FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Federal Grand Jury in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Returns Indictments in Large Scale Cocaine Distribution Network
The U.S. Attorney's Office of the Northern District of Indiana announced two indictments charging six persons in what is alleged to be the largest cocaine distribution network in the greater Fort Wayne, Indiana, area.
These indictments are the result of an extensive law enforcement investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force. In addition to the FBI, the Task Force consists of the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, the Fort Wayne Police Department and the Indiana State Police.
There were five people charged with conspiracy to deliver more than five kilograms of cocaine.
One individual was charged in a separate indictment with possession with intent to deliver over five kilograms.
All defendants are in custody and are being held without bond. During the course of this extensive investigation, law enforcement executed 17 federal searches in Indiana, Ohio and
Texas. In addition, the DeKalb County and Johnson County Prosecutor’s offices obtained two state search warrants. All of these searches resulted in the seizure of more than 100 kilograms of cocaine, over $5.9 million in U.S. currency and numerous firearms and vehicles.
Great assistance was also provided by the McAllen, Texas, and Toledo, Ohio, offices of the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service – Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana, along with the Auburn Police Department, the Greenwood Police Department, the Kendallville Police Department, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department, the Indiana Multi-Agency Group Enforcement (IMAGE) representing law enforcement in DeKalb, LaGrange, Noble and Steuben Counties and the Northeast Indiana SWAT.
This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony W. Geller of the Northern District of Indiana.
The U.S. Attorney's Office emphasized that an indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the federal sentencing guidelines.
Saturday, March 14, 2015
NATO SECRETARY GENERAL STOLTENBERG SAYS ALLIANCE WILL "ADAPT TO NEW THREATS"
FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
NATO Prepares for Challenges From East, South
By Jim Garamone
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, March 12, 2015 – NATO commanders are putting in place the infrastructure that will allow the alliance to adapt to new threats, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told the press yesterday at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe in Mons, Belgium.
Stoltenberg spoke alongside Air Force Gen. Philip M. Breedlove, NATO’s supreme allied commander, after NATO commanders briefed the secretary general on progress toward meeting the goals of the Wales Summit.
Both men noted the security environment in Europe has grown complicated and that the alliance must change to deal with these new threats. While the alliance continues the train, advise and equip mission in Afghanistan and the peacekeeping operation in Kosovo, it is changing to confront new issues.
Threats From East, South
“We see threats both from the East with the more aggressive actions of Russia in Ukraine, [and] also from the South with violence and turmoil spreading to the Middle East and North Africa,” Stoltenberg said.
The answer to both challengers is a boost to collective security, he added.
The alliance is more than doubling the size of the NATO Response Force from 13,000 to 30,000 troops.
“We are setting up a new 5,000-strong quick reaction Spearhead Force, with some units ready to move within as little as 48 hours,” Stoltenberg said. “And we are also creating six command-and-control centers in the Baltic states and three other eastern allied states.”
‘Deliberative and Unified’ Changes
Breedlove said those moves are on track. “We’re in full swing moving forward with our assurance and our adaptation measures and these will make our alliance even more ready and responsive in the future,” the general said.
“The United States is sending 3,000 troops and equipment to the Baltic region for training,” Stoltenberg said. “And in the south, we are preparing to hold this autumn our biggest exercise for many years, expected to include over 25,000 troops in this exercise.” NATO also has ships exercising in the Black and Baltic seas, he added.
The measures are defensive, proportionate and in line with international commitments, the secretary general said.
Changing the alliance posture is tough, involved work, Breedlove said. “We are tackling these changes in a deliberative and unified fashion,” he said. “I’ve spent many years serving among our European allies and I’m pleased to say that I’ve never seen a greater degree of cohesion, resolve and determination to ensure that NATO is ready to meet our future challenges, and I’m confident this will continue as we secure our future together.”
NATO Prepares for Challenges From East, South
By Jim Garamone
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, March 12, 2015 – NATO commanders are putting in place the infrastructure that will allow the alliance to adapt to new threats, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told the press yesterday at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe in Mons, Belgium.
Stoltenberg spoke alongside Air Force Gen. Philip M. Breedlove, NATO’s supreme allied commander, after NATO commanders briefed the secretary general on progress toward meeting the goals of the Wales Summit.
Both men noted the security environment in Europe has grown complicated and that the alliance must change to deal with these new threats. While the alliance continues the train, advise and equip mission in Afghanistan and the peacekeeping operation in Kosovo, it is changing to confront new issues.
Threats From East, South
“We see threats both from the East with the more aggressive actions of Russia in Ukraine, [and] also from the South with violence and turmoil spreading to the Middle East and North Africa,” Stoltenberg said.
The answer to both challengers is a boost to collective security, he added.
The alliance is more than doubling the size of the NATO Response Force from 13,000 to 30,000 troops.
“We are setting up a new 5,000-strong quick reaction Spearhead Force, with some units ready to move within as little as 48 hours,” Stoltenberg said. “And we are also creating six command-and-control centers in the Baltic states and three other eastern allied states.”
‘Deliberative and Unified’ Changes
Breedlove said those moves are on track. “We’re in full swing moving forward with our assurance and our adaptation measures and these will make our alliance even more ready and responsive in the future,” the general said.
“The United States is sending 3,000 troops and equipment to the Baltic region for training,” Stoltenberg said. “And in the south, we are preparing to hold this autumn our biggest exercise for many years, expected to include over 25,000 troops in this exercise.” NATO also has ships exercising in the Black and Baltic seas, he added.
The measures are defensive, proportionate and in line with international commitments, the secretary general said.
Changing the alliance posture is tough, involved work, Breedlove said. “We are tackling these changes in a deliberative and unified fashion,” he said. “I’ve spent many years serving among our European allies and I’m pleased to say that I’ve never seen a greater degree of cohesion, resolve and determination to ensure that NATO is ready to meet our future challenges, and I’m confident this will continue as we secure our future together.”
WHITE HOUSE FACT SHEET ON BENEFITS OF WIND ENERGY
FROM: THE WHITE HOUSE
March 12, 2015
FACT SHEET: Wind Vision Report Highlights Long Term Benefits of Investing in America's Wind Energy Industry
As a key part of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan, the wind power industry supports more than 50,000 American jobs and supplies enough energy to power 16 million homes. Building on this momentum, today the Department of Energy released Wind Vision: A New Era for Wind Power in the United States, a highly anticipated analysis of America’s wind energy industry – charting the future of wind power through 2050 and underscoring the economic and environmental benefits that steady growth will make possible.
