PRESIDENT OF SOUTH KOREA PARK GEUN-HYE MAKES REMARKS WITH SECRETARY KERRY

FROM:  STATE DEPARTMENT  
Remarks With President Park Geun-hye of South Korea
Remarks
John Kerry
Secretary of State
The Blue House
Seoul, South Korea
February 13, 2014

PRESIDENT PARK: (Via interpreter) I am delighted to meet with you again, Mr. Secretary. You last visited Korea back in April of last year, and this year you’ve also come at a very critical time, and I’m sure that today your visit will serve as an occasion for moving our relationship forward as well. And incidentally, you also bring with you good tidings with regard to President Obama’s visit, in the latter half of April. We welcome that news.

SECRETARY KERRY: Look, I didn’t want to walk in here without that. (Laughter.)

PRESIDENT PARK: (Via interpreter) I have read through various media reports and I’ve received various news about how hard you’ve been working ever since you took office as Secretary of State in terms of dealing with, for instance, the Iranian nuclear issue and the proliferation of Iranian – and the proliferation aspect of Iran’s nuclear program, as well as the Syrian issue, and other – some of the world’s most difficult issues. And I read how you’ve exercised and demonstrated extraordinary caliber in dealing with these issues. I’m also very well aware of your active diplomacy. And indeed I am told that in the service of upholding peace around the world and dealing with various international entities, you’ve traveled a distance that amounts to circling the globe 13 times. (Laughter.)

SECRETARY KERRY: (Inaudible.) Now you’ve scared me. (Laughter.)

PRESIDENT PARK: (Inaudible.) (Laughter.)

SECRETARY KERRY: Well, thank you. Madam President, thank you so much. First of all, I’ll tell you, it’s a great privilege to have a chance to be able to meet again. President Obama is very excited about being able to come and visit, because it’s, as you’ve said, a very, very important time. There’s a lot happening. Frankly, there’s too much tension - difficult, complicated and historical issues, and a huge need for us to be able to continue to keep our alliance as strong and effective as it has been.

I think you know that the President and all of us in America believe that this is an essential alliance, an essential partnership, and we’re very, very grateful to you for a strong 60 years behind us; now we can plan on the next 60 years. And I think North Korea, obviously, the challenge of their nuclear program remains an essential security issue. And then, of course, the other issues in the region which you and I will have a chance to talk about.

But we’re very grateful to you for your leadership and your cooperation on Afghanistan, and Syria, on Iran. And I have enjoyed enormously our relationship with (inaudible), Minister Yun, (inaudible) to conduct this conversation. And so today (inaudible) that hopefully we can map out a few things.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE HAGEL'S REMARKS ON USS STETHEM

FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Presenter: Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel; Press Secretary George Little October 04, 2013
Remarks on USS Stethem

SECRETARY CHUCK HAGEL: Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. I am very proud of what you're doing. The president of the United States is proud of what you're doing. America is proud of what you're doing.

 I'm here in Japan for a couple of days, came over from South Korea before that, talked to troops, meetings. I think we've made some progress with our bilateral partners and friends to strengthen the alliance between the Japanese and the Americans, as well as the Republic of South Korea and the United States.

 The trilateral relationship of our three countries is particularly important. You play a big role in that. The 50,000 men and women who represent U.S. Forces Japan are really the anchor and the cornerstone of America's presence in the Asia Pacific. And we, again, appreciate your service and your sacrifices, and particularly your families'. And I want you to greet your families for me, tell your families that we appreciate what they're doing.

 These are challenging times. You all understand that better than almost anyone. You are right out here where it matters most. And you are doing work where there is little margin for error. It is critically important, as we build relationships and alliances and we defend our interests, as well as the interests of our allies. These are defining times.

These are times you will look back on as you complete your service to our country and have not only the sense of pride and purpose that you accomplished something pretty special, but you helped shape history, and that's what you're doing out here. You really are shaping history. You're not just observing history, but you are participating in history.

I know you're from all over. I've seen your backgrounds. You represent the best America has. And I know occasionally you wonder if anybody's paying attention. We are paying attention. And, again, I came out here specifically to say hello to you and to thank you for everything you're doing.

I've got some time for questions, advice, whatever you want to talk about. I'd be glad to spend some time with you on it. I always value what our troops think, what our people believe. What are we doing right? What are we doing wrong? I know as you look on Washington these days, it appears that we are having some difficulty governing ourselves. But that is part of the business of democracy.

You know that the president is totally committed to you. As you know, he signed a bill into law that exempts our military from the shutdown. That means, as you all know, our country wants you to stay on the job, needs you to stay on the job, and you're going to be paid for it. I know that's not an insignificant factor in your lives, but you were specifically cut out of the shutdown process by the Congress, and the president signed that bill into law.

So we'll get through this in Washington. Yes, it's difficult. It's messy. And you all are aware of that. But our country is too good, too strong. Our people are too good and too strong. We'll get through it, and we'll be better for it.

All right. What do you want to talk about? Anything.

I am well aware, by the way, of the history of this ship, who it was named after and why. I recall that -- that time in 1985, and I know your every proud to have Stethem's name on this ship and your part of it. And I know you recognize that every time there's a change of command, and it's a tremendous tradition to have Robert Stethem's brother come out here and be part of that change of command ceremony.

And I'm proud that we would recognize such a great American hero as Robert Stethem this way, in naming an important ship that is at the forefront of protecting America's interest and our allies' interest. Anything that you want to talk about. Yes?

Q: Mr. Secretary, the government shutdown, what's the effect on the DOD schools?

SECRETARY HAGEL: The question is DOD schools, how are they affected by the government shutdown? And we're exempting all of the -- the vital components of supporting our military. That's part of the exceptions. I have asked our lawyers and our comptroller to examine what additional civilians we could bring back. We had -- we were forced by law to furlough many, many of our civilian workers. But we're trying to find a solid legal interpretation here in the law that can bring back more people in support of our military.

The fact is, all our civilians who work for the Department of Defense support our military. There's no job in our Department of Defense that doesn't support the military. So I think theoretically -- I'm not a lawyer, but I do have some appreciation for common sense, and common sense tells you that if you're working for the Department of Defense, you're supporting the defense and the security of America, and you're supporting those who are on the front lines, those in uniform, like you, who do this nation's business. So we're going to take care of all the components of DOD that support you and your families.

Q: Good morning, Mr. Secretary --

SECRETARY HAGEL: I'm sorry. Yeah, I'll come back to you here. We'll get -- go ahead.

Q: (off mic)

SECRETARY HAGEL: That's a good question. The question was, what is the role of the United States in the next three years? Well, the president has been very clear on this point, that starting with the rebalance to the Asia Pacific, does not mean that we're retreating from any other part of the world. We're not.

We have responsibilities in the Middle East. We have friends. We have allies in the Middle East, as we do all over the world, and we will continue with our allies to play a role in the Middle East.

I think what happened at the United Nations last week was very positive, was very encouraging, to get the United Nations to act on the chemical weapons issue in Syria. We were able to bring the Security Council together on this. We are in the forefront of dealing with that. DOD is part of that.

I think, on the Iranian piece of this, there was very positive developments last week. A long way to go. Actions must match words. We're very clear-eyed and realistic about all of it. We have the greatest, strongest military in the world. We're the strongest nation in the world, our economy, our military, every component of who we are. That's how you assure your freedom and your security.

But at the same time, Secretary Kerry and I addressed this issue yesterday. Democracies engage. Engagement is a sign of strength. And we'll see where it goes. But I think we all agree that if we can resolve differences and problems peacefully, versus going to war, I think you're the first to agree that's probably a better option, because you've got to fight the wars.

So there will be a role for the United States in the Middle East. And as said, we're not retreating from any part of the world. Alliances become more and more critical, maybe more critical than they have ever been. It is building capacities for our allies, helping our allies. It's what we're doing here in the Middle East, part of what you're doing -- I mean, here in the Asia Pacific. It's what we're doing in the Middle East, is as you -- as you build alliances, strengthen those alliances, you strengthen their capabilities and capacities to defend themselves.

And that's much of what we're doing here, certainly in the Asia Pacific, as well as the Middle East and around the world.

GEORGE LITTLE: We're going to get one more.

SECRETARY HAGEL: Okay, one more. We had somebody in the front row here, yes.

Q: (off mic) with the government shutdown, will there be any effect on Seventh Fleet operations?

SECRETARY HAGEL: With the government shutdown, will there be any effect on Seventh Fleet operations? No.

Okay. (Laughter.) How's that? My team like it when I give one-answer -- one-word answers. How's that? I get myself in less trouble. (Laughter.)

Thank you all very much. Much success to you. We're very, very proud of you. Take care of yourselves. Thank you.

