OFFICIAL TESTIFIES ON INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL

Photo:  Poppy Flower.  Credit:  Wikimedia.
FROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Testimony William R. Brownfield
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Statement before the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control
Washington, DC
May 16, 2012
As prepared
Chairman Feinstein, Co-Chairman Grassley, and Members of the Caucus, thank you for the opportunity to address the growing presence of narcotics and narcotics-related criminal networks in West Africa, which is a significant emerging threat to regional and global security interests.

Transnational organized crime, including drug trafficking, is a major threat to security and governance throughout West Africa. Traffickers are moving drugs, people, small arms, oil, cigarettes, counterfeit medicine, and toxic waste through the region, generating large profits for transnational criminal networks. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has estimated that, together, these illicit activities generate approximately $3.34 billion a year. Cocaine trafficking is one of the most lucrative of these illicit activities. In fact, the U.S. government and the UNODC have estimated that about 13 percent of the global cocaine flow moves through West Africa.

Drug trafficking in West Africa directly harms Americans. We have invested greatly in attacking the South American drug cartels that move cocaine to our streets. Because of our successes impeding the flow of cocaine north, and growing demand for cocaine in Europe, these cartels have found new ways to stay in business. Although most of the cocaine moving through West Africa goes to Europe, the proceeds from cocaine trafficked through West Africa flow back to organizations that move cocaine to America, reinforcing their financial strength and their motivation to continue exploiting emerging routes for drug sales. We are also starting to see drug trafficking in the West African region expand from cocaine to include heroin, which does come to American streets. In July 2011, for example, U.S. federal agents took down an international heroin trafficking ring that moved heroin from Ghana to Dulles International Airport.

As you’ve rightly identified, another reason drug trafficking in West Africa deserves particular attention today is because of its destabilizing impact across the region. Competition between government factions for control of drug trafficking profits has greatly increased instability in the region. The potential for drugs to contribute to destabilization in the region is clearly seen, for example, in the case of Guinea-Bissau, where most of the country’s leadership has been implicated in drug trafficking. This example serves as a dire warning of the destabilizing effects of drug trafficking. Recognizing this link, when West African Heads of State laid out the region’s response to the April 12th coup in Guinea-Bissau at an April 26th Extraordinary Summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), they specifically highlighted the need for expedited action to address drug trafficking.

Drug trafficking not only destabilizes our African partners but undercuts our U.S. policy priorities in West Africa, including security, democracy, and good governance. The proceeds of drug trafficking are fueling a dramatic increase in narco-corruption, including in the form of contributions to election campaigns in West Africa. Criminal networks are co-opting government officials and security forces – the very actors responsible for fighting crime. They seriously compromise the effectiveness of anticorruption and institution-building efforts as they permeate political and state administration institutions and build corrupt networks with state officials to facilitate or reduce the risks and costs of their operations.

Drug trafficking through West Africa is a problem for Americans and for our foreign policy. But addressing drug trafficking through the region is also an important opportunity. By developing relationships with our West African partners, we have been able to force significant traffickers, who had previously eluded arrest, to face justice. For example, in July 2010, a Federal Court in Manhattan sentenced Jesus Eduardo Valencia-Arbelaez to over 17 years for his role leading a sophisticated international cocaine trafficking organization. His organization was based in Colombia and Venezuela but operated in Europe, West Africa, and the United States. Valencia-Arbelaez’s arrest was possible only through the close cooperation of law enforcement officials in the United States, Romania, and Liberia. As we combine building working relationships and building the capacity of our West African partners, the opportunities to combat drug trafficking and other transnational threats cooperatively will increase exponentially.

Developing a U.S. Government Response
In May 2011, I led a delegation of senior U.S. officials, including Assistant Attorney General Breuer and DEA Administrator Leonhart, to Ghana and Liberia, to begin formulating a strategic approach to undermine transnational criminal networks in West Africa and to reduce their ability to operate illicit criminal enterprises. Through consultations with partners in the region, our U.S. government team developed a plan called the West Africa Cooperative Security Initiative or W-A-C-S-I.

WACSI is built from the ground up – around five objectives designed to respond to the underlying factors that allow transnational crime to flourish in West Africa. INL led a U.S. interagency effort, consisting of experts from the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the Department of Defense (U.S. Africa Command and the Office of the Secretary of Defense), Department of Homeland Security (United States Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement), Department of Justice (Criminal Division, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation), and U.S. Agency for International Development to analyze the challenges in the region and develop a strategy to guide the U.S. government’s response. Drawing on lessons learned from the law enforcement, development, and military perspectives, as well as the conditions on the ground unique to West Africa, WACSI offers the first comprehensive U.S. government approach to drug trafficking in West Africa.

WACSI’s Guiding Principles
1. Drug traffickers have established relationships with senior government officials in many West African countries. In too many cases, traffickers in West Africa have been able to buy high-level protection for their illicit activities. WACSI’s first objective, building accountable institutions, will address corruption within the justice and security sectors, high-level corruption of government elites, and the culture of impunity. The U.S. will work to address this at two levels: First, through technical assistance, integrity controls within criminal justice institutions can be established and strengthened so the very organizations meant to fight crime are not so vulnerable to becoming agents of crime; and second, through collaborative efforts to bring corrupt officials to justice. We will work with both government and civil society actors to strengthen the will and capacity to pursue impartial, apolitical investigations and prosecutions of significant corruption.

2. Absent common legal frameworks regarding narcotics and narcotics-related crimes, rule of law is nearly impossible to introduce across national borders. ECOWAS has called for the harmonization of its Member States’ drug laws. WACSI will establish legal frameworks, tackling the need for the development of comprehensive laws that combat transnational crime, particularly drug trafficking in each program country.

3. Credible governments must be able to extend the rule of law, secure communities, and enforce common and transparent laws for all citizens. West Africa is a diverse region. WACSI will strengthen the capacity of host governments for security operations and will empower our partners to execute lawful operations. In some countries, such as Ghana and Nigeria, U.S. assistance will focus on building capacity to detect, disrupt, and dismantle drug trafficking networks. In other cases, especially in post-conflict countries like Liberia and Sierra Leone, the next step is enhancing basic law enforcement.

4. Achieving peace and security requires justice systems, not simply the administration of justice. Arresting drug traffickers and their government facilitators will not cure the problem, particularly if there is not a transparent system of justice in place to incarcerate or rehabilitate offenders. WACSI will reinforce justice operations to ensure that suspects are arrested based on transparent charges, prosecuted, convicted, and incarcerated or rehabilitated fairly and according to the law. While it is far easier to build a legal case against a low-level drug courier, successfully prosecuting mid- and senior members of drug trafficking networks requires sophisticated legal skills, which U.S. assistance will work to develop.

5. Drugs and drug-related crime may flourish in ungoverned areas, where the government’s presence is weak or corrupt, but it is also the case that socio-economic factors are largely responsible for facilitating crime. WACSI programs will engage African citizens and private enterprises to address the underlying socio-economic factors that facilitate crime and work to undermine them. Helping the region prevent and contain domestic drug use is important to our West African partners and will be part of this approach.

WACSI in Action
WACSI today is in its infancy, but our framework and engagement has already demonstrated an impact. For example, in Ghana, we have provided intensive training and support to a DEA Sensitive Investigative United (SIU) composed of a select group of vetted Ghanaian law enforcement officials. As a result of assistance through WACSI and the in-country engagement of the DEA, these Ghanaian officials have already deployed new skills to conduct sophisticated criminal investigations, leading to multiple arrests, including government officials and international traffickers. Four of these suspects were expelled into U.S. custody and the leader of the Ghana based organization was sentenced to fourteen years in prison. To support the comprehensive approach called for by WACSI, INL has also worked with the Department of Justice to deploy an Assistant U.S. Attorney to Ghana to strengthen Ghana’s capacity to successfully prosecute drug traffickers.

