State Department Daily Briefing

Secretary Rice spoke to reporters about the seventh Annual Report on International Religious Freedom. She spoke about the re-designation of eight “Countries of Particular Concern” whose governments have engaged in or tolerated particularly severe violations of religious freedom over the past year. The countries listed were Burma, China, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), Eritrea, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Vietnam. Following her remarks, she responded to two questions and comments from the reporters.

After Secretary Rice’s remarks, Ambassador Hanford spoke about the report. He discussed the role of the report to shine a light on injustice and help monitor progress. He also talked about the use of the International Religious Freedom Act in designating “Countries of Particular Concern.” Following his remarks, he responded to questions and comments from the reporters. Among the countries he addressed were Turkey, North Korea, and Saudi Arabia. close