U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing - November 21, 2012

Daily Press Briefing - November 21, 2012

HORMATS MAKES REMARKS AT WORLD WILDLIFE FUND FULLER SYMPOSIUM ON WILDLIFE CRIME

Photo Credit:  CIA World Factbook.

FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Remarks: World Wildlife Fund: Fuller Symposium on Wildlife Crime

Remarks
Robert D. Hormats
Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment
National Geographic Grosvenor Auditorium
Washington, DC
November 14, 2012
(as prepared)
Thank you Ginette for inviting me to speak today at this wonderful event. Thank you and the World Wildlife Fund for your inspiration and leadership on this issue, and thank you to the Fuller Symposium for hosting this important event.

The issue of the illegal slaughter and trafficking in wildlife is one that has personally captivated and increasingly enraged me. I appreciate the opportunity to talk with you today about the efforts the State Department is making.

Our aims are: to raise the profile and political will to address wildlife slaughter and trafficking, to raise awareness through our public diplomacy efforts, to enhance enforcement and training action, and to develop strategic partnerships to eliminate wildlife slaughter and trafficking and the criminality it represents.

As you've heard from the experts earlier today - wildlife slaughter and trafficking is escalating in scale and sophistication. It is more organized, more lucrative, and more dangerous than ever before. While the full statistics for 2012 are not in yet, CITES reports three of the five largest annual ivory seizures on record were 2011, 2010, and 2009. Additionally 2012 does not look better. We have seen single incidents where hundreds of elephant are slaughtered at a time. The situation for rhinos is also exceedingly grim.

This has to stop. Massive poaching is compromising the future of some of these species and the associated ecosystems. It is also quite likely a source of financing for transnational criminal networks, and possibly even terrorist groups. This undermines the stability, security, and economic opportunities for communities in many countries around the world. These in turn undermine the ability to govern in nascent democracies or fragile states.

During our trip to Africa this summer, Secretary Clinton and I heard firsthand about the challenges South Africa that is facing. And before I joined her in South Africa, I received similar information in Botswana and Namibia, although so far they have not encountered the kind of slaughter now taking place in South Africa and other parts of that continent.

Many other African countries are dealing with major slaughter and border incursions as well. Many are having to militarize their national parks in order to defend these animals and maintain control over these vast lands. The poachers have access to more sophisticated tools, like night-vision goggles, AK-47s, and helicopters, leaving park rangers often outmanned and outgunned. There have been retaliatory killings of park rangers for protecting these animals. Upwards of one hundred park rangers are killed annually. With the prices for elephant ivory and rhino horn soaring, the financial incentive to commit these crimes is growing. The high prices in turn fuel the engine of corruption that keeps the illegal enterprise thriving.

Hearing these problems from the highest levels of Southern African leadership - following similar alerts from NGOs with whom we have spoken over the last couple of years, including, of course, WWF- were the wake-up calls that led to unprecedented levels of attention at the State Department.

Secretary Clinton and I returned from the trip seized with this issue, and both of us were inspired by what we heard and really angered by these horrible criminal acts. We and our colleagues developed the "Conservation Matters" Strategy at the State Department, which lays out a four pronged approach.

First, we are working to raise the level of political attention and political will to combat wildlife slaughter and trafficking through our diplomatic engagement in multilateral and in bilateral relationships. Quite frankly, this issue so far has not garnered the appropriate attention at the highest levels.

At APEC in Vladivostok in September 2012, we were successful in getting language into the Leaders' Statement and the outcome document. President Obama and Secretary Clinton will also look to advance this issue in the East Asia Summit meeting next week, November 19, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. In addition to the formal multilateral engagement, Under Secretary Maria Otero, for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, and I recently hosted a roundtable with many ambassadors here in Washington. We used this dialogue to identify our common challenges and to look at efforts that governments can take to combat the trafficking. This was a good first step in looking at how harmonizing and coordinating our actions can address this problem.

And, as many of you know, last week, Secretary Clinton hosted "Wildlife Trafficking and Conservation: A Call to Action." Secretary Clinton appealed for governments, the private sector, and NGOs to work together urgently to eliminate wildlife trafficking.

So, as you can see, we are making good headway in using our diplomatic engagement to advance the political will to address this issue. We will continue to advance these issues through the CITES 40th Anniversary in March, and beyond. But clearly this is just the beginning.

Our second goal is to raise public awareness. Stemming from the Secretary's Event, I have had the opportunity to meet with press from a variety of international media outlets. This will help to get our message out to many audiences in Asia and Africa. I know many of you have been doing this for a long time.

To further public awareness, we have designated December 4 as "Wildlife Conservation Day." We are asking our embassies around the world to host events and to use all of the tools at their disposal, including social media, to raise awareness with partner governments, NGOs, and the private sector. I will be in Beijing, and will work with our partners there and our embassy to do several events, including one with the Chinese NGOs, as part of Wildlife Conservation Day.

We are looking to the youth to take on this issue and use social media tools to spread the message that consuming endangered wildlife parts is not a "cool" thing to do, or the right or moral thing to do. Social status, in some cases, is driving upswings in consumption - we need to address this demand head on. We need to make sure that people realize that it is not acceptable – and indeed, highly immoral - to buy and consume these products.

The recent NGO survey suggesting that 70% of Chinese consumers think that elephants are not slaughtered for their ivory is shocking – and needs to be corrected.

There are many other misconceptions out there that are quite horrendous, such as - rhino horn can cure cancer. We must address these through education and awareness campaigns.

Our efforts here are a good first step, but we really need trusted local voices to amplify this message in high-demand countries. We will work with other countries to do this.

Our third goal is to strengthen law enforcement capacity through training. We have a number of successful existing efforts underway, and we are building on these. We provide multilateral, regional law enforcement training through the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in Gabarone and Bangkok. We also provide bilateral training to improve investigation and prosecution of wildlife crimes. The Wildlife Enforcement Networks (WENs) are good models for regional cooperation on enforcement and prosecution. Central Africa, and the Horn of Africa are taking promising steps to build up this type of cooperation to improve enforcement.