The goal of WACSI and of all our assistance is ultimately to help our partners develop their own capacity to fight crime and administer justice. We often impart training, mentoring, and technical assistance to further that goal. We also recognize, however, that capacity is not developed overnight. Training and partnerships take time to develop. We also recognize that WACSI’s goals must be measured in the context of local environments. Where we can build basic law enforcement and judicial capacity into something more advanced, we will. Where our partners’ capacity is more basic, our initial support can take other forms as well. One such example is in Sierra Leone, where the Anti-Corruption Commission of Sierra Leone, the Departments of State and Justice, the Government of Brazil, and INTERPOL developed a West Africa Anti-Corruption Workshop in December 2011. The workshop brought together forty law enforcement officials from Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Niger, Sierra Leone, Senegal, and Togo to examine techniques for investigating and prosecuting public corruption. The Government of Sierra Leone has since requested U.S. assistance investigating a case involving senior officials who are suspected of soliciting bribes in exchange for permission to conduct illegal logging operations.

Starting this summer, an experienced U.S. prosecutor will serve as a legal advisor in Sierra Leone to follow-up on the aforementioned training program and assist Sierra Leone in its efforts to more effectively combat public corruption, including by supporting anti-corruption investigations and prosecutions. Whether the illicit activity is illegal logging or drug trafficking, the impunity that allows for such corruption must be checked.
In addition to building the capacity of individual states, addressing drug trafficking, a trans-national issue, requires transnational cooperation. In May 2011, the State Department, together with the European Union (EU), hosted the Trans-Atlantic Symposium on Dismantling Transnational Illicit Networks (TAS). The TAS brought together over 300 senior law enforcement and justice sector officials from 65 countries, including representation from 11 West African nations as well as from ECOWAS. TAS charted ways to cooperate and coordinate our activities against trans-Atlantic crime flows, including narcotics trafficking. Following the Symposium, INL and the EU agreed that we would work jointly in a number of key areas in order to build the law enforcement and judicial capacity of West African states to disrupt and dismantle the illicit transnational networks that are attacking them. We are moving forward with a number of targeted, high impact initiatives.

WACSI will continue to focus on these cooperative partnerships and use them to expand effective programming. One of the most important of these partnerships is that between the international community and ECOWAS. There is broad consensus among those most active in West Africa, including Brazil, Colombia, the European Union, France, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States, that ECOWAS plays a vital role in providing the regional answers needed. In 2008, ECOWAS developed the continent’s leading regional action plan on drug trafficking and organized crime. I believe that ECOWAS’s continued leadership is necessary for implementation and will continue to work with our European partners on how best to support that goal.
* * *
Chairman Feinstein and Co-Chairman Grassley, the nature of transnational crime in West Africa and the unique circumstances in the region have prompted us to create a new, holistic approach in WACSI. The needs in West Africa are overwhelming and our government’s efforts must be well focused and coordinated. We face a difficult task ahead of us, and we recognize the need to partner with all players involved to fight this growing danger. The key to combating drug trafficking and other transnational crime is to undermine the factors that permit it – namely the weak rule of law and entrenched corruption – and the socio-economic factors that continue to drive it. Through WACSI, the entirety of the U.S. government has come together to focus our efforts and expertise on these very issues.

Thank you for this opportunity today. I welcome your questions.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PANETTA POSITIVE TALK ON SUPPLY LINES FROM PAKISTAN TO AFGHANISTAN

Photo Credit:  U. S. Air Force
FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE
Panetta: U.S., Pakistan Progressing in Supply-line Talks
By Cheryl Pellerin
NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., May 21, 2012 - The United States continues to negotiate with Pakistan toward a resolution that will lead to the reopening of transport routes that have been closed since November to supplies bound for troops in Afghanistan, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said here today.

During a news conference at the James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, Panetta said it was a positive sign that Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari attended the NATO summit that ended today.

"We still have a way to go, but I think the good news is that we are negotiating and that we are making some progress," Panetta said.

"It is extremely important that ultimately we're able to open up those lines of communication and transport so that we can expedite the assistance that needs to go to our men and women in uniform who are fighting the battle," the secretary added.

The countries' precarious affiliation ruptured Nov. 26 when a cross-border attack by NATO forces at a border coordination center in Afghanistan's Kunar province killed 24 Pakistani soldiers. Pakistan also has protested suspected U.S. drone strikes.

At this stage, Panetta said, "I guess I would say that I feel a lot more positive about the effort to try to see if we can find a resolution to that challenge."

Another continuing challenge associated with Pakistan and Afghanistan involves the Taliban.

"I think we understand that the biggest challenge is a Taliban that is resilient, that is going to continue to fight even though they've been weakened -- and I think the levels of violence are down -- and that they're going to continue to conduct attacks," the secretary said.

Coalition troops and Afghan national security forces will have to confront that enemy, he said, adding that he has every confidence that the Afghan army can respond effectively and be part of that effort.

"We are still dealing with a resilient enemy that in many ways still has a safe haven in Pakistan," Panetta said. "And that, I think, represents the greatest threat that we're facing."

U.S.MILITARY ROTATIONAL DEPLOYMENTS INCREASES ASIA-PACIFIC PRESENCE

Photo Credit:  U.S. Navy
FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE 
Rotational Deployments to Boost U.S. Asia-Pacific Presence
By Donna Miles
WASHINGTON, May 21, 2012 - Welcoming new Marine rotational deployments in Australia and Navy rotations planned for Singapore, the top U.S. Pacific Command officer said he'll seek similar arrangements, possibly to include the Army, that expand U.S. presence in the region without the need for more permanently based forces.

Navy Adm. Samuel J. Locklear Jr. noted the arrival of about 200 U.S. Marines in Darwin, Australia, last month for the first six-month rotations serving alongside the Australian Defense Force.

"It's only a small group thus far, but over the next several years, we would like to grow that to about 2,500," he said during an interview here with American Forces Press Service.
Based at Australia's Robertson Barracks outside Darwin, the Marines are bolstering U.S. theater engagement in the Asia-Pacific region -- a major goal in the new defense strategic guidance -- without the need for new infrastructure or permanent U.S. bases, Locklear noted. The Marines provide "an increase in your ability to be forward, which provides a tremendous ability to work with our partners and build those relationships," he said.

Meanwhile, the Navy's new littoral combat ship, USS Freedom, is scheduled for its first 10-month rotational deployment to Singapore beginning next spring. If Singapore agrees, Locklear said, he ultimately would like to expand the arrangement to include additional littoral ships.

All, he said, will be positioned alongside a strong, reliable partner near the strategic Straits of Malacca that links the Indian and Pacific oceans. "It will give us a unique, credible combat credibility for our maritime security, particularly in one of the largest choke points in the world," he said.

Locklear said he'd like to build on these models as he implements the new strategic guidance that emphasizes the importance of Asia and the Pacific. Already, the Army has approached him with an interest in rotating units into Asia and the Pacific as operations wind down in Afghanistan. That makes sense, he added, noting that five of the world's largest armies are in the region.

"Our ability to operate effectively, cross-Army to cross-Army, has not been good in the last decade or so, because most Army assets were tied up in the Middle East," he said. "So we are really going to pursue some good opportunities in that regard."

Rotational forces provide "an uptick in presence" that he said complements that provided by the 330,000 service members permanently based within the U.S. Pacific Command area of responsibility.

"What they provide is an ability to work with our allies and to leverage the capabilities of the allies across all aspects of peace to conflict," the admiral said. Meanwhile, he added, the additional presence rotational forces provide creates regional footholds that could pay off if the United States had to flow more forces to protect U.S. or allies interests there.

That presence, and the experience base it helps to build, would be particularly valuable in a disaster requiring humanitarian assistance, such as the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, or any other crisis, he said.

