Statement by the Vice President on the Selection of Avril Haines as Deputy National Security Advisor

I have respected and admired Avril Haines ever since she first served as my counsel on the Foreign Relations Committee of the United States Senate. I saw then that she had a first-rate mind and keen insight into the biggest national security challenges we face. Avril has served with distinction under Democrats and Republicans, at the State Department, in Congress, at the White House, and most recently at the Central Intelligence Agency. At every turn, she has taken on the most sensitive and difficult assignments and responded with uncommon wisdom and capability. Avril has earned the trust and affection of her colleagues by treating people with respect and delivering results. I am proud of Avril and pleased that she will be returning to the White House as Deputy National Security Advisor.  

I also congratulate Tony Blinken on his confirmation as Deputy Secretary of State. I look forward to continuing our close and longstanding partnership.

Readout of Vice President Biden's Call with Iraqi Kurdistan Regional President Masoud Barzani

This afternoon, Vice President Joe Biden spoke with Iraqi Kurdistan Regional President Masoud Barzani. The Vice President and President Barzani discussed recent security and political developments. The Vice President discussed with President Barzani the passage of congressional legislation that removes certain undue restrictions on members of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) under U.S. immigration laws. This new law should help ease the process for many Iraqi Kurds who wish to visit the United States. The Vice President commended the courage of the Kurdish Peshmerga and Iraqi Security Forces fighting against ISIL, and President Barzani thanked the United States and the international community for their support. Both the Vice President and President Barzani noted the renewed cooperation between Erbil and Baghdad and agreed to work together, alongside other Iraqi leaders, to sustain and deepen collaboration among Iraq’s different communities. The Vice President underscored America’s enduring support for the Kurdish people and for the security of Iraq.

Statement by the Vice President and Dr. Jill Biden on USAID Administrator Raj Shah

Jill and I want to thank Raj Shah for the leadership and determination he has shown through five years as one of the most effective USAID Administrators in our nation’s history.

Both of us have had the honor of working directly with Raj on issues like food security, disaster relief, Ebola response, economic development and human rights.

This year, Jill traveled with Raj to Zambia to promote women’s empowerment. In August of 2011, Jill and Raj traveled to the Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya, 50 miles from the Somali border where hundreds of thousands of people were fleeing starvation conditions. Raj led the effort to raise awareness for the humanitarian crisis and to provide support for the relief efforts.

He never let up and never lost sight of the need for long term solutions, instead of short term assistance. He never stopped looking for ways to bring in new partners and innovate to do things better, more efficiently, and with greater accountability.

Raj Shah’s efforts will live on long after he leaves his position. We wish Raj, Shivam, and their children all the best in the new year.

Readout of the Vice President's Call with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko

Vice President Joe Biden spoke today with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko to discuss Ukraine’s financial and energy situation and developments in eastern Ukraine. The Vice President welcomed Ukraine’s declaration of a ceasefire on December 9, which President Poroshenko said had significantly reduced casualties over the past several days. President Poroshenko updated the Vice President on Ukraine’s financial situation and reaffirmed Kyiv’s commitment to continue implementing a robust program of reforms, including measures to combat corruption. The Vice President noted that the United States remains committed to working with international partners, including the International Monetary Fund, to ensure that Ukraine will have the macroeconomic support it needs as it implements its reform program. The leaders urged Russia to ensure that its separatist proxies cease blocking the delivery of humanitarian aid to conflict-affected regions of eastern Ukraine.