Last week, we committed $100,000 to support the establishment of a global system of regional wildlife enforcement networks. This effort will leverage the respective strengths of each affiliate to improve communication, enforcement and prosecutorial capabilities. It will also help to reduce demand for illegally traded wildlife and wildlife products. We believe the Global System should have a strong technological component, taking advantage of new and innovative technologies to improve communication and information sharing. These are just some of the programs we have underway, and we will look for opportunities to enhance these and other efforts.

This brings me to the final aspect of our strategy - working with partners. We support the expansion and strengthening of existing partnerships, such as the Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking (CAWT), to engage governments, civil society, and the private sector to combat wildlife crime. We are working with the transportation industry, NGO’s, and relevant organizations to develop best practices to prevent the illegal transport of wildlife and wildlife products. We look forward to other partnerships moving forward.

For me, protecting wildlife is a very personal issue and a deeply moral issue. I spent a year in Kenya and Tanzania as a graduate student, where I experienced the spectacular beauty of wild animals in magnificent national parks such as Amboseli, Maasai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro. That's why I'm especially appalled - on a very personal level - by the horrendous pace, scale, and violence associated with wildlife crime.

We all, collectively, share a moral and political responsibility to protect the worlds’ wildlife, to be good stewards of our planet, and to support the development and security of countries suffering from wildlife slaughter and trafficking. That's why wildlife conservation and anti-trafficking are foreign policy priorities for the Department of State. Our governments and citizens cannot afford to stand idle while poachers and wildlife traffickers hunt down and kill elephants, rhinos, tigers, bears, or any threatened species.

We need to show collective outrage against wildlife crimes to galvanize bold, comprehensive, worldwide action. Let’s call it what it is – organized crime against these majestic animals, against dedicated wildlife rangers, the many countries where these animals live, and against future generations. None of us is doing enough. Secretary Clinton's meeting last week was a call to action to work harder, and to work together.

We can put an end to wildlife crime by supporting the efforts of governments whose animals and rangers fall victim to poachers: by strengthening and strictly enforcing laws against poaching and wildlife trafficking; by educating our citizens about the horrors of poaching; and by encouraging them to stop buying ivory, rhino horns, animal skins, exotic birds, and other endangered animals and their products.

Anything less than bold and comprehensive efforts will result in further decimation of nature's magnificent legacy to our planet. That would be the world's loss and our generation's shame.

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR NOVEMBER 21, 2012

Photo:  Harrier Jet In Afghanistan.  Credit:  U.S. DOD 

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Combined Force Kills Several Insurgents

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, Nov. 21, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force killed several insurgents during a search for a high-ranking Taliban leader and weapons facilitator in Afghanistan's Logar province today, military officials reported.

As the security force approached the Taliban leader's location, multiple insurgents armed with rocket-propelled grenades and small arms attacked the force, officials said.

The security force returned fire, killing several insurgents and defeating the attack. The security force also detained one suspect and seized several RPGs and a large quantity of assault rifles as a result of the operation.

In other Afghanistan operations today:
-- A combined force arrested five insurgents during a search for a Taliban weapons and lethal aid facilitator in Nimroz province.

-- In Khost province, a combined force arrested a Haqqani leader and weapons supplier, detained three other suspects and seized improvised explosive device-making materials, RPG equipment, ammunition, and firearms. The detained Haqqani leader is believed to be responsible for conducting convoy and IED attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

In operations yesterday:
-- A combined force killed Taliban leader Saifullah in Ghazni province. Saifullah, also known as Allah Dad, was responsible for ensuring freedom of movement for Taliban fighters to gather intelligence and conduct indirect-fire and IED attacks against Afghan and coalition personnel. Prior to his death, Saifullah was involved in an IED attack against Afghan National Security Forces.

In Nov. 19 operations:
-- In Kandahar province, a combined force killed several insurgents, detained one suspect and seized weapons, ammunition and equipment including several AK-47 rifles.

-- A combined force seized 660 pounds of wet opium and detained one insurgent in Daykundi province.

U.S. DEFENSE SECRETARY PANETTA ADRESSES STEPS TO END THE AL-QAEDA THREAT

Photo Credit:  U.S. Department Of Defense.

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Panetta Details Steps Needed to End Al-Qaeda Threat
By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2012 - For the United States and its allies, ending the al-Qaida threat calls for a modified military footprint, close work with partners, and continued U.S. involvement in regions of the world where violent extremism has flourished, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said tonight.

Addressing a large audience here at the Center for a New American Security, the secretary discussed significant national security challenges and opportunities ahead.

He also outlined priorities that characterize the approaching end of the longest period of sustained armed conflict in the nation's history.

The priorities, Panetta said, are fighting the war against al-Qaida and its affiliates, ending the war in Afghanistan, implementing the new defense strategy, meeting fiscal responsibilities, countering nuclear proliferation, improving cybersecurity, achieving greater energy security, implementing the Asia-Pacific rebalance, and taking care of service members, veterans and military families.

"But tonight I wanted to focus on the goal that still remains at the top of the priority list, as it must. That goal that the president made very clear -- that we have a responsibility to disrupt, degrade, dismantle and ultimately defeat those who attacked America on 9/11 -- al-Qaida," the secretary said.

" ... To protect Americans at home and overseas," he added, "we need to continue to pursue al-Qaida wherever they go, whatever form they take, wherever they seek to hide. We must be constantly vigilant, we must be constantly determined to pursue this enemy."

What will it take, he asked, to achieve the end of al-Qaida?

The essential first step is to finish the job that the United States and its coalition partners began in Afghanistan, he said, "and we are on track to do that."

As the United States and its NATO partners agreed at the 2010 summit in Lisbon, Panetta said, Afghans must be responsible for their own security by the end of 2014.

This transition will require continued commitment by the international community and the United States to help Afghan forces achieve this goal, he added.

"We have come too far. We have invested too much blood and treasure not to finish the job," the secretary said. "There are no shortcuts, nor can we afford to turn away from this effort when we are so close to achieving success and preventing al-Qaida from ever returning to this historic epicenter for violent extremism."

