FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Trial Begins for Soldier Accused of Classified Leaks
By David Vergun
Army News Service
FORT MEADE, Md., June 4, 2013 - With the prosecution accusing Army Pfc. Bradley Manning of causing immeasurable harm to national security and Manning's attorney portraying the soldier as "young and naïve, but good-intentioned," Manning's court-martial in what has become known as "the WikiLeaks case" began here yesterday.
Manning, 25 is charged with committing various crimes, including aiding the enemy, by leaking classified information to the WikiLeaks website while assigned to Iraq as an intelligence analyst in 2009 and 2010. If convicted, Manning could be sentenced to life in prison.
In his opening statement, Army Capt. Joe Morrow, the prosecutor, called the leaks the "biggest ever" in U.S. history, involving hundreds of thousands of classified documents, and that they provided "potentially actionable information for targeting U.S. forces."
David Coombs, Manning's attorney, said in his opening statement that Manning was selective about the documents he released and "was hoping to make the world a better place" by doing so.
The judge, Army Col. Denise Lind, asked Manning if he wanted to reconsider trial by a military judge alone, herself, rather than by jury, which is termed a "panel" by the military. Manning declined.
In the afternoon, the prosecutor called the first witness, Army Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Smith, who was the senior enlisted Criminal Investigative Division agent at the time. He and another case agent, Tony Graham, were the first to investigate the "scene of the crime," as Smith called the sensitive compartmented information facility where Manning worked in Iraq. Smith discussed the procedures they used to collect evidence and conduct interviews.
The prosecutor will call more witnesses and use sworn statements as evidence as its case proceeds. The defense will present its arguments in the coming days.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
ISAF NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR JUNE 03, 2013
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| U.S. Army Sgt. Christopher Ross, left, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Olin Harrington, center, and U.S. Army Spc. Jared Malda, right, provide security for their team outside a village in Zabul province, Afghanistan, May 26, 2013. Ross, Harrington and Malda, assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division's 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, were part of an Afghan-led search for weapon and explosive caches. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Tim Morgan |
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Afghan Force Kills 20 Enemy Fighters in Paktika Province
Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases
WASHINGTON, June 3, 2013 - An Afghan quick-reaction force killed 20 enemy fighters and detained another while responding to an attack on a local police checkpoint in the Orgun-e district of Afghanistan's Paktika province yesterday, military officials reported.
The Afghan force engaged an unknown number of enemies shortly after being dispatched by the district operations center, officials said.
In other Afghanistan operations yesterday:
-- A combined Afghan and coalition security force in Nangarhar province's Khugyani district arrested a Taliban leader who has conducted numerous attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also coordinates the movement of weapons and fighters and performs limited intelligence duties for local Taliban networks.
-- In the Helmand province city of Lashkar Gah, a combined force arrested a Taliban leader who controls a group responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also is involved in the construction and emplacement of improvised explosive devices, facilitates the movement of weapons and receives guidance from senior Taliban officials for dissemination to front-line fighters. The security force also arrested another enemy fighter and seized ammunition and five assault-rifle magazines.
In June 1 operations:
-- A Haqqani network leader was killed in Paktia province's Gardez district. Faizullah, also known as Shahab, conducted IED attacks and intimidation campaigns targeting Afghan and coalition forces. He facilitated the movement of weapons and military equipment and was responsible for kidnapping operations and coordinating with senior Haqqani leaders.
-- In Zabul province's Shah Joy district, local police and coalition forces seized and destroyed three rifles, two pistols, a 107 mm rocket, a machine gun, a shotgun and assorted ammunition.
-- A combined force in Helmand province's Marjah district arrested a Taliban leader who is responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also is involved in the construction of vehicle-borne IEDs and provides operational reports to other Taliban fighters. The security force also seized a mortar round and an assault rifle.
-- In Kandahar province's city of Kandahar, a combined force arrested an enemy fighter during a search for a Taliban leader who controls a group responsible for coordinating attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also has directed assassinations of Afghan civilians and has facilitated the movement of weapons.
-- A combined force in Nangarhar province's Khugyani district arrested two enemy fighters during a search for a senior Taliban leader who oversees a group involved in ambushes, IED operations and complex attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also facilitates the movement of weapons and serves as an intelligence operative for senior Taliban officials. The security force also seized 8 pounds of opium.
ACCOUNTANT SENTENCED FOR ROLES IN TWO FRAUD SCHEMES
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Florida Accountant Sentenced to Federal Prison for Two Fraud Schemes
Joseph Rizzuti, of Stuart, Fla., was sentenced to 80 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and for corruptly endeavoring to obstruct the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Justice Department and the IRS announced today.