"It gives training to the forces that rotate in and out," he explained, so they are familiar with the region and the regional militaries if they need to work together. He cited last year's Operation Tomodachi in Japan as an example. "So there is a lot of value to it," he said.

While anticipating no change in the number of permanently assigned U.S. troops in the region, Locklear said, he expects to see a "reshaped military" that's able to deploy more throughout the region, particularly to allies and partner countries. He noted the realignment of base infrastructure under way or planned in Japan, Guam and South Korea. The United States and Japan agreed last month on a plan to relocate about 9,000 U.S. Marines from Okinawa. About 5,000 will move to Guam, with the rest to transfer elsewhere in the region.

In addition, almost all of the 28,500 U.S. service members in Korea will have completed the move south of South Korea's capital of Seoul, most of them to Camp Humphreys, in the coming years. All but a tiny residual force will leave U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan, current home to U.S. Forces Korea and Combined Forces Korea in the heart of Seoul, and the 2nd Infantry Division and its supporting elements will relocate from Camp Casey and its tiny satellite bases north of the capital.

"We are working hard, between the U.S. government and our allies, to ensure that we do the right things now to ensure the success of both moves," Locklear said. Meanwhile, the Japanese government has the lead in setting a timeline for the movement of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma to a more remote area of Okinawa.

As this reshaping takes place, Locklear said, members of Pacom should "expect to stay busy" and continuing doing the "great work they are doing today."
"They need to stay focused on the job at hand," he said, and be ready to carry out whatever mission is asked of them.

"When required, they have to be able to produce what is necessary -- either build relationships, provide better security, and to deter and dissuade [aggression]," he said. "And if deterrence fails, they have to be able to fight and win. And that is what we get paid to do."

VOTERS WITH DISABILITIES HAVE A WIN IN FLINT MICHIGAN

FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Monday, May 21, 2012
Justice Department Settles with Flint, Michigan, to Make Voting Accessible to People with Disabilities
The Justice Department today announced a settlement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with the city of Flint, Mich., to make all the city’s polling places more accessible for individuals with mobility impairments.   The case was commenced based on a complaint from the Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service, and was investigated jointly by the Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Michigan.

Under the terms of the settlement, the city of Flint recognizes that accessible polling places are the cornerstone of its voting accessibility program and will make all of its polling places accessible to people with disabilities by the November 2012 elections.   The settlement also requires that accessibility will be a major factor in the city’s choices of future polling places.   To assist Flint to make its elections accessible, the Justice Department will provide technical assistance to the city in deciding whether a polling place location can be made accessible on Election Day.

“Voters with disabilities in the city of Flint will now have the opportunity to exercise their franchise in the same way as other voters in Flint,” said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. “We applaud the city’s commitment in ensuring equal access to the polls before the upcoming fall elections.”

“Voting is the foundation of democracy.  This agreement will help ensure that people with disabilities have the opportunity to cast their votes at polling places, alongside their neighbors, and have their voices heard.” said Barbara L. McQuade, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan.

EXPLOSIVES, DRUGS CONFISCATED IN AFGHANISTAN

Photo Credit:  Wikimedia
FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE
Combined Force Detains Haqqani Facilitator
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release
KABUL, Afghanistan, May 22, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force detained a Haqqani facilitator and several additional insurgents during an operation in the Bak district of Afghanistan's Khost province today, military officials reported.
The facilitator had supplied weapons, ammunition and improvised explosive devices to insurgents for attacks against Afghan and coalition troops throughout the district, officials said.

In other Afghanistan operations:
-- A combined force discovered a weapons cache containing 440 pounds of explosives, multiple pressure-plate detonation devices, and various improvised explosive device-making components in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province. The cache was destroyed.

-- A combined force discovered a cache containing about 1,500 pounds of explosives in the Musa Khel district of Khost province. Security forces destroyed the cache.
In May 18 operations:

-- A combined force discovered an IED-making facility containing 110 pounds of explosives, three anti-personnel mines, eight detonators, and one rocket-propelled grenade in the Kajaki district of Helmand province. The combined force also discovered a drug cache that contained 24 pounds of wet opium and 2,002 pounds of poppy seed. All of the narcotics, explosives and IED-making components were destroyed.

USDA STREAMLINING MEAT AND POULTRY LABELING APPROVAL PROCESS

Photo Credit:  Wikimedia.  
FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
USDA Streamlining Meat and Poultry Labeling Approval Process 
Congressional and Public Affairs
New, web-based Label Submission Approval System will offer an alternative means to paper application submission, making label review process faster, cheaper, and more accurate

WASHINGTON, May 21, 2012 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today launched a new web-based label approval system that will streamline the agency’s review process for meat, poultry, and egg product labels. The Label Submission Approval System (LSAS) will make it possible for food manufacturers to submit label applications electronically, will flag application submission errors that could delay the approval process, and will allow users to track the progress of their submission.

“This new system will expedite and simplify the review process for meat, poultry and egg product labels,” Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Elisabeth Hagen said. “Reducing the review times for labels will enhance the agency’s ability to ensure that accurate information is applied to product labels and reaches consumers quickly.”

FSIS reviews labels on the products it regulates to ensure they are truthful and not misleading. LSAS will reduce the time and costs incurred by both the industry and the agency. Until the launch of LSAS, companies mailed or hand delivered paper applications to FSIS, and FSIS reviewed and corrected them before returning them in hard copy. The agency receives 150 to 200 label submissions daily, and it can take more than three weeks for a label to be reviewed. The web-based system will make approved or corrected labels immediately available to companies, saving time and mailing costs. The system also will allow companies to store labels and make changes electronically, removing the need to print and re-submit modified labels for review to FSIS each time a change is made.

Label submissions are reviewed on a first come, first served basis, and the agency will continue to review labels in the same manner using LSAS. If a company chooses to use LSAS to submit a label for approval, during the submission process, the system will notify the company if an application is incomplete through an error message. The system assigns each label a tracking number so the progress of its review can be tracked online. The system also includes an option to first see if the label qualifies for a generic approval before proceeding with a submission (generic approval means the label does not have to be submitted to FSIS for review prior to use).

More information about LSAS, including instructions on accessing the system using Level 2 USDA e-authentication, a user’s guide, agency contact information, and frequently asked questions is available on FSIS’ website at:http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&
_Policies/label_Submission_Approval_System/
FSIS strongly encourages companies to consult the LSAS User’s Guide before attempting to submit their first label(s) through the new system. Webinars about LSAS will be scheduled and announced in coming weeks.

The LSAS is another result of an on-going USDA review of existing program rules to determine whether any should be modified, streamlined, clarified, or repealed to improve access to USDA programs. With the intent to minimize burdens on individuals, businesses and communities attempting to access programs, the review was directed by President Obama in Executive Order 13563, which he signed January 18, 2011.

In the past two years, FSIS has announced several measures to safeguard the food supply, prevent foodborne illness, and improve consumers' knowledge about the food they eat. These initiatives support the three core principles developed by the President’s Food Safety Working Group: prioritizing prevention; strengthening surveillance and enforcement; and improving response and recovery. Some of these actions include:

Zero tolerance policy for six Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) serogroups. Raw ground beef, its components, and tenderized steaks found to contain E. coli O26, O103, O45, O111, O121 or O145 will be prohibited from sale to consumers. USDA will launch a testing program to detect these dangerous pathogens and prevent them from reaching consumers.

Test and hold policy that will significantly reduce consumer exposure to unsafe meat products, should the policy become final, because products cannot be released into commerce until Agency test results for dangerous contaminants are known.

Labeling requirements that provide better information to consumers about their food by requiring nutrition information for single-ingredient raw meat and poultry products and ground or chopped products.
Public Health Information System, a modernized, comprehensive database about public health trends and food safety violations at the nearly 6,100 plants FSIS regulates.