In Afghanistan and Pakistan, prolonged military and intelligence operations have significantly weakened al-Qaida, Panetta said.

The terrorist group's most effective leaders are gone, its command and control has been degraded and its safe haven is shrinking, he added, but al-Qaida remains.

"We have slowed the primary cancer but we know that the cancer has also metastasized to other parts of the global body," the secretary said. Two examples of that spreading al-Qaida presence are Yemen and Somalia.

In Yemen, for example, the capabilities of al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, or AQAP, are growing. This group has targeted the United States for attack and sowed violence and chaos in Yemen itself, Panetta said.

"We have struck back in an effort to disrupt and dismantle this group through a very close partnership with the government of Yemen ... and the Yemenese themselves," he added.

In Somalia, against the militant group al-Shaabab, progress also has been made, the secretary said, "in large part because of an effective partnership between the United States and the African Union Mission in Somalia."

But the challenge is far from over, Panetta said.

"President [Barack] Obama has made clear, we will fight not just through military means but by harnessing every element of American power -- military, intelligence, diplomatic, law enforcement, financial, economic and above all the power of our values as Americans," the secretary said.

The second step in achieving the end of al-Qaida, Panetta said, involves maintaining pressure on al-Qaida in Pakistan, on AQAP in Yemen, and on al-Qaida-associated forces in Somalia.

That means degrading the terrorists' senior leadership, dismantling their organizational capabilities, remaining vigilant to ensure the threat does not reconstitute, and working to build the capacity of U.S. partners, including Pakistan, to confront these shared threats, he added.

"Despite challenges in the bilateral relationship between the United States and Pakistan," the secretary said, "one area in which our national interests continue to align is defeating the terrorists on Pakistan soil that threaten both of us. We remain committed to pursuing defense cooperation based on these shared interests."

A third step is to prevent the emergence of new safe havens for al-Qaida elsewhere in the world that the group could use to attack the United States or its interests, he said.

"The last decade of war has shown that coordinated efforts to share intelligence, to conduct operations with partners, are critical to making sure that al-Qaida has no place to hide," Panetta told the audience.

"We will expand these efforts, including through support and partnership with governments in transition in the Middle East and North Africa," he added.

"This campaign against al-Qaida will largely take place outside declared combat zones, using a small-footprint approach that includes precision operations, partnered activities with foreign special operations forces, and capacity building so that partner countries can be more effective in combating terrorism on their own," the secretary said.

DOD will work whenever possible with local partners, he added, supporting them with intelligence and resources they need to deter common threats.

In Mali for example, Panetta said, "we are working with our partners in Western Africa who are committed to countering the emerging threat to regional stability posed by AQIM."

A fourth step needed to bring an end to al-Qaida involves investing in the future, he added, in new military and intelligence capabilities and security partnerships.

"Our new defense strategy makes clear -- the military must retain and even build new counterterrorism capabilities for the future," Panetta said.

As the size of the military shrinks, for example, special operations will continue to ramp up, growing from 37,000 members on 9/11 to 64,000 today and 72,000 by 2017, the secretary noted.

"We are expanding our fleet of Predator and Reaper [unmanned aerial vehicles] over what we have today. These enhanced capabilities will enable us to be more flexible and agile against a threat that has grown more diffuse," Panetta said.

"We are also continuing to invest in building partner capacity, including through Section 1206 authority to train and equip foreign military forces. Our new Global Security Contingency Fund has been very helpful in placing new emphasis on cultivating regional expertise in the ranks," the secretary added.

A final point that too often takes a backseat to operations against al-Qaida, Panetta said, is how to prevent extremist ideologies from attracting new recruits.

"Over the past decade we have successfully directed our military and intelligence capabilities at fighting terrorism," he added. "And yet we are still struggling to develop an effective approach to address the factors that attract young men and women to extreme ideologies, and to ensure that governments and societies have the capacity and the will to counter and reject violent extremism."

To truly end the threat from al-Qaida, the secretary said, "military force aimed at killing our enemy alone will never be enough. The United States must stay involved and invested through diplomacy, through development, through education, through trade in those regions of the world where violent extremism has flourished."

This means continued engagement in Pakistan, he added, and following through on U.S. commitments to Afghanistan's long-term stability.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has outlined a comprehensive strategy for North and West Africa that combines security assistance and economic development, strengthens democratic institutions and advances political reforms, Panetta said.

" ... We will be vigilant and we will posture our military and intelligence forces to prevent and if necessary respond to threats of violence against our interests throughout the Middle East and North Africa, including threats against our embassies and consulates, and our diplomats themselves," the secretary said.

"But to truly protect America, we must sustain and in some areas deepen our engagement in the world –- our military, intelligence, diplomatic and development efforts are key to doing that," he added.

Pursuing an isolationist path, the secretary said, "would make all of us less safe in the long-term."

"This is not a time for retrenchment. This is not a time for isolation. It is a time for renewed engagement and partnership in the world," Panetta said.

EARNING COMBAT SKILLS

Airmen assigned to the 606th Air Control Squadron based at Spangdahlem, Germany, carry simulated casualties to a safe location during combat readiness training, Nov. 15, 2012. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dillon Davis

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Face of Defense: Airmen Practice Vital Combat Skills
By Air Force Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon
52nd Fighter Wing
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany, Nov. 21, 2012 - Crack! Crack! Crack!

Excitement and confusion whirled across the base camp, as gunfire echoed through the tents and airmen scrambled to find cover.

The airmen peered out from the safety of makeshift bunkers as they searched for the source of the sounds.

Reports flooded across the radio of a team outside the wire with an unconscious young captain in tow.

"Get positive control of the casualty and return to base immediately," the voice on the radio commanded.

Just then, the alarm for incoming mortar fire sounded, and the airmen outside the perimeter hit the ground and braced for an explosion.

The cold, soggy ground quickly turned to mud and the wind managed to cut through the bundles of layers, uniforms and chemical protective gear they wore. Water engulfed one poor airman as he dove for the ground and landed in a puddle of water, the cold of which he would have to endure for the next 12 hours.

