Press Release Archive: 2007

Dec. 26, 2007
The Carter Center Urges Restoration of Judiciary in Advance of Pakistani Elections
The Carter Center calls on President Pervez Musharraf to restore immediately the independent judiciary he incapacitated during the recent state of emergency in Pakistan. 
 
Dec. 12, 2007
Charles Brewer to Chair Carter Center Councilors
Charles Brewer, managing member of Las Catalinas Holding Company, has been appointed chair of the Carter Center's Board of Councilors for 2008. The board is comprised of 204 members, who serve as a leadership advisory group that promotes understanding of the Center's mission among opinion leaders and the broader community.
 
Dec. 5, 2007
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter Headlines Panel Discussing Former Soviet Gulag Prison System
The Soviet Gulag prison system imprisoned millions of innocent people during its infamous history; a panel of human rights leaders will discuss its impact on Russia and the world today, as well as offer comparisons to the American Civil Rights Movement, at a sold out program Dec. 12 from 7-8:30 p.m. The event is part of the Conversations at The Carter Center speaker series and will be webcast live on www.cartercenter.org.
 
Dec. 3, 2007 
Carter Center Statement on Venezuela Referendum 
Venezuelan citizens responded on Dec. 2 in a peaceful and orderly way to the referendum convoked by the National Electoral Council (CNE) to approve or reject the proposal to reform the National Constitution, presented to the citizens by the government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Nov. 30, 2007
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter Sends Congratulatory Message to Ecuador's New Constituent Assembly
In a message to Ecuador's newly inaugurated Constituent Assembly, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter urged the constituents to use human rights as a basis for drafting a new constitution and encouraged them to seek a harmonious solution on the definition and implementation of their role in transforming the state's institutions.

Nov. 30, 2007
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter's Message for the Inauguration of Ecuador's New Constituent Assembly
Almost 30 years ago, when I assumed the presidency of my country and military dictatorships extended throughout Latin America, Ecuador inaugurated a wave of democratization that continues today. Human rights began to be restored as fundamental values, and slowly the countries of Latin America established democratic regimes.

Nov. 28, 2007
Carter Center Expert Donald Hopkins Receives Prestigious Fries Prize for Guinea Worm Eradication Leadership
Poised to be the first parasitic disease eradicated in human history, Guinea worm disease now teeters on the verge of extinction. The 2007 Fries Prize for Improving Health was bestowed on Donald R. Hopkins, M.D., M.P.H., Carter Center vice president for health programs, for his sustained leadership in the global campaign to eradicate Guinea worm disease (dracunculiasis), a debilitating parasitic infection contracted from drinking contaminated water.
 
Nov. 27, 2007
The Venezuelan´s Dilemma
This open letter to Venezuelan citizens was written and signed by recognized Latin American democrats and former leaders.
 
Nov. 24, 2007
Statement by Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter in Nepal
The people of Nepal have embarked on a remarkable and historic transition.  I am proud and grateful to witness parties formerly in conflict demonstrating their commitment to resolving their differences through peaceful means.
 
Nov. 20, 2007
The Carter Center Supports OSCE/ODIHR Decision Not to Observe Russian Elections
The Russian Federation's conditional invitation to the Organization for the Security and Cooperation in Europe - Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) to observe its Dec. 2 elections to the State Duma placed unacceptable limitations both on the number of election observers permitted to monitor the polls and the duration of their observation activities.
 
Nov. 14, 2007
Pakistan Elections Meaningless without Restoration of Constitution, Rule of Law
The Carter Center deplores General Pervez Musharraf's announcement that January elections will be held under martial law.  Elections are a necessary step to secure peace and sustainable democracy, but not with potential candidates under house arrest or expelled from Pakistan. No international observers would participate without the full restoration of the constitutional order, including the independent judiciary.

Nov. 9, 2007
The Carter Center Condemns Russian Federation Effort to Undermine Credible Election Observation
"I am disturbed by the unprecedented restrictions to credible international election observation contained in the Russian Federation's invitation to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's (OSCE) election observation body," said former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, founder of The Carter Center.