According to court documents, Rizzuti, an accountant and the owner of Beacon Accounting Services in Palm City, Fla., interfered with the IRS’s ability to collect taxes owed by two clients by stealing payments from those clients intended for the IRS and making misrepresentations to the clients, as well as the IRS, to conceal his scheme. Rizzuti also admitted to engaging in a criminal conspiracy to commit wire fraud by making material misrepresentations to individuals throughout the United States who believed the money they were investing with Rizzuti and his co-conspirators was funding Nigerian-related oil and Bahamian construction projects, but instead Rizzuti and his co-conspirators used the investors’ money for their own personal expenses. In total, Rizzuti and his co-conspirators stole approximately $3 million.
In addition to prison time, U.S. District Judge Donald L. Graham sentenced Rizzuti to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $298,000 in restitution to victims of his schemes to the IRS. Additional penalties will be assessed in the next 90 days.
This case was investigated by special agents of IRS - Criminal Investigation and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Trial Attorneys Justin Gelfand and Rebecca Perlmutter of the Justice Department’s Tax Division prosecuted the case.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Florida Accountant Sentenced to Federal Prison for Two Fraud Schemes
Joseph Rizzuti, of Stuart, Fla., was sentenced to 80 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and for corruptly endeavoring to obstruct the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Justice Department and the IRS announced today.
According to court documents, Rizzuti, an accountant and the owner of Beacon Accounting Services in Palm City, Fla., interfered with the IRS’s ability to collect taxes owed by two clients by stealing payments from those clients intended for the IRS and making misrepresentations to the clients, as well as the IRS, to conceal his scheme. Rizzuti also admitted to engaging in a criminal conspiracy to commit wire fraud by making material misrepresentations to individuals throughout the United States who believed the money they were investing with Rizzuti and his co-conspirators was funding Nigerian-related oil and Bahamian construction projects, but instead Rizzuti and his co-conspirators used the investors’ money for their own personal expenses. In total, Rizzuti and his co-conspirators stole approximately $3 million.
In addition to prison time, U.S. District Judge Donald L. Graham sentenced Rizzuti to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $298,000 in restitution to victims of his schemes to the IRS. Additional penalties will be assessed in the next 90 days.
This case was investigated by special agents of IRS - Criminal Investigation and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Trial Attorneys Justin Gelfand and Rebecca Perlmutter of the Justice Department’s Tax Division prosecuted the case.
RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS
FROM: U.S. NAVY
130529-N-GH245-078 CORONADO, Calif. (May 29, 2013) Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Stephanie Alexander plays the role of an aggressor for Dax, a military working dog, who is providing detection and deterrence assistance for Master-at-Arms Seaman Mauricio Rincongonzalez during building clearing drills at Naval Base Coronado. Military working dogs are trained to provide deterrence, patrol and detection services. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Christopher Pratt/Released
130529-N-GH245-016 CORONADO, Calif. (May 29, 2013) Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Brian May is attacked by military working dog Apoch during a controlled aggression demonstration at Naval Base San Diego. Military working dogs are trained to provide deterrence, patrol and detection services. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist Seaman Christopher Pratt/Released/Released).
Monday, June 3, 2013
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE HAGEL'S REMARKS ON BOARD THE USS FREEDOM
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| U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel tours the flight deck of the USS Freedom in Singapore, June 2, 2013. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo |
Remarks by Secretary Hagel to the Crew of the Littoral Combat Ship USS Freedom in Singapore
COMMANDING OFFICER TIMOTHY WILKE: Good afternoon. As you know, it's our honor and privilege today to have Secretary of Defense Secretary Hagel on board. It's a very important day for us on his visit out here. He took some time out of his day to come talk to us and talk to Freedom.
And without further ado, Secretary Hagel.
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE CHUCK HAGEL: Captain Wilke, thank you. And to each of you, thank you for the opportunity to come bother you this afternoon. I know you've got real work to do, but I wanted to say hello. I wanted to tell you how much we appreciate your good work.
You all are making history out here. I think you know that. What you represent to our country and our partnerships in the Asia Pacific -- I don't think can be overstated. You are really defining a new era -- a new era of partnerships -- new ship, new capacities, new opportunities.
You each were assigned to this ship because you have had records of accomplishment. And it's a big deal for our country; it's a big deal for you. I want to also thank your families for what you're doing. And thank your families when you talk with them. Tell them how much we appreciate what they're doing for our country.
I had an opportunity to be out here actually when this was being built over the years, and I watched -- as I was here three years in a row, starting in about 2002 -- how all of this was being put together, brought together, the leadership, the cooperation.
And at the beginning of that effort -- I don't know if anyone not only would have recognized but would have predicted what this was all going to be about, and eventually how we were going to put the first new combat ship out here that represented so much, and so much new capacity.
So I wanted to just, again, thank you and tell you we're grateful, and also tell you how proud we are of what you're doing out here. You all are really ambassadors in every way, and there are high expectations for you, and I think you know that. But, you're up to it, and it's an honor to be on your ship, and I look forward to meeting each of you individually as I get through this this afternoon.
Thank you.