Although this was a controlled scenario and not an actual combat environment, airmen from the 606th Air Control Squadron here spent 72 hours braving the frigid German weather and spending every minute of it guarding their base to prepare them for the real thing.

The exercise prepares the airmen for the worst, said Air Force Staff Sgt. Robert Messing, a Bremerton, Wash., native who runs the combat readiness training course these airmen experienced.

The course combined two weeks of classroom instruction with three days of practical exercise. The trainees set up a base camp and defended it at all costs, surviving scenario after scenario featuring mock enemy combatants.

"They can set up in the middle of nowhere, deploy a radar site and have to defend their own base," Messing said.

The field exercise requires participants to apply the lessons they've learned in the classroom over the past two weeks. They must react to exercise challenges by implementing the proper use of force, securing unexploded ordnance and being aware of their surroundings.

The field exercise is designed to overwhelm the trainees, creating a sort of stress inoculation, Messing said. It is also unique because the 606th has many airmen in support roles who normally would not experience combat or austere deployments.

"Not everyone gets training like security forces, but when these airmen come to an [air control squadron] you have to learn how to fight and defend" against the enemy, he said. "If they can survive here with what we throw at them, they have a better chance when the real thing happens."

The 606th is a rapidly deployable unit that can quickly pack up and convoy to any location in the European theater to set up radar sites and control air assets from strategic remote locations. Because the unit is self-sufficient, it needs everyone at the same combat readiness level. Every new member must complete the training.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Amanda Bailey, a data systems technician from Cocoa Beach, Fla., said she's never experienced training like this, but she enjoyed working with other airmen from around the squadron.

Bailey said she learned critical combat skills.

"You're going to mess up, but the beauty of it is that it's a controlled learning environment," she said.

F-35 BEGINS INTEGRATION PHASE OF WEAPONS TEESTING

An F-35A Lightning II joint strike fighter from the 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., and an F-22A Raptor from the 43rd Fighter Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., soar over the Emerald Coast Sept. 19, 2012. This was the first time the two fifth-generation fighters have flown together for the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Jeremy T. Lock)

FROM:  U.S. AIR FORCE
F-35 begins integration phase of weapons testing

by Laura Mowry and Jess Lozano
412th Test Wing Public Affairs and 461st Flight Test Squadron


11/20/2012 - EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) -- The F-35 Lighting II, Joint Strike Fighter began the integration phase of weapons testing Oct. 26, when the F-35A Conventional Takeoff and Landing aircraft successfully completed the first in-flight test with an AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile.

It was the first time a weapon communicated with the aircraft during flight using a data link.

The program's milestone rounded out a successful month of flight test for the program, which also included inert weapons separation tests of both the AMRAAM and Joint Direct Attack Munition.

"In October, we were able to begin weapons separation testing with the JDAM and AMRAAM," said Col. Roderick L. Cregier, 412th Test Wing, F-35 program manager. "We proved we can carry them safely and that the shapes, which matched the exact mass properties of the real weapons, could separate from the aircraft safely. Now, with the integration testing, we've initially proved the aircraft can talk to the weapon and that the weapon can talk to the aircraft."

Prior to Oct. 26, mass models with no internal electronics were used during all F-35 weapons testing. The AIM-120 AMRAAM used during the integration test contained the same electronics as a full-up missile, but without the rocket motor.

"The program is doing very well in meeting its goals after it was rebaselined in 2010," said Cregier. "I'm very proud of the team, even though testing was incredibly complex and difficult, the hard work of the team enabled it to happen relatively smoothly without any serious glitches that would delay the program. We just pressed right on through with great success and we're ready for the next phase."

Successful integration testing, along with the safe separation releases in October, means that the F-35 Integrated Test Force can continue progressing towards the weapon delivery accuracy test phase and live fire testing scheduled to begin in early 2013.

"This was a very important milestone to get us over that hump, to move on to the next phase of the program, which is going to start very soon," said Cregier. "This success was critical, now what we're doing is putting the teeth into the F-35. It's important that the jet can meet all the corners of its envelope, but what we're really designing it to do is employ weapons.

Starting in February and continuing through the end of April, the team is anticipating releasing roughly two weapons per week, said Cregier.

"This is going to be just the beginning of what I would characterize as the most ambitious weapons integration program in the history of tactical aircraft," he said.

The F-35A is designed to carry a payload of up to 18,000 pounds using 10 weapon stations. The F-35A features four internal weapon stations located in two weapon bays to maximum stealth capability. The CTOL aircraft can also utilize an additional three weapon stations per wing if required.


　

Remarks by Secretary Panetta at the Center for a New American Security, Washington, D.C.

Remarks by Secretary Panetta at the Center for a New American Security, Washington, D.C.

European Space Agency United Kingdom (EN) Update

European Space Agency United Kingdom (EN) Update

U.S. ALARMED BY SITUATION IN EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

UN Building In Vienna.  Credit:  Wikimedia Commons.

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Security Situation in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo
Press Statement
Victoria Nuland
Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
November 20, 2012

The United States is gravely alarmed by the rapid deterioration of the security situation in eastern DRC. We condemn the renewed military campaign by the M23 rebel group, which is an affront to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC and in violation of international law. We call for a ceasefire, and for the M23 to return Goma to DRC authorities and pull back to their July positions.

We call upon all states to use their influence on the M23 to bring about an immediate end to the hostilities. We urge Presidents Kabila, Kagame, and Museveni to engage in a direct and honest dialogue in pursuit of a political resolution to the immediate hostilities. We believe it is critical that any resolution to the crisis include holding the M23 leadership accountable for their human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law.

We underscore our support for the UN Security Council’s November 17 statement. We support the Council’s call for additional sanctions against the M23 leadership and its demand that any and all outside support and supplying of equipment to the M23 cease immediately.

We underscore the importance of a long-term solution to the instability in the eastern DRC. A durable solution will require security sector reform in the DRC and political dialogue with Rwanda and Uganda and the other relevant states in the region to address the root causes of the crisis.