Nov. 7, 2007
Musharraf Demolishes Democracy Under the Guise of Fighting Terrorism; United States Must Tie Aid to Restoration of Freedoms
The Carter Center condemns recent actions by Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf to suspend the country's Constitution and proclaim a state of emergency. In the process, members of the independent judiciary, news media, and human rights defenders have been abused and imprisoned. Many activist lawyers demanding restoration of the Pakistani Constitution and rule of law have also been arrested.

Nov. 5, 2007
Carter Center Symposium to Address the Prevention of Mental Illnesses
Harnessing the power of prevention to stop the onset or progression of mental illnesses is long overdue. Failure to implement preventive measures on a national scale takes not only a human toll but also an economic and societal toll in terms of lost productivity and disability.

Oct. 24, 2007
Carter Center Urges Israel To Maintain Energy Supplies in Gaza
The Carter Center urges the government of Israel to cease consideration of a proposal to cut energy supplies in Gaza. On Sept. 19, 2007, Israel threatened to declare the Gaza Strip a "hostile territory" and cut off provision of essential services such as electricity and fuel to the civilian population as retaliation for rocket attacks being launched from the territory.

Oct. 19, 2007
Documentary, "Jimmy Carter Man From Plains," Explores Former President's Post-White House Role
Man From Plains is an intimate, surprising encounter with President Jimmy Carter. 
 
Oct. 12, 2007
Statement from Former U.S. President and Nobel Laureate Jimmy Carter
Rosalynn and I are pleased to congratulate former U.S. Vice President Al Gore and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) led by Rajendra Pachauri on receiving the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize.

Oct. 6, 2007
Carter Center Statement on the Nepal Election Delay
The Carter Center is profoundly disappointed with the announcement of a second postponement of Nepal's constituent assembly election.

Oct. 3, 2007
Nepal's Peace Process at Critical Juncture; Carter Center Appeals to all Nepali Political Actors to Work Together for Elections
Nepal's peace process is at a critical juncture following the Sept. 18 departure of the Maoists from the interim government and the rapid approach of key electoral deadlines.

Oct. 2,2007
"Beyond the White House: Waging Peace, Fighting Disease, Building Hope" Chronicles Post-Presidency, Carter Center's 25 Years
"Beyond the White House:  Waging Peace, Fighting Disease, Building Hope,"  by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, was published Oct. 2, 2007, by Simon & Schuster.  The book is available from the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum Shop.
 
Oct. 1, 2007
Carter Center Observes Democratic Consolidation in Ecuador
Yesterday, Sept. 30, the Ecuadorian people demonstrated their profound democratic vocation by voting peacefully for representatives to the constituent assembly.
 
Sept. 28, 2007
Ethiopia Builds Health Care Workforce Using a Grassroots Approach: Shares Methods with Other Nations Online
Battling the dangerous void left by the migration of its skilled health professionals to other countries, Ethiopia, a country challenged by the grim realities of killer diseases, has proven it can build a sustainable health workforce to meet its unique health situation.
 
Sept. 28, 2007
Statement by Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter on the Situation in Myanmar
The political crisis in Myanmar has reached alarming proportions this week. Peaceful demonstrations led by religious leaders who desire justice, freedom, and democracy have been met by brutal force from the military government, the extent of which is not yet known. 
 
Sept. 28, 2007
Carter Center Pleased with Ecuador's Electoral Process, Urges Equality of Official Electoral Publicity
Since July 2007, The Carter Center has worked intensively to observe the electoral processes leading up to Ecuador's Constituent Assembly elections. This statement presents the continued findings of the Center's international election observation mission in Ecuador.
 
Sept. 21, 2007
Israeli Actions in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank: Prospects Dim for Middle East Peace 
In a statement issued today: The Carter Center deplores the decision taken Wednesday by Israel to declare the Gaza Strip a hostile territory and its threat to cut off provision of essential services such as electricity and fuel to the civilian population.
 
Sept. 20, 2007
Statement by Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and The Carter Center on the Death of Sir John Compton
Rosalynn and I are deeply saddened by the death of Sir John Compton, Prime Minister of St. Lucia. Sir John was known as "Father of the Nation" for leading St. Lucia into independence from Britain in 1978.
 