Today, the United States stands as a global leader in wind energy, ranking first in the world in wind power generation, providing affordable and renewable electricity to American families and businesses nationwide. With utility-scale wind plants installed in 39 states, growth in America’s wind energy industry has boosted the economy, spurring more than $400 million in exports in 2013 and supporting jobs related to development, siting, manufacturing, transportation and other industries. The report shows that with continuing technological advancements, cost reductions, and siting and transmission development, the nation can deploy wind power to economically provide 35% of our nation’s electricity and supply renewable power in all 50 states by 2050.
Since President Obama took office, the electricity we get from wind has increased by three fold. In fact, between 2009 and 2013, wind represented approximately 30% of new electricity generation in the United States. With economically competitive prices in many areas, the U.S. wind energy market currently remains strong as more utilities select wind as a cost-saving option, paving the way to a low-carbon future that protects our air and water and addresses climate change.
Growing the Clean Energy Economy
According to the report, the wind energy industry could support more than 600,000 jobs by 2050, including engineers, construction workers, truck drivers, factory workers, utility operators, maintenance technicians, electricians and other supporting services.
Key Points:
The United States could install up to 11 GW per year in new capacity through 2050, an ambitious but feasible deployment scenario comparable to the wind capacity installed in 2012.
This growth could lead to America operating and maintaining a fleet of more than 400 GW nationwide through 2050, enough to power more than 100 million homes.
The report also indicates that the United States could install a total of 86 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2050, creating clean energy jobs in coastal communities.
U.S. manufacturing supplies the majority of the blades and towers installed at U.S. wind farms.
With more than 500 U.S. manufacturing companies across 43 states, continued investment in America’s wind energy manufacturing sector could boost America’s competitiveness, help launch new businesses across the country, and secure the future of thousands of U.S. manufacturing jobs.
Total investment would reach $70 billion per year by 2050 under this growth path.
Today, average wind energy costs nationally are approaching cost-competitive levels. Backed by stable policies including the production tax credit and the EPA’s Clean Power Plan, costs will continue to drop as the industry scales up and innovates.
Wind is anticipated to provide nearly $280 billion consumer savings by 2050.
Wind generation agreements typically provide 20-year fixed pricing, helping reduce rate shocks caused by volatility in natural gas and coal fuel prices.
Unleashing Climate and Public Health Benefits
Researchers estimate that in 2013, wind energy in the United States reduced direct power-sector carbon dioxide emissions by 115 million metric tons, equivalent to eliminating the emissions of 20 million cars during the year. They also estimate that wind power generation in 2013 reduced power-sector water consumption by 36.5 billion gallons, or about 116 gallons per person in the United States.
Key Findings:
Wind power could help America combat climate change by avoiding more than 12.3 billion metric tons of carbon pollution cumulatively by 2050, equivalent to avoiding one-third of global annual carbon emissions.
Wind energy could save approximately 260 billion gallons of water by 2050, by side-stepping the water-intensive processes of conventional energy production. At deployment levels examined in the report, the nation’s electric power sector could consume 23% less water.
This growth in wind power could lead to approximately $108 billion in savings in healthcare costs and economic damages. This estimated saving is made possible through cumulative reductions in air pollutants, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and fine particulates that could otherwise cause nearly 22,000 premature deaths from respiratory ailments and other diseases by 2050.
Widely deploying wind turbines, both on land and offshore, for U.S. electricity generation provides a domestic, sustainable and essentially zero-carbon, zero-pollution and zero-water use electricity resource.
Wind energy continues to be one of America’s best choices for low-cost, zero-pollution renewable energy, and in an increasing number of markets, may be the cheapest source of new energy available. Wind power is a key component of the Obama Administration’s all-of-the-above approach to American energy – a strategy that helps reduce climate-changing carbon emissions, enhances our energy security and supports good-paying American jobs.
March 12, 2015
FACT SHEET: Wind Vision Report Highlights Long Term Benefits of Investing in America's Wind Energy Industry
As a key part of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan, the wind power industry supports more than 50,000 American jobs and supplies enough energy to power 16 million homes. Building on this momentum, today the Department of Energy released Wind Vision: A New Era for Wind Power in the United States, a highly anticipated analysis of America’s wind energy industry – charting the future of wind power through 2050 and underscoring the economic and environmental benefits that steady growth will make possible.
Today, the United States stands as a global leader in wind energy, ranking first in the world in wind power generation, providing affordable and renewable electricity to American families and businesses nationwide. With utility-scale wind plants installed in 39 states, growth in America’s wind energy industry has boosted the economy, spurring more than $400 million in exports in 2013 and supporting jobs related to development, siting, manufacturing, transportation and other industries. The report shows that with continuing technological advancements, cost reductions, and siting and transmission development, the nation can deploy wind power to economically provide 35% of our nation’s electricity and supply renewable power in all 50 states by 2050.
Since President Obama took office, the electricity we get from wind has increased by three fold. In fact, between 2009 and 2013, wind represented approximately 30% of new electricity generation in the United States. With economically competitive prices in many areas, the U.S. wind energy market currently remains strong as more utilities select wind as a cost-saving option, paving the way to a low-carbon future that protects our air and water and addresses climate change.
Growing the Clean Energy Economy
According to the report, the wind energy industry could support more than 600,000 jobs by 2050, including engineers, construction workers, truck drivers, factory workers, utility operators, maintenance technicians, electricians and other supporting services.
Key Points:
The United States could install up to 11 GW per year in new capacity through 2050, an ambitious but feasible deployment scenario comparable to the wind capacity installed in 2012.
This growth could lead to America operating and maintaining a fleet of more than 400 GW nationwide through 2050, enough to power more than 100 million homes.
The report also indicates that the United States could install a total of 86 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2050, creating clean energy jobs in coastal communities.
U.S. manufacturing supplies the majority of the blades and towers installed at U.S. wind farms.
With more than 500 U.S. manufacturing companies across 43 states, continued investment in America’s wind energy manufacturing sector could boost America’s competitiveness, help launch new businesses across the country, and secure the future of thousands of U.S. manufacturing jobs.
Total investment would reach $70 billion per year by 2050 under this growth path.
Today, average wind energy costs nationally are approaching cost-competitive levels. Backed by stable policies including the production tax credit and the EPA’s Clean Power Plan, costs will continue to drop as the industry scales up and innovates.
Wind is anticipated to provide nearly $280 billion consumer savings by 2050.
Wind generation agreements typically provide 20-year fixed pricing, helping reduce rate shocks caused by volatility in natural gas and coal fuel prices.
Unleashing Climate and Public Health Benefits
Researchers estimate that in 2013, wind energy in the United States reduced direct power-sector carbon dioxide emissions by 115 million metric tons, equivalent to eliminating the emissions of 20 million cars during the year. They also estimate that wind power generation in 2013 reduced power-sector water consumption by 36.5 billion gallons, or about 116 gallons per person in the United States.