TWO PLEAD GUILTY FOR ROLES IN $63 MILLION HEALTH CARE SCHEME

Miami Prison.  Credit:  U.S. Federal Bureau Of Prisons

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Two Plead Guilty in Miami for Roles in $63 Million Mental Health Care Fraud Scheme

Two Health Care Professionals Pleaded Guilty This Week for Roles in Multi-State Scheme

WASHINGTON –A registered nurse pleaded guilty today and a former program coordinator pleaded guilty yesterday in connection with a health care fraud scheme involving defunct health provider Health Care Solutions Network Inc. (HCSN), announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida; Michael B. Steinbach, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI’s Miami Field Office; and Special Agent-in-Charge Christopher B. Dennis of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Office of Investigations Miami office.

John Thoen, 53, of Miami, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga in the Southern District of Florida to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Alexandra Haynes, 36, of Taylor, S.C., pleaded guilty yesterday before Judge Altonaga to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud in the same case.

According to court documents, HCSN operated community mental health centers (CMHC) at three locations Miami-Dade County, Fla., and one location in Hendersonville, N.C. HCSN purported to provide partial hospitalization program (PHP) services to individuals suffering from mental illness. A PHP is a form of intensive treatment for severe mental illness.

According to an indictment unsealed on May 2, 2012, HCSN obtained Medicare beneficiaries to attend HCSN for purported PHP treatment that was unnecessary and, in many instances, not even provided. HCSN obtained those beneficiaries in Miami by paying kickbacks to owners and operators of assisted living facilities.

According to court documents, Thoen was a licensed registered nurse in both Florida and North Carolina. In Florida, Thoen participated in the admission to HCSN of patients who were ineligible for PHP services. Thoen participated in the routine fabrication of patient medical records that were utilized to support false and fraudulent billing to government sponsored health care benefit programs, including Medicare and Medicaid.

In North Carolina, Thoen, according to court documents, routinely submitted fraudulent PHP claims for Medicare patients who were not even present at the CMHC on days PHP services were purportedly rendered. Thoen also caused the submission of fraudulent Medicare claims on days the CMHC was closed due to snow.

Thoen also admitted to his role in a money laundering scheme, involving Psychiatric Consulting Network Inc. (PCN), a Florida corporation that was utilized by HCSN as a shell corporation to launder health care fraud proceeds. According to court documents, Thoen was president of PCN.

According to court documents, Haynes was employed in Miami as an intake specialist and routinely fabricated patient medical records. In North Carolina, Haynes was employed as a program coordinator and conducted group therapy sessions and fabricated corresponding group therapy notes even though she was not licensed to provide mental health services in the state.

According to court documents, from 2004 through 2011, HCSN billed Medicare and the Florida Medicaid program approximately $63 million for purported mental health services.

Nine defendants have been charged for their alleged roles in the HCSN health care fraud scheme. Six defendants have pleaded guilty, and three defendants are scheduled for trial on Jan. 14, 2013, before U.S. District Judge Altonaga in Miami. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty at trial.

The cases are being prosecuted by Special Trial Attorney William Parente and Trial Attorney Allan J. Medina of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section. This case was investigated by the FBI and HHS-OIG and was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, supervised by the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.

Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, now operating in nine cities across the country, has charged more than 1,480 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $4.8 billion. In addition, HHS’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, is taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.

U.S. EXPORT-IMPORT BANK PROVIDES $37.5 MILLION DIRECT LOAN TO SUPPORT EXPORTS FOR ENERGY PROJECT

Map:  Trinadad And Tobago.   Credit:  CIA World Factbook

FROM: U.S. EXPORT-IMOPORT BANK

WASHINGTON, D.C., November 20, 2012 – The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) announced today its approval of a $37.5 million direct loan to support exports by McDermott International Inc. and five American suppliers of natural gas compression equipment and technology for a United Kingdom energy project off the coast of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Bank’s financing will support approximately 350 jobs in Texas, California, and Louisiana, according to bank estimates derived from Departments of Commerce and Labor data and methodology.

"I’m pleased that McDermott International Inc. and its suppliers won this project and will support so many American jobs," said Ex-Im Bank Chairman and President Fred P. Hochberg. "In a complex gas production project like this, U.S. engineers and high-tech manufacturers have a lot to offer. The Bank’s financing helped pull these jobs to U.S. companies, instead of seeing them go to foreign competitors."

Under terms of the direct loan, Ex-Im Bank is supporting exports of U.S.-only goods and services to a $150 million project to construct and install a gas compression system on the existing Hibiscus Platform situated off the northern coast of Trinidad. The borrower is BG Energy Holding Limited, and the buyer is BG Trinidad and Tobago (BGTT), which is responsible for 46 percent of the larger project.

McDermott International Inc. was hired to provide the detail engineering, equipment procurement, unit fabrication, transportation, heavy lift and installation. The company is responsible also for start-up and commissioning. Houston-based McDermott International Inc. is an engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) company that executes complex offshore oil and gas projects worldwide.

Five U.S. suppliers will manufacture or provide components for the project. SOLAR Turbines Inc., based in San Diego, California, is a Caterpillar Inc. subsidiary that produces gas turbine-powered compressor sets and pipeline equipment to transmit natural gas. Another U.S. manufacturer, Hudson Products Corporation of Sugarland, Texas, will export air-cooled heat exchanger equipment for the Trinidad project. The export supplier of valve controllers will be AWC Inc. (formerly American Warrior Compression) of Houston, Texas. Massive fabricated metal tanks and gas-scrubbers will be supplied by a small business, the South Houston-based manufacturer Gulfex Inc. The Louisiana exporter involved is Point Eight Power of Belle Chasse, a specialty provider of electrical power systems for offshore operations; Point Eight will supply instrumentation and switchgear.

Location Trinadad And Tobago.  Credit:  CIA World Factbook

ABOUT EX-IM BANK:

Ex-Im Bank is an independent federal agency that helps create and maintain U.S. jobs by filling gaps in private export financing at no cost to American taxpayers. In the past five years (from Fiscal Year 2008), Ex-Im Bank has earned for U.S. taxpayers nearly $1.6 billion above the cost of operations. The Bank provides a variety of financing mechanisms, including working capital guarantees, export-credit insurance and financing to help foreign buyers purchase U.S. goods and services.