GUARDING AGAINST COMPLACENCY IN KOREA

FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT 
U.S.-South Korean Leaders Guard Against Complacency
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 1, 2013 - The state of the U.S.-South Korea alliance is strong, but the allies cannot become complacent in face of changes in North Korea, Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said here today.

While the North Korean conventional military threat is deteriorating, the regime's asymmetric threats are growing, Dempsey said during an interview with reporters traveling with him.

The United States is concerned about the demonstrated North Korean nuclear capability, Dempsey said. The North Koreans have not demonstrated that they can weaponize a nuclear weapon, "but we can't be complacent about the possibility."

North Korea has launched a primitive satellite into orbit. They are developing cyber capabilities and they have the largest special operations force in the region. "When you add all that up and their stated attempt to drive the United States off the peninsula and re-unify it under their terms, yeah we're very concerned," he said.

The U.S.-South Korea alliance has been an incredible success story, Dempsey said. In the 60 years of the pact, South Korea has risen from a war devastated Third World country to the 12th largest economy on the globe. The bulwark of the security shield has made this possible.

"Our discussions about rebalancing to the Pacific generally start with our relationship with the [Republic of Korea] in mind," Dempsey said. "Is there room for improvement? As the threat changes the ballistic missile threat from the North has increased, cyber threats have increased and so as a good ally what we're discussing is how we adapt to those changing threats."

In thinking of the alliance, military leaders assessed the changing threats, he said. They also look at the evolution, maturity and development of the South Korean forces as they exist today. Then, they look at what capabilities South Korea needs and to integrate them into their capabilities.

"We are very well postured not just on the peninsula, but we have forces in the region that also have the capability to bring national military power to bear," Dempsey said.

During a town hall meeting earlier in Yongsan, Dempsey told American service members that the Pacific strategy is becoming increasingly important to the United States.

South Korea America's oldest ally in the region remains important. "It would be in our interests to maintain the partnership and continue enhancing it," he said. "I find a pretty significant commitment on their part to maintain our presence in the Republic of Korea. I think that will remain true certainly until the issue with North Korea is resolved."

But he suspects the alliance will continue after any resolution of the problems with North Korea. There is a certain appreciation for the stabilizing influence the United States has in the region, he said. "This is a long-term commitment, it's not one-way," Dempsey said.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE AGEL MAKES REMARKS ON ROK-US ALLIANCE 60TH ANNIVERSARY

FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT 
ROK-US Alliance 60th Anniversary Dinner
As Delivered by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, Seoul, South Korea, Monday, September 30, 2013

Good evening.  President Park, Minister Kim, General Paik, distinguished guests:  I am honored to be here in the Republic of Korea for this historic celebration.  I bring greetings, Madam President, from President Obama and the gratitude of the American people for your steadfast friendship.

This has been a year devoted to renewing our alliance of shared values and common purpose.  In May, I had the privilege of welcoming President Park on her first visit to the United States.  And in July, I was honored to join President Obama in hosting General Paik and many others at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, where we commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice.

Tomorrow we will celebrate the 60th Anniversary, the hwan gap, of the signing of our Mutual Defense Treaty.  It is also Armed Forces Day, as Minister Kim noted, the day that South Korean forces punched back through the 38th parallel during the Korean War.

It is appropriate that these celebrations fall on the same day.  The unwavering alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea has endured because it was forged through a history of shared sacrifice.

Those ties are embodied by General Paik Sun-Yup, in whose name we are presenting an award tonight, as well as its recipient, the late General Walton Walker, who led the defense of the Pusan Perimeter...Both generals were strong, decisive leaders during the war, and their courage has inspired and shaped our alliance.

In fact, General Paik was one of the first people to talk to President Eisenhower about the idea of a mutual defense treaty between our two nations – a treaty that became a linchpin of stability and prosperity throughout the region.

And that first word – mutual – is what makes it all work.  It's what's so important.

For sixty years, U.S. and South Korean forces have stood together against aggression on 'freedom's frontier.'  Earlier today, as Minister Kim noted, he and I visited with some of our troops stationed near the DMZ.  It was a chilling reminder of the threat North Korea poses not only to this country, but to the region, and to the United States homeland as well.  Yet we remain vigilant against any threat from the North.  The Second Infantry Division is proud, ready, and prepared to 'fight tonight' if it has to.

But our celebration tonight is about more than what we have accomplished here on this peninsula – including this country's transformation into an economic and military power.  We are also celebrating the reality that our alliance has grown into a global partnership that transcends national borders and regional boundaries.

When the United States Senate was debating whether to ratify our Mutual Defense Treaty with the Republic of Korea, the Senate Majority Leader, William Knowland, said he had "no doubt that if this nation ever became involved in a war anywhere in the world ... the Republic of Korea would be there."

In hindsight, these words could not have been more prescient.

In every major military engagement the United States has undertaken since then, we have lived by the motto "we go together."

We have gone together in Vietnam, where I served alongside South Korean soldiers.  They were some of the toughest, bravest fighting men I have ever encountered.  And they were some of the most dependable.

We have gone together in the Persian Gulf, where you deployed troops for medical and transportation support during Operation Desert Storm.

We have gone together in Somalia, in Lebanon, and Haiti, where South Korean troops helped with important humanitarian and peacekeeping missions.

We have gone together in Iraq, where you deployed thousands of combat medics and engineers to help with reconstruction and humanitarian aid.

And we have gone together in Afghanistan, where you have sent not only troops, doctors, and engineers, but also a full [Provincial] Reconstruction Team.  As we bring that mission to a responsible end next year, the U.S. military is proud to have served with our Korean allies once again.

For sixty years, the words katchi kapshida – we go together – have defined this alliance. But the threats in this increasingly complex and dangerous world demand that we continue to go together.  And we will.

Even though our alliance has never been stronger than it is today, that does not mean we cannot grow and mature.  While the root of our alliance will always be the defense of territory, building on that foundation will let us go together into the future as active strategic partners – both here on the Korean Peninsula, and around the world.  As two prosperous nations, and highly capable militaries, there is much we can do to contribute to the security of this region, and the world, if we continue to go together.

I am told that the hwan gap is not only a celebration of longevity, but also a reaffirmation of hope for an even longer, more secure, and more prosperous life.  Tonight and tomorrow, as we celebrate this special milestone, let us also rededicate our commitment to building a long, secure, and prosperous future together.

This alliance has changed a great deal over the past 60 years, and it will continue to change in the future.  But there should be no doubt – no doubt – that it will always change for the better.

The United States and the Republic of Korea have stood together in the past, we stand together today, and we will stand together in the future.

Thank you.

PRESIDENT OBAMA LOOKS TO A SYRIA AFTER ASSAD

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Obama Says U.S. Working Toward Post-Assad Syria
By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 7, 2013 - President Barack Obama said today the United States has both a moral obligation and a national security interest in "ending the slaughter in Syria," but cannot act or build consensus based on perceptions.

During a joint White House press conference with South Korean President Park Geun-hye, Obama said the two leaders discussed Syria "where both our nations are working to strengthen the opposition and plan for a Syria without Bashar Assad."

The United States also is obliged to ensure that a post-Assad Syria is stable, with a government that represents all its people and doesn't create chaos for its neighbors, he added.

"That's why for the last two years we have been active in trying to ensure that Bashar Assad exits the stage and that we can begin a political transition process," Obama said. "That's the reason why we have invested so much in humanitarian aid. That's the reason why we are so invested in helping the opposition, why we've mobilized the international community, to isolate Syria. That's why we are now providing non-lethal assistance to the opposition. And that's why we're going to continue to do the work that we need to do."

Assessing costs and benefits of action in Syria shows "there'd be severe costs in doing nothing," Obama said.

"That's why we're not doing nothing," he added. "That's why we are actively invested in the process."

U.S. leaders are working "to hasten the day when we can see a better situation in Syria," he said. "We've been doing that all along and we'll continue to do that.

While many people would understandably prefer an easy answer to the dilemma Syria poses, Obama said, "That's not the situation there."

He added his job as president and commander in chief is to measure "our very real and legitimate humanitarian and national security interests in Syria" against "my bottom line, which is what's in the best interests of America's security."

His decisions can't be based on hope, Obama said, but "on hard-headed analysis in terms of what will actually make us safer and stabilize the region."

The president acknowledged there is evidence of the use of sarin gas, a nerve agent, inside Syria, but added he can't organize international coalitions around perceived information.

"We want to make sure that we have the best analysis possible," he said. "We want to make sure that we are acting deliberately."

JOHN KERRY'S REMARKS TO STAFF AND FAMILIES AT U.S. EMBASSY IN KOREA

FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT

Remarks to Staff and Families of Embassy Seoul
Remarks
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Grand Hyatt Hotel
Seoul, South Korea
April 13, 2013

AMBASSADOR KIM: Good morning, everyone. Thank you very much for joining us.