SECRETARY HAGEL WORKING ON PACIFIC REBALANCE
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
U.S. Following Through on Pacific Rebalance, Hagel Says
By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service
SINGAPORE, June 1, 2013 - The United States is committed to a strategic rebalance to the Asia-Pacific and aims to strengthen its ties in the region, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told an audience of Pacific leaders here today.
Hagel spoke at the first full day of the 2013 Shangri-La Dialogue, named for the Singapore hotel that serves as the annual venue for the gathering. This year defense ministers, military chiefs and other senior government leaders are representing some 27 countries at the conference.
The secretary said U.S. ties to the region are unbreakable, but need to be "renewed and reinvigorated after a decade of war in the Middle East and Central Asia." He added, however, that the rebalance should not be misinterpreted.
"The U.S. has allies, interests and responsibilities across the globe. The Asia-Pacific rebalance is not a retreat from other regions of the world," the secretary said. But, he added, developing nations, technologies and security cooperation, along with trade, energy and environmental issues all point toward the region's strategic significance.
Hagel listed what he called "a range of persistent and emerging threats" in the region. These include, he said:
-- North Korea's nuclear weapons, missile programs and continued provocations;
-- Land and sea disputes over natural resources;
-- Natural disasters, poverty and pandemic disease;
-- Environmental degradation;
-- Illicit trafficking in people, drugs and weapons, including the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; and
-- Disruptive activities in space and cyberspace.
To address those challenges, he said, America and Asia-Pacific nations must "strengthen existing alliances, forge new partnerships, and build coalitions based on common interests to ensure this region's future is peaceful and prosperous."
Hagel said the U.S. commitment to the region is demonstrated by its investments, its relationships with other Pacific nations, and its support for developing regional institutions that "evolve from talking about cooperation to achieving real, tangible solutions to shared problems, and a common framework for resolving differences."
Hagel said the Obama administration is rebalancing diplomatically and economically by increasing funding for diplomacy and development in Asia; providing new resources for regional efforts that improve water management, disaster resilience and public health; and fostering trade and investment through work with regional institutions.
The Defense Department plays an important role in securing the rebalance, he noted.
While future U.S. defense budgets will be lower than during the Iraq and Afghan wars, he said, "Even under the most extreme budget scenarios, the United States military will continue to represent nearly 40 percent of global defense expenditures."
Hagel noted he recently directed a Strategic Choices and Management Review to assess Pentagon spending priorities. While the results are not complete, he said, "I can assure you that coming out of this review, the United States will continue to implement the rebalance and prioritize our posture, activities and investments in Asia-Pacific."
That emphasis already can be seen, he said, as Army and Marine units return to home stations in the Pacific theater, and the Army's designation of its 1st Corps as regionally aligned to the Asia-Pacific.
Hagel added that the Navy will forward-base 60 percent of its assets in the Pacific by 2020, and the Air Force has allocated 60 percent of its overseas-based forces, including tactical aircraft and bomber forces from the continental United States, to the Asia-Pacific.
"The Air Force is focusing a similar percentage of its space and cyber capabilities on the region," Hagel added. "These assets enable us to capitalize on the Air Force's inherent speed, range, and flexibility."
DOD will use its capabilities to strengthen regional partnerships, he said. He noted that last year, then-Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta announced at the forum that the U.S. Navy would rotate up to four littoral combat ships through Singapore.
"In recent weeks, the first of those ships, the USS Freedom, arrived to begin a busy schedule of regional maritime engagements," he noted. "I look forward to visiting the ship tomorrow."
Meanwhile, he added, the second company-sized rotation of U.S. Marines recently arrived in Darwin, Australia, to deepen cooperation with that treaty ally and other regional partners. Hagel said that eventually, 2,500 U.S. Marines will deploy to Australia each year.
The five-year defense budget plan now before Congress prioritizes the rapidly deployable resources needed to secure a vast region largely covered by water, he said, "Such as submarines, long-range bombers, and carrier strike groups, that can project power over great distance and carry out a variety of missions."
He added the region will see more such advanced capabilities in the future, "As we prioritize deployments of our most advanced platforms to the Pacific, including the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter deployments to Japan, and a fourth Virginia-class fast attack submarine forward deployed to Guam."
Further over the horizon, Hagel said, the U.S. will bring to the region developing capabilities "that will enhance our decisive military edge well into the future," including the Navy's recently tested carrier-launched remotely piloted aircraft. He also said that next year, for the first time, the Navy will deploy a solid-state laser aboard a ship, the USS Ponce.
"This capability provides an affordable answer to the costly problem of defending against asymmetric threats like missiles, swarming small boats and remotely piloted aircraft," the secretary said.
America's allies and partners must be able to trust the nation's commitment, Hagel said. He outlined separate U.S. defense initiatives underway with Japan, South Korea, Australia, the Philippines and Thailand to support that goal.