Ex-Im Bank approved $35.8 billion in total authorizations in FY 2012 – an all-time Ex-Im record. This total includes more than $6 billion directly supporting small-business export sales – also an Ex-Im record. Ex-Im Bank's total authorizations are supporting an estimated $50 billion in U.S. export sales and approximately 255,000 American jobs in communities across the country. For more information, visit www.exim.gov.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON TRINADAD AND TOBAGGO FROM CIA WORLD FACTBOOK

First colonized by the Spanish, the islands came under British control in the early 19th century. The islands' sugar industry was hurt by the emancipation of the slaves in 1834. Manpower was replaced with the importation of contract laborers from India between 1845 and 1917, which boosted sugar production as well as the cocoa industry. The discovery of oil on Trinidad in 1910 added another important export. Independence was attained in 1962. The country is one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean thanks largely to petroleum and natural gas production and processing. Tourism, mostly in Tobago, is targeted for expansion and is growing. The government is coping with a rise in violent crime.

U.S. OFFICIAL'S REMARKS FOLLOWING MEETING WITH GEORGIA PRIME MINISTER IVANISHVILI

Philip H. Gordon, Assistant Secretary, Bureau Of European And Eurasian Affairs

FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT

Press Availability Following Meeting with Prime Minister Ivanishvili

Remarks
Philip H. Gordon
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs
Tbilisi, Georgia
November 16, 2012

Assistant Secretary Gordon: We had an excellent and comprehensive meeting, and I started by congratulating the Prime Minister on his election victory, on the majority that his party won on behalf of the United States and Secretary Clinton.

I noted how impressed we are with Georgia’s democratic development. Showing that you could have a free and fair and transparent election and a democratic and peaceful transfer of power is a huge step for this country and in some ways a model for the region and beyond, and I made it a point to underscore how supportive we are of that process.

The Prime Minister stressed Georgia’s interest and his interest in continued good relations with the United States, which is certainly a priority that we share, and I was able to stress to him how committed the United States is and will remain in terms of our support for Georgia, for its sovereignty and territorial integrity, for its economic development, which is really truly impressive, and for the democratic transition that is ongoing.

I also stressed how important it is and will continue to be for the two sides to work together. We know it’s not easy after a bitter election campaign -- we just had an election campaign in the United States as well, you may have noticed -- it’s not always easy to work with your political opponents, but it’s essential for a democracy to thrive.

In that context I stressed, we talked about the issue of arrest and detention, which I know is a lot in the media today, and I stressed how critically important it is for the process to be absolutely transparent, with due process. Everybody wants to see the rule of law implemented, and anybody who has committed a crime to be held accountable, but at the same time it’s essential to avoid any perception or reality of selective prosecutions and that was a point that I stressed, and I think it’s important for Georgia’s reputation in the world and its path towards the Euro-Atlantic institutions that we again strongly support.

Finally let me note how much I expressed appreciation for Georgia’s contribution in Afghanistan. I know that it required great sacrifices from this country and its troops, but it’s something that the United States is deeply grateful for in the name of our common interest and our friendship.

That’s the essence of our meeting and I’d be happy to take a couple of questions.

Question: How can you imagine a cohabitation between Saakashvili and [inaudible] detentions and parliamentary minority claims that this is political?

Assistant Secretary Gordon: Indeed, and that’s what we’re watching very closely.

First I would note there have been some positive signs. The simple fact of President Saakashvili acknowledging the results of the election, accepting that the voters had spoken and the other side won, and supporting that peaceful, democratic transition is already a positive step and we welcome the magnanimous way in which he recognized the election results.

We’ve also seen some positive signs from Prime Minister Ivanishvili I believe as recently as yesterday saying that he plans to work with President Saakashvili, respects that the constitution leaves the President in place, and at least for now you have a Prime Minister and a government and a President of different political orientations -- already those are positive steps.

But at the same time, naturally there are tensions -- that’s inevitable after a hard-fought political campaign. We’re just stressing to both sides how important it is not to let those tensions stand in the way of rule of law, constitutional authority and due process.

In our favor, if you will, is the fact that I think both sides have Georgia’s interests at heart and they both know that it’s not in their interest either as parties or individuals or as a country to let this turn into a real fight, an act of political retributions and accusations, and that’s what I would appeal to both sides to keep that in mind: the world is watching, the international community is watching; the United States certainly feels that if Georgia continues on the path of being a stable, prosperous country integrated into the West, it needs to allow this peaceful democratic transition to move forward.

Question: Mr. Gordon, your European colleagues made quite strong statements about the arrests in Georgia. Does the United States share these concerns you have talked a lot about? [Inaudible] strong statements. Also how would you see the balance in foreign policy between relations of Georgia with United States and Russia?

Assistant Secretary Gordon: First, I think I was pretty clear myself and I was clear with the Prime Minister that once again, nobody wants to see an absence of rule of law and if people are guilty of crimes, those crimes should be investigated and people should be held accountable, and I haven’t found anyone I’ve met with in Georgia, so far -- and I’ve met with people from both sides -- that disagrees with that.

But I was equally clear that, in that context, it is absolutely critical to be scrupulous in both the reality and the perception of how this process is working. If it looks like, or it is, designed solely to go after political adversaries, or it’s not done in a transparent way, then the whole country would pay a price, and so that was my message to the Prime Minister. Everyone wants to see criminals prosecuted but it needs to be done in a way that fully acknowledges the needs of due process and transparency and that’s what we hope to see in Georgia moving forward.

In terms of relations with the United States, as I mentioned, we’ve been encouraged by the first indications coming out of the new government. Where that is concerned, the Prime Minister was certainly clear with me that he wants to see the United States-Georgia relationship remain very strong, which it is. He reiterated his interest in continuing to pursue NATO membership and integration into the West and to sustaining Georgia’s free market economy, and we will look forward to welcoming him in Washington, to continue the dialogue -- our relations are strong with this government.

Question: When will be the visit?