Key Findings:
Wind power could help America combat climate change by avoiding more than 12.3 billion metric tons of carbon pollution cumulatively by 2050, equivalent to avoiding one-third of global annual carbon emissions.
Wind energy could save approximately 260 billion gallons of water by 2050, by side-stepping the water-intensive processes of conventional energy production. At deployment levels examined in the report, the nation’s electric power sector could consume 23% less water.
This growth in wind power could lead to approximately $108 billion in savings in healthcare costs and economic damages. This estimated saving is made possible through cumulative reductions in air pollutants, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and fine particulates that could otherwise cause nearly 22,000 premature deaths from respiratory ailments and other diseases by 2050.
Widely deploying wind turbines, both on land and offshore, for U.S. electricity generation provides a domestic, sustainable and essentially zero-carbon, zero-pollution and zero-water use electricity resource.
Wind energy continues to be one of America’s best choices for low-cost, zero-pollution renewable energy, and in an increasing number of markets, may be the cheapest source of new energy available. Wind power is a key component of the Obama Administration’s all-of-the-above approach to American energy – a strategy that helps reduce climate-changing carbon emissions, enhances our energy security and supports good-paying American jobs.
NSF: DATA SHARING INFRASTRUCTURE
FROM: NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Developing infrastructure for data sharing around the world
NSF-supported organization coordinates US participation in global data-sharing and infrastructure-building effort
How can we support agricultural productivity around the world? How can we develop public health models that leverage social data, health data and environmental data? What are best practices to ensure the stewardship of research data today and tomorrow?
Solutions to these and other critical challenges are being advanced through the sharing and exchange of research data. To increase data sharing and overcome the critical challenges associated with making data accessible, an international group of leaders in the data community joined together in 2013 to form the Research Data Alliance (RDA).
With support from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), the European Commission and the Australian government, RDA has grown in just two years from a core group of committed agencies to a community that now comprises more than 2,600 members from more than 90 countries, all dedicated to pragmatically removing the barriers to data sharing and raising awareness of those challenges among regions, disciplines, and professions.
NSF supports U.S. participation in RDA as part of a grant to promote coordination and develop infrastructure for data sharing.
Twice a year, RDA members meet face to face at plenary meetings held in various locations worldwide to coordinate activities and advance their efforts. At these meetings, researchers, policymakers and representatives from funding agencies speak on pressing data issues, and members meet to collaborate on projects through interest and working groups.
RDA holds its 5th Plenary through March 11 in San Diego, hosted by the U.S. members of RDA. The event featured an "Adoption Day", focusing on the use of new RDA-developed products and guidelines in various domains.
"RDA continues to experience tremendous growth in response to global interest," said Bob Chadduck, a program officer at the National Science Foundation. "RDA-developed tools will have a tremendous impact throughout science, and the plenary provides a place where interested communities from around our world get an opportunity to test-drive the tools."
RDA members collaborate to develop, coordinate and adopt data sharing infrastructure, addressing a broad spectrum of challenges. RDA's working and interest groups design and implement specific tools, recommendations or products within a 12 to 18 month time frame, and these products are adopted and used by other organizations and communities within the alliance. Leveraging diverse perspectives, these groups tackle data sharing challenges pertaining to interoperability, stewardship, sustainability, policy and use.
"Impact is a primary focus for RDA," said Fran Berman, chair of RDA/U.S. "In only two years, RDA has begun fulfilling its mission to build the social and technical bridges that enable the open sharing of data. It's exciting to see the start of a pipeline of adopted infrastructure efforts that will accelerate data sharing and data-driven innovation."
A good example of such infrastructure is RDA's Data Type Registries. The registries make it easier to create machine-readable and researcher-accessible data by designing an archive of common data structures that researchers can turn to when deciding how to organize their data. The creation of such a registry will support the accurate use of data to reproduce experiments, confirm findings and interoperate among data sets.
Formed at the first RDA Plenary in early 2013, the Data Type Registries working group has collaborated during the last year to develop and test its new system. The infrastructure products of this group are already being adopted by European Data Infrastructure (EUDAT), the National Institute of Standards and Technology in the U.S., and other groups who are applying it to their own research activities.
Another effort underway, which is still in its early stages, is RDA's Wheat Data Interoperability working group. Comprised of members from the French National Institute for Agricultural Research, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, and other agriculture-related organizations, the group's objective is to build an integrated wheat information system for the international community of wheat researchers, growers and breeders. With approximately three-quarters of all U.S. grain products made from wheat flour, advancing and sustaining wheat-related science is critical. Finding ways to improve the sharing of data is an important first step.
As RDA enters its second year, its community of data researchers continues to grow. The organization is working closely with countries, communities and agencies to expand the alliance to include new participants. These include partners in Japan, Brazil, Canada and South Africa, and U.S. projects and organizations such as CENDI (Commerce, Energy, NASA, Defense Information Managers Group), the National Data Service, EarthCube and the Sustaining Digital Repositories group.
Throughout its expansion, the alliance's focus will remain on the development of products that promote data sharing and exchange and the establishment of diverse collaborations.
"With its tremendous success in the first two years, its growing reputation as a gathering place for the global research data community and its targeted focus on impact and infrastructure, RDA is capitalizing on its momentum to reach a broader community, and fulfill its goal of research sharing without barriers," Berman said.
-- Aaron Dubrow, NSF
-- Yolanda Meleco, Research Data Alliance
Investigators
Francine Berman
Beth Plale
Mark Parsons
Laurence Lannom
Related Institutions/Organizations
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Developing infrastructure for data sharing around the world
NSF-supported organization coordinates US participation in global data-sharing and infrastructure-building effort
How can we support agricultural productivity around the world? How can we develop public health models that leverage social data, health data and environmental data? What are best practices to ensure the stewardship of research data today and tomorrow?
Solutions to these and other critical challenges are being advanced through the sharing and exchange of research data. To increase data sharing and overcome the critical challenges associated with making data accessible, an international group of leaders in the data community joined together in 2013 to form the Research Data Alliance (RDA).
With support from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), the European Commission and the Australian government, RDA has grown in just two years from a core group of committed agencies to a community that now comprises more than 2,600 members from more than 90 countries, all dedicated to pragmatically removing the barriers to data sharing and raising awareness of those challenges among regions, disciplines, and professions.
NSF supports U.S. participation in RDA as part of a grant to promote coordination and develop infrastructure for data sharing.
Twice a year, RDA members meet face to face at plenary meetings held in various locations worldwide to coordinate activities and advance their efforts. At these meetings, researchers, policymakers and representatives from funding agencies speak on pressing data issues, and members meet to collaborate on projects through interest and working groups.
RDA holds its 5th Plenary through March 11 in San Diego, hosted by the U.S. members of RDA. The event featured an "Adoption Day", focusing on the use of new RDA-developed products and guidelines in various domains.
