John Kerry

It is no exaggeration to say that Ukraine would not be where it is today, and would not have been able to resist Russian aggression so effectively, without your consistent Congressional support.

I am deeply grateful for the attention that the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has devoted to Ukraine over the past three years.

As President Obama made clear during his AU visit last year, the United States does not believe that governments should change their constitutions to benefit the incumbent in power.

The people of Burma struggled for decades, and made tremendous sacrifices, for this moment to happen.

This election was an important step in the country's democratic transition.

The elections were peaceful and generally proceeded smoothly with only minor irregularities and no systemic security, electoral administration, or access issues reported by observers on election day.

Millions of people voted for the first time in a competitive election with more than 90 political parties campaigning.

We congratulate the people of Burma on the November 8 election and commend all of the people and institutions in the country who worked together to hold a peaceful and historic poll.

Encouraging such expression, not limiting it, is consistent with the collective commitment to democratic values and human rights.

I will also work with the government and people of Uganda in pursuit of a healthier, more productive, and more prosperous society where protection of citizens' political and personal freedoms is a priority for all.

It is important for the region and Uganda's future that the elections are free, fair, transparent, and peaceful.

If confirmed, I will urge the President to ensure the political space necessary for a spirited and robust campaign in which all parties participate freely.

We would respond in keeping with the Inter-American Democratic Charter and the other Inter-American mechanisms.

If confirmed, I will continue our efforts to convince the Venezuelan Government to invite and accredit international electoral observers.

In such an environment, it is hard to see how an election could be fair.

We remain deeply concerned by the Venezuelan Government's continuing efforts to prevent opponents from participating in the political process.

The upcoming legislative elections will be a barometer of the well-being of Venezuelan democracy.

Any future elections must be administered under U.N. supervision to the satisfaction of the governance and to the highest international standards of transparency and accountability.

We will consistently stand for the rights of Zimbabweans to participate fully in their nation's political processes.

Those are values that reflect the core of what Americans share with Zimbabweans and that we should pursue together.

We need, however, to prepare to move beyond a relationship defined by aid.

U.S. policy in Zimbabwe is not about regime change. Only the people of Zimbabwe have the ability to change their government.

I commit to using this position passionately to advocate for the rights of individuals to be free from forced labor or sex trafficking.

The U.S. goal... is to ensure the internationally recognized right of individual freedom and the dignity of all persons.

We must undertake our responsibility as modern day abolitionists with energy and commitment to stop this heinous crime.