Before I introduce our very special guest, let me thank all of you for all of the hard work you did under the Secretary’s visit. Many thanks to your efforts, I think the Secretary’s visit is going very smoothly.

As you know, this is Secretary Kerry’s first visit to Asia as Secretary. And it is no accident that the first leg of his first trip to Asia is right here in Korea. Secretary Kerry has long been a strong supporter of U.S.-Korea alliance, and a very powerful advocate of advancing our shared interests and goals on the peninsula. We’re especially grateful that his visit is happening at a rather critical moment on the peninsula, and delighted that he’s spending a few minutes with the Embassy community.

So please join me in welcoming our Secretary of State, John Kerry. (Applause.)

SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you very much, Ambassador Kim. Thank you. Good morning to everybody. Thank you so much for taking time to come out on a Saturday morning, early. You do celebrate Saturday, right? (Laughter.) So I’m very, very grateful to you that you managed to haul yourselves out of bed and come over here early to meet with me. And thank you for all the kids who are here. (Laughter.) It’s really terrific to see you.

Hi, guys. How are you doing? Are you doing well?

PARTICIPANT: Yeah.

SECRETARY KERRY: You having fun?

PARTICIPANT: Yeah.

SECRETARY KERRY: (Laughter.) That’s good. I’m glad to hear it. And why – we ought to get all of the kids to come up here. I think all the kids – you want to come up here?

PARTICIPANT: Yeah.

SECRETARY KERRY: Okay, you come up here. Come up here. Is there anybody who see little kids – up here. Come on, come here. (Inaudible). What about you two guys?

All right. Woops. All right. Now – whoa. (Laughter.) We are (inaudible), aren’t we? (Laughter.) How are you doing? When I said "all the kids," half the audience comes up. (Laughter.) It’s incredible. That’s really, really nice. Who’s the oldest? How old are you, sir?

PARTICIPANT: 11.

SECRETARY KERRY: 11. How old are you?

PARTICIPANT: (Inaudible.)

SECRETARY KERRY: Anybody older than 11?

PARTICPIANT: I’m younger than 11. (Laughter.)

SECRETARY KERRY: How old are you?

PARTICIPANT: Five and a half.

SECRETARY KERRY: (Inaudible.)

PARTICIPANT: (Inaudible.)

SECRETARY KERRY: Okay. He thinks he’s got it all together. That’s fantastic.

Well, I just wanted to – this is what it’s all about, guys, is trying to make the world a better place for these kids and pull people together from different cultures and different countries. And I want to thank you on behalf of President Obama and every – wow, he won’t stay down.

That’s okay, he can – I’m sorry. I think he’s found a purpose in life. (Laughter.) That’s fine. (Inaudible) going up.

I – first of all, join me – I really want to say a special thank you to our ambassador. He does an outstanding job. He is a professional and there’s a reason he’s here. He knows this issue as well as anybody in the world. There couldn’t be a better ambassador to have in a difficult place at a difficult time. Ambassador Kim, thank you to you and thank you to your family. Once again, thank you and your young daughter. You’re – really appreciate it, very, very, very much.

And Leslie – where’d Leslie go off to? (Inaudible.) Thank you for your terrific DCMship. We appreciate it. And everybody, whether you’re a Foreign Service officer or a civil servant or a political appointee, or you’re a part of that great extended family that makes up an embassy because you represent one of the other bureaus or departments of our government, or most importantly, whether you are a local employee, a Korean who is working with us in an effort to reach out to your country, or even a third country participant here.

We are an incredible mosaic. We’re an incredible gathering of the family that comes from all kinds of different walks of life and different places to do one thing – to try to bring a message about the possibilities of living together with other people in peace and harmony and working towards a common future for all of us, and most importantly for the next generation, for these kids. The test for all of us is really whether or not we leave this place – being Earth and the countries we’re in – in better shape for our children than it was left to us by our parents. And you have to work pretty hard to do that today.

The story of the Republic of Korea is one of the great stories. It really is. What has happened in 60 years of friendship from the day of the armistice through the bilateral security agreement all the way up through until today is an amazing story of the people who decided to build a democracy, build lives for themselves, come out of the ashes of war, and build an incredible society. And the difference between the North and the South is the difference of the values of what we’re working for and what other people put up in the way of what we’re trying to achieve.

So this is one of the most important places right now on Earth, because this is a place, regrettably, of some confrontation, but a huge contradiction, huge dichotomy between one society and another, between one set of possibilities and another set of repression, of dashed hopes, between what life can be like if you had the right choices and what life is like when people are presented with no choices.

So you should be very, very proud of what you’re doing. I want you to know that on behalf of President Obama and the larger embassy family, all the 70,000 people working all around the world, we really are grateful for what you’re doing. There are difficulties; it’s hard to be away from home. The reason I asked the question of these kids how old they are: I was 11 years old when I went away with my dad in the Foreign Service. And it’s an experience I cherish to this day because I learned language, I learned culture, I learned about other people; I learned to see the eyes – to see the world not just through my eyes as an American, which I appreciate, and am blessed to be able to do, but because I was able to also see the country I was in through the eyes of the people who live there and whose culture and history we were sharing. That’s a great gift.

So to every single one of you: Keep on doing what you’re doing. Thank you so much for being willing to serve. I think we are the luckiest people in the world to get up every day and be able to go to work, and no matter what you’re doing in the Embassy, you’re an ambassador, because you’re the face of our values, of our hopes, of our policies, to anybody that you come in contact with. So to everybody, thank you very, very much for what you do. Thank you for being here. Thank you especially for getting up early on Saturday morning – (laughter) – to come in to say hi. And I want to come out there and maybe we can take some photographs and say hi to everybody.

Thank you, and God bless. Thank you. (Applause.)

U.S. AND SOUTH KOREA BASE

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
More than 28,000 American service membes are based in South Korea
Bombers Show U.S. Resolve to Defend South Korea, Spokesman Says
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 18, 2013 - It isn't just American capabilities in South Korea that North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un has to consider -- capabilities based outside South Korea also figure in the strategic calculus, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said today.

In a meeting with reporters, Little said B-52 bombers based at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, flew a mission over South Korea on March 8 as part of Exercise Foal Eagle.

"It's not any secret that we are in the midst of sending a very strong signal that we have a firm commitment to the alliance with our South Korean allies," he added.

Little called this "a stepped-up training effort" to demonstrate American resolve to protect South Korea and to preserve peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

The flight was not a one-of—a-kind exercise. The B-52 is part of U.S. Pacific Command's Continuous Bomber Presence. The Foal Eagle mission highlights the extended deterrence and conventional capabilities of the B-52 Stratofortress, Little said, stressing that the B-52 is just one of the many capabilities the United States can call on to defend South Korea.

The bomber missions are routine and a literal symbol of American resolve in the Pacific, the press secretary said. "Despite challenges with fiscal constraints, training opportunities remain important to ensure U.S. and [South Korean] forces are battle-ready and trained to employ airpower to deter aggression, defend South Korea and defeat any attack against the alliance," he added.

The bomber program is based in Guam, where Air Force strategic bombing units routinely deploy. The aircraft can perform a variety of missions, including carrying precision-guided conventional or nuclear ordnance.

　

U.S. ROLE IN SOUTH KOREA REAFFIRMED

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
U.S. Commander Reaffirms U.S. Commitment to South Korea
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 7, 2013 - The top U.S. and United Nations commander in Korea today reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to South Korea's defense and urged North Korea to cease provocative actions.

Army Gen. James D. Thurman, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, United Nations Command and Combined Forces Command, addressed a recent North Korean threat to nullify the 1953 armistice that ended open warfare on the Korean Peninsula.

"For 60 years, the armistice agreement has ensured peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula," he said. "It concerns me when any signatory to a mutual agreement makes a public statement contrary to that agreement.

"As the UNC commander, I am charged to fully enforce the conditions of the armistice," Thurman continued. "The success of the armistice has enabled the Republic of Korea to become a vibrant democracy, and we remain ready to defend the Republic of Korea."

The United States calls on North Korea to refrain from additional provocative actions that would violate its international obligations and run counter to its commitments, the general added.

The latest provocations come on the heels of the U.N. Security Council agreeing to new sanctions after a third North Korean nuclear test last month.

Threats of provocations will only further isolate North Korea and undermine international efforts to ensure peace and stability in Northeast Asia, said Army Lt. Col. Cathy Wilkinson, a Pentagon spokeswoman. "The United States is firmly committed to the defense of the Republic of Korea and to the maintenance of regional peace and stability," she added.

Wilkinson also noted that annual defense-oriented training exercises such as "Key Resolve" and "Foal Eagle" are designed to increase alliance readiness to defend South Korea, protect the region and maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula.

STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL'S REMARKS REGARDING NORTH KOREA POLICY

Photo:  Royal Palace In Seoul.  Credit:  CIA World Factbook.

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Remarks to Press in Seoul
Remarks
Glyn Davies
Special Representative for North Korea Policy
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Seoul, Korea,South
January 24, 2013
　

 
AMBASSADOR DAVIES: Most of you are not here because I am here, it is because the President is here. But let me go ahead and make a couple of very quick remarks. I do want to follow up on what I said at the airport yesterday, and then maybe we will have time for a few questions at the end of it. But I do want to clear out in time for the President’s departure. I do not want to get in his way.

Obviously what I said yesterday is that I very much look forward to being here in Seoul, South Korea, on the first stop of a three-city visit to North Asia. I started out last night, had an excellent dinner conversation with representatives of the President-elect’s transition team. We talked about all the issues. This morning, I checked in briefly with my very good friend Ambassador Sung Kim, met with General Thurman at U.S. Forces Korea. But the most important meeting I have had so far today was the one I just came from with my excellent friend and colleague and partner Ambassador Lim Sung-nam, and we talked about all aspects of the North Korea issue.

I will go on from here to meet with Vice Minister Kim at the Ministry of Unification, and will finish up my formal meetings by going to the Blue House to meet with Ambassador Chun, and I look forward very much to that. Then off to Beijing tomorrow and Tokyo on Saturday.

As I said at the airport, my visit occurs against the backdrop of the action taken by the United Nations Security Council and the passage of Resolution 2087, which condemns the December 12 launch by North Korea of a three-stage intercontinental-type ballistic missile. It imposes strong sanctions on North Korean companies, agencies, individuals. It strengthens the nonproliferation provisions and increases vigilance with regard to DPRK financial activities. This tough resolution, these tightened sanctions are reasonable, necessary, and justified in the face of the DPRK’s unacceptable violation of its obligations under previous United Nations Security Council actions.

We now call on all UN member states to do their part in implementing the provisions of the resolutions. The sanctions will help to impede the growth of weapons of mass destruction programs in North Korea and reduce the threat of proliferation by targeting entities and individuals directly involved in these programs.

I think it is exceedingly important, as I said at the airport, that this was passed by unanimous consent of 16 nations from all corners of the world. And this, of course, follows up the very broad coalition of nations, some 60 countries and international organizations which condemned the launch when it occurred. This broad and growing consensus sends a unified message to Pyongyang. And the message is: "Live up to your obligations. Keep your promises. Start down the path of denuclearization. Keep the commitment you made in 2005 in the Joint Statement of that year. Or you will only further isolate your nation and impoverish your people."

Now, you know all of that already. Ambassador Susan Rice, my colleague in New York at UN headquarters, went into detail about the resolutions, so I will not say anything further about that at this moment.

Why am I here? Why am I here with Syd Seiler of the White House staff and colleagues from the State Department? Because we want to reinforce a message that our President and Secretary of State have sent. That message is that we, the United States of America, are still open to authentic and credible negotiations to implement the September 19, 2005 Joint Statement. We are willing to extend our hand if Pyongyang chooses the path of peace and progress by letting go of its nuclear weapons and its multi-stage missiles. If North Korea comes into compliance with Security Council resolutions and takes irreversible steps leading to denuclearization, the United States said we believe our other partners in the Six-Party process will do the hard work with the DPRK of finding a peaceful way forward.

So our mission, starting here in Seoul, is to explore ideas for how we might move forward, how might we achieve authentic and credible negotiations. It is very much up to Pyongyang to decide. And here in Seoul especially, we want to stress one key point: Without sustained improvement in inter-Korean relations, U.S.-DPRK ties cannot fundamentally improve. This is why our talks here in Seoul are so important to us. Our alliance with the ROK is strong. It is getting stronger. We look forward with great anticipation to deepening our ties under this vibrant democracy’s new president.

With that, let me go to your questions very quickly before I think we have to clear out.

QUESTION: Ambassador, is the U.S. and South Korea going to impose its own additional sanctions on North Korea?

AMBASSADOR DAVIES: Well, I think the first step we take, certainly on the part of the United States, will be to implement the provisions of the sanctions contained in the resolution just passed by the United Nations Security Council. We will do that, and then we will take a look at what further steps might be necessary. And of course I cannot speak for the Republic of Korea. It is up to the government here in Seoul to make that decision for themselves.

QUESTION: Will these authentic and credible negotiations be unconditional, that they won’t be conditioned on denuclearization? Following North Korean Foreign Ministry statement yesterday, how does this, you know, willingness to continue dialogue fit in?

AMBASSADOR DAVIES: Well, our policy toward North Korea has been the same for a while now. It has been a dual-track policy of engagement when possible, pressure when necessary. We are, of course, in a bit of a pressure phase. But I am here because my role in this as a diplomat representing the United States is to try always creatively to look for ways forward. And we are interested, as we have been all along, as we demonstrated back in 2011 and 2012 through our 10-month effort to talk to North Korea, always interested in trying to find ways forward diplomatically with the North. I think that that has to be ultimately a multilateral process going forward.

So, I am not going to get into conditionality for any diplomatic process going forward. There are obvious things that you know well about. Further provocations are not going to help the process forward. They would only retard it, make it much more difficult for us to engage. It is very important, I stressed this in my statement at the beginning, very important that North-South relations improve, and that is very much up to Pyongyang to accept any overtures it receives, not to further provoke South Korea. So all of these strictures remain in place. All of these conditions remain in place, but beyond that, it does not serve any interest for me to go into further negotiating with North Korea through my discussion here with you today.

QUESTION: What’s your prospect about North Korea’s nuclear test?

AMBASSADOR DAVIES: Well, I addressed this at the airport yesterday. Whether North Korea tests or not is up to North Korea. We hope they do not do it. We call on them not to do it. It would be a mistake and a missed opportunity if they were to do it. This is not a moment to increase tensions on the Korean Peninsula. This is a moment to seize the opportunity that has been out there with the new government in Seoul, with the renewal of the mandate of the President of the United States, who has always been interested in finding diplomatic ways forward. This is an opportunity to try to find a way forward in that respect.

So, that is why I am here to emphasize that particular point. Last question.

QUESTION: Can the U.S. government confirm that North Korea is indeed ready for a nuclear test? Because there are reports in South Korea that they are waiting on the political decision.

AMBASSADOR DAVIES: All of you want to write articles about nuclear tests. And you all want to talk about how this is something that North Korea could do in reaction to steps that we take and all of the rest of it. Again, these underground tests, it is not for me to predict whether they will test or not. We hope they do not. We call on them not to do it. It would be highly provocative. It would set back the cause of trying to find a solution to these long-standing problems that have prevented the peninsula from becoming reunited. I think it is very important that they do not test. And I hope you will forgive me, but I am not going to get into talking about what is happening at Punggye, or what is not happening at Punggye, will they test, won’t they test. My point is a diplomatic point, that testing a nuclear device would be a supremely unhelpful and retrograde step by North Korea, were they to choose to do it.

Anyway, I have got to go. I think you have your president coming down. I want to get out of his way. Thank you all very much. This has been my pleasure. I hope to see you all again soon. Thank you.

GENERAL DEMPSEY HONORS U.S. VETERANS IN SOUTH KOREA

The "Bridge of No Return" in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea was used for prisoner exchanges at the close of the Korean War. Credit:  CIA World Factbook.

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Dempsey Honors U.S. Veterans at Seoul Memorial

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

YONGSAN GARRISION, South Korea, Nov. 10, 2012 - Veterans of the Korean War would have recognized the weather if nothing else about the South Korean capital of Seoul today, as Pouring rain obscured the skyscrapers that are now a symbol of Seoul on Nov. 11 here, but the Veterans of Foreign War carried through with a ceremony to remember their comrades -- especially the more than 38,000 Americans killed in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953.

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey joined Army Gen. James D. Thurman -- commander of Combined Forces Korea and U.S. Forces Korea -- and U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Sung Y. Kim for the ceremony at the 8th Army Memorial here. The ceremony also honored some American and Korean veterans of the war who attended.

Dempsey said it is right and fitting to honor veterans, because while he represents the men and women who make up the finest military the world has ever seen, "we know we stand on very broad shoulders."

"On Veterans Day we honor every man or woman who has worn the uniform of our nation, who have selflessly secured America's promise throughout our history," the general said. "That history teaches us that security doesn't just happen. It demands effort, sacrifice, courage and commitment. It requires generations of men and women willing to go to distant lands and, as the Korean War Memorial in Washington says, 'to defend a country that they never knew and a people that they never met.'"

Dempsey asked the audience to remember not only the veterans of previous wars, but those thousands of service members in harm's way today.