"RDA continues to experience tremendous growth in response to global interest," said Bob Chadduck, a program officer at the National Science Foundation. "RDA-developed tools will have a tremendous impact throughout science, and the plenary provides a place where interested communities from around our world get an opportunity to test-drive the tools."
RDA members collaborate to develop, coordinate and adopt data sharing infrastructure, addressing a broad spectrum of challenges. RDA's working and interest groups design and implement specific tools, recommendations or products within a 12 to 18 month time frame, and these products are adopted and used by other organizations and communities within the alliance. Leveraging diverse perspectives, these groups tackle data sharing challenges pertaining to interoperability, stewardship, sustainability, policy and use.
"Impact is a primary focus for RDA," said Fran Berman, chair of RDA/U.S. "In only two years, RDA has begun fulfilling its mission to build the social and technical bridges that enable the open sharing of data. It's exciting to see the start of a pipeline of adopted infrastructure efforts that will accelerate data sharing and data-driven innovation."
A good example of such infrastructure is RDA's Data Type Registries. The registries make it easier to create machine-readable and researcher-accessible data by designing an archive of common data structures that researchers can turn to when deciding how to organize their data. The creation of such a registry will support the accurate use of data to reproduce experiments, confirm findings and interoperate among data sets.
Formed at the first RDA Plenary in early 2013, the Data Type Registries working group has collaborated during the last year to develop and test its new system. The infrastructure products of this group are already being adopted by European Data Infrastructure (EUDAT), the National Institute of Standards and Technology in the U.S., and other groups who are applying it to their own research activities.
Another effort underway, which is still in its early stages, is RDA's Wheat Data Interoperability working group. Comprised of members from the French National Institute for Agricultural Research, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, and other agriculture-related organizations, the group's objective is to build an integrated wheat information system for the international community of wheat researchers, growers and breeders. With approximately three-quarters of all U.S. grain products made from wheat flour, advancing and sustaining wheat-related science is critical. Finding ways to improve the sharing of data is an important first step.
As RDA enters its second year, its community of data researchers continues to grow. The organization is working closely with countries, communities and agencies to expand the alliance to include new participants. These include partners in Japan, Brazil, Canada and South Africa, and U.S. projects and organizations such as CENDI (Commerce, Energy, NASA, Defense Information Managers Group), the National Data Service, EarthCube and the Sustaining Digital Repositories group.
Throughout its expansion, the alliance's focus will remain on the development of products that promote data sharing and exchange and the establishment of diverse collaborations.
"With its tremendous success in the first two years, its growing reputation as a gathering place for the global research data community and its targeted focus on impact and infrastructure, RDA is capitalizing on its momentum to reach a broader community, and fulfill its goal of research sharing without barriers," Berman said.
-- Aaron Dubrow, NSF
-- Yolanda Meleco, Research Data Alliance
Investigators
Francine Berman
Beth Plale
Mark Parsons
Laurence Lannom
Related Institutions/Organizations
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Friday, March 13, 2015
SECRETARY KERRY'S REMARKS IN EGYPT AT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Remarks at the Opening Plenary of the Egypt Economic Development Conference
Remarks
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
March 13, 2015
Mr. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, it’s a privilege to be here with you today, and your majesties, your highnesses, your excellencies, ladies and gentlemen.
Mr. President, in so many ways, it is clear that your initiatives are already affirming the pivotal role Egypt has played in this region for so long. We’ve heard a number of the speakers refer to it. And I want to thank you for your partnership and for your obvious readiness to tackle some very tough issues. There are an extraordinary number of very thoughtful, very experienced leaders, particularly of the corporate sector but also of government here, and they come from all over the world. I’m particularly pleased that some of the biggest companies in America are also here and that all of you together represent billions of dollars of investment.
So I come here today, Mr. President, with a very simple message: The American people are committed to the security and political and economic wellbeing of the Egyptian people, and we will work with you – (applause) – we will work with you to absolutely secure the ambitious and important goals, the vision that you have laid out here today.
There is absolutely no question that the emergence of a strong, prosperous, democratic Egypt is critical for the development of a strong and prosperous region. And Egypt, as a number of speakers have also alluded to, has historically been the region’s most important incubator of ideas. And this does go back to the earliest days of civilization. Egypt constitutes one-quarter of the Arab world’s population. But we also heard one of our distinguished friends from the Emirates, I think, say that Egypt also is a critical part of the Arab world and the Arab world can’t do without Egypt; it’s symbiotic. How Egypt fares in the coming years and how it restructures its economy will affect not only the country’s nearly 90 million citizens, but it will also affect millions of others throughout the region who aspire to a better future. That is why we are gathered here: We all – all of us – have a stake in Egypt’s success, and all of the Middle East needs to see that what Egyptians struggled to achieve in 2011 was the real birth of opportunity and not an illusion.
That is why the United States is committed to supporting Egypt’s economic reforms, and I think that we can already see from what is happening that those are taking hold. I’m pleased to tell you also that before this conference was conceived, we in the United States shared the sense of the need for this economic transformation. And so last year, under the auspices of the United States Chamber of Commerce, 160 CEOs, leading business people representing some 70 countries – 70 companies came here to spend time with President al-Sisi and his administration in order to help define the future. We are already making progress laying down specific projects that will support economic growth, entrepreneurship, and job creation, especially for the agribusiness and tourism sectors. We’ve committed some 300 million for the Egyptian-American Enterprise Fund and another 250 million for OPIC loans to guarantee to support the development of small and medium-sized businesses. And just our Qualifying Industrial Zone program has already spurred more than 800 million in Egyptian exports to the United States last year and supported 280,000 Egyptian jobs. That’s in addition to a billion dollars of loan guarantee, 500 million dollars of recent investment by The Coca-Cola Company, General Electric, others who are deeply committed to this enterprise.
We all know also that there are challenges. And yet every single one of us are here because through those challenges we see and understand the extraordinary potential. There is a possibility of innovation, a possibility of attracting investment, a possibility of working together on an agenda of opportunity that literally creates the sustainable economy that President al-Sisi talks about, the open, inclusive, and transparent growth that is critical to attract capital.
So there are about four things that are critical to that, very quickly. First, Egypt needs to grow sustainably. And President al-Sisi understands that and he’s already taken important steps on macroeconomic reform. The United States is very eager to build on this progress by supporting the government’s engagement with international financial institutions, including the IMF; efforts to improve cash management, lower debt, deficits, increase tax revenue, and reduce costly subsidies in a way that protects the poorest citizens. And as we all know, sustaining and strengthening these reforms will require courage and political will, and it is evident that President al-Sisi has already demonstrated that and is prepared to make those choices.