Trilateral cooperation in the region is also promising, he said, with growing interaction among the United States, Japan and South Korea, as well as among the United States, Japan and Australia.
The department is also exploring trilateral training opportunities including jungle training between the U.S. and Thailand that could expand to incorporate South Korea, he said. Similarly, he added, the United States is working to build trilateral cooperation with Japan and India.
"Here in Singapore I look forward to building on our practical collaboration under the U.S.-Singapore Strategic Framework Agreement, which has guided security cooperation not only in this region, but in the Gulf of Aden and Afghanistan as well," he said.
Hagel described additional U.S. defense partnership initiatives with New Zealand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Burma. And with India, he said, "We are moving beyond purely defense trade towards technology sharing and co-production."
The U.S. vision for the Asia-Pacific region is an open and inclusive one, the secretary said. He added that rising powers such as India, Indonesia and China "have a special role to play in a future security order as they assume the responsibilities that come with their growing stake in regional stability."
A positive, constructive relationship with China also is an essential part of America's rebalance to Asia, Hagel said.
The United States welcomes and supports a prosperous and successful China, he said, and supports China's participation in regional and global economic and security institutions.
Hagel praised China and Taiwan's efforts to improve cross-strait relations, adding, "We have an enduring interest in peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait."
The U.S. and China differ on human rights, Syria and regional security issues in Asia, Hagel acknowledged, but added such differences are best addressed as part of a continuous and respectful dialogue.
"I am pleased that the dialogue between our armed forces is steadily improving," Hagel said. He listed positive developments over the course of the past year, including a series of visits between defense and political leaders and increased military exercises involving U.S. and Chinese forces.
While such bilateral progress is pleasing, Hagel said, maintaining regional stability will require multilateral institutions that can provide critical platforms and opportunities for countries to work together.
Hagel announced today that during meetings this weekend, he will invite defense ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to "provide another opportunity for us to discuss a shared vision for a dynamic, peaceful, and secure future for the region."
Maintaining peace and security in the region requires adherence to established principles of open commerce; rights and responsibilities of nations and fidelity to the rule of law; open access to sea, air, space and cyberspace domains; and resolving conflict without the use of force.
"Unfortunately, some nations continue to dismiss these values and pursue a disruptive path – most notably, North Korea," he said.
The United States has made clear, he said, "that we will take all necessary steps to protect our homeland and our allies from dangerous provocations, including significantly bolstering our missile defense throughout the Pacific."
No country should conduct "business as usual" with a North Korea that threatens its neighbors, Hagel said.
"We are working closely with our Republic of Korea and Japanese allies to strengthen our posture and ability to respond to threats from North Korea," he said. "The prospects for a peaceful resolution also will require close coordination with China."
Hagel then addressed the issue of competing territorial claims in the East and South China seas. The United States does not take a position on sovereignty in such cases, he said, but has an interest in how such disputes are settled.
"The United States stands firmly against any coercive attempts to alter the status quo," Hagel said. "We strongly believe that incidents and disputes should be settled in a manner that maintains peace and security, adheres to international law, and protects unimpeded lawful commerce, as well as freedom of navigation and overflight."
Hagel said he is encouraged by recent moves toward developing a code of conduct for the South China Sea.
Turning to cyber issues, Hagel said he will attend a series of NATO ministerial meetings next week, during which cyber will be an agenda item.
"The United States has expressed our concerns about the growing threat of cyber intrusions, some of which appear to be tied to the Chinese government and military," the secretary noted.
The United States and China have agreed to establish a cyber working group, Hagel said. "We are determined to work more vigorously with China and other partners to establish international norms of responsible behavior in cyberspace," he added.
U.S. Following Through on Pacific Rebalance, Hagel Says
By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service
SINGAPORE, June 1, 2013 - The United States is committed to a strategic rebalance to the Asia-Pacific and aims to strengthen its ties in the region, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told an audience of Pacific leaders here today.
Hagel spoke at the first full day of the 2013 Shangri-La Dialogue, named for the Singapore hotel that serves as the annual venue for the gathering. This year defense ministers, military chiefs and other senior government leaders are representing some 27 countries at the conference.
The secretary said U.S. ties to the region are unbreakable, but need to be "renewed and reinvigorated after a decade of war in the Middle East and Central Asia." He added, however, that the rebalance should not be misinterpreted.
"The U.S. has allies, interests and responsibilities across the globe. The Asia-Pacific rebalance is not a retreat from other regions of the world," the secretary said. But, he added, developing nations, technologies and security cooperation, along with trade, energy and environmental issues all point toward the region's strategic significance.
Hagel listed what he called "a range of persistent and emerging threats" in the region. These include, he said:
-- North Korea's nuclear weapons, missile programs and continued provocations;
-- Land and sea disputes over natural resources;
-- Natural disasters, poverty and pandemic disease;
-- Environmental degradation;
-- Illicit trafficking in people, drugs and weapons, including the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; and
-- Disruptive activities in space and cyberspace.
