The United States condemns the murder of Abdulkadir Diad Mohamed, an administration and finance assistant for the World Food Program in Mogadishu, Somalia. We offer our deepest sympathy and condolences to Mohamed’s family and colleagues. While the brutal murder of Mr. Mohamed was a callous and cowardly act, his death is a reminder of the risks humanitarian staff in Somalia regularly take to provide assistance to the millions of unfortunate innocents caught in the ongoing turmoil.

I want to express my deepest sympathy for the untimely death of Zambian President Levy Patrick Mwanawasa. I extend my sincere condolences to his family and to all Zambians during this time of loss. President Mwanawasa’s passing is a great loss for Zambia and Africa.

The United States strongly condemns today's attack against the gendarme police academy in Issers as well as Sunday's attack against security forces in Skikda. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those killed, and our thoughts and prayers to those who were injured.

The Industry Advisory Panel of Overseas Buildings Operations will meet on Thursday, September 18, 2008, from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., in Room 1107 of the U.S. Department of State, 2201 C Street, NW (entrance on 23rd Street) Washington, D.C. This meeting will be open to the public.

SECRETARY OF STATE RICE: ON FOREIGN TRAVEL   MORNING PRESS GAGGLE: 11:00 a.m. with Robert Wood Please arrive in room 2109 by 10:59 a.m.   THERE WILL NOT BE A DAILY PRESS BRIEFING        

SECRETARY OF STATE RICE: ON FOREIGN TRAVEL   MORNING PRESS GAGGLE: 11:00 a.m. with Robert Wood Please arrive in room 2109 by 10:59 a.m.   THERE WILL NOT BE A DAILY PRESS BRIEFING      

We strongly support the democratically elected civilian government in its desire to modernize Pakistan and build democratic institutions. The United States supported the transition to democratic government in Pakistan and respects the results of the election.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will travel to Brussels, Belgium and Warsaw, Poland, departing on August 18. Under instructions from President Bush, Secretary Rice has requested an emergency session of the North Atlantic Council to discuss with her counterparts the situation in Georgia and its implications for the region.

The United States welcomes the release today of Belarus political opposition figure Aleksandr Kozulin. We look forward to other positive steps from the Belarusian authorities that could open the possibility of a significant improvement in relations between the United States and Belarus.

(5:15 p.m. EDT) MR. WOOD: Well, you all know Assistant Secretary Welch. He’s going to make some brief remarks and then take your questions on the Comprehensive Claims Settlement Agreement. So why don’t I turn it over to Assistant Secretary Welch.