Secondly, Egypt needs to grow openly and accountably. President al-Sisi, again, deserves enormous credit for working to improve the basic business climate in Egypt. He just signed a new investment law, and that will create a one-stop shop for business which eliminates the bureaucracy, reduces the paperwork, streamlines the decision making, and allows capital to take hold and begin to work quickly. This is a very important step, and I know that it will be followed by the additional work to provide sanctity of contracts, mechanisms for dispute resolution, and protections for intellectual property rights.
Third, Egypt obviously needs to grow inclusively, and President al-Sisi is committed to that. A central demand of the revolution of 2011 was a more equal distribution of wealth. And that requires a commitment to empowering young people to fulfill their dreams, to meet their aspirations, and women also in order to promote a free and active and independent civil society.
And finally, Egypt needs to grow transparently. We all know that foreign investors require assurance of accountability, certainty, assurance that reforms are both comprehensive and long-term. And immediately after taking office, President Sisi announced anti-corruption initiatives, and we strongly support his government in that effort. No one is injured more than companies – and by the way, no one country is immune to – any country immune to any of these challenges. But no one is more injured because of them than the very companies that we’re trying to attract in order to develop in the ways that we want to.
Ultimately, economic growth and political development go hand in hand, and that is how you build the strong society. Economic growth, widely shared, can help to ease any disagreements that characterize the openness of governance. And at the same time, the protection of individual rights and impartial administration of justice helps create the conditions for lasting investment and growth that benefits all Egyptians.
So, yes, there are challenges, and many of them have been alluded to by other speakers here. But the road ahead is absolutely clear and so is the United States determination to support Egypt’s progress in any way that we can. Let me make one statement about that. (Applause.) And that includes, in the effort to stand up and fight against extremists and terrorists, the one thing we know is here at this conference we stand in direct contradiction to the nihilism that they present. They want to destroy and go back in time. We want to build and go to the future, and that’s what this conference is about. (Applause.) And no political philosophy, no ideology, no politics, and certainly no religion can excuse the grotesque, unbelievable descent into chaos that those extremists are willing to provoke. Nothing excuses the killing of innocent women, children, villagers, people anywhere – nothing. (Applause.)
So that’s what makes this – frankly, this conference so important, because this is one of the most important tools in our toolbox to be able to embrace that future. Out of this conference must come a renewed commitment to fully empower Egypt’s entrepreneurs and innovators as well as provide for greater economic opportunity – not just for some Egyptians, but for all Egyptians. And I promise you, directly from President Obama and from this Administration, the full commitment of the United States in this journey towards security, shared prosperity, and peace that the Egyptian people both desire and deserve. Thank you. (Applause.)
Remarks at the Opening Plenary of the Egypt Economic Development Conference
Remarks
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
March 13, 2015
Mr. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, it’s a privilege to be here with you today, and your majesties, your highnesses, your excellencies, ladies and gentlemen.
Mr. President, in so many ways, it is clear that your initiatives are already affirming the pivotal role Egypt has played in this region for so long. We’ve heard a number of the speakers refer to it. And I want to thank you for your partnership and for your obvious readiness to tackle some very tough issues. There are an extraordinary number of very thoughtful, very experienced leaders, particularly of the corporate sector but also of government here, and they come from all over the world. I’m particularly pleased that some of the biggest companies in America are also here and that all of you together represent billions of dollars of investment.
So I come here today, Mr. President, with a very simple message: The American people are committed to the security and political and economic wellbeing of the Egyptian people, and we will work with you – (applause) – we will work with you to absolutely secure the ambitious and important goals, the vision that you have laid out here today.
There is absolutely no question that the emergence of a strong, prosperous, democratic Egypt is critical for the development of a strong and prosperous region. And Egypt, as a number of speakers have also alluded to, has historically been the region’s most important incubator of ideas. And this does go back to the earliest days of civilization. Egypt constitutes one-quarter of the Arab world’s population. But we also heard one of our distinguished friends from the Emirates, I think, say that Egypt also is a critical part of the Arab world and the Arab world can’t do without Egypt; it’s symbiotic. How Egypt fares in the coming years and how it restructures its economy will affect not only the country’s nearly 90 million citizens, but it will also affect millions of others throughout the region who aspire to a better future. That is why we are gathered here: We all – all of us – have a stake in Egypt’s success, and all of the Middle East needs to see that what Egyptians struggled to achieve in 2011 was the real birth of opportunity and not an illusion.
That is why the United States is committed to supporting Egypt’s economic reforms, and I think that we can already see from what is happening that those are taking hold. I’m pleased to tell you also that before this conference was conceived, we in the United States shared the sense of the need for this economic transformation. And so last year, under the auspices of the United States Chamber of Commerce, 160 CEOs, leading business people representing some 70 countries – 70 companies came here to spend time with President al-Sisi and his administration in order to help define the future. We are already making progress laying down specific projects that will support economic growth, entrepreneurship, and job creation, especially for the agribusiness and tourism sectors. We’ve committed some 300 million for the Egyptian-American Enterprise Fund and another 250 million for OPIC loans to guarantee to support the development of small and medium-sized businesses. And just our Qualifying Industrial Zone program has already spurred more than 800 million in Egyptian exports to the United States last year and supported 280,000 Egyptian jobs. That’s in addition to a billion dollars of loan guarantee, 500 million dollars of recent investment by The Coca-Cola Company, General Electric, others who are deeply committed to this enterprise.
We all know also that there are challenges. And yet every single one of us are here because through those challenges we see and understand the extraordinary potential. There is a possibility of innovation, a possibility of attracting investment, a possibility of working together on an agenda of opportunity that literally creates the sustainable economy that President al-Sisi talks about, the open, inclusive, and transparent growth that is critical to attract capital.
So there are about four things that are critical to that, very quickly. First, Egypt needs to grow sustainably. And President al-Sisi understands that and he’s already taken important steps on macroeconomic reform. The United States is very eager to build on this progress by supporting the government’s engagement with international financial institutions, including the IMF; efforts to improve cash management, lower debt, deficits, increase tax revenue, and reduce costly subsidies in a way that protects the poorest citizens. And as we all know, sustaining and strengthening these reforms will require courage and political will, and it is evident that President al-Sisi has already demonstrated that and is prepared to make those choices.
Secondly, Egypt needs to grow openly and accountably. President al-Sisi, again, deserves enormous credit for working to improve the basic business climate in Egypt. He just signed a new investment law, and that will create a one-stop shop for business which eliminates the bureaucracy, reduces the paperwork, streamlines the decision making, and allows capital to take hold and begin to work quickly. This is a very important step, and I know that it will be followed by the additional work to provide sanctity of contracts, mechanisms for dispute resolution, and protections for intellectual property rights.