Assistant Secretary Gordon: We’ll announce it when we have something to announce.

Question: Are you going to meet with the Georgian President?

Assistant Secretary Gordon: I do expect to meet him, yeah.

Question: Thank you very much.

Assistant Secretary Gordon: Thank you.

NEW YORK SANDY SURVIVORS RECEIVED $564 MILLION IN TOTAL INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS



Photo:  Hurricane Sandy.  Credit:  NOAA

FROM: U.S. FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

NEW YORK – New York survivors of Hurricane Sandy have received $564 million in federal individual assistance grants to help them recover from damages caused by the storm.

The assistance includes $531 million in housing grants, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs, and $33 million to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions.

Disaster assistance grants must be used for disaster-related expenses. Shortly after receiving the funds, survivors receive a letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency explaining how the money may be used. Survivors should keep receipts for all disaster-related expenses.

Housing Assistance funds may be used for:
Repairs to return the home to a safe and functional condition. These may include repairs to windows, doors, water and ventilation systems or other structural parts of a home.
Rebuilding a home that has been destroyed.
Reimbursement for hotel or motel lodging expenses directly related to the disaster while the survivor’s home is being repaired. Those who must remain in temporary housing for an extended period may request more assistance until their home can be reoccupied or other permanent housing arrangements can be made.
Other Needs Assistance funds may be used for:
Medical, dental and funeral expenses.
Repair or replacement of damaged personal property, specialized tools for employment, household items, furniture and appliances.
Reimbursement for moving expenses and transportation costs (vehicle repair).
Other approved disaster-related expenses.
Survivors with questions about use of FEMA grants may call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION NEWS FOR NOVEMBER 19, 2012

FROM:  NASA

President Obama and Prime Minister Shinawatra Deliver Remarks | The White House

President Obama and Prime Minister Shinawatra Deliver Remarks | The White House

President Obama and Aung San Suu Kyi Deliver Remarks | The White House

President Obama and Aung San Suu Kyi Deliver Remarks | The White House

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

FROM: U.S. NAVY, USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER
121116-N-NB538-195 U.S. 5th FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Nov. 16, 2012) A plane director gives an all-clear signal on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Dwight D. Eisenhower is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Sabrina Fine/Released)

121120-N-XF988-052 TOKYO BAY (Nov. 20, 2012) The aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) underway in Tokyo Bay on its way to Yokosuka, Japan, after completing its 2012 patrol. George Washington and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Michelle N. Rasmusson/Released)

 

THREE MONTHS AFTER HURRICANE ISAAC

Venice, La., Nov. 1, 2012 -- One of the teams assigned to collect Orphan Containers in air boats heads back to the collection site after retrieving one of the biggest containers found in the Louisiana Marshland after Hurricane Isaac. Photo by Daniel Llargues-FEMA

 
FROM: FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

BATON ROUGE, La. – Nearly three months ago, Hurricane Isaac swamped Louisiana with torrential rains, high winds and storm surge. Since then, local, state, federal and voluntary agencies, plus the private sector, have worked hand in hand with survivors to help them recover from the storm’s destruction.

Hundreds of millions of dollars in state and federal assistance have jump-started the recovery efforts of individual survivors, their families and their communities in the 55 parishes designated for Individual Assistance and/or Public Assistance. And more help will arrive with the rollout of recovery programs designed to help Louisianians over the long haul.

"Louisianians have made tremendous progress in their journey toward recovery from Hurricane Isaac," said Federal Coordinating Officer Gerard M. Stolar of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). "The efforts of the survivors themselves, combined with those of the whole recovery community, have made all the difference in Louisiana."

Even before Hurricane Isaac made its first landfall on Aug. 28 before wobbling back out to sea, then hitting the coast again, emergency workers at all levels of government, law enforcement and voluntary agencies mobilized to prepare for the storm’s onslaught. On Aug. 27, President Obama issued an emergency disaster declaration authorizing FEMA to provide assistance for emergency protective measures to alleviate the hurricane’s impact on life and property. The major disaster declaration came just two days later.

Although weaker than Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Isaac moved inland much more slowly, causing devastating flooding, some of it in areas largely unscathed by the 2005 storm. Along with the seasoned storm veterans of the coastal parishes and New Orleans, survivors unaccustomed to major storms found themselves needing help.

For many, assistance came almost immediately. Just a week after the Aug. 29 disaster declaration for Hurricane Isaac in Louisiana, more than $10 million in state and federal disaster assistance had already headed to survivors. Within 16 days, that total had soared to $100 million.

Today, disaster assistance has topped $365 million. This includes more than $116 million in grants from FEMA’s Individual Assistance (IA) program, more than $135 million in low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and more than $113 million in reimbursements to the state and local governments from FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program. Separately, the FEMA-administered National Flood Insurance Program has paid more than $370 million on claims from policyholders in Louisiana.

Beyond the funds disbursed to individuals, families, businesses and communities, federal programs have helped survivors stay temporarily in hotels when their homes were unlivable; funded crisis counseling for Louisianians suffering from the emotional effects of the storm and its aftermath; helped connect survivors to other agencies’ assistance programs to ensure that they would get the help they needed; and reimbursed municipalities for emergency protective measures taken to preserve lives and property, restoring hurricane-damaged infrastructure and removing debris from parish rights-of-way and private property.

Within hours of the Aug. 29 declaration, the first Community Relations specialists began their work of providing crucial recovery information to storm survivors. Over the following weeks, hundreds of Community Relations specialists visited parishes designated for Individual Assistance, answering survivors’ questions in neighborhoods, at Disaster Recovery Centers, and at points of distribution and shelters.

Forty recovery centers served survivors throughout Louisiana, and two centers remain open in hard-hit parishes so residents can meet face to face with specialists who can help them register and answer their questions about state and federal assistance. Mitigation and National Flood Insurance Program specialists joined the staff at the centers, greatly expanding the information available to survivors.

Mitigation outreach specialists also met with more than 24,500 Louisianians in several settings, including the disaster recovery centers, home improvement stores, fairs and festivals, providing advice and tips on rebuilding stronger homes. Two strike teams in Jefferson, Plaquemines and St. Bernard parishes visited residents, some accessible only by boat, to offer advice and mold cleanup kits.