To address those challenges, he said, America and Asia-Pacific nations must "strengthen existing alliances, forge new partnerships, and build coalitions based on common interests to ensure this region's future is peaceful and prosperous."
Hagel said the U.S. commitment to the region is demonstrated by its investments, its relationships with other Pacific nations, and its support for developing regional institutions that "evolve from talking about cooperation to achieving real, tangible solutions to shared problems, and a common framework for resolving differences."
Hagel said the Obama administration is rebalancing diplomatically and economically by increasing funding for diplomacy and development in Asia; providing new resources for regional efforts that improve water management, disaster resilience and public health; and fostering trade and investment through work with regional institutions.
The Defense Department plays an important role in securing the rebalance, he noted.
While future U.S. defense budgets will be lower than during the Iraq and Afghan wars, he said, "Even under the most extreme budget scenarios, the United States military will continue to represent nearly 40 percent of global defense expenditures."
Hagel noted he recently directed a Strategic Choices and Management Review to assess Pentagon spending priorities. While the results are not complete, he said, "I can assure you that coming out of this review, the United States will continue to implement the rebalance and prioritize our posture, activities and investments in Asia-Pacific."
That emphasis already can be seen, he said, as Army and Marine units return to home stations in the Pacific theater, and the Army's designation of its 1st Corps as regionally aligned to the Asia-Pacific.
Hagel added that the Navy will forward-base 60 percent of its assets in the Pacific by 2020, and the Air Force has allocated 60 percent of its overseas-based forces, including tactical aircraft and bomber forces from the continental United States, to the Asia-Pacific.
"The Air Force is focusing a similar percentage of its space and cyber capabilities on the region," Hagel added. "These assets enable us to capitalize on the Air Force's inherent speed, range, and flexibility."
DOD will use its capabilities to strengthen regional partnerships, he said. He noted that last year, then-Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta announced at the forum that the U.S. Navy would rotate up to four littoral combat ships through Singapore.
"In recent weeks, the first of those ships, the USS Freedom, arrived to begin a busy schedule of regional maritime engagements," he noted. "I look forward to visiting the ship tomorrow."
Meanwhile, he added, the second company-sized rotation of U.S. Marines recently arrived in Darwin, Australia, to deepen cooperation with that treaty ally and other regional partners. Hagel said that eventually, 2,500 U.S. Marines will deploy to Australia each year.
The five-year defense budget plan now before Congress prioritizes the rapidly deployable resources needed to secure a vast region largely covered by water, he said, "Such as submarines, long-range bombers, and carrier strike groups, that can project power over great distance and carry out a variety of missions."
He added the region will see more such advanced capabilities in the future, "As we prioritize deployments of our most advanced platforms to the Pacific, including the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter deployments to Japan, and a fourth Virginia-class fast attack submarine forward deployed to Guam."
Further over the horizon, Hagel said, the U.S. will bring to the region developing capabilities "that will enhance our decisive military edge well into the future," including the Navy's recently tested carrier-launched remotely piloted aircraft. He also said that next year, for the first time, the Navy will deploy a solid-state laser aboard a ship, the USS Ponce.
"This capability provides an affordable answer to the costly problem of defending against asymmetric threats like missiles, swarming small boats and remotely piloted aircraft," the secretary said.
America's allies and partners must be able to trust the nation's commitment, Hagel said. He outlined separate U.S. defense initiatives underway with Japan, South Korea, Australia, the Philippines and Thailand to support that goal.
Trilateral cooperation in the region is also promising, he said, with growing interaction among the United States, Japan and South Korea, as well as among the United States, Japan and Australia.
The department is also exploring trilateral training opportunities including jungle training between the U.S. and Thailand that could expand to incorporate South Korea, he said. Similarly, he added, the United States is working to build trilateral cooperation with Japan and India.
"Here in Singapore I look forward to building on our practical collaboration under the U.S.-Singapore Strategic Framework Agreement, which has guided security cooperation not only in this region, but in the Gulf of Aden and Afghanistan as well," he said.
Hagel described additional U.S. defense partnership initiatives with New Zealand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Burma. And with India, he said, "We are moving beyond purely defense trade towards technology sharing and co-production."
The U.S. vision for the Asia-Pacific region is an open and inclusive one, the secretary said. He added that rising powers such as India, Indonesia and China "have a special role to play in a future security order as they assume the responsibilities that come with their growing stake in regional stability."
A positive, constructive relationship with China also is an essential part of America's rebalance to Asia, Hagel said.
The United States welcomes and supports a prosperous and successful China, he said, and supports China's participation in regional and global economic and security institutions.
Hagel praised China and Taiwan's efforts to improve cross-strait relations, adding, "We have an enduring interest in peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait."