"This isn't just about what we say here today; this is about how we honor our veterans every day of the year," the chairman said. "It's remaining committed to supporting them and their families in every way that we possibly can. It's about serving them as well as they serve and continue to serve our nation."

That, the chairman added, is the sacred trust between America and those who defend it. "It's a trust extolled by the 8th Army – honored by this memorial – that drove the enemy north of the 38th parallel," he said.

Kim thanked the Korean War veterans for giving Americans and Koreans "the freedom to chose their own paths."

The ambassador noted that what began as a purely military alliance in 1950 has morphed to a full and close alliance on every level. Behind the bulwark of U.S. military, the South Korean military has grown to a world-class organization. South Korea has grown from a destitute land destroyed by war in 1953 to the 12th-largest economy in the world. Thanks to the security provided by the U.S.-South Korean alliance, he added, this country has risen from a Third World nation to the First World in a generation.

Kim said the South Korean military has stood with its American allies in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, and he thanked them for the Korean people for their sacrifices.

Thurman said the ceremony was a chance for both Americans and Koreans to reflect on "our values and our freedoms that we share."

He noted that many U.S. veterans live in South Korea, and said it is fitting to recognize them.

"Today we honor the young men and women who throughout the history of our nation answered the call in times of need," Thurman said. "Our veterans served both at home and overseas to defend our country and its values."

U.S. DEPUTY SECRETARY BURNS INTERVIEWS WITH INDIAN MEDIA

FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Interview With Indian Media

Press Conference
William J. Burns
Deputy Secretary
New Delhi,, India
October 19, 2012
I am very happy to be back in New Delhi at the end of a trip that has also taken me to Japan, South Korea, China and Burma. I am also proud to have been able to contribute in a small way over the past five years, through two administrations, first as Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs and now as Deputy Secretary of State, to the development of an historic partnership between India and the United States. That period has spanned the completion of the civilian nuclear agreement in 2008 as well as the landmark visits of Prime Minister Singh to Washington in 2009 and President Obama to New Delhi and Mumbai in 2010. And today, I am very proud to reemphasize that our strategic partnership with India is of abiding importance to the United States and one in which both our governments continue to make broad and enduring investments.

Since Secretary Clinton hosted Minister Krishna in Washington in June for the third U.S.-India Strategic Dialogue, the interaction between our two governments has continued to deepen and expand. Strong support across the political spectrum in the United States, as well as in India, gives us reason for continued optimism about the bilateral relationship in the years ahead.

Bilateral trade, as you know, is flourishing, and is expected to surpass $100 billion this year. We have done a considerable amount to remove impediments to further expansion of our trade relationship, including in high technology and defense trade, but there is more that we can do. Concluding a Bilateral Investment Treaty should be a top priority for both our countries, and would send a positive signal to our business communities.

I look forward to exchanging views today on how we can continue to advance our civil nuclear cooperation, to which we remain committed, and to deepening our defense and counterterrorism cooperation.

We are encouraged by the Indian government’s recent bold steps toward economic reforms. As Treasury Secretary Geithner said, these reforms will foster economic growth, with increased investment, and greater prosperity. Once implemented, we are confident that U.S. investors will respond positively to these measures with concrete, job-creating projects and proposals.

I also look forward to exchanging views today on regional economic cooperation, including with Afghanistan and Pakistan. We welcome the progress the Indian government has made with Pakistan on building trade and investment ties and appreciate the leading role India has played in spurring private sector investment in Afghanistan.

India has an important voice in the Asia-Pacific region, and it is fitting that I conclude a trip to a number of leading Asia-Pacific powers with a stop in Delhi. I look forward to discussing our mutual goals for the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN Summit, along with our shared interested in promoting maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region and connectivity between India and Southeast Asia.

We appreciate India’s efforts to urge Iran’s compliance with its international obligations and to resume P5+1 talks on its nuclear program. In our judgment, tough sanctions are necessary to bring Iran back to the negotiating table and to abandon its nuclear weapons program.

I look forward to thanking my Indian colleagues for India’s immediate and strong statement of support following the attack on our diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya and for steps the government has taken to ensure the safety and security of our personnel throughout India.

India is a model of democratic governance, tolerance and rule of law, and can play a critical role throughout the Middle East and North Africa, as well as East Asia, to support the strengthening of democratic institutions, civil society, education, and many other fields. We look forward to partnering with India on these important challenges in the months and years to come.

EXERCISE FOAL EAGLE IN S. KOREA SHOWS U.S. AND KOREAN FORCES READINESS

FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE
Korea Exercise Lets Battalion Stretch Its Wings
By Jim Garamone
WASHINGTON, April 19, 2012 - Exercise Foal Eagle – an annual training exercise in South Korea – has given a Hawaii-based battalion an opportunity to spread its wings.
The exercise, which ends April 30, allows U.S. and South Korean service members to work together in defense of the Korean peninsula.

The exercise has added impetus this year, as North Korea launched a missile in defiance of United Nations agreements, said Army Lt. Col. Tim Hayden, commander of the 1st Battalion, 25th Infantry. His unit traveled to South Korea from its base in Hawaii to be part of the exercise.

"[The launch] did serve a strong point to remind us of our responsibility to maintain our readiness and our partnership with our Korean allies," he added.
The battalion focused on both the training mission and the combined mission with South Korean partners. The unit worked closely with South Korean army units as the exercise unfolded. It is a type of mission the unit, which has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, has not practiced for years, Hayden said.

The battalion started preparing for movement last year and deployed in March. The unit has been able to train on everything from individual skills up through platoon and company level, the colonel said, and conducted combined training with the South Koreans.

"One of the events I'd like to highlight was a combined defensive live-fire shot here on Rodriguez Range," Hayden said from South Korea. "It was a great event, because we partnered with a Korean tank platoon."

The South Korean tankers partnered with the battalion's mobile gun systems – a 105 mm main gun on a Stryker vehicle variant. This allowed the troops of both nations to fight a defensive live-fire battle together.

"What we found was through our troops leading procedures and our rehearsals was both the Korean army and our Army have a lot in common – we have high-caliber leaders, we have well-trained soldiers, we have very good equipment," he said. "We can communicate and fight on the battlefield today as allies and partners."

Many of the American soldiers are veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, Hayden noted.
"What this has been able to do for us is focus on a higher-intensity fight, more of a decisive action, and fight in the terrain that we would have to fight here on the peninsula should a contingency arise," he said. "The change of terrain has forced my leaders to think beyond the standard mission set they are used to in Iraq or Afghanistan."

The colonel said his unit is ready for the type of combat that could happen in Korea. "We are ready," he said. "We've mastered the basics, and we're focused on our core competencies and our fundamental warfighting skills, and we remain disciplined in what we do."

U.S. OFFICIAL MAKES REMARKS ON EAST ASIA BEFORE TRIP

FROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Remarks Before Departing for Japan, South Korea, India, and Singapore
Remarks Kurt M. Campbell
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Dulles Airport
Washington, DC
April 14, 2012
ASSISTANT SECRETARY CAMPBELL: First of all, let me apologize for having you have to come out on a lovely Saturday like today. I’m leaving this morning for Japan, South Korea, India, and Singapore for regular consultations on a whole range of issues. In Japan, we will be talking about force posture issues. We will be discussing developments on Okinawa. We will be discussing regional dynamics and upcoming high-level diplomacy. In South Korea, we will review developments on the Peninsula and a variety of other efforts that the United States and South Korea are principally engaged in.

Part of the U.S. approach to the Asia-Pacific region is a deeper dialogue with India and encouraging India’s “Look East” strategy and so we will be talking about specific initiatives that we will be taking with Delhi to support that effort as part of our Asia-Pacific consultations with them. In Singapore, we will be talking about the upcoming ASEAN Regional Forum and various multilateral issues with respect to ASEAN and U.S.-Singapore bilateral relations.

Obviously a key issue of discussion during this trip will be recent developments with regard to North Korea. I think you will have seen through the President’s statement from the White House, the Susan Rice statement yesterday at the United Nations, the G8 statement and others a swift and sure response from the international community on the recent North Korea provocations. There is a very strong determination among international partners in the Asia-Pacific region to send a very clear message to discourage further provocations from North Korea. I’m very much looking forward to consulting closely with our partners and allies in the region about the way forward. I’m happy to take just a couple of questions before I go.

QUESTION: Is the Leap Day agreement completely annulled or is that something that you hope to work on?

ASSISTANT SECRETARY CAMPBELL: I think Ben Rhodes explained clearly yesterday that it’s impossible to imagine under the current circumstances that we would move forward on that.

QUESTION: Japan seeks a resolution at the UN. Do you think the U.S. can work on that with Japan?

