The State and Treasury Departments named the first group of 18 individuals to the Office of Foreign Assets Control's Specially Designated Nationals List under the new Magnitsky Act. The act designates entities associated with the persecution and death of Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky. The names include six people placed there because of their position in Magnitsky’s initial investigation and arrest; including four judges, two prison officials, Interior Ministry personnel and the heads of tax authority offices, a senior State Department official said in a press briefing April 12.

The Environmental Affairs Council of the Dominican Republic-Central America-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) will hold a public meeting May 9 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. During the meeting, each council member will present on their country's progress in meeting obligations to protect the environment and promote sustainable trade. Those wishing to attend the meeting, or submit written comments or suggestions, should email LindsayA@state.gov by April 19.

The State Department recently issued the following travel warning. They are released when the Department decides to recommend Americans avoid travel to certain countries.

The State Department published the final rule amending the International Traffic in Arms Regulations to implement the 2007 Defense Trade Treaty with Australia. The changes -- which won’t become effective until the U.S.-Australia treaty enters into force -- define the scope of allowed exemptions. They also include a supplemental listing defense articles and services that may not be exported or furnished.

State Department's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls announced one name change notification April 8:

The World Health Organization released another update on avian influenza infections in humans in China. There are now 21 confirmed cases, including six fatalities, 12 severe cases and three mild cases. The first cases were reported April 1. There have been no reports of human-to-human transmission of the virus, WHO said, and it's not recommending any trade or travel restrictions. Read the update (here). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also released an update about the China avian influenza infections (here).

The World Health Organization released another update on avian influenza infections in humans in China. The total number of confirmed cases is now 11, including five fatal ones, the WHO said. The first cases were reported April 1. Read the update (here).

The State Department's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls systems will undergo network maintenance on Saturday, April 6 from 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. ET. During this time the DTrade system will be unavailable to accept submissions. EFS, ELLIE and MARY and the pmddtc.state.gov website will also be unavailable.

The State Department, World Health Organization, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently issued the following travel warnings, alerts and disease outbreak-related information.

The State Department, World Health Organization, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently issued the following travel warnings, travel alerts, country specific information sheets, and disease outbreak-related information. State Department Travel Warnings are issued when the Department decides, based on all relevant information, to recommend that Americans avoid travel to certain countries.