Third, Egypt obviously needs to grow inclusively, and President al-Sisi is committed to that. A central demand of the revolution of 2011 was a more equal distribution of wealth. And that requires a commitment to empowering young people to fulfill their dreams, to meet their aspirations, and women also in order to promote a free and active and independent civil society.
And finally, Egypt needs to grow transparently. We all know that foreign investors require assurance of accountability, certainty, assurance that reforms are both comprehensive and long-term. And immediately after taking office, President Sisi announced anti-corruption initiatives, and we strongly support his government in that effort. No one is injured more than companies – and by the way, no one country is immune to – any country immune to any of these challenges. But no one is more injured because of them than the very companies that we’re trying to attract in order to develop in the ways that we want to.
Ultimately, economic growth and political development go hand in hand, and that is how you build the strong society. Economic growth, widely shared, can help to ease any disagreements that characterize the openness of governance. And at the same time, the protection of individual rights and impartial administration of justice helps create the conditions for lasting investment and growth that benefits all Egyptians.
So, yes, there are challenges, and many of them have been alluded to by other speakers here. But the road ahead is absolutely clear and so is the United States determination to support Egypt’s progress in any way that we can. Let me make one statement about that. (Applause.) And that includes, in the effort to stand up and fight against extremists and terrorists, the one thing we know is here at this conference we stand in direct contradiction to the nihilism that they present. They want to destroy and go back in time. We want to build and go to the future, and that’s what this conference is about. (Applause.) And no political philosophy, no ideology, no politics, and certainly no religion can excuse the grotesque, unbelievable descent into chaos that those extremists are willing to provoke. Nothing excuses the killing of innocent women, children, villagers, people anywhere – nothing. (Applause.)
So that’s what makes this – frankly, this conference so important, because this is one of the most important tools in our toolbox to be able to embrace that future. Out of this conference must come a renewed commitment to fully empower Egypt’s entrepreneurs and innovators as well as provide for greater economic opportunity – not just for some Egyptians, but for all Egyptians. And I promise you, directly from President Obama and from this Administration, the full commitment of the United States in this journey towards security, shared prosperity, and peace that the Egyptian people both desire and deserve. Thank you. (Applause.)
BROTHERS PLEAD GUILTY TO TERRORISM VIOLATIONS, ASSAULTING TWO U.S. MARSHALS
FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Two Florida Brothers Plead Guilty to Terrorism Violations and Assault on Two Deputy U.S. Marshals
Younger Sibling Plotted to Attack New York City with a Weapon of Mass Destruction
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Carlin, U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida, Director Stacia A. Hylton of the U.S. Marshals Service, Special Agent in Charge George L. Piro of the FBI’s Miami Field Office and members of the South Florida Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) announced today that Raees Alam Qazi and his brother, Sheheryar Alam Qazi, pleaded guilty to terrorism violations and to assaulting two Deputy U.S. Marshals while in custody.
During the hearing, the Qazi brothers acknowledged that Raees Alam Qazi, the younger brother, was going to initiate an attack using a weapon of mass destruction in New York City and that he had been financially and emotionally supported by his older brother, Sheheryar Alam Qazi, who encouraged him to launch the attack.
“With today’s guilty pleas, Raees Qazi and his brother Sheheryar Qazi are being held accountable for their roles in a plot to conduct a terrorist attack using a weapon of mass destruction in New York City and their assault on two federal officers during their pretrial detention,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin. “This case highlights our commitment to pursue any individuals who would seek to conduct an attack on U.S. soil or to injure law enforcement officials who risk their lives to protect us. I want to thank the many agents, analysts, and prosecutors who are responsible for this successful result.”
“The plot by Raees Qazi to perform a terrorist attack in New York City – and his older brother’s financial support of that plot – was intended to further Al Qa’ida’s message in the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Ferrer. “The Qazi brothers later attacked federal law enforcement agents. As today’s guilty pleas demonstrate, we will respond by holding those who plan terrorist acts on American soil accountable. This case serves as an example of our commitment to protecting civilians from violent jihadi attacks.”
“Any attempt on the life of a law enforcement official is heinous,” said Director Hylton. “To attempt to murder two Deputy U.S. Marshals while in a federal cellblock is a total disregard for life and the entire judicial process.”
“The Qazi brothers are a great example why the FBI’s number one priority is counterterrorism,” said Special Agent in Charge Piro. “We remain committed in our steadfast efforts to detect, deter and disrupt every threat to the United States.”
Raees Alam Qazi, 22, and his brother, Sheheryar Alam Qazi, 32, were living in Oakland Park, Florida, in November 2012 when they were arrested and charged with conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction (explosives). In January 2015, a federal grand jury added additional terrorism charges and five counts of conspiracy, assault and attempted murder relating to an attack on two Deputy U.S. Marshals in April 2014 while the Qazis were in federal custody.
Raees Alam Qazi pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to provide material support and resources to terrorists in preparation for the use of a weapon of mass destruction, one count of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and one count of conspiring to assault a federal employee. Under the terms of the plea agreement, the parties jointly agreed to recommend a 32-year prison sentence for Raees Qazi.
Sherheyar Alam Qazi pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to provide material support and resources to terrorists in preparation for the use of a weapon of mass destruction and one count of conspiring to assault a federal employee. Under the terms of the plea agreement, the parties jointly agree to recommend a 17-year prison sentence for Sheryheyar.
The sentencing hearing for both brothers is currently set before U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom of the Southern District of Florida on June 5.
Raees Alam Qazi and Sheheryar Alam Qazi face a potential statutory maximum sentence of 35 years and 20 years, respectively.
The brothers are naturalized U.S. citizens from Pakistan.
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Two Florida Brothers Plead Guilty to Terrorism Violations and Assault on Two Deputy U.S. Marshals
Younger Sibling Plotted to Attack New York City with a Weapon of Mass Destruction
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Carlin, U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida, Director Stacia A. Hylton of the U.S. Marshals Service, Special Agent in Charge George L. Piro of the FBI’s Miami Field Office and members of the South Florida Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) announced today that Raees Alam Qazi and his brother, Sheheryar Alam Qazi, pleaded guilty to terrorism violations and to assaulting two Deputy U.S. Marshals while in custody.
During the hearing, the Qazi brothers acknowledged that Raees Alam Qazi, the younger brother, was going to initiate an attack using a weapon of mass destruction in New York City and that he had been financially and emotionally supported by his older brother, Sheheryar Alam Qazi, who encouraged him to launch the attack.
“With today’s guilty pleas, Raees Qazi and his brother Sheheryar Qazi are being held accountable for their roles in a plot to conduct a terrorist attack using a weapon of mass destruction in New York City and their assault on two federal officers during their pretrial detention,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin. “This case highlights our commitment to pursue any individuals who would seek to conduct an attack on U.S. soil or to injure law enforcement officials who risk their lives to protect us. I want to thank the many agents, analysts, and prosecutors who are responsible for this successful result.”