ASSISTANT SECRETARY CAMPBELL: First of all, Susan Rice is in charge of our diplomacy at the United Nations. We are in very close consultations both bilaterally and up in the UN in a multilateral dialogue with Japan on the way forward. I think Ambassador Rice really was very clear yesterday about where we stand in the diplomacy. I think the partnership with Japan on this issue has been very close. Yes, one last question.

QUESTION: Will you discuss additional steps, such as tougher sanctions, with your counterpart?

ASSISTANT SECRETARY CAMPBELL: I think Ambassador Rice was clear at this juncture we’re not going to discuss specifics but we will be discussing with our partners in Asia on possible steps and areas of coordination that we will take going forward. Ok. Thank you all.

PRESIDENT OBAMA VISITS U.S. TROOPS IN SOUTH KOREA

The following excerpt is from the Department of Defense American Forces Press Service:

Obama Praises U.S. Troops' Legacy in South Korea

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 25, 2012 - Visiting with U.S. troops stationed in South Korea near the demilitarized zone yesterday, President Barack Obama lauded their historic security role that assisted South Korea as it transformed itself into a democratic and prosperous nation in the years following the Korean War.

"When you think about the transformation that has taken place in South Korea during my lifetime, it is directly attributable to this long line of soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines [and] coast guardsmen who were willing to create the space and the opportunity for freedom and prosperity," said Obama, who's in South Korea to attend a Nuclear Security Summit in the capital city of Seoul.

At Camp Bonifas, located near the demilitarized zone that has divided North and South Korea since the Korean War armistice was signed in 1953, Obama told the troops they're serving on "freedom's frontier." About 28,000 U.S. troops are stationed in South Korea today.

"And the contrast between South Korea and North Korea could not be clearer, could not be starker, both in terms of freedom, but also in terms of prosperity," Obama said.

The president attributed South Korea's success to the "incredible" resilience, talents and hard work of their people.

"But it also has to do with you guys," Obama told troops. "And so my main message is the same, obviously, to every base that I go to ... all around the world, which is, I could not be prouder of what you're doing. Everybody back home could not be prouder of what you guys do each and every day -- the dedication, the professionalism that you show.

"But there's something about this spot in particular," he continued, "where there's such a clear line and there's such an obvious impact that you have for the good each and every day that should make all of you proud."

The president shared an anecdote of a conversation he'd had with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak.

"Last time I was here, I was having lunch with the president of South Korea, President Lee," Obama said. "And he talked about how he was a small child when the Korean War was taking place, and its aftermath, and the brutal poverty, the fact that they had nothing.

"And he went on to be an auto executive, and ultimately, the president of his country, and watch it grow," Obama continued. "And he specifically said to me -- and this was a private moment; he didn't say this in front of the press, ... he said, 'The only reason that was able to happen -- and I still think back to all those American soldiers and the sacrifices that they made.'"

Obama expressed his pride in the job U.S. troops have done in South Korea and said he is grateful for the legacy they are carrying on.

"We're proud of you," Obama told the U.S. service members, "and I hope that all your family back home knows how proud your commander-in-chief is of you."
 