PRESIDENT SAYS CHICAGO SUMMIT REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO COLLECTIVE SECURITY

Photo Credit:  Wikimedia  
FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE 
Summit Reaffirms Commitment to Collective Security, Obama Says
By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service
CHICAGO, May 20, 2012 - A year and a half after the NATO members at their summit in Lisbon, Portugal, pledged bold action to revitalize the future alliance, heads of state and government are reaffirming commitment to their collective defense and security, President Barack Obama said here today.

In an opening ceremony of the 25th summit, Obama and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen stood together to shake the hands of fellow leaders arriving to attend the meeting's first session of the North Atlantic Council.

"In these difficult economic times, we can work together and pool our resources," Obama said. "NATO is a force multiplier, and the initiatives we will endorse today will allow each of our nations to accomplish what none of us could achieve alone. We can all be proud that in Lisbon we committed, and now in Chicago we are delivering."

Before the council began its work, another ceremony honored NATO military personnel for service in the alliance's operational theaters. Meeting participants rose as representatives of the armed services of the 28 allied nations entered the room and stood before the heads of state and government.

"As we meet here," Rasmussen said, "over 135,000 men and women are deployed on NATO-led operations. Their daily actions have helped to save countless lives in areas of conflict, crisis or catastrophe."

Soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines "put their lives on the line every day so that we can enjoy our lives free from fear and danger," the secretary-general said. "We owe them all a deep debt of gratitude, so it is right that we begin our summit today with a tribute to them."

Obama took the opportunity to salute Navy Adm. James G. Stavridis, commander of the U.S. European Command and NATO's supreme allied commander for Europe; Gen. Stephane Abrial of the French air force, NATO's supreme allied commander for transformation; and Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, commander of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.

The president also commended "all of our men and women who are serving in uniform on our behalf, and especially those who are serving today in Afghanistan."

For more than 65 years, Obama said, NATO has been the bedrock of its members' common security, of freedom and of prosperity. "And though the times may have changed," he added, "the fundamental reason for our alliance has not."

The president said nations are stronger and more prosperous when they stand together.
"In good times and in bad, our alliance has endured," he said. "In fact, it has thrived, because we share an unbreakable commitment to the freedom and security of our citizens. We've seen this from the Cold War to the Balkans, from Afghanistan to Libya. And that's the spirit that we need to sustain here in Chicago, and with an alliance that is focused squarely on the future."

Over the next two days, Obama said, the alliance's leaders meet first as allies and then with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and international partners to chart the next phase of the transition to Afghan forces having security responsibility for their whole country.

Just as the NATO allies have sacrificed together for their common security, he said, "we will stand together, united, in our determination to complete this mission."

Obama said he looks forward to meeting with NATO's neighbors and partners around the world who have been so critical to NATO operations, including those in Afghanistan and Libya.

"It will be another reminder that NATO is truly a hub of a network of global security partners," the president said. "There is nothing else like it on Earth."

Referring to the work ahead during the summit, Rasmussen said partnerships are more important than ever in today's world, where threats might come from anywhere.

"In a fast-changing world, we remain each other's indispensible partners," the secretary general said. "Together, we will keep NATO capable of responding to the security challenges of tomorrow, because no country and no continent can deal with them alone. "Together, we will make our partnerships deeper, broader and stronger, because today's threats are no longer confined within individual borders."

SECRETARY GENERAL OF NATO SAID CHICAGO SUMMIT WAS A SUCCESS

FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE
NATO Secretary General Terms Summit a Success
By Karen Parrish
WASHINGTON, May 21, 2012 - Heads of state and government, their foreign and defense ministers and others who gathered in Chicago have accomplished what they set out to do, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said today.

In the alliance's largest summit meeting ever, representatives of NATO member nations, partner nations and International Security Assistance Force troop-contributing countries met three goals, he said at a news conference.

"We have focused on the future of Afghanistan; we have decided to invest smartly in our defense, even in times of austerity; and we have engaged with our partners around the world to address the challenges we all face in the 21st century," Rasmussen said.

NATO has set a course to complete the current mission in Afghanistan, and made clear the alliance's commitment to supporting safety and security in that country, he said. The Afghan government and other nations will partner with NATO in funding and otherwise supporting the army and police forces that will assume full lead responsibility for their nation's security between now and the end of 2014, he said.

"Here in Chicago," the secretary general said, "we agreed to implement a renewed culture of cooperation, so that nations can achieve together what they cannot achieve alone."
NATO members have furthered their "smart defense" approach to collectively buying NATO military systems "that will provide the capabilities that we need, at a price we can afford," he said.

The summit drew representatives of NATO partner nations from the four corners of the world, the secretary general noted. The reach of NATO's relationships demonstrates the alliance's determination to deepen and strengthen its partnership network "in the interest of our shared security," he added.

"This has been a highly successful summit," Rasmussen said. "Together, we have faced the challenges that needed facing, with shared responsibility and shared leadership."

THE BLUE ANGELS IN FLIGHT

FROM:  U.S. NAVY
The U.S. Navy fight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, demonstrate choreographed flight skills during the annual Joint Service Open House at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington DC. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Todd Frantom (Released) 120519-N-MG658-637

SCHEME TO LAUNDER BRIBES GETS FORMER HAITIAN OFFICIAL A NINE YEAR PRISON TERM

FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Monday, May 21, 2012
Former Haitian Government Official Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Role in Scheme to Launder Bribes
WASHINGTON – Jean Rene Duperval, a former director of international relations for Telecommunications D’Haiti S.A.M. (Haiti Teleco), a Haitian state-owned telecommunications company, was sentenced today to nine years in prison for his role in a scheme to launder bribes paid to him by two Miami-based telecommunications companies.

The sentence was announced by Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Wifredo A. Ferrer; and Special Agent in Charge Jose A. Gonzalez of Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Miami Field Office.

Duperval, 45, of Miramar, Fla., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jose E. Martinez in the Southern District of Florida.   Judge Martinez also ordered Duperval to forfeit $497,331.  

Duperval was convicted in March 2012 of two counts of conspiracy to commit money laundering and 19 counts of money laundering.  He has been in custody since his conviction.
 
“Mr. Duperval took bribes in exchange for giving companies an unfair and illegal advantage in the marketplace, and then tried to hide these illicit transactions behind the cloak of shell corporations and fake invoices,” said Assistant Attorney General Breuer.  “Just as we prosecute corrupt businesspeople under the FCPA, we will hold accountable corrupt foreign officials when they seek to launder the proceeds of that bribery through the U.S. financial system.  Today’s nine-year prison sentence sends a strong message to foreign officials and others who would facilitate foreign corruption that they will face serious consequences.”

“Duperval’s money laundering scheme was an attempt to conceal the payment of bribes to foreign officials to obtain an unfair business advantage in the marketplace,” said U.S. Attorney Ferrer.  “Today’s sentence, however, helps level the playing field for all legitimate businesses that honestly compete in the marketplace for foreign or domestic business.”

“IRS Criminal Investigation continues to expand its international efforts to aggressively investigate those individuals who engage in money laundering and bribery schemes,” said IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Gonzalez.  “Individuals involved in corrupt international endeavors, as uncovered in this case, will get caught and this sentencing should serve as a strong warning to those considering similar conduct.”

Duperval was the director of international relations for Haiti Teleco, the sole provider of land line telephone service in Haiti.  According to the evidence presented at trial, two Miami-based telecommunications companies had a series of contracts with Haiti Teleco that allowed the companies’ customers to place telephone calls to Haiti.

Duperval was convicted for participating in a scheme to commit money laundering from 2003 to 2006, during which time the telecommunications companies collectively paid approximately $500,000 to two shell companies to funnel the bribes to Duperval.  
 