The U.S. and China differ on human rights, Syria and regional security issues in Asia, Hagel acknowledged, but added such differences are best addressed as part of a continuous and respectful dialogue.
"I am pleased that the dialogue between our armed forces is steadily improving," Hagel said. He listed positive developments over the course of the past year, including a series of visits between defense and political leaders and increased military exercises involving U.S. and Chinese forces.
While such bilateral progress is pleasing, Hagel said, maintaining regional stability will require multilateral institutions that can provide critical platforms and opportunities for countries to work together.
Hagel announced today that during meetings this weekend, he will invite defense ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to "provide another opportunity for us to discuss a shared vision for a dynamic, peaceful, and secure future for the region."
Maintaining peace and security in the region requires adherence to established principles of open commerce; rights and responsibilities of nations and fidelity to the rule of law; open access to sea, air, space and cyberspace domains; and resolving conflict without the use of force.
"Unfortunately, some nations continue to dismiss these values and pursue a disruptive path – most notably, North Korea," he said.
The United States has made clear, he said, "that we will take all necessary steps to protect our homeland and our allies from dangerous provocations, including significantly bolstering our missile defense throughout the Pacific."
No country should conduct "business as usual" with a North Korea that threatens its neighbors, Hagel said.
"We are working closely with our Republic of Korea and Japanese allies to strengthen our posture and ability to respond to threats from North Korea," he said. "The prospects for a peaceful resolution also will require close coordination with China."
Hagel then addressed the issue of competing territorial claims in the East and South China seas. The United States does not take a position on sovereignty in such cases, he said, but has an interest in how such disputes are settled.
"The United States stands firmly against any coercive attempts to alter the status quo," Hagel said. "We strongly believe that incidents and disputes should be settled in a manner that maintains peace and security, adheres to international law, and protects unimpeded lawful commerce, as well as freedom of navigation and overflight."
Hagel said he is encouraged by recent moves toward developing a code of conduct for the South China Sea.
Turning to cyber issues, Hagel said he will attend a series of NATO ministerial meetings next week, during which cyber will be an agenda item.
"The United States has expressed our concerns about the growing threat of cyber intrusions, some of which appear to be tied to the Chinese government and military," the secretary noted.
The United States and China have agreed to establish a cyber working group, Hagel said. "We are determined to work more vigorously with China and other partners to establish international norms of responsible behavior in cyberspace," he added.
HEALTH CARE LAW MOVING FORWARD WITH RULES ON EMPLOYMENT-BASED WELLNESS PROGRAMS
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Obama administration continues moving forward to implement health care law by releasing final rules on employment-based wellness programs
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and the Treasury today issued final rules on employment-based wellness programs. The final rules support workplace health promotion and prevention as a means to reduce the burden of chronic illness, improve health and limit growth of health care costs, while ensuring that individuals are protected from unfair underwriting practices that could otherwise reduce benefits based on health status.
The final rules continue to support participatory wellness programs, which generally are available without regard to an individual's health status. These include programs that reimburse for the cost of membership in a fitness center; that provide a reward to employees for attending a monthly, no-cost health education seminar; or that reward employees who complete a health risk assessment, without requiring them to take further action.
The rules also outline standards for nondiscriminatory health-contingent wellness programs, which generally reward individuals who meet a specific standard related to their health. Examples of health-contingent wellness programs include programs that provide a reward to those who do not use, or decrease their use of, tobacco, or programs that reward those who achieve a specified health-related goal, such as a specified cholesterol level, weight, or body mass index, as well as those who fail to meet such goals but take certain other healthy actions.
Today's final rules ensure flexibility for employers by increasing the maximum reward that may be offered under appropriately designed wellness programs, including outcome-based programs. The final rules also protect consumers by requiring that health-contingent wellness programs be reasonably designed, are uniformly available to all similarly situated individuals and accommodate recommendations made at any time by an individual's physician, based on medical appropriateness.
The final rules will be effective for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2014.
Obama administration continues moving forward to implement health care law by releasing final rules on employment-based wellness programs
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and the Treasury today issued final rules on employment-based wellness programs. The final rules support workplace health promotion and prevention as a means to reduce the burden of chronic illness, improve health and limit growth of health care costs, while ensuring that individuals are protected from unfair underwriting practices that could otherwise reduce benefits based on health status.
The final rules continue to support participatory wellness programs, which generally are available without regard to an individual's health status. These include programs that reimburse for the cost of membership in a fitness center; that provide a reward to employees for attending a monthly, no-cost health education seminar; or that reward employees who complete a health risk assessment, without requiring them to take further action.
The rules also outline standards for nondiscriminatory health-contingent wellness programs, which generally reward individuals who meet a specific standard related to their health. Examples of health-contingent wellness programs include programs that provide a reward to those who do not use, or decrease their use of, tobacco, or programs that reward those who achieve a specified health-related goal, such as a specified cholesterol level, weight, or body mass index, as well as those who fail to meet such goals but take certain other healthy actions.
