Breaking News

Luis Ramirez

Produced by Luis Ramirez

April 14, 2015
Obama to Remove Cuba From State Sponsors of Terrorism List

White House statement says US president has submitted to Congress required reports and certifications indicating his intent to take Cuba off the list
April 12, 2015
Obama: Talks With Castro 'Candid and Fruitful'

Talks between US, Cuban leaders in Panama are strongly criticized by some Republican presidential hopefuls
April 11, 2015
Obama, Castro Have 'Historic' Face-to-Face Meeting

US, Cuban presidents conduct first direct talks in 5 decades; earlier, they said their countries' improving relations will benefit region
April 11, 2015
Obama, Castro Shake Hands

President Obama has met and shaken hands with Cuban leader Raul Castro for the first time since announcing his intention last December to normalize relations with communist Cuba. The brief encounter happened Friday at the Summit of the Americas in Panama. The handshake is to be followed by a more substantial conversation between the two leaders Saturday. VOA White House correspondent Luis Ramirez is traveling with the U.S. president and has this report from Panama City.
April 10, 2015
Obama, Castro Shake Hands at Summit of Americas

Administration officials say interaction between two leaders was informal, there was no substantive conversation; they're expected to meet on Saturday on sidelines
April 07, 2015
With Cuba at Summit, US Seeks Renewed Ties With Latin America

Some analysts say US economic weakness, Latin America's increasing engagement with China have weakened US leadership in region
March 24, 2015
Obama Won't Draw Down US Troops in Afghanistan in 2015

President Barack Obama has announced he will slow the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan and will keep just under 10,000 in the country through this year. That’s almost double the number of troops originally scheduled to remain there at year’s end. VOA White House correspondent Luis Ramirez reports.
March 19, 2015
Obama’s Rare Visits Spell End for Camp David Landmark

When Afghan leaders visit the United States next week, at least some of their meetings with U.S. officials will be at Camp David, the mountain hideaway outside Washington where generations of U.S. presidents have gone to rest or hold summits away from the noise of the city. President Barack Obama has used the retreat less frequently than his predecessors, which has meant change for some residents of nearby Thurmont, Maryland. White House correspondent Luis Ramirez reports.
March 12, 2015
White House Crash Signals More Trouble for Secret Service

Two high-ranking officers allegedly drove a government car into a security barricade at the White House after drinking at a late-night party
March 10, 2015
War of Words Escalates Over Iran Letter

Verbal attacks continue between the White House and some in Congress over a letter that 47 Republican senators wrote to Iran, warning the country’s leaders that any nuclear deal signed by President Barack Obama may not survive after his presidency. The president has accused Republicans of interfering in his foreign policy, and one White House official called the letter a reckless attempt to undermine the president’s ability to negotiate with a foreign government. VOA's Luis Ramirez reports.
March 03, 2015
Obama: Nothing New in Netanyahu Speech

He says Israel's leader 'didn't offer any viable alternatives' on the issue of preventing Iran from gaining nuclear weapons
February 26, 2015
Friction Increasing Between White House, Israel

White House underscores national security adviser Susan Rice’s recent remarks on souring relationship
February 26, 2015
War of Words Escalates Between White House, Israel

The war of words is escalating over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to accept an invitation to speak to the U.S. Congress next week. National security advisor Susan Rice’s remarks rebuking that decision have raised further questions about the state of relations between the United States and its closest ally in the Middle East. VOA White House correspondent Luis Ramirez reports.
February 18, 2015
Obama: 'We Are Not at War With Islam'

Speaking at White House conference, president urges civic and religious leaders around the world to unite against extremism, reject notion that terrorist groups represent Islam
February 17, 2015
White House Opens Summit on Countering Extremism

'We need answers that go beyond force,' Vice President Joe Biden tells conferees
February 14, 2015
Obama Summit Targets American Extremism

President Obama next week (February 18) hosts a summit bringing together police officials, religious leaders, and others to confront extremism in American neighborhoods. The White House Summit on Countering Violent Extremism is to look at domestic and international efforts to prevent extremists from radicalizing and recruiting young people in America and elsewhere. VOA White House correspondent Luis Ramirez reports.
February 13, 2015
Obama Summit to Target American Extremism

Meetings next week will focus on efforts to go after root causes of extremism, find ways to stop youths from joining terrorist groups like Islamic State
February 13, 2015
Obama Summit Targets American Extremism

President Obama on Wednesday will host a summit bringing together police, religious leaders and others to confront extremism in American neighborhoods. The White House Summit on Countering Violent Extremism will look at domestic and international efforts to prevent extremists from radicalizing and recruiting young people in America and elsewhere. VOA's Luis Ramirez reports.
February 07, 2015
Obama, Merkel to Look for Solution on Ukraine

Sunday's White House meeting will be US president's chance to hear from key European ally before deciding whether to send lethal aid to Kyiv
February 06, 2015
Obama, Merkel to Look for Solution on Ukraine

After bidding for a peace deal with the Russians, German Chancellor Angela Merkel heads to Washington on Sunday for talks with President Barack Obama. The U.S. leader is considering providing lethal aid to Ukraine, something Merkel says her country will not do. Those differences will be on the agenda when she visits the White House. VOA White House correspondent Luis Ramirez reports.

XS

SM

MD

LG