The purpose of these bribes, according to the evidence presented at trial, was to obtain various business advantages from Duperval, including the issuance of preferred telecommunications rates, a continued telecommunications connection with Haiti and the continuation of a particularly favorable contract with Haiti Teleco.  To conceal the bribe payments, Duperval instructed the companies to forward the payments to the shell companies.  To support these payments, the companies and their executives created false documents claiming that the payments were for “consulting services” or for “international minutes from USA to Haiti.”  No actual services were performed.  The funds were then disbursed from the shell companies for the benefit of Duperval and his family.  To conceal the nature of these funds, Duperval falsely characterized these payments as “commissions” and “payroll.”

Duperval was the seventh defendant involved in the corruption scheme to be sentenced, which includes the following individuals:

On April 27, 2009, Antonio Perez, a former controller at one of the Miami-based telecommunications companies, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and money laundering.  On Jan. 12, 2010, he was sentenced to 24 months in prison.
On May 15, 2009, Juan Diaz, the president of J.D. Locator Services, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the FCPA and money laundering.  He admitted to receiving more than $1 million in bribe money from telecommunications companies.  On July 30, 2010, he was sentenced to 57 months in prison, which he is currently serving.

On Feb. 19, 2010, Jean Fourcand, the president and director of Fourcand Enterprises Inc., pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering for receiving and transmitting bribe monies in the scheme.  On May 5, 2010, he was sentenced to six months in prison, which he is currently serving.
On March 12, 2010, Robert Antoine, a former director of international affairs for Haiti Teleco, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.  He admitted to receiving more than $1 million in bribes from Miami-based telecommunications companies.  On June 2, 2010, he was sentenced to 48 months in prison, which he is currently serving.

On Aug. 4, 2011, Joel Esquenazi and Carlos Rodriguez, who were the former president and vice-president, respectively, of one of the telecommunications companies, were convicted by a federal jury of one count of conspiracy to violate the FCPA and wire fraud, seven counts of FCPA violations, one count of money laundering conspiracy and 12 counts of money laundering.  On Oct. 25, 2011, Esquenazi was sentenced to 15 years in prison, the longest sentence ever imposed in a case involving the FCPA.  On the same day, Rodriguez was sentenced to 84 months in prison for his role in the bribery scheme.  Both are currently serving their sentences.

In a second superseding indictment, Washington Vasconez Cruz, Amadeus Richers and Cecilia Zurita were charged in a related scheme to commit foreign bribery and money laundering from December 2001 through January 2006.  The defendants are fugitives.  An indictment is merely an accusation, and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Department of Justice is grateful to the government of Haiti for continuing to provide substantial assistance in gathering evidence during this investigation.  In particular, Haiti’s financial intelligence unit, the Unité Centrale de Renseignements Financiers (UCREF), the Bureau des Affaires Financières et Economiques (BAFE), which is a specialized component of the Haitian National Police, and the Ministry of Justice and Public Security provided significant cooperation and coordination in this ongoing investigation.
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The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Chief James M. Koukios and Trial Attorney Daniel S. Kahn of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.  The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs also provided assistance in this matter.  These cases were investigated by the IRS-CI Miami Field Office.

AIR FORCE TECH SGT. RECEIVES 4TH BRONZE STAR

FROM:  U.S. AIR FORCE
Col. Eric Ray, commandant of the U.S. Air Force Special Operations School, presents Tech. Sgt. Ronnie "Bo" Brickey his fourth Bronze Star April 27, 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo/Rachel Arroyo)  


EOD air commando receives fourth Bronze Star
by Rachel Arroyo
Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs

5/15/2012 - HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- In high school, Ronnie "Bo" Brickey, a thrill-seeking rodeo bull rider from Oregon, was looking for a career that would quench his thirst for excitement.

Brickey found his path when a neighbor's brother, an Air Force recruiter, urged him to look into explosive ordnance disposal.

Since joining the Air Force in 1999, Technical Sgt. Brickey has been on 500 combat missions and has rendered 200 incendiary explosive devices safe.

Brickey was recently presented his fourth Bronze Star at the U.S. Air Force Special Operations School, Hurlburt Field, Fla., where he works as an instructor advising on terrorist capabilities and improvised explosive devices.

The Bronze Star is awarded for heroic or meritorious achievement or service in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States.

Brickey was awarded this fourth star for exceptionally meritorious service as a team leader during his most recent deployment to Afghanistan.

Colonel Eric Ray, commandant of USAFSOS, presented Brickey his Bronze Star in front of his wife, Miko Brickey, and three children - son Blake, 9, and daughters Lilly, 4, and Daisy, 6 months.

"Sergeant Brickey will tell you 'I was just doing my job,' but the job he chooses to perform is vastly different from other jobs," Ray said. "You, Sergeant Brickey, choose the EOD motto, 'initial success or total failure' as your career. You are truly the quiet professional, and I cannot tell you how much I appreciate that."

As team leader, Brickey was responsible for disposal of more than 6,000 pounds of unexploded ordnance items, 70 improvised explosive devices and 24 weapons caches.

He successfully disarmed a sophisticated IED with an anti-tampering device that would have prompted detonation with movement in excess of three millimeters.

Brickey was involved in more than 20 troops-in-combat situations. He performed lifesaving medical treatment when two Army soldiers he was patrolling with were struck by an IED. In less than five minutes, he cleared the area of secondary devices, reached the soldiers and administered care.

Army Staff Sgt. Jeremy Breece was on a mission with Brickey when he was struck by an IED. Brickey said he remembers seeing Breece fly up and down, administering immediate medical care and then carrying him 300 meters through grape rows back to the MEDEVAC.

"Carrying him to the MEDEVAC felt like it took forever, but, in reality, it only took a few minutes," he said.

Months later, Brickey received a Facebook message from Breece that read:

I wanted to write you earlier, but I didn't know your name, and plus I've been really busy. I want to thank you for helping out when I was hurt. It's kind of foggy now, what happened, but I think you helped to save my life. I was extremely scared I was going to die, but you stayed by my side reassuring me till I got on the bird. Thank you so much.

Brickey said receiving a fourth Bronze Star as a result of his leadership is truly an honor.

"I really appreciate it," he said. "During my first two deployments, I was only a staff sergeant. There were people who outranked me, but I was still given team leader duties, so that made me feel good."

Brickey has become so seasoned as a result of his experiences that it takes him about 20 minutes from the point at which he finds an IED to the point at which it has been cleared, he said.

He passes this expertise and on-the-job training from multiple deployments to his EOD team members and his students at USAFSOS.

Both Blake and Lilly Brickey said they were proud to watch their dad receive his fourth Bronze Star.

Though her husband has spent much time away from his family, it is rewarding to see he is making a difference, Miko Brickey said.

"It is an honor for me to watch him succeed and to see all of the hard work he puts into his job."

OFFICE OF NAVAL RESEARCH TO SHOW OFF ON WALL STREET

FROM:  U.S. NAVY
110529-N-PS473-271 NEW YORK (May 29, 2011) Service members surround a sand sculpture created for a special taping of the "Sand Masters" television show salute to the Centennial of Naval Aviation during Fleet Week New York 2011. Fleet Week has been New York City's celebration of the sea services since 1984 and is an opportunity for citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, as well as see first-hand, the capabilities of today's maritime services.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric S. Garst/Released) 


ONR to Showcase Futuristic Technologies at Fleet Week New York 
By Katherine H. Crawford, Office of Naval Research
ARLINGTON, Va. (NNS) -- The Office of Naval Research (ONR) is taking some of its hottest technologies and hands-on science activities to the city that never sleeps during Fleet Week New York May 23-30, a free event open to the public.

"This is a great opportunity to connect with others across the maritime family and with New Yorkers to show how ONR's work is improving their armed forces' capabilities and national security," said Chief of Naval Research Rear Adm. Matthew Klunder. "We thank New York for showing its appreciation to those who serve and honoring the heroes who've made the ultimate sacrifice."