Today's final rules ensure flexibility for employers by increasing the maximum reward that may be offered under appropriately designed wellness programs, including outcome-based programs. The final rules also protect consumers by requiring that health-contingent wellness programs be reasonably designed, are uniformly available to all similarly situated individuals and accommodate recommendations made at any time by an individual's physician, based on medical appropriateness.
The final rules will be effective for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2014.
RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS
FROM: U.S. NAVY
130524-N-JN142-296 SOUDA BAY, Greece (May 24, 2013) The Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Florida (SSGN 728) departs Souda harbor after a routine port visit. Florida, homeported in Kings Bay, Ga., is deployed conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Peggy Bebb/Released)
Sunday, June 2, 2013
U.S. CONGRATULATES DR. HAMDALLAH AS THE NEXT PRIME MINISTER OF THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Dr. Rami Hamdallah
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
June 2, 2013
We congratulate Dr. Rami Hamdallah, the next Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority. His appointment comes at a moment of challenge, which is also an important moment of opportunity. Together, we can choose the path of a negotiated two-state settlement that will allow Palestinians to fulfill their legitimate aspirations, and continue building the institutions of a sovereign and independent Palestinian state that will live in peace, security, and economic strength alongside Israel.
We also recognize the extraordinary contributions of outgoing Prime Minister Dr. Salam Fayyad, who has worked tirelessly to build effective Palestinian institutions.
Dr. Rami Hamdallah
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
June 2, 2013
We congratulate Dr. Rami Hamdallah, the next Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority. His appointment comes at a moment of challenge, which is also an important moment of opportunity. Together, we can choose the path of a negotiated two-state settlement that will allow Palestinians to fulfill their legitimate aspirations, and continue building the institutions of a sovereign and independent Palestinian state that will live in peace, security, and economic strength alongside Israel.
We also recognize the extraordinary contributions of outgoing Prime Minister Dr. Salam Fayyad, who has worked tirelessly to build effective Palestinian institutions.
PRESIDENT OBAMA AND NATO SECRETARY GENERAL RASMUSSEN MAKE REMARKS TO REPORTERS
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| President Barack Obama and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen meet in the White House Oval Office, May 31, 2013. NATO photo |
Obama, Rasmussen Praise Afghan Forces, Look to Future
By Nick Simeone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, May 31, 2013 - Afghan forces are just several weeks away from taking the lead in combat operations from NATO-led forces across Afghanistan, President Barack Obama said today after meeting with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen at the White House.
Speaking to reporters, Obama called the imminent security transition a "new milestone," one in which NATO's International Security Assistance Force will shift to a training, assisting, and advising role, while U.S and alliance forces continue to draw down ahead of the end of the NATO combat mission in 2014.
"We've seen great progress in the Afghan national security forces. We want to continue that progress," Obama said. "And we are now looking over the next several weeks to a new milestone ... where we are transitioning to Afghan lead for combat operations."
Declaring that "our goal is in sight," Rasmussen noted the progress the Afghan army and police have made over the past year, in the time since NATO leaders agreed at a summit in Chicago to set the middle of 2013 as the goal for transitioning combat operations across the country. Rasmussen said the alliance now is working to establish a new training mission to continue assisting Afghan forces after the current NATO mission ends.
"It will be a very different mission, a noncombat mission with a significantly lower number of troops and trainers," he said. "So we are determinedly moving towards our goal: an Afghanistan that can stand on its own feet."
To that end, Obama and Rasmussen announced NATO will hold a summit next year to determine how the alliance can continue partnering with the Afghan government. Obama said the summit will not only "underscore this final chapter in our Afghan operations, but also paint a picture of a future whereby we're partnering with the Afghan government on behalf of the Afghan people and on behalf of world security" to ensure the country does not become a base for terrorism in the future.
On other matters, Obama and Rasmussen discussed making sure Libya, where several NATO countries intervened to protect civilians from former ruler Moammar Gadhafi in 2011, also does not become a haven for terrorists.
"I think NATO has an important role to play on that front," Obama said, adding that he knows Rasmussen recently met with Libya's prime minister and had discussions about how NATO could provide assistance.
U.S. CONCERNED OVER EGYPTIAN CIVIL SOCIETY LAW
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
U.S. Concerns with Proposed Egyptian Civil Society Law
Press Statement
Jen Psaki
Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
May 31, 2013
The United States is concerned by the civil society draft law submitted by the Egyptian Presidency to the Shura Council. After holding consultations with local stakeholders and international experts, the government requested and received constructive recommendations for revisions to the bill, and we note that some improvements were made from earlier drafts. However, the draft law still imposes significant government controls and restrictions on the activities and funding of civic groups, which appear contrary to the right of freedom of association enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Egypt is a party. The United States believes the proposed law is likely to impede Egyptians’ ability to form civic groups that are critical to advancing freedoms, supporting democracy, and acting as appropriate checks on the government. As the Shura Council reviews the draft legislation, we urge further consultations with civil society and revisions to ensure the law respects universal human rights, empowers civil society to play its legitimate role, and responds to the Egyptian people’s aspirations for democracy as guaranteed specifically in Egypt’s new constitution.
