. At this difficult time, the people of Oak Creek must know that the American people have them in our thoughts and prayers, and our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who were killed and wounded.

My Administration will provide whatever support is necessary to the officials who are responding to this tragic shooting and moving forward with an investigation. As we mourn this…

Myanmar needs to tackle serious human rights challenges for democratic transition and national reconciliation to succeed, an independent United Nations human rights expert said at the end of a six-day visit to the country.

Tomás Ojea Quintana, the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar, noted a number of positive developments during his 30 July to 4 August visit, including the increasing engagement of civil society, political parties and other stakeholders in the reform process, greater openness in discussing human rights issues, and efforts towards building a society based on the rule of law.

At the same time, he highlighted a number of key human rights concerns, including the…