ONR will have exhibits on Piers 86 and 92. At Pier 92, ONR is featuring some of its cutting-edge technologies. Making its first Fleet Week appearance is the new F/A-18E/F Super Hornet flight simulator. Visitors can try piloting a virtual F/A-18 featuring newly developed flight control software that aids landing aboard aircraft carriers.

Other featured technologies include:
* Catapult Capacity Selector Valve Calculator-a handheld electronic device with custom software that allows flight deck officers to accurately and quickly compute the proper catapult setting for aircraft carrier launches
* Fuel Cell Vehicle-this automotive technology runs on hydrogen-powered fuel cells rather than a standard internal combustion engine, producing zero emissions
* Ground Unmanned Support Surrogate Vehicle-an unmanned vehicle designed to re-supply troops, reduce the loads carried by Marines and provide an immediate means for evacuating combat casualties
* Improved Flight Deck Uniform-includes new, safer head protection; a more durable, quick-drying and comfortable jersey; a coat that acts as a flotation device in emergencies; and trousers with secure pockets and an improved fit
* Modular Advanced Armed Robotic System-a remotely operated unmanned ground vehicle that can provide remote targeting and weapons engagement, as well as advanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
* Multiple Weapon Control Sight-an infantry weapon fire control unit that mounts to the side of numerous weapon systems to provide ballistic fire control with a range knob and light-emitting diode (LED) display screen
* Octavia-a mobile, dexterous, social robot that moves on wheels and can express humanlike facial expressions, gesture with her hands and move objects

At Pier 86, next to the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, ONR will display two of its project-based educational outreach tools: SeaPerch and Physics of Sail. Visitors can take part in the SeaPerch national, curriculum-based STEM education program by "driving" the underwater remotely operated vehicle. Physics of Sail gives attendees the opportunity to construct boats from aluminum foil, Popsicle sticks and paper sails and race them across a pool to test construction and design.

Since 1984, Fleet Week New York has served as the city's celebration of the sea services. According to organizers, the event provides an opportunity for the citizens of New York City and the surrounding area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen and view some of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard's latest capabilities. The event includes military demonstrations and displays, as well as tours of some participating ships.

ONR provides the science and technology necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps' technological advantage. Through its affiliates, ONR is a leader in science and technology with engagement in 50 states, 30 countries, 1,035 institutions of higher learning and more than 900 industry partners. ONR employs approximately 1,065 people, comprising uniformed, civilian and contract personnel, with additional employees at the Naval Research Lab in Washington, D.C.

U.S. OFFICIAL REMARKS ON NORTH KOREA

Photo Credit:  Wikimedia.
FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Remarks to Press at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Remarks Glyn Davies
Special Representative for North Korea Policy Seoul, South Korea
May 21, 2012
AMBASSADOR DAVIES: Hello everybody. [Pointing to audio recorders on the podium] My goodness, what a collection of machines that you have left here.
Thank you very much for taking time on such a beautiful day in Seoul to come and spend a couple of minutes with me. What I wanted to do very briefly is say a couple of words and then I am very happy to take your questions.

First off, today was an occasion to continue, on a trilateral basis, the Republic of Korea, Japan, and the United States, our very close consultations that we have conducted for many years. Now I have been on the job since December of last year. This is my third trip to Seoul, and this is the second time this year that we have had trilateral consultations to talk about North Korea and about regional issues.

My visit to Seoul is the first stop on a three-nation trip in North Asia. I will go on tomorrow morning to Beijing, spend a little over a day there. And then I will go from there to Tokyo back to Washington on Friday. And of course the purpose of all three stops is to consult with, in this instance, allies and partners here in Seoul, and then when I go on to Beijing, to talk to the Chinese who are the chair of the Six-Party process, and to get their thinking about where we are. So today reflects the very close cooperation between the United States, the Republic of Korea, and Japan on North Korea. And it is a reflection, not just of our alliance relationship which is very important, but also our common interests and values across the Asia Pacific and the world.

I should say a quick word about those accompanying me. In addition to my colleague Ford Hart, Special Envoy for the Six-Party Talks, along with us today is Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Jim Zumwalt, from the State Department, and Mr. Syd Seiler, who is the Director for Korea at the White House.

Let me just say a very quick word about the substance of the issues with North Korea and then I want to take your questions. We are obviously in a bit of an uncertain period with North Korea, after the very serious provocation of the launch on April 13 of the Taepyodong-2 missile. In reaction to that you saw that the world community acted very quickly, in a unanimous fashion, and in a very tough fashion, at the United Nations by issuing a unanimous Presidential statement that was followed up by additional sanction designations by the UN Security Council. And we are of course very interested in ensuring that at the level of the allies and at the level, importantly, of all five partners in the Six-Party process, that we have the same understanding, the same analysis of the situation; that we have talked about various contingencies; and we know how it is that we will react if there are future provocations.

It is very important that North Korea not miscalculate again and engage in any future provocations. And that is the main message that we are conveying to North Korea. We are united in our resolve to respond, not just the three allies, but Russia and China as well, if there are additional provocations. And we hope that North Korea does not miscalculate. We expect and hope that North Korea will make a different set of decisions; will cease devoting its resources to its nuclear missile program; will instead open up itself to the outside world; will make decisions that benefit the people of North Korea, rather than just the military, the nuclear, and the missile establishment, and will rejoin the world community. And that is the fundamental message that we are conveying.

So with that, let me stop, and I am very happy to try to answer any questions that you have. Thank you very much.

QUESTION: Do you see any imminent signs of North Korea’s nuclear test?

AMBASSADOR DAVIES: I don’t have any particular word to convey to you about that. I mean, we all have followed the same information that you have seen, about what may or may not be going in North Korea to prepare for a nuclear test. I think it would be a serious miscalculation, a mistake, if North Korea were to engage in a nuclear test. This new regime in Pyongyang saw that the world community, the international community, was united in reacting to the missile launch on April 13. And so they know that if they engage in another provocation such as a nuclear test, they will once again be subject to a united action by the international community. And in fact part of what was said at the time of the Security Council deliberations about the missile launch, one of the conclusions that was reached was that we are unanimous, among all of us, that if there is a further provocation such as a nuclear test, that there will be a swift and sure reaction by the international community.

QUESTION: What kind of implied action do you have in mind if North Korea goes ahead with its provocation?

AMBASSADOR DAVIES: Well, I, you know, I am not going to sit here and play out what is going to happen. But I am certain that if there is a nuclear test, that you will find the Security Council once again coming together to debate and deliberate, and that there will be a swift and sure reaction from the Security Council should that occur. But beyond that, I don’t have anything specific for you other than the fact that by launching this missile, we have seen the reaction of the international community, and this should be a very strong signal to Pyongyang, that a further miscalculation will be met with similar united action by the world community.

QUESTION: Your two counterparts today said that they are ready for a different path with North Korea. What exactly would that mean? What are the details, and have you already communicated that to the North Koreans?

AMBASSADOR DAVIES: Well, this has been one of the main themes of our conversations with the North Koreans since we began our exploratory discussions with them last July in New York, followed on by Geneva and then of course by Beijing. We did a great deal of discussing of alternative futures for North Korea.

So we have explained to them -- and I think you know -- the United States has a dual track policy of engagement on the one hand but pressure on the other. That engagement aspect remains open. If they make the right choices, there can be a different future for North Korea and the people of North Korea. So they understand full well, and we discussed for many hours, in three different cities, on three different continents, over a period of seven or eight months, what those kinds of futures could be. So I think there should be no doubt in the minds of North Koreans that there is a different future that is available for them, if they make the right sorts of decisions; if they put their people first; if they stop spending their resources on developing missiles and nuclear weapons; if they open up to the rest of the world and engage in a positive fashion.
Instead, by miscalculating, by, you know, achieving a deal with the United States and then so soon after we announced it -- a mere two weeks later -- going back on their undertakings, they sent a signal that they cannot be trusted to follow through on their own undertakings and their own promises. So what we are saying to them is you should look at all the promises you have made over many, many years, and of course the centerpiece is the September 2005 Joint Statement, and you should begin to take action. Words are no longer, quite frankly, interesting to us. What we want to see is actions from North Korea. So they know what kinds of futures are available to them, if they step through that door to engagement and sincerely begin to take actions and fulfill the obligations that they themselves have made over many years.
Any other questions?