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE BRIEFING ON VARIED TOPICS

The following excerpt is from the Department of Defense website:
March 21, 2012
Presenter: Pentagon Press Secretary George Little and Deputy Assistant
Secretary of Defense for Media Operations Capt. John Kirby
DOD News Briefing with George Little and Capt. Kirby from the Pentagon
            GEORGE LITTLE:  Good afternoon.
            I have one brief scheduling announcement to make before taking your questions.  On Monday, March 26th, Secretary Panetta will travel to Ottawa, Ontario, to meet with Canada's Minister of National Defense Peter MacKay and Mexico's Secretary of National Defense General Galvan and Secretary of the Navy Admiral Saynaz.  This is an historic meeting, the first time that secretaries of defense from the United States, Canada and Mexico will meet together to discuss continental defense issues such as counternarcotics cooperation, support to humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations and trilateral support for North and South America's defense institutions.
            Following these meetings, the leaders will answer questions from the media, which I'm sure will exclusively be focused on hemispheric defense progress.
            Our host nation, Canada, will provide further logistical information later this week.
            And with that, unless John has something to add, we'll go ahead and take your questions.
            Q:  (Inaudible) -- a couple of questions on the Robert Bales matter.  Can you give us any indication of when charges will be filed? And secondly, Secretary McHugh on the Hill today said that he has directed the Army to review all the Army's mental health programs in light of the concern about wartime stress.  Is Secretary Panetta considering any kind of a military-wide review of those programs?
            DR. LITTLE:  On the issue of charges, I don't have a specific date or time when they may be filed.  On the broader issue, though, of whether -- of how this department is viewing mental health and stress on the force, this is something that, separate and apart from any specific instance, is a priority for us to look at.
            And the secretary is fully aware of concerns that have been expressed about stress on the force.  He talked a bit about this last week in Afghanistan.  And it's something that he's kept his finger on the pulse on for some time.  So I -- I'm unaware of any review that has been launched at this time.  But it's something that we're bearing in mind.
            CAPT. KIRBY:  And he's fully supportive of what Secretary McHugh is doing.
            DR. LITTLE:  Sure.
            Q:  As far as the review by the Pakistani parliament is concerned, did you receive officially any copy of the number of controversial demands they are asking?  One is that -- (inaudible) -- drone attacks must end immediately, and also, second, that U.S. must apologize to the Pakistanis for killing those 24, among other things, before they even talk to the U.S. and open up the doors of the supplies -- routes.
            DR. LITTLE:  I'm unaware that the Pakistani parliamentary review has been completed.  And it's probably -- it's an ongoing process.
            CAPT. KIRBY:  It hasn't been completed.  So there's -- it's an ongoing process, as far as we understand.
            Q:  Today's Washington Post has already reported, and Pakistani media has already been reporting.  And the review has already been finalized, and the U.S. ambassador in Pakistan was already handed over with a copy of the review.
            DR. LITTLE:  We always, as a matter of course, welcome dialogue with our Pakistani partners.  As we've discussed on many occasions, we realize that there have been bumps in the road over the past year or so.  This is something we want to get beyond.  And we believe that we can enhance cooperation.
            Look, we're cooperating every day with the Pakistanis on a number of fronts.
            We share common goals and common interests, particularly when it comes to the counterterrorism efforts.
            So this is a critical issue for us.  We are obviously willing to discuss with our Pakistani partners the outcome of the parliamentary review at the end of the day, and we'll see where that goes.  But it would be premature for me to speculate on what the Pakistani parliament may share with us.
            Q:  But I think, just quickly -- follow quickly -- let's say whatever review and whatever official statement you get from them, or a copy, what they are saying is -- or I'll ask you -- as far as drone attacks are concerned now inside Pakistan, it's because there are still -- you believe there is still terrorism or al-Qaedas are still there?
            And second, since Pakistan has not apologized to the U.S. for keeping Osama bin Laden and helping and keeping those terrorists and al-Qaedas inside Pakistan -- now they're asking you to apologize for these soldiers' killing -- are you willing to -- any kind of adjustment there?  Or are you still asking the Pakistanis -- they should apologize for keeping Osama bin Laden?
            DR. LITTLE:  Let me try to unpack that a little bit.  The United States and Pakistan have a common interest in thwarting terrorists. It's important that we work together to fight al-Qaeda and its militant allies.  We believe that American counterterrorism operations in the region are important to taking al-Qaeda and other terrorists off the street.
            There has been great success, and we've had great success working with the Pakistanis in going after terrorists.  It's important to remember that the terrorist threat is not -- that emanates from that part of the world does not involve solely threats against the United States.  Pakistanis have borne the brunt of terrorism.  Pakistani blood has been spilled.  And we recognize that this is a common fight and we have to work together.
            And we're going to continue to pursue that cooperation, especially in the counterterrorism realm.
            Q:  Could we go back to Bales, please?  There's been some reporting out of the region, out of Kandahar, that some residents of one of the small towns there -- they're alleging that after some sort of an attack on U.S. forces in early March, some American soldiers, and maybe some Afghan soldiers as well, lined up a bunch of the men in the village and threatened them.  And said, you know, we're going to retaliate because of what happened.
            Is there any -- is there -- does the U.S. military, or ISAF, anyone have any evidence that there was, number one, an attack in that area of Panjwaii against U.S. military vehicles, convoy, anything in early March that would have prompted that?  And is there any reason to believe that they did this to these villagers?
            CAPT. KIRBY:  We're aware of the reporting that's come out of Kandahar, these press reports.  And I know ISAF is looking into that and of course investigators are certainly looking into a whole realm of issues regarding this case.  What I can tell you now is that we don't have any indication that either the attack that's being described occurred, and certainly no evidence that there were any threats of retaliation by U.S. soldiers.  But investigators are looking at everything right now.
            Q:  Can I follow that?  There were reports as well, coming from his -- Bales' attorney that Bales may have witnessed a fellow soldier badly injured the day or days before the murders happened.  Have you guys been able to establish whether or not any other soldiers from that base were injured in the days prior?
            CAPT. KIRBY:  Certainly can't -- certainly can't rule out that something like that might have happened.  But again, investigators are working through the whole realm of facts surrounding this case.
            And we're just not going to get out ahead of that work in terms of trying to investigate here in a public forum what may or may not have been motivations.
            Q:  But we're not asking specifically, in this instance, about -- take it separate and apart from the investigation.  Can you report that there was any attack or anything like Larry was talking -- (audio break) -- U.S. military was injured?  There was one report that someone had lost their leg in an attack in the days -- I mean, just separate and apart from that, is there any operational reporting that proves there was an attack like that in the days leading up?
            CAPT. KIRBY:  Well, I'll just say it the same way.  I can't rule out -- I can't rule it out right now for you that this individual IED incident occurred or didn't occur.  I can't rule that out.  We're taking a look at the whole realm of issues and incidents in the days leading up to the murders.  And so I just -- I can't rule it out for you.
            I can also tell you, on your other -- on your other question about the vehicle IED attack that's alleged and then the follow-on claims of retaliation by soldiers, we don't have any indication that there was that sort of a vehicle IED incident and certainly no evidence to support that soldiers were involved in threats of retaliation.  But again, we got to let the investigators do their job. That's what they're trying to get answers to.
            Q:  So can I -- could I just follow up on that?  I mean, so are you saying that you've checked with ISAF; they've gone through the SIGACTS reports and are saying that in the days before the incident, there were no vehicle IED attacks in that vicinity?  I mean, just so I understand.
            CAPT. KIRBY:  I've been as clear as I can be, David.  I'm not going to -- you know, I'm not going to go through chain of custody here.  We just -- we've -- we're certainly interested in these reports too, these press reports.  It's not like we ignore them.  And we're just -- we just don't have any indication right now that those -- that what's being claimed happened, happened.
            Q:  But you can't say the same thing about the other events, that you have any indications -- that there's no indication of that?
            CAPT. KIRBY:  I can't -- as I said, I can't just -- the one that Larry was asking about -- you can't rule that out, but --
            Q:  You're sort of ruling out the other one by saying there's no evidence it happened, so I'm wondering why they can't make a similar judgment on the other one.
            CAPT. KIRBY:  I can't -- I'm not going to go any further than I just did.
            DR. LITTLE:  Dan.
            Q:  Do you have anything further about these reports that this shooter in France was arrested or detained in Kandahar previously, several months ago, and do you have anything on that?
            DR. LITTLE:  We don't have any information at this point that there's any link such as that.  Given, though, the media reports, however, we are looking into it, and if we have an update to provide on that, we'll let you know.
            Q:  And then separately on Afghanistan, what is the latest on the -- on the future of private security contractors?  And there's a lot of people expressing concern that this will affect NGOs and a lot of nonmilitary operations that are crucial to the whole mission.  Do you have any more clarity on what's happening at this point?
            CAPT. KIRBY:  No.
            Q:  Are you concerned about the effect it has on all of the work, the development work that gets done, that it may not get done if there isn't security for those NGOs?
            CAPT. KIRBY:  I think we're working -- we're working closely with the Karzai government here on moving ahead.  And we -- this isn't -- this isn't -- you know, the original forces were couched as an ‘extension’ of some sort.  It's really less that than an indication that the -- that the process of transition to Afghan lead for security for these companies is at work.  And we're confident that we're going to get there over time.
            I mean, obviously, you -- individual companies or groups have got to make decisions for themselves, but we are -- we're very confident that it's moving in the right direction and that -- and that the Afghans will be capable of providing adequate security for these folks.
            DR. LITTLE:  Let me just make a broader point on Afghanistan.  I mean, the fact that we're having these discussions with the Afghans about detention facilities; we entered into a detention facility MOU with them recently.  We're discussing night operations.  
            As the secretary said last week in Kabul, he's confident that we're going to reach a strategic partnership agreement.  This reflects a strong partnership with Afghanistan, strong dialogue with our Afghan partners and is part and parcel of the strategy that we've been implementing for some time.  The whole goal of what we've been doing with the Afghans and our coalition partners is to transition over a period of time so that the Afghans can assert responsibility throughout their country for their own security and to govern themselves.
            So I think that the discussions, whether it's over private security contractors or night operations or detention facilities, this is a sign of progress.  
            CAPT. KIRBY:  (Inaudible.)
            Q:  Quick question on the budget:  House Republicans have mentioned that in the FY '13 cycle they plan on making requests for certain weapons and programs that could potentially be used in an action against Iran.  They've been pushing for it pretty hard on the Hill.  
            What I wanted to ask you is as the department sort of starts putting together these new program requests, starts moving them to Congress, can you give me an idea of what kind of programs are going to be included that could fall into that category?  We've heard some Air Force folks talking about something like the massive ordnance penetrator, the MOP, as a weapon that could be used in those operations.  Can you kind of put a little more meat on the bones with that?
            DR. LITTLE:  I'm not going to comment specifically on the classified reprogramming requests and media reports that are attached to them.  We regularly engage with Congress to look at the reprogramming across a wide variety of needs throughout the Department of Defense, and I will leave it there.
            CAPT. KIRBY:  (Not enough meat?).
            Q:  What --
            DR. LITTLE:  Kevin?
            Q:  What about -- (off mic) -- topic?
            DR. LITTLE:  All right, OK, sure.