“The plot by Raees Qazi to perform a terrorist attack in New York City – and his older brother’s financial support of that plot – was intended to further Al Qa’ida’s message in the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Ferrer. “The Qazi brothers later attacked federal law enforcement agents. As today’s guilty pleas demonstrate, we will respond by holding those who plan terrorist acts on American soil accountable. This case serves as an example of our commitment to protecting civilians from violent jihadi attacks.”
“Any attempt on the life of a law enforcement official is heinous,” said Director Hylton. “To attempt to murder two Deputy U.S. Marshals while in a federal cellblock is a total disregard for life and the entire judicial process.”
“The Qazi brothers are a great example why the FBI’s number one priority is counterterrorism,” said Special Agent in Charge Piro. “We remain committed in our steadfast efforts to detect, deter and disrupt every threat to the United States.”
Raees Alam Qazi, 22, and his brother, Sheheryar Alam Qazi, 32, were living in Oakland Park, Florida, in November 2012 when they were arrested and charged with conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction (explosives). In January 2015, a federal grand jury added additional terrorism charges and five counts of conspiracy, assault and attempted murder relating to an attack on two Deputy U.S. Marshals in April 2014 while the Qazis were in federal custody.
Raees Alam Qazi pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to provide material support and resources to terrorists in preparation for the use of a weapon of mass destruction, one count of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and one count of conspiring to assault a federal employee. Under the terms of the plea agreement, the parties jointly agreed to recommend a 32-year prison sentence for Raees Qazi.
Sherheyar Alam Qazi pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to provide material support and resources to terrorists in preparation for the use of a weapon of mass destruction and one count of conspiring to assault a federal employee. Under the terms of the plea agreement, the parties jointly agree to recommend a 17-year prison sentence for Sheryheyar.
The sentencing hearing for both brothers is currently set before U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom of the Southern District of Florida on June 5.
Raees Alam Qazi and Sheheryar Alam Qazi face a potential statutory maximum sentence of 35 years and 20 years, respectively.
The brothers are naturalized U.S. citizens from Pakistan.
DEFENSE SECRETARY CARTER SAYS U.S. AND U.K. SECURITY TIES STRONG
Right: U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter and British Defense Secretary Michael C. Fallon brief reporters during a joint news conference at the Pentagon, March 11, 2015. The leaders met beforehand to discuss security and other matters of mutual importance. DoD photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Sean Hurt.
Carter: U.S., U.K. Maintain Strong Security Ties
By Claudette Roulo
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, March 11, 2015 – The security ties between the United States and the United Kingdom are enduring and exceptional, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said today in a joint news conference with British Defense Secretary Michael C. Fallon.
For 200 years -- since the signing of the Treaty of Ghent, ending the war of 1812 -- service members from the U.S. and the U.K. have flown together, sailed together and fought together, Carter said.
“And our military collaboration in so many different areas -- from Iraq to Afghanistan -- reinforces the fact that our ‘special relationship’ is a cornerstone of both of our nations’ security,” he said.
The news conference was a first for both leaders -- it was Fallon’s first visit to the Pentagon and Carter’s first trip to the briefing room as defense secretary.
During their meeting before the news conference, the two secretaries discussed the “full scope of issues on which the United States and the United Kingdom are leading together around the world,” Carter said.
Multifaceted Partnership
The U.K. is a stalwart member of the global coalition fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, Carter said, noting British contributions in the air and on the ground.
“As we continue to support local forces, the United States is fortunate to have our British allies by our side,” he said.
From the beginning of combat operations in Afghanistan, the U.K. was steadfast in its support, Carter said, and it continues that support as the mission evolves by providing hundreds of troops to train, advise and assist Afghan security forces.
“Their efforts will be critical to making sure that our progress there sticks,” Carter said.
In the Baltics, the U.S. and U.K. are working together to reassure their transatlantic allies and deter further Russian aggression, he said.
Support to Ukraine
“The United States has been clear from the outset of the crisis in Ukraine that we support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine,” Carter said. “And we’ve been very clear that if Russia continues to flout the commitments it made in the September and February Minsk agreements, the costs to Russia will continue to rise -- including and especially through sanctions in coordination with our European allies and partners.”
The United States will continue to support Ukraine’s right to defend itself, he said. The White House announced today that it plans to provide Kiev with an additional $75 million in nonlethal security assistance and more than 200 Humvees, Carter noted.
“This brings U.S. security assistance to Ukraine to a total of nearly $200 million, with the new funds going towards unmanned aerial vehicles for improved surveillance, a variety of radios and other secure communications equipment, counter-mortar radars, military ambulances, first-aid kits and other medical supplies,” he said.
The additional assistance underscores the reassurance mission, Carter said, noting the impending arrival of troops and equipment from the U.S. Army’s 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division to train with regional allies as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve.
“And since Russia’s aggression began last year, the United Kingdom has also stepped up militarily, contributing to NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission and serving as a framework nation for NATO’s Very-high Readiness Joint Task Force,” he said.
NATO Endures
The NATO mission’s importance is demonstrated by alliance members’ commitment, agreed to last year in Wales, to invest two percent of their gross domestic product in defense, Carter said.
“Seventy years after we declared victory in Europe, our NATO allies -- and indeed the world -- still look to both [the U.S. and UK] as leaders,” he said. “And it’s clear that the threats and challenges we face -- whether they manifest through cyberattacks, ISIL’s foreign fighters, or Russian aircraft flying aggressively close to NATO’s airspace -- all of those will continue to demand our leadership.”
Leadership requires investment in innovation and modernized capabilities, in prudent reforms and in the forces necessary to meet national security obligations, Carter said.
“These are investments that both our nations -- and both our defense institutions -- must not only make, but embrace in the months and years to come,” he said.
DOJ REPORTS ON RECENT COALITION AIRSTRIKES AGAINST ISIL
FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Coalition Airstrikes Hit ISIL in Iraq
From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release
SOUTHWEST ASIA, March 12, 2015 – U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Officials reported details of the latest strikes, which took place between 8 a.m. yesterday and 8 a.m. today, local time, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.
No airstrikes were conducted in Syria during the specified timeframe, officials added.
Airstrikes in Iraq
Fighter, attack and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 13 airstrikes in Iraq:
-- Near Asad, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL vehicles.
-- Near Qaim, an airstrike struck an ISIL staging area.
-- Near Fallujah, three airstrikes struck an ISIL large tactical unit, two ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
-- Near Kirkuk, five airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed five ISIL excavators, three ISIL vehicles and an ISIL vehicle bomb.