QUESTION: One question. Can you tell us about the details, the nature of the visit by the U.S. officials to Pyongyang? There have been some news reports that there was a visit by U.S. officials to Pyongyang, around the time that they launched, right before they launched the [unclear] . . .

AMBASSADOR DAVIES: I don’t have anything for you on that.

QUESTION: Well, was there a trip, or you just can’t talk about it?


AMBASSADOR DAVIES: I am just not -- I don’t have anything for you. I understand you need to ask this question, but I cannot help you with . . . Yes?

QUESTION: What kind of things do you plan to talk about tomorrow in Beijing?

AMBASSADOR DAVIES: Well, I think I will be talking about the same sorts of things that we spoke about here, in our trilateral consultations. I have had a very good, in depth dialogue with Wu Dawei, who is the senior Chinese official dealing day to day with North Korean issues. So I will come back to the conversations that I had with him in December, that I had with him in February on the margins of our negotiations with the North Koreans. And we will talk about how can continue to cooperate, collaborate, and send unified signals to North Korea about its choices, and about the need for North Korea to follow through in a positive fashion and take action based on the promises that it has made, the obligations that it has pursuant to UN Security Council Resolutions. So I look forward to that.

And I should also say that after Beijing, I will go on to Tokyo, because I think it is very important that when we come to this part of the world, that we visit the key capitals. And so I want to stop through Tokyo as well and talk to officials there about these same issues. So, of course, participating in these very excellent discussions today, chaired by Ambassador Lim Sung-nam, was Shinsuke Sugiyama, Director General from the MFA. But I will see him in Tokyo as well as call on other officials in Tokyo.

That is about all I’ve got. It is a beautiful day out there. I would highly recommend, if your editors will let you do it, you take the rest of the day off. Go out and take your kids, go to the zoo, have a great time. Seoul is a beautiful city, and it is a beautiful day. And it is wonderful to be here. Thank you very, very much for meeting with me and I hope to see you again soon when I come back to South Korea. Thanks again. Thanks very much. Bye bye.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PANETTA THANKS DISTRIBUTION HELP FROM CENTRAL ASIAN COUNTRIES

FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICES
Panetta Thanks Central Asian Nations for Distribution Network
By Nick Simeone
WASHINGTON, May 21, 2012 - Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta expressed his appreciation today to several Central Asian nations for allowing the transit of troops and goods through their territory to supply the International Security Assistance Force mission in Afghanistan.

Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said Panetta met with senior ministers from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan and "expressed his deep appreciation for their support of the Northern Distribution Network, which is key to supplying ISAF forces in Afghanistan."

The meeting occurred at the NATO summit in Chicago.
The Northern Distribution Network took on added importance in supplying ISAF troops in Afghanistan after Pakistan closed cross-border supply routes into the country in November. The closure followed the accidental deaths of 24 Pakistani soldiers killed in a NATO airstrike along the Afghan-Pakistan border.

In a written statement provided to reporters, Little added that Panetta "also provided assurances that the United States is committed to an enduring security relationship, including after 2014, with Afghanistan and the region to ensure Afghanistan never again becomes a safe haven for terrorists.

In addition, the Pentagon spokesman said Panetta and his NATO counterparts emphasized the need to step up cooperation on economic development in Afghanistan and the Central Asian region.

LANL News: Scientists Take A Giant Step Forward in Understanding Plutonium

LANL News: Scientists Take A Giant Step Forward in Understanding Plutonium

SEC CHARGES FORMER EXECUTIVES AT YAHOO AND AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL INC. WITH INSIDER TRADING

Photo Credit:  Wikimedia.
FROM:  U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C., May 21, 2012 — The Securities and Exchange Commission today charged a former executive at Yahoo! Inc. and a former mutual fund manager at a subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial Inc. with insider trading on confidential information about a search engine partnership between Yahoo and Microsoft Corporation.

The SEC alleges that Robert W. Kwok, who was Yahoo's senior director of business management, breached his duty to the company when he told Reema D. Shah in July 2009 that a deal between Yahoo and Microsoft would be announced soon. Shah had reached out to Kwok amid market rumors of an impending partnership between the two companies, and Kwok told her the information was kept quiet at Yahoo and only a few people knew of the coming announcement. Based on Kwok's illegal tip, Shah prompted the mutual funds she managed to buy more than 700,000 shares of Yahoo stock that were later sold for profits of approximately $389,000.

The SEC further alleges that a year earlier, the roles were reversed. Shah tipped Kwok with material nonpublic information about an impending acquisition announcement between two other companies. Kwok traded in a personal account based on the confidential information for profits of $4,754.

Kwok and Shah, who each live in California, have agreed to settle the SEC's charges. Financial penalties and disgorgement will be determined by the court at a later date. Under the settlements, Shah will be permanently barred from the securities industry and Kwok will be permanently barred from serving as an officer or director of a public company.
"Kwok and Shah played a game of you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours," said Scott W. Friestad, Associate Director in the SEC's Division of Enforcement. "When corporate executives and mutual fund professionals misuse their access to confidential information, they undermine the integrity of our markets and violate the trust placed in them by investors."

In a parallel criminal case announced today by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, Kwok has pled guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud, and Shah has pled guilty to both a primary and conspiracy charge. Both are awaiting sentencing.

According to the SEC's complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, Shah and Kwok first met in January 2008 when Shah was attending a real estate conference in California at the same facility where Yahoo was holding a meeting. The two met in a hallway and began discussing their respective businesses, and thereafter they spoke frequently by phone or in person. Kwok provided Shah with information about Yahoo, including whether Yahoo's quarterly financial performance was expected to be in line with market estimates. In return, Shah provided Kwok with information she learned in the course of her work, and he used it to help make his personal investment decisions. Both Shah and Kwok benefitted from this exchange of information.

The SEC alleges that in early 2008, shortly after their initial meeting, Shah told Kwok that she had learned through an inside source at Autodesk Inc. that it intended to acquire Moldflow Corporation. Based on this illegal tip that Kwok received from Shah, he purchased 1,500 shares of Moldflow in a personal account from April 7 to April 25. Autodesk and Moldflow announced the acquisition on May 1, and the price of Moldflow stock increased 11 percent. Kwok then sold his shares for a profit.

According to the SEC's complaint, Shah followed Yahoo closely as a portfolio manager at Ameriprise subsidiary RiverSource Investments LLC and previously at J. & W. Seligman & Co. She believed that the announcement of a partnership between Yahoo and Microsoft would have a positive impact on Yahoo's stock. In July 2009, when certain media began reporting that a deal could be forthcoming with Microsoft making a large up-front payment to Yahoo, Shah reached out to Kwok for inside information. Both Kwok and Shah knew that Kwok was tipping Shah in breach of his duty to Yahoo. Based on the confidential information she received from Kwok, Shah prompted certain RiverSource funds she helped managed to purchase 700,300 shares of Yahoo on July 16. The largest purchase was made in the Seligman Communications and Information Fund, which alone added approximately 450,000 shares of Yahoo to its holdings. On July 28, the shares were sold and a profit was realized.

The SEC's complaint charges Kwok and Shah with violating Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder. In the settlements that are subject to court approval, Kwok and Shah acknowledged the facts to which they pled guilty and consented to judgments that impose permanent injunctions. The settlements also include the bars and to-be-determined financial sanctions.

