The Department of State’s spokesperson announced at a press briefing last week that Bangladesh has been designated as a Tier 3 country on the Trafficking in Persons report.  Sanctions could be imposed if the government of Bangladesh does not take significant steps to address trafficking issues.  While no decision has been made on whether sanctions would be appropriate in this case, the President has until September 30, 2004, to make a decision on whether to impose or waive sanctions.

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According to the Federal Register, the Department of State has redesignated the Communist Party of the Philippines, also known as the New People’s Army, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.  This designation was effective August 9, 2004.

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According to statements at a State Department Press Briefing, the U.S. Embassy will be temporarily closed in Colombo, Sri Lanka, after a discovery of an envelope with white powder on the premises.  Professional testing of the material is underway, and when there is more information, it will be released to the public.