Statement by the President on India’s Independence Day

On behalf of my administration and the American people, I wish to congratulate all who will celebrate the 63rd anniversary of India’s independence.  Indians around the world can not only look back on their history with pride, but can also look ahead to a future filled with hope and further progress.  Ever since August 15, 1947, India’s non-violent struggle for freedom, its rejection of terrorism and extremism, and its belief in democracy, tolerance, and the rule of law have been an inspiration and beacon of hope for people around the world.  India’s example has had a profound effect on many countries, including the United States.  Leaders of our civil rights movement, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., spoke about the debt they owed to Mahatma Gandhi.  Ties between our two peoples have never been stronger.  The over two million members of the Indian American community are living examples of the bonds that bind our nations together and their accomplishments have become well-known and admired in both countries.  The strategic partnership between our countries will continue to grow, and I am looking forward to my November visit to India. Our goal is to make this one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century.  Once again, congratulations and best wishes for a happy and safe Independence Day.

President Obama to Honor NCAA Champion Student Athletes at the White House

WASHINGTON—Next month, President Obama will continue a tradition started by President George W. Bush by honoring championship teams and student athletes from across the NCAA with a reception at the White House.  The President will welcome student athletes from dozens of schools and various sports to congratulate them on their accomplishments in the classroom as well as on and off the playing field. In association with this event, various championship teams and players will be recognized for their efforts to give back to their communities, continuing an effort begun by President Obama of sports champions being commended for service as part of a White House visit.  More details, including press access information, will be released in the coming weeks.
 
Some of the schools and teams invited to attend the September 13 event include:
Augusta State University Men’s Golf
Boston College Men’s Ice Hockey
Duke University Men’s Lacrosse
Fairleigh Dickinson University Women’s Bowling
Oklahoma State University Men’s Cross Country
Pennsylvania State University Women’s Volleyball
Pennsylvania State University Men’s & Women’s Fencing
Purdue University Women’s Golf
Stanford University Men’s Volleyball
Stanford University Women’s Tennis
Texas A&M University, College Station Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field
Texas Christian University Men’s & Women’s Rifle
University of California, Los Angeles Softball
University of California Los Angeles Women’s Gymnastics
University of Denver Men’s & Women’s Skiing
University of Florida Men’s Indoor Track and Field
University of Florida Women’s Swimming and Diving
University of Iowa Wrestling
University of Maryland, College Park Women’s Lacrosse
University of Michigan Men’s Gymnastics
University of Minnesota Duluth Women’s Ice Hockey
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Field Hockey
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Women’s Soccer
University of Oregon Women’s Indoor Track and Field
University of South Carolina Baseball
University of Southern California Men’s Tennis
University of Southern California Men’s Water Polo
University of Southern California Women’s Water Polo
University of Texas at Austin Men’s Swimming and Diving
University of Virginia Men’s Soccer
University of Virginia Women’s Rowing
Villanova University Women’s Cross Country
Villanova University Football

Notice from the President on the Continuation of Emergency Regarding Export Control Regulations

On August 17, 2001, consistent with the authority provided to the President under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), the President issued Executive Order 13222. In that order, he declared a national emergency with respect to the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States in light of the expiration of the Export Administration Act of 1979, as amended (50 U.S.C. App. 2401 et seq.). Because the Export Administration Act has not been renewed by the Congress, the national emergency declared on August 17, 2001, must continue in effect beyond August 17, 2010. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13222.

Letter from the President on the Continuation of Emergency Regarding Export Control Regulations

Dear Madam Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:)

Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date. In accordance with this provision, I have sent to the Federal Register for publication the enclosed notice, stating that the emergency caused by the lapse of the Export Administration Act of 1979, as amended, is to continue in effect for 1 year beyond August 17, 2010.

Hundreds of Tamils from Sri Lanka seek asylum in Canada; government fears some are terrorists

Tamils cram on ship, seeking asylum in Canada

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Gibbs and Secretary of Homeland Security Napolitano, 8/13/2010

See below for clarification to a question (marked with an asterisk) posed in the briefing that required follow up.

Palestinians await quartet statement to decide on talks

RAMALLAH - The Palestinian Authority is waiting for a statement from the international Mideast quartet containing certain guarantees before making a final decision on joining direct negotiations with Israel, a senior Palestinian official said Friday.

Laborers’ union will rejoin AFL-CIO in sign of greater labor unity