U.S. Concerns with Proposed Egyptian Civil Society Law
Press Statement
Jen Psaki
Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
May 31, 2013
The United States is concerned by the civil society draft law submitted by the Egyptian Presidency to the Shura Council. After holding consultations with local stakeholders and international experts, the government requested and received constructive recommendations for revisions to the bill, and we note that some improvements were made from earlier drafts. However, the draft law still imposes significant government controls and restrictions on the activities and funding of civic groups, which appear contrary to the right of freedom of association enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Egypt is a party. The United States believes the proposed law is likely to impede Egyptians’ ability to form civic groups that are critical to advancing freedoms, supporting democracy, and acting as appropriate checks on the government. As the Shura Council reviews the draft legislation, we urge further consultations with civil society and revisions to ensure the law respects universal human rights, empowers civil society to play its legitimate role, and responds to the Egyptian people’s aspirations for democracy as guaranteed specifically in Egypt’s new constitution.
SECRETARY HAGEL ON SHANGRI-LA DIALOGUE VALUE
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| Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel answers questions ranging from TRICARE to cyberwarfare during a visit with troops on Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu, May 30, 2013. Hagel also plans to travel to Singapore and Brussels for meetings with defense leaders and NATO officials. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo |
By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press ServiceSINGAPORE, May 31, 2013 - Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel arrived here today for the first Shangri-La Dialogue he will attend as head of the Pentagon, but he helped to build the first such event as a U.S. senator more than a decade ago, he told reporters traveling with him to the annual conference.
"It has developed into a premier and very relevant ... institution," he said about the annual Asia-Pacific security conference. "It becomes more and more important every year, and there is no other event, no other venue, like it."
Hagel left Hawaii, the first leg of his current trip, yesterday and -- 18 time zones later -- is continuing his schedule here, the home of the Shangri-La Dialogue, named for the hotel in which it's held.
Back around 2000, Hagel explained, the current director-general for the International Institute for Strategic Studies, John Chipman, approached him to seek his support for a new regional conference focused on Asia-Pacific security issues. Hagel said the gathering was envisioned as comparable to the annual "Wehrkunde" security conference established in 1958, which allowed Western defense ministers to gather in Munich once a year, outside NATO, and address big security issues.
Hagel, then a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, helped Chipman get the congressional support he needed. In 2002, Hagel noted, he attended and spoke at the first Shangri-La Dialogue as head of the U.S. congressional delegation, along with U.S. Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, and he also attended and spoke at the next two annual events, though he hasn't been back since.
"Asia is emerging into this incredible power, with the growth [and] emergence of China, India, Vietnam and other countries, and I was very enthusiastic about the concept," Hagel said. He added that since the first dialogue, attendance has broadened and deepened to include more nations' representatives, and more kinds of representatives per nation.
For example, he said, there was little to no Chinese or Russian involvement the first few years of the dialogue, though both nations have since participated regularly, and participants of the early events largely were limited to defense ministers.
"Now, you've got Europeans, you've got most of the world powers represented," Hagel noted, and prime ministers, representatives of nongovernmental organizations and other security experts also attend in greater numbers each year.
The secretary will speak at the start of this year's conference, he said, and will emphasize that while the United States is rebalancing its security strategy, resetting from the longest war in its history and grappling with challenging economic issues, all of those factors converge on this region at this time.
"I expect next year, [that convergence] will be even more pronounced," he added. "This is an important time."
Hagel said he put in a great deal of personal effort and sought input from across and beyond government in crafting the speech he'll deliver at Shangri-La. The secretary added that he also will take part in a number of bilateral and trilateral meetings while in Singapore.
Such meetings don't allow broad in-depth engagement, Hagel acknowledged, but they allow leaders to share face-to-face focus on certain big issues. "Then, you can usually set something in motion as a follow-up," he added.
"I have always believed ... that these kinds of dialogues, these kinds of venues, are critically important," the secretary said. He noted that as technology becomes more complex and the planet's population keeps adding billions, "the world's not going to get any less complicated."
According to the online agenda for the conference, cybersecurity, counterpiracy, counterterrorism, freedom of navigation and disaster relief issues are among those scheduled for discussion at Shangri-La.
"We'd better take these moments to start sorting some of this out now," Hagel said. "[It's important to] avoid crises, so you won't find countries in situations that evolve and develop because technology and the astounding rapidity and pace of world affairs result in very limited, if any, margin of error in mistakes."
After his stop in Singapore, Hagel will travel to Brussels, Belgium, for a gathering of defense ministers from NATO and International Security Assistance Force troop-contributing nations.
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