Bob Menendez

Promoting democracy and human rights have been key foci of my work.

In my role as Ambassador for APEC, I have had the opportunity to work along with my team to promote and support Women's Economic Empowerment throughout all 21 APEC Economies.

I believe that strengthening Burma's democracy, improving Burma's civilian governance, along with fostering greater respect for freedom of religion and other human rights and the rule of law, offer the best hope for the people of Burma.

The horrific atrocities that have occurred in Rakhine State, the ongoing violence in Kachin and Shan States, and the continuing human rights concerns across Burma are reprehensible, regardless of Burma's leadership.

If confirmed, I will work with Embassy Cotonou to engage with the Beninese on press freedom and support for a more open media space.

I recognize the importance of ensuring that our partnership continues to thrive on shared democratic values to prevent backsliding.

Our experience tells us that respecting peaceful religious beliefs and practices, including the right of all to participate in religious communities, is the best way to promote a peaceful and open society.

We believe that suppressing political, religious, or civil society voices leads to the kind of repressive environment that generates instability.

Human rights depend on an independent, effective judicial system, free from corruption.

I have worked to promote the core U.S. values of democracy and human rights.

I have supported various charities supporting our United States military who have bravely defended human rights and democracy around the world.

If confirmed, and consistent with American values, I will continue to speak out strongly in support of human rights in Cyprus.

If confirmed, I will urge the Republic of Cyprus to promote our shared democratic values, both in Cyprus and across Europe.

We also do not want to see human rights abuses by the very forces that we arm.

The U.S. does provide some security assistance to Azerbaijan, and we do it because it directly serves U.S. national interests.

I am concerned by Azerbaijan's bellicose rhetoric and sporadic outbursts of violence along the Nagorno-Karabakh line of contact, which undermine diplomatic efforts to peacefully resolve the conflict.

The United States recognizes the right of the Republic of Cyprus to the resources and its exclusive economic zone.

Is it true that Turkish troops ultimately crossed into Northern Cyprus, and are presently there, continuing, since 1974?

I believe that in cases such as Cyprus, unless we reconcile ourselves with the past, it is difficult to move forward.

The importance of free, fair, and credible elections that all parties can accept will be higher than ever.

I share your concern about the ongoing instability in Mali.

U.S. assistance has been critical to encouraging positive democracy and governance reforms in Togo.

If confirmed, I will continue to support this ECOWAS-facilitated political dialogue to ensure implementation of the recommendations.

If confirmed, I will work tirelessly to ensure that we are making steady progress to achieving these objectives.

Corruption remains a problem in Malawi. President Mutharika has stated that his administration will have zero tolerance for corruption.