Sept. 13, 2007
Sold Out 'Conversations' Event to be Webcast Live - Submit Questions Online Now
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter will discuss The Carter Center's 25 years of humanitarian work to open the 2007-2008 season of Conversations at The Carter Center Sept. 18, 2007, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. EST.  The sold out event will be webcast live on www.cartercenter.org.


Sept. 12, 2007
Carter Center to Observe Constituent Assembly Elections in Ecuador
In response to an invitation by the Supreme Electoral Court (Tribunal Supremo Electoral) of Ecuador, The Carter Center will field an electoral observation mission during the constituent assembly election to be held Sept. 30, 2007. The Carter Center also announces the opening of a field office in the city of Quito.
 
Sept. 10, 2007
Carter Center Statement on the Death of Jose Emanuel "Pepe" Mendez
President and Mrs. Carter and all at the Carter Center were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Jose Emanuel "Pepe" Mendez, son of 1990 Carter-Menil Human Rights Prize Recipient Amilcar Mendez Urizar.
 
Sept. 7, 2007
Human Rights Defenders Policy Forum Final Statement Issues Challenges and Recommendations for Addressing Mass Atrocities
On Sept. 5, human rights defenders, including several from faith-based organizations, came from 20 countries to discuss the challenges they face in addressing mass atrocities and to develop recommendations for the international community.


Aug. 22, 2007
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter to Launch 2007-2008 Season of Conversations at The Carter Center
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter will discuss 25 years of humanitarian work through The Carter Center to open the upcoming season of Conversations at The Carter Center on Sept. 18, 2007. The annual speaker series features panel discussions of current world topics and Carter Center work.

 
Aug. 20, 2007
The Carter Center Includes Romania in Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism Program
The Carter Center Mental Health Program has awarded two Romanian journalists with the eleventh annual Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism. This will be the first year that journalists from the Eastern European country will participate in the program. The journalists will join a class of six other fellows from the United States and two from southern Africa.

Aug. 10, 2007
Carter Center Urges Nepal to Continue Progress for Nov. 22 Election:  The Carter Center International Observation Mission in Nepal - Third Pre-Election Statement
This statement presents the observations and continued findings of the Carter Center's international election observation mission in Nepal.  Since March 2007, The Center's 13 international long-term observers (LTOs) have visited all of Nepal's 75 districts, in many cases multiple times, reaching not only to district headquarters but also to the village level. The goal of the Center's mission is to demonstrate international support for and provide an independent assessment of the constituent assembly election process in order to help consolidate the gains of the ongoing peace process.

July 18, 2007
Two Palestines? What is Risked by a "West Bank first" Policy? Panel Discussion Now Available on Carter Center Web Site
Dialogue that engages all stakeholders in the Israeli and Palestinian peace process is critical to resolve the current crisis, according to three Middle East experts who convened at The Carter Center on Friday, July 13. The panel also addressed risks of the "West Bank first" policy, which is being promoted by the United States and a few European governments to address the Gaza takeover by Hamas in June.

July 13, 2007
Carter Center Awards 2007-2008 Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism
The Carter Center Mental Health Program has named eight recipients of its eleventh annual Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism, including six from the United States and two from southern Africa.

July 11, 2007
Statement by Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter on the Death of Lady Bird Johnson
Rosalynn and I are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Lady Bird Johnson. Her commitment to public service and caring spirit were  unwavering.

July 10, 2007
Two Palestines? What is Risked by a "West Bank First" Policy?
The collapse of the Palestinian National Unity Government (NUG) last month following the takeover of Gaza by Hamas has left the Palestinian territories in crisis. Join former Advisor to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and leader of the Geneva Peace Initiative Daniel Levy and former Minister of Information in the Palestinian NUG Mustapha Barghouthi as they discuss ways to solve the current crisis.

July 3, 2007
Timor-Leste Parliamentary Election Democratic and Peaceful Carter Center Preliminary Statement (English and Tetum)
The majority of Timor-Leste voters participated in an orderly and peaceful June 30 parliamentary election.  The administration of these elections was very well executed, bearing testimony to the hard work of election officials and the determination of Timorese citizens to ensure their country remains on the democratic path chosen at independence.