            Q:  On BRAC, we've already got now members in both houses, both parties, strong opposition to the BRAC idea and, just this morning, the authorizing subcommittee chair and ranking member all came out in saying they're -- they will not support it for 2013.  So -- and one of the reasons they give is because of the European and Asia basing hasn't been settled yet.  
            So, two questions:  One, what is the status of the Pacific realignment, which has to come first, the -- with getting -- (inaudible) -- plan?  And secondly, how much does the Pentagon have to fight for BRAC in 2013 as to -- part of the budget plan that you submitted or is there already -- or, is it already time for Plan B?
            DR. LITTLE:  Well, again, BRAC was not part of the $487 billion proposal that we made to the Congress, but we thought it was a responsible thing to do, given the budgetary pressures that we're all under.  We were really trying to exercise good fiscal discipline, and we thought it would be important to at least put BRAC on the table.  
            And we maintain that view.  We believe that it's important for us to look at our military infrastructure, to see if additional -- call it, savings, can be achieved.  So, I think that's where we are on BRAC at this -- at this stage.  Kevin?
            Q:  Can I follow up on that?  
            Q:  (Off mic) --
            Q:  You know, there's been -- some of the DOD officials testifying on the Hill have said that they can go ahead and shut down or downsize bases, but what -- they don't get BRAC authorization. Well, the 1977 law that, you know --  
            Q:  Right.
            Q:  -- that basically set up the need for a BRAC limits to your ability to do anything that affects more than 300 civilian personnel. So how much can you really do without -- you know, without a congressional authorization?  
            DR. LITTLE:  Well, as we've seen through previous BRAC processes, this is a conversation that needs to take place not just inside the Department of Defense but with the Congress and with local communities.  We're aware of the concerns raised by BRAC.  But again, as a -- as a fiscal matter, we think it's important to at least look at additional cost savings through this process.  
            Kevin, did you have a follow-up?  I'm sorry.
            Q:  Yeah.  I mean, it sounds like this is just a suggestion by the Pentagon, an offering, versus, you know -- you know, the -- all the DOD officials here today, we're saying that bringing down 72,000 in the Army and all the other -- and all the rest of it not only is -- you know, not only would it be nice to have a BRAC but would require pulling down, you know, all these facilities and billions in savings.  
            So is there any type of -- you know, is there -- do you guys have any kind of timeline of when this needs to happen or what -- you'd want to happen?  Or is it really just that you're saying, as you seem to be saying --
            DR. LITTLE:  I'm not suggesting that this is just a notion or an idea.  This is an actual proposal that we're making that the Congress consider a BRAC process, because, as you rightly point out, it's not just about reducing the strength of the -- or the size of the force. There is a great deal of infrastructure that supports the force, and if we're drawing down the force, it makes sense to look at that infrastructure to see where cost savings can be achieved.  
            So I don't have a particular time frame for you at this stage, but certainly we think it's important to look at BRAC in the coming years.    
            Q:  George, I apologize if this came up during his trip, but did Secretary Panetta support the public release of the joint ISAF-Afghan investigation into the Quran burning?
            DR. LITTLE:  The decisions on release of investigations connected to the Quran burning -- those decisions have been -- not been made yet.  At some point in the future we do expect that the findings will be released.
            And he supports release of the findings.  And we'll have to work with our Afghan partners on that particular investigation.  Of course, we have our own U.S. investigation into what happened.
            This is a very serious incident.  You heard the secretary's words and saw them as well when it occurred.  And it's important that we get to the bottom of it.
            Q:  So what's the status of the U.S.' own investigation?
            CAPT. KIRBY:  It's ongoing.
            DR. LITTLE:  It's ongoing.
            CAPT. KIRBY:  Investigator's still -- he's still doing his work. It's not been submitted up the chain to General Allen yet.
            MR. LITTLE:  John?
            Q:  Yesterday the president of South Korea said that his government is in talks with the U.S. about significantly extending the range of South Korea's surface-to-surface missiles so that they could cover all of North Korea.  Can you confirm that those talks are taking place?  And if so, would you be inclined to support that, or do you think that that action could be destabilizing?
            DR. LITTLE:  I'm not going to get into reports of private discussions with our Republic of Korea counterparts.  But it is always a goal with our Korean partners to ensure that we do everything we can to maintain the defense of South Korea and to promote stability on the Korean Peninsula.  And anything that harms that prospect is troublesome for both of us.  We have an unwavering commitment to the security of the Republic of Korea, and we're not going to back down from it.
            Q:  But these aren't reports.  I mean, the president of South Korea said that these talks are happening.  So why can't DOD --
            DR. LITTLE:  We're always in dialogue with our South Korean partners on a wide range of issues.  We have a large military presence, as you know, in the Republic of Korea.  And we're always looking for ways to enhance defense cooperation and ways of promoting enhanced stability of South Korea and stability in the region.
            John, anything? Jennifer?
            Q:  Does the Defense Department wish that the Haqqani group be listed as a terror group?  And -- on the website of the State Department. And if not, why not?
            CAPT. KIRBY:  I don't -- I don't think that we have a position to state on that today.  And so I wouldn't -- I'm not going to -- I don't have any comment for that on -- today.  
            What I will tell you is that military commanders in the field and certainly leaders here in the Pentagon view the Haqqani network as a significant threat to our efforts in Afghanistan and to the region writ large, but specifically to the coalition and to Afghan forces. And we continue to hit them hard every single day, particularly in RC East.  But I'm not going to -- I don't have any comment on the designation.
            DR. LITTLE:  Courtney --
            Q:  I have another Bales question.  His defense attorney has said that either he or some members of his staff may try to go to Kandahar themselves to investigate the scene.  Would the U.S. military provide security for them on a trip like that?  Is there any responsibility -- (off mic) -- or --  
            CAPT. KIRBY:  No idea.  We'll have to get back to you on that.
            DR. LITTLE:  Yes.
            Q:  Thanks.  It is reported that the United States has a -- has a plan to send an inspection team to cover -- recover the remains of U.S. soldiers in North Korea.  Can you confirm that?
            DR. LITTLE:  That we have a team in --  
            Q:  Yeah.
            DR. LITTLE:  -- in North Korea?
            Q:  Inspection team.  
            DR. LITTLE:  To --  
            Q:  (Inaudible) --  
            DR. LITTLE:  -- to recover remains of our -- of our fallen in North Korea?  We have suspended that effort for the moment.
            Remains recovery is obviously a top priority for this department.  
            We have thousands of service members who are unaccounted for.  This includes service members from the Korean War.
            We have suspended that effort because we believe that North Korea has not acted appropriately in recent days and weeks and that it's important for them to return to the standards of behavior that the international community has called for.  We do hope at some point to be able to re-engage the effort.  As I said, this is a top priority, but it's suspended for now.
            Q:  Do you have any time frame for the -- (inaudible)?
            DR. LITTLE:  I do not have a time frame for you.
            Q:  Is this inappropriate behavior related to the discovery of remains, or are you talking about --
            DR. LITTLE:  More broadly.  More broadly, David.
            Q:  Talking about the rocket launch, (maybe ?)?
            DR. LITTLE:  Yeah, I mean, I think, you know, for instance, there, you know, are suggestions that the North Koreans might launch ballistic missiles.  That would be in contravention of U.N. Security Council resolutions, and that is unacceptable behavior.
            Q:  George, can I follow up on that?  I mean, you had meetings in Thailand specifically to reopen this operation in North Korea.  And it was very involved.  I mean, are you saying that there is linkage between all of this in the past, that -- because in the past this was seen as being separate.  Now you're linking them.  Is that what you're saying?
            DR. LITTLE:  Well, North Korea -- as I said, we hope to engage with them on remains recovery efforts.  That's important.  But when there are suggestions that they might launch ballistic missiles, when they make bellicose statements about South Korea and engage in actions that could be construed as provocative, we think that it's not the right time to undertake this effort.  So we're hopeful that we will get past this period and that we can continue the remains recovery effort.
            But it is on hold for the moment.
            Q:  Have they been informed of that?
            DR. LITTLE:  They're aware.  
            Q:  George, does that also mean that the delivery of food aid, which was promised just less than a month or so ago, is also on hold?
            CAPT. KIRBY:  Look, fundamentally, this is about them meeting international obligations, which if they conduct this launch they said they're going to conduct, violates those obligations.  And we have to hold them account -- to account for that, and we are.  And I believe there will be other repercussions as a result of their continued pursuit of this particular launch, which could include that.
            Q:  (Off mic.)
            DR. LITTLE:  Oh, I don't have any specific date.  We can get back to you on that, Courtney.
            Q:  This team was supposed to be in the North Korea in March. Can you confirm that they were never actually physically in North Korea, or were they -- and were they told to come back to the U.S. when they were physically on the ground?
            CAPT. KIRBY:  I don't think we know the exact disposition of the team, where and when they are exactly.  I mean, we can find out for you.  The bigger point is the one George made, which is that it's an important priority for us as a department to account for those mission service members and that North Korea now has an opportunity to meet its obligations and its commitments.  It's -- you know, you this is -- this is their choice.  And we call on them to do that.
            Q:  It'll be sometime next month, something?
            DR. LITTLE:  We don't have a time frame for you.  Joe?
            Q:  Yes.  On Syria?
            MR. LITTLE:  Yeah.
            Q:  Do you have any information about the latest suicide attacks in Syria?  I mean, lately we heard DNI James Clapper accusing al-Qaeda of being behind those attacks.
            Do you -- do you -- do you think al-Qaeda still is responsible for conducting these attacks?
            DR. LITTLE:  I wouldn't contradict what the director of national intelligence has said.  We are concerned that al-Qaeda has had a hand in at least some violence in Syria, and that's deplorable.
            Again, with respect to Syria, we think that it's important that the regime stop its violence and brutality against the Syrian people. We believe that the Syrian people deserve much better than what they're getting from their own government.  And we continue to, with international partners, put significant diplomatic and economic pressure on the Syrian regime, and, you know, we believe that that can have an impact.  But the Syrian regime must stop what it's doing.
            CAPT. KIRBY:  I think we have time for just one more.
            DR. LITTLE:  Yeah.
            Q:  (Off mic) -- topic?
            Q:  Can I ask -- (off mic) --
            Q:  (Off mic.)
            Q:  OK.  Thank you very much.  
            DR. LITTLE:  Sir?
            Q:  The defense minister from the Republic of Armenia is in the United States right now, and he's in Kansas today, and he'll be back to Washington on Friday, I believe, and he'll -- met Secretary -- will meet Secretary Panetta.  My question is, can you comment on this?  How also would you describe the Armenian -- U.S.-Armenian military cooperation?  The Republic of Armenia tripled its peacekeepers in Afghanistan last year.  So if you have any status update on this. Thank you.
            DR. LITTLE:  Sure.  I don't want to get -- out ahead of what the discussions between the minister and Secretary Panetta might be, but they look forward to a good discussion on regional security matters and on the prospects for a greater cooperation between Armenia and the United States.
            Q:  And in Afghanistan, do you see our cooperation as solid on -- (inaudible)?
            CAPT. KIRBY:  We’re grateful, very grateful.
            DR. LITTLE:  Really very grateful for what Armenia has contributed to the mission in Afghanistan, and that's a message of gratitude that I'm certain will come from the secretary himself.
            Thank you.  
            Q:  So first of all, the president is paying a visit to South Korea.  This weekend he's going there, the 24th and 25th.  
            (Cross talk.)
            CAPT. KIRBY:  (Inaudible) -- talk to the White House about the presidential schedule.
            DR. LITTLE:  Yeah -- the White House about the presidential trip.
            Q:  What I'm asking -- do you think things will change as the North's behavior is concerned?  
            DR. LITTLE:  I think we really need to leave that to the White House.  
            Thank you very much.
            Q:  Thank you, sir.