Economic activity collapsed during the conflict with real GDP declining by 62.1 percent and average consumer prices increasing by 15.9 percent. The fall in hydrocarbon exports in 2011 led to a budget deficit of 15.4 percent of GDP and a sharply reduced current account surplus.

Washington

IMF Executive Board Concludes The 2013 Article IV Consultation With Libya
On May 17, 2013, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation with Libya.…

Espinoza, a commander in Los Zetas Cartel, a heavily armed Mexican narco-trafficking cartel and transnational criminal organization, attempted to hijack Special Agent Zapata’s and Special Agent Avila’s armored government vehicle as the agents were driving on Highway 57 in San Luis Potosi. Two armed Zetas hit squads, or “estacas,” forced the agents off the road, and surrounded their vehicle.

Washington

Three Defendants Plead Guilty To Participating In Ambush Murder And Attempted Murder Of ICE Agents In Mexico
Fourth Defendant Pleads Guilty as Accessory After the Fact to Ambush…
May 23, 2013
WASHINGTON—Julian Zapata Espinoza, also known as “Piolin,” 32, pleaded guilty today to the murder of U.S.

I have directed the Department of Defense to work closely with our interagency partners and allies to implement the president’s guidance, including the efforts to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay.
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel
Washington

Hagel Directs DOD To Implement Obama’s Guidance
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, May 23, 2013 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has directed the Defense Department to implement the guidance President Barack Obama outlined in his national security speech delivered at the National Defense University here today, including efforts to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.…

The Complaint charged the Defendants with operating a Ponzi scheme, misappropriating at least $9.6 million of pool funds for their personal use and to continue the scam, and fraudulently soliciting approximately $28.4 million from at least 2,000 customers to participate in a commodity pool to trade futures and securities.

Washington

Following a Bench Trial, Federal Court in Florida Orders Defendants William and Gregory Center to Pay Millions in Restitution and Civil Monetary Penalties for Operating a $28.4 Million Ponzi Scheme
May 23, 2013
Washington, DC… – The U.S.

South Miami’s fraudulent conduct put bondholders in danger of incurring significant additional costs associated with their investments. The tax-exempt status of municipal bonds is vitally important to bond investors, and we will closely scrutinize any conduct by issuers or others that threatens that tax exemption.
Elaine C. Greenberg, Chief of the SEC Enforcement Division’s Municipal Securities and Public Pensions Unit
Washington

SEC Charges City Of South Miami With Defrauding Investors About Tax-Exempt Status Of Municipal Bonds
Washington, D.C., May 22, 2013… — The Securities and Exchange Commission today charged the City of South Miami, Fla., with defrauding bond investors about the tax-exempt financing eligibility of a mixed-use retail and parking structure being built in its downtown commercial district.

One of the oral histories spotlighted is that of Kjell Tollefsen, a helicopter pilot who flew more than 1,000 missions in Vietnam with the 188th Assault Helicopter Company, a unit nicknamed the “Black Widows.” Despite grueling conditions, the bonds he developed with his comrades made it difficult to leave Vietnam at the end of his tour of duty.

Washington

Veterans History Project Recognizes Vietnam Veterans With Fourth Installment Of Web Feature
May 22, 2013
The final installment of the Veterans History Project’s (VHP) year-long special “Experiencing War” website series recognizing the 50-year commemoration of the Vietnam War will launch May 24.…

The agent, two Massachusetts State Police troopers, and other law enforcement personnel were interviewing an individual in connection with the Boston Marathon bombing investigation when a violent confrontation was initiated by the individual.

Washington

FBI Boston Division’s Response To Shooting Incident In Orlando, Florida
May 22, 2013
The FBI is currently reviewing a shooting incident involving an FBI special agent. Based on preliminary information, the incident occurred in Orlando, Florida during the early morning hours of May 22, 2013.…

The Core Systems operation gave us a better understanding of the global threat presented by counterfeit critical electronic components, the opportunity to cooperate with the right holders, and to make significant seizures. It is the third bilateral IPR enforcement operation organized by our two agencies, and for sure not the last.
François Richard, French Customs Attaché in Washington D.C
Washington

CBP, French Customs Seize Critical Counterfeit Electronic Components
May 22, 2013
Washington – In partnership with French Customs, U.S.…

Apple’s message to the millions of Americans and other business enterprises who pay their way, share the burden, and do so proudly, if not always happily, appears to be:
You suckers can carry the load . We’re not responsible to anything beyond our own greed.
Robert W. Butche
Washington

Apple CEO Timothy D. Cook Says His Company Victim Of Outdated Tax System
Our nation is not an opt-in event, nor ought it be.…

The Board was humbled by the courage and integrity shown by those on the ground in Benghazi and Tripoli, in particular the DS agents and Annex team who defended their colleagues… We trust that the Department and relevant agencies will take the opportunity to recognize their exceptional valor and performance, which epitomized the highest ideals of government service.

Washington

Fact Sheet
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
Benghazi Accountability Review Board Implementation
May 20, 2013
Following the September 11, 2012 attack on U.S.…

… energy rests at the core of geopolitics – an issue of both wealth and power, which means it can be both a source of conflict and a basis for international cooperation. It is in the interest of the United States to resolve disputes over energy peacefully. We must keep energy supplies and markets stable during global crises and ensure that countries don’t use their energy resources to force others to bend to their will or forgive their bad behavior.…

The amount spent on cigarette advertising and promotion by the largest cigarette companies in the United States rose from $8.05 billion in 2010 to $8.37 billion in 2011, due mainly to an increase in spending on price discounts, or discounts paid to cigarette retailers or wholesalers in order to reduce the price of cigarettes to consumers.

Washington

FTC Releases Reports On 2011 Cigarette And Smokeless Tobacco Advertising And Promotion
May 21, 2013
Amounts Spent Marketing Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco Rose in 2011
The amount spent on cigarette advertising and promotion by the largest cigarette companies in the United States rose from $8.05 billion in 2010 to $8.37 billion in 2011, due mainly to an increase in spending on price discounts, or discounts paid to cigarette retailers or wholesalers in order to reduce the price of cigarettes to consumers.  Spending on price discounts increased from $6.49 billion in 2010 to $7.00 billion in in 2011.  The price discounts category was the largest one in 2011, as it has been each year since 2002.…

Special Agent Christopher W. Lorek, 41, and Special Agent Stephen P. Shaw, 40, died May 17 during a maritime counterterrorism exercise involving helicopters and a ship off the coast of Virginia Beach, Virginia. The agents were in the process of fast-roping from the aircraft onto the ship when the helicopter encountered difficulties.

Washington

Fallen Agents Remembered For Their “True Valor”

Earlier today, the FBI saluted two special agents killed in a training accident as devoted husbands and fathers and as men of valor who “walked willingly into places most of us dare not go” while serving on the Hostage Rescue Team (HRT).…