June 22, 2007
Carter Center Appoints Atlanta Leaders to Board of Councilors
The Carter Center, a not-for-profit organization working to promote health and peace worldwide, recently appointed 19 new members to the Board of Councilors, bringing its membership to 180.

June 21, 2007
Carter Center to Observe Parliamentary Elections in Timor-Leste
The Carter Center will increase its international observation presence surrounding Timor-Leste's June 30 parliamentary elections by sending a larger delegation to join long-term observers, who have been deployed throughout the country since early June. A field office in Dili will remain open through July 2007.

June 12, 2007
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter to Discuss Malaria During Online Smithsonian Chat June 28
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter will participate in a live online chat  Thursday, June 28 at 11:15 a.m. EST  to discuss malaria and the article "The Ethiopia Campaign - Jimmy Carter Takes on Malaria," featured in the June 2007 issue of Smithsonian magazine.

June 12, 2007
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter to Visit Nepal
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter  will visit Nepal June 13-16 to encourage Nepal's political leaders to continue on the path to peace as they prepare to hold constituent assembly elections later in 2007.

June 8, 2007
The Carter Center International Election Observation Mission in Nepal:   Second Pre-Election Statement 
This statement presents the observations and continued findings of the Carter Center's international election observation mission in Nepal.  In March 2007, the mission deployed 13 long-term observers (LTOs) representing nine different nationalities throughout Nepal to assess the political and electoral environment in the period leading up to the constituent assembly election.

June 3, 2007
Lack of Transparency in Political Financing Poses Serious Problems for Countries
Political party and election campaign financing is a murky field in eight Latin American countries, according to a study released today by Transparency International (TI) and The Carter Center.

May 31, 2007
The Carter Center Calls for Dialogue; Expresses Concern about Consequences of End of RCTV Concession
The Carter Center expressed concern about the potential for a renewed escalation of violence in the wake of the termination of broadcasts by RCTV and called for new dialogue among political opponents to maintain peace in the country. The Center emphasized the imperative to respect the fundamental human rights of freedom of expression and freedom to dissent and protest peacefully. The Center is concerned that non-renewal of broadcast concessions for political reasons will have a chilling effect on free speech in Venezuela.

May 18, 2007
Carter Center Guinea Worm Program Meets $45 Million Gates Challenge Early
The Carter Center and its partners are another step closer to eradicating Guinea worm disease, a horrific and debilitating parasitic infection, thanks to the completion of a challenge grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which leveraged a total of $45 million with the support of more than 500 partners in a record two years.

May 9, 2007
Rosalynn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum Focuses on Reducing the Stigma of Mental Illnesses 
State leaders, mental health advocates, and consumers will develop anti-stigma activities for communities throughout Georgia during the 12th annual Rosalynn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum at The Carter Center on Friday, May 18, 2007.

May 4, 2007
New Carter Center Field Office in Ramallah to Support Palestinian Democracy and Human Rights
The Carter Center is reinvigorating its presence in the Palestinian Territories in support of peace for Israel, justice for the Palestinians, and the emergence of a viable, democratic Palestinian state.

May 2, 2007
Exhibit to Highlight Progress For Peace, Health, Human Rights
"Beyond the Presidency: 25 Years of The Carter Center," a special exhibit at the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum June 30 through Nov. 25, 2007, will give visitors a look behind the scenes and on the frontlines of efforts undertaken by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, to advance peace, health, and hope worldwide through the nonprofit organization they founded in 1982.

April 19, 2007
Mental Health and the Work Place is Topic of Live Webcast April 26
A panel of experts in health policy and mental health advocacy will discuss issues around workplace mental health at The Carter Center on Thursday, April 26, from 7-8:30 p.m.   The event will be webcast live on www.cartercenter.org  (RealPlayer media player required).

