11/16/2012
https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu...
"Attaining a diverse, qualified workforce is one of the cornerstones of the merit-based civil service."
"The United States has been inspired by the Syrian people's pursuit of a peaceful transition to democracy."
"The Federal Government must continue to challenge itself to enhance its ability to recruit, hire, promote, and retain a more diverse workforce."
"On May 18, President Obama signed Executive Order 13573 targeting senior Syrian government officials due to their government's continuing escalation of violence against the Syrian people."