The SEC's investigation, which is continuing, has been conducted by Brian O. Quinn and Brian D. Vann in the SEC's Division of Enforcement. The SEC thanks the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their assistance in this matter.

MORE DRUGS INTERCEPTED IN AFGHANISTAN

Photo:  Marijuana Field.  Credit:  Wikimedia. 

FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE

Combined Afghan, Coalition Force Detains Taliban Facilitator

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, May 21, 2012 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban facilitator in the Zharay district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.

The facilitator supplied insurgents in the district with weapons, ammunition and equipment for attacks against Afghan and coalition troops and coordinated suicide bombings and indirect-fire attacks against Afghan police compounds and checkpoints throughout Zharay, officials said.

The security force also detained two other insurgents and found 11 pounds of illegal narcotics.

In Kandahar's Panjwai district yesterday, a combined security force found and destroyed about 1,500 pounds of hashish.

An Afghan-led security force supported by coalition troops captured a senior Taliban leader and two other insurgents in Kandahar's Dand district May 19. The leader, who operates in Helmand province's Lashkar Gah district, tried to control the local population through murder and intimidation and is suspected in coordinating the assassination of a government official in the Afghan capital of Kabul.

In May 18 operations:

-- A combined security force detained several insurgents, seized and destroyed explosives and weapons and destroyed an opium field in Baghlan province's Baghlan-e-Jidid district.

-- An Afghan-led, coalition-supported security force detained several insurgents while searching for a senior Taliban leader in Helmand's Nad-e Ali district. The leader, an explosives expert, directs attacks in the Nad-e Ali and Lashkar Gah districts and coordinates with other Taliban leaders to supply weapons, ammunition, equipment and explosives to subordinates.

-- In Kandahar's Panjwai district, a combined security force found and destroyed about 300 pounds of hashish, and a combined security force in Kandahar's Zharay district found and destroyed 220 pounds of hashish.In other news, a combined security force captured a senior Taliban leader and two other insurgents in Kunduz province's Aliabad district May 16. The leader was the Taliban liaison for the Peshawar Shura, a group responsible for insurgent activity in eastern and northern Afghanistan. He also served as a facilitator for the Nuristan Taliban shadow governor and organized the transportation of weapons, foreign fighters and suicide bombers for attacks throughout the region.

STATE DEPARTMENT COMMENT ON ASSIGNATIONS IN LEBANON

Photo:  Lebanon/Israel Border.  Credit:  Wikimedia. 
FROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Violence in Lebanon
Press Statement Mark C. Toner
Acting Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC
May 21, 2012
We are concerned by the security situation in Lebanon following the shooting of Sheikh Ahmad Abdul Wahad and Sheikh Mohammed Hussein Merheb near a Lebanese Army checkpoint in the northern region of Akkar. The United States expresses its sincere condolences for the loss of life. We welcome the commitment of the Lebanese Government and the Lebanese Armed Forces to conduct a swift and transparent investigation of the shooting incident, and we call on all parties to exercise restraint and respect for Lebanon’s security and stability.

EPA AND NASCAR TEAM UP

Photo Credit: Wikimedia.  
FROM: EVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
NASCAR and EPA Partner on Green Initiatives
WASHINGTON – Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) signed an agreement to raise awareness of environmentally friendly products and solutions to address America’s environmental challenges. Today’s memorandum of understanding provides NASCAR with EPA technical assistance and environmental expertise, using EPA programs like Design for the Environment and the Economy, Energy and Environment (E3) framework,  to help protect Americans’ health and the environment.

“Because NASCAR is followed by millions of passionate fans and many businesses, it can be a powerful platform to raise environmental awareness, drive the adoption of safer products by more Americans, and support the growing green economy,” said Jim Jones, EPA’s acting assistant administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP). “The EPA and NASCAR partnership attests to the progress NASCAR has already made on environmental stewardship through greener fuel choices and multiple recycling initiatives for waste and automotive fluids, and highlights opportunities to further these efforts.”

“This MOU is a great example of NASCAR’s commitment to green innovation and our role as a leader in sustainability,” said Steve Phelps, Chief Marketing Officer of NASCAR. “Even with the largest sustainability program in sports, NASCAR – along with our teams, tracks and partners – continues to create innovative platforms to help reduce the environmental impact of our sport.”

One of the areas of focus for the partnership is promoting safer products that have earned EPA’s Design for the Environment (DfE) label. The Design for the Environment label helps consumers and businesses identify products that perform well, are cost-effective, and are safer for the environment. NASCAR can make a difference by using DfE products at racing events and conveying to fans that choosing DfE products is an easy choice they can make to protect the health of their families and the planet.

Another example is NASCAR’s offer to encourage its suppliers to get an “E3 tuneup”-- to increase productivity, reduce the use of energy and materials, lessen environmental impacts and be better positioned to compete in the global marketplace. The E3 initiative – Economy, Energy and the Environment -- helps promote sustainable manufacturing and economic growth throughout the United States. E3 can help improve the profitability and competitiveness of these businesses, which can help create higher-paying skilled manufacturing jobs.

This MOU will pave the way for other opportunities and areas of focus for EPA and NASCAR such as sourcing more sustainable concessions at NASCAR events, expanding the use of safer chemical products, conserving water, reducing waste and promoting recycling. By working together to foster more sustainable behavior, addressing sustainability challenges and seizing on E3 opportunities, a greener NASCAR and NASCAR supplier network will have positive economic and environmental impacts that extend far beyond the racetrack.

GSA LOOKS TO SAVE LIGHTHOUSES AND CASH

Credit:  Wikimedia.
FROM:  U.S. GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRAION
GSA Seeking Stewards for 12 Historic Lighthouses
Real property disposal program saves taxpayer money, preserves the past.
WASHINGTON – Today the U.S. General Services Administration announced it is looking for caretakers of several historic lighthouses in an effort to save tax dollars while preserving the past.  As part of the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act program, the agency is offering 12 historic lighthouses along the Atlantic Seaboard and Great Lakes, at no cost, to eligible state or local governments, non-profit corporations, historic preservation groups, or community development organizations.  This program helps move the government towards meeting the President’s goal of cutting real estate costs by over $1.5 billion and the government is on track to save $3.5 billion by the end of the year.

"GSA has a responsibility to dispose of excess government real estate assets, including historic lighthouses,” said GSA’s Acting Commissioner of Public Buildings Linda Chero.  “Historic lighthouses are unique in that they have sentimental and tangible value as historic landmarks in local communities. Through the preservation program, GSA helps find new stewards for excess lighthouses that are no longer considered mission critical to the United States Coast Guard.”

In partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Park Service, GSA administers the federal program that conveys historic lighthouses to caretakers through the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act. Since enactment of this legislation in 2000, GSA has conveyed 84 lighthouses to new stewards who are required to maintain historic preservation standards for these unique properties.

Proceeds from the public sales go back into the Coast Guard’s lighthouse fund to continue preservation and maintenance of lights that are still in federal ownership.  Organizations interested in acquiring one of the lighthouses will have 60 days to submit a letter expressing interest in the property and complete a rigorous application process. If no suitable steward is identified, the lighthouses are then auctioned to the general public.

GSA will soon issue Notices of Availability for the following light stations: Ontonagon West Pierhead Light, Manistique Light, Stannard Rock Light, and Fourteen Foot Shoal Light in Michigan; Liston Rear Range Light in Delaware; American Shoal Light in Florida; Ashland Light in Wisconsin; Butler Flats Light, Graves Light, Edgartown Light in Massachusetts; and Halfway Rock Light and Boon Island Light in Maine.
To find out more information on these properties and how to submit a letter of interest, visithttp://www.nps.gov/history/maritime/nhlpa/nhlpa.htm.
Lighthouses available for public sale will be listed and auctioned at http://realestatesales.gov.