April 16, 2007
Pre-Election Statement: Carter Center Election Observation Mission in Nepal
The Carter Center congratulates Nepal's sustained commitment to the peace process and applauds efforts to address political differences through dialogue. Following the Election Commission of Nepal's April 13 announcement indicating that a June constituent assembly election is not technically feasible, it is now up to Nepali political leaders to focus their efforts on putting the proper conditions in place for the conduct of a sound electoral process in a realistic timeframe.
 
March 29, 2007
Statement of Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter to the U.N. Human Rights Council
Since 1993, my colleagues at the Carter Center and I have worked together with governments and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to improve the United Nations' system for protecting human rights throughout the world.
 
March 11, 2007
The Embassy of Japan Funds Pipe Filters for the Fight to Eradicate Guinea Worm Disease in Southern Sudan
Today, the Embassy of Japan awarded funding for the Southern Sudan Guinea Worm Eradication Program. 

March 9, 2007
The Carter Center Deploys Election Observers in Nepal
The Carter Center launched an international election observation mission in Nepal with the deployment this week of thirteen long-term observers in all five development regions around the country.

March 8, 2007
2007-2008 Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism:  Applications Being Accepted
Applications are now being accepted for six one-year journalism fellowships with the Carter Center Mental Health Program.

Feb. 15, 2007
Jimmy Carter and General Dr. Yakubu Gowon Encourage Nigerian Officials to Control Schistosomiasis, Other Diseases
Today, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter watched as hundreds of school children received drug treatment for schistosomiasis, a silent and destructive parasitic infection that leads to poor growth and impaired learning, in the small community of Nasarawa North.

Feb. 13, 2007
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter Visits Ethiopia to Address New Malaria Initiative: Lauds Country's Progress in River Blindness, Trachoma Control, Public Health Training
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter distributed long-lasting insecticide-impregnated bed nets today in Afeta, a community of 7,500 people in the Jimma zone.

Feb. 12, 2007
Upcoming Carter and Albright Discussion on Middle East Peace Prospects To be Webcast Live
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright will speak on the prospects for lasting peace in the Palestinian territories to a sold-out audience at The Carter Center on Feb. 22, 2007, from 7-8:30 p.m.

Feb. 12, 2007
Jimmy Carter and Jimmy Ross Recognize Sudan's New Local Lions Club as Crucial Partner in Country's Fight Against River Blindness and Trachoma
On Thursday, Feb. 9,  former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Lions Clubs International President Jimmy Ross encouraged Sudan's local Lions Club to participate in the fight against two blinding diseases affecting the country—river blindness and trachoma.

Feb. 12, 2007
Jimmy Carter Visits Southern Sudan to Praise Progress Against Disease, Urges Guinea Worm Eradication by 2009
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Government of  Southern Sudan Minister of Health Dr. Theophilus Ochang Lotti, during a meeting at the National Assembly on Feb. 10, 2007, encouraged top officials of the Government of Southern Sudan to continue their progress in conquering two of the region's most debilitating scourges—Guinea worm disease and trachoma.

Feb. 8, 2007
Fight Against Guinea Worm Disease: President Carter, Ghana Ministry of Health Issue Urgent Call to Action
Today, amid the scorching heat of peak dry season, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter visited the parched community of Savelugu to meet with dozens of Guinea worm disease victims in an effort to bring global attention to Ghana's growing Guinea worm epidemic caused by inadequate water supply in the country.   

Feb. 7, 2007
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter Leads Delegation to Africa, Focus on Urgent Health Needs
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, are leading a delegation of senior-level Carter Center officials on a Feb. 6-16 tour of Africa to call international attention to health needs among impoverished communities in Ghana, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Nigeria.

Feb. 3, 2007
Winter Weekend Auction Raises $1 Million for Carter Center Peace and Health Programs
A baby cradle of unusual tiger wood handcrafted by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter sold for $300,000 at an auction in Cancun yesterday to benefit the nonprofit Carter Center's initiatives to advance peace and health worldwide.

Jan. 12, 2007
Baby Cradle Crafted by Former U.S. President Highlights Auction to Benefit The Carter Center
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter will host their 15th annual Winter Weekend and auction to benefit The Carter Center Jan. 30 – Feb. 3 at Club Med in Cancun, Mexico.