Friday, June 03, 2011

Religious Freedom Ambassador Sworn In

Suzan Johnson Cook was formally sworn in yesterday as the U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom.  Secretary of State Clinton, speaking at Cook's swearing-in ceremony (full text of remarks) said in part:
she and I will work in very close partnership in defending the values that those of us in this room hold so dear. Now, there is no doubt we will be busy, because around the world authoritarian regimes abuse their own citizens, violent extremists attempt to exploit sectarian tensions, and religious freedom is under threat from both quiet intolerance and violent attacks. The Obama Administration is dedicated to the rights of all people everywhere. Everyone, no matter his or her religion, should be allowed to practice their beliefs freely and safely.