As Louisianians continue to recover from Hurricane Isaac, they may have some needs that go beyond the scope of assistance the state or FEMA can provide. That’s when community-based long-term recovery groups can help.

With support and guidance from FEMA and the state, long-term recovery groups are already working in 15 hard-hit parishes. Formed from a network of nonprofit and voluntary agencies and faith- and community-based organizations, these recovery groups are working with survivors to determine their longer-term needs and connect them to assistance.

Staff and volunteers from some groups have helped clear debris at damaged homes, while others are recruiting volunteers and staff. Some groups have programs to help survivors pay utility bills or obtain necessities such as clothing and furniture.

On a community scale, the state of Louisiana, along with FEMA, has activated the new National Disaster Recovery Framework for the first time. Like initial response efforts, extended recovery requires a united effort beginning at the local level, plus the private sector and individuals — the whole community — and the framework aims to help make that happen.

Already, framework coordinators have held the first public meetings in two parishes to identify local recovery priorities, with more public sessions expected in the coming weeks, said Wayne Rickard, who was appointed the federal disaster recovery coordinator for Louisiana’s Hurricane Isaac recovery effort. After this stage, agencies at the state and federal levels will pool their resources and information to help communities and parishes find alternative pathways to secure technical assistance and funding.

Meanwhile, our Public Assistance mission continues to gain momentum and meet the challenges in Louisiana’s hard-hit coastal parishes. We are coordinating with our state and local partners, and reaching out to the federal family as well as FEMA Headquarters and Region VI leadership to find viable solutions to the more complex issues that stand in the way of full community recovery.

Because we extended the Individual Assistance registration deadline, Hurricane Isaac survivors have until Nov. 29 to register with FEMA for potential assistance. Louisianians can register for assistance or check the status of their cases online at www.disasterassistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov, or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. FEMA phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week; multilingual operators are available.

REMARKS BEFORE MEETING: ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU AND U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE CLINTON

FROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Remarks With Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Before Their Meeting

Remarks
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Prime Minister's Office
Jerusalem
November 20, 2012

PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: I want to welcome Secretary Clinton once again to Jerusalem. I want to thank President Obama, you, and the American Government and people for their strong support for Israel in this hour of need. I want to also thank you especially for your support of Iron Dome that’s been saving lives, and we are in a battle to save lives.

One of the things that we’re doing is trying to resist and counter a terrorist barrage which is aimed directly at our civilians, and doing so by minimizing civilian casualties, whereas the terrorist enemies of Israel are doing everything in their power to maximize the number of civilian casualties. Obviously, no country can tolerate a wanton attack on its civilians.

Now, if there is a possibility of achieving a long-term solution to this problem through diplomatic means, we prefer that. But if not, I am sure you understand that Israel will have to take whatever action is necessary to defend its people. This is something that I don’t have to explain to Americans. I know that President Obama, you, and the American people understand that perfectly well.

And I thank you once again for your support. Welcome to Jerusalem.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you very much, Prime Minister. I look forward to a productive discussion this evening at such a critical moment for Israel and the region. President Obama asked me to come to Israel with a very clear message: America’s commitment to Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering. That is why we believe it is essential to de-escalate the situation in Gaza.

The rocket attacks from terrorist organizations inside Gaza on Israeli cities and towns must end and a broader calm restored. The goal must be a durable outcome that promotes regional stability and advances the security and legitimate aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians alike.

President Obama has emphasized these same points in his multiple conversations with President Morsi of Egypt, and we appreciate President Morsi’s personal leadership and Egypt’s efforts thus far. As a regional leader and neighbor, Egypt has the opportunity and responsibility to continue playing a crucial and constructive role in this process. I will carry this message to Cairo tomorrow. I will also be consulting with President Abbas in Ramallah.

Let me also say, to echo the Prime Minister, I am very pleased that the Iron Dome defense system is performing so well. Our partnership in support of this system represents America’s enduring commitment to the safety and security of the Israeli people and to Israel’s right to defend itself.

But no defense is perfect and our hearts break for the loss of every civilian – Israeli and Palestinian – and for all those who have been wounded or who are living in fear and danger. I know today was a difficult day, and I offer my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those who were lost and injured. In the end, there is no substitute for security and for a just and lasting peace, and the current crisis certainly focuses us on the urgency of this broader goal.

So in the days ahead, the United States will work with our partners here in Israel and across the region toward an outcome that bolsters security for the people of Israel, improves conditions for the people of Gaza, and moves toward a comprehensive peace for all people of the region. And I thank you, Prime Minister, for your hospitality and look forward to our discussion.

PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: Thank you.

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR NOVEMBER 20, 2012

Afghanistan.  Credit:  U.S. Army Photo.

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Weapons Facilitator
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, Nov. 20, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban weapons facilitator in Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.

The arrested facilitator is alleged to have supplied weapons, ammunition and improvised explosive devices to insurgents throughout Kandahar province, officials said.

The security force also seized an assault rifle and assorted ammunition during the operation.

In other Afghanistan operations today:
-- A combined force arrested a Haqqani senior leader in Khost province. The arrested leader is believed to have facilitated the movement of insurgents and directed IED emplacements for attacks on Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also detained one other suspected insurgent.

-- In Logar province, a combined force arrested a Haqqani leader and weapons facilitator. The arrested leader is alleged to have organized the acquisition and transfer of weapons to insurgents for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout the province.

In operations yesterday:
-- A combined force killed a number of heavily-armed insurgents in Ghazni province. The security force observed the armed insurgents firing several heavy weapons toward the Khugyani District Center. The security force engaged the insurgents, killing them.

-- A combined force killed an insurgent in Nangarhar province.

And on Nov. 18, combined forces in Helmand province arrested a Taliban IED facilitator and seized 20 pounds of illegal narcotics. The arrested facilitator is believed responsible for the storage and shipment of homemade explosives and IED-making materials from across the Afghan border into central Helmand.