-- Near Mosul, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed four ISIL armored vehicles.
-- Near Ramadi, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
-- Near Sinjar, an airstrike struck an ISIL large tactical unit and destroyed three ISIL buildings and an ISIL vehicle.
Part of Operation Inherent Resolve
The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria, the region, and the wider international community. The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group's ability to project terror and conduct operations, officials said.
Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Coalition Airstrikes Hit ISIL in Iraq
From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release
SOUTHWEST ASIA, March 12, 2015 – U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Officials reported details of the latest strikes, which took place between 8 a.m. yesterday and 8 a.m. today, local time, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.
No airstrikes were conducted in Syria during the specified timeframe, officials added.
Airstrikes in Iraq
Fighter, attack and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 13 airstrikes in Iraq:
-- Near Asad, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL vehicles.
-- Near Qaim, an airstrike struck an ISIL staging area.
-- Near Fallujah, three airstrikes struck an ISIL large tactical unit, two ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
-- Near Kirkuk, five airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed five ISIL excavators, three ISIL vehicles and an ISIL vehicle bomb.
-- Near Mosul, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed four ISIL armored vehicles.
-- Near Ramadi, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
-- Near Sinjar, an airstrike struck an ISIL large tactical unit and destroyed three ISIL buildings and an ISIL vehicle.
Part of Operation Inherent Resolve
The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria, the region, and the wider international community. The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group's ability to project terror and conduct operations, officials said.
Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
WHITE HOUSE STATEMENT ON NEW IMF PROGRAM FOR UKRAINE
FROM: THE WHITE HOUSE
March 11, 2015
Statement by the Press Secretary on Approval of a New IMF Program for Ukraine
We welcome today’s approval by the IMF board of a new four-year $17.5 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Ukraine. The EFF, which is underpinned by an ambitious series of economic reforms, underscores both the commitment of the Ukrainian government and central bank to take the steps needed to lay a foundation for robust growth, and the commitment of the international community to provide financing to help stabilize Ukraine’s economy as it implements these reforms. The United States is working alongside international partners to provide Ukraine with the financial support it needs as it continues to take steps that will transform the Ukrainian economy and strengthen its democracy.
March 11, 2015
Statement by the Press Secretary on Approval of a New IMF Program for Ukraine
We welcome today’s approval by the IMF board of a new four-year $17.5 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Ukraine. The EFF, which is underpinned by an ambitious series of economic reforms, underscores both the commitment of the Ukrainian government and central bank to take the steps needed to lay a foundation for robust growth, and the commitment of the international community to provide financing to help stabilize Ukraine’s economy as it implements these reforms. The United States is working alongside international partners to provide Ukraine with the financial support it needs as it continues to take steps that will transform the Ukrainian economy and strengthen its democracy.
JOHNSON & JOHNSON SUBSIDIARY PLEADS GUILTY IN CASE INVOLVING ADULTERATED INFANTS OVER-THE-COUNTER DRUGS
FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
McNeil-PPC Inc. Pleads Guilty in Connection with Adulterated Infants' and Children's Over-the-Counter Liquid Drugs
McNeil-PPC Inc. entered a guilty plea in Federal District Court in Philadelphia today to one count of an information charging the company with delivering for introduction into interstate commerce adulterated infants’ and children’s over-the-counter (OTC) liquid medicines, the Department of Justice announced today. As part of the criminal resolution, McNeil, a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, agreed to pay a criminal fine of $20 million and forfeit $5 million.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer of the Justice Department’s Civil Division and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis D. Lappen of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania today announced the filing of a criminal Information against McNeil for delivering for introduction into interstate commerce infants’ and children’s liquid OTC drugs that were adulterated. According to the criminal charge, the infants’ and children’s liquid medicines were adulterated because they were not manufactured, processed, packed or held in conformance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), in violation of the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA).
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania accepted McNeil’s guilty plea.
In addition to McNeil’s guilty plea, McNeil remains subject to a permanent injunction entered by the U.S. District Court in 2011, requiring the company, among other things, to make remedial measures before reopening its manufacturing facility in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania.
“McNeil’s failure to comply with current good manufacturing practices is seriously troubling,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Mizer. “The Department of Justice will continue to be aggressive in pursuing and punishing companies such as McNeil that disregard a process designed to assure quality medicines, especially OTC drugs for infants and children.”
“The law requires that drugs be produced under the most rigorous of quality standards,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Lappen. “When companies fail to exercise the vigilance that the law demands, they will held be accountable. Drug companies should be aware that failing to adhere to good manufacturing practices subjects them to penalties and prosecution.”
According to the information, the OTC liquid drugs manufactured by McNeil at its Fort Washington facility, including Infants’ and Children’s Tylenol and Infants’ and Children’s Motrin, were bottled on four lines of machinery dedicated to liquid formulations. As alleged in the information, on or about May 1, 2009, McNeil received a complaint from a consumer regarding the presence of “black specks in the liquid on the bottom of the bottle” of Infants’ Tylenol. According to the information, the foreign material was later identified as including nickel/chromium-rich inclusions, which were not intended ingredients in this OTC liquid drug. In connection with receiving this consumer complaint, McNeil did not initiate or complete a Corrective Action Preventive Action (CAPA) plan, as alleged in the charging document.
The information alleges numerous other instances in which McNeil found metal particles in bottles of Infants’ Tylenol at its Fort Washington facility but failed to initiate or complete a CAPA. According to the information, during a 2010 Inspection of McNeil’s Fort Washington facility, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asked McNeil for a list with all non-conformances for particles and the associated OTC drug batches that had occurred since an FDA inspection in 2009. As noted in the information, this document revealed 30 batches of OTC liquid drugs, including Infants’ Tylenol, Children’s Tylenol, and Children’s Motrin. During the 2010 inspection, the FDA asked McNeil for the CAPA plan covering the particles and foreign material found in the Infants’ and Children’s OTC drugs, and a McNeil employee confirmed that McNeil did not have such a CAPA plan.
On or about April 30, 2010, McNeil Consumer Health Care, a division of McNeil, in consultation with the FDA, announced that the company was recalling all lots of certain unexpired Infants’ and Children’s OTC drugs manufactured at McNeil’s Fort Washington facility and distributed in the United States and other countries around the world. McNeil’s recall included, but was not limited to, Infants’ and Children’s Tylenol and Infants’ and Children’s Motrin. According to a press release issued by McNeil on April 30, 2010, some of the recalled OTC drugs “may contain tiny particles.”
The FDCA prohibits causing the introduction or delivery for introduction into interstate commerce of any adulterated drug. Under the law, a drug is adulterated if the methods used in, or the facilities and controls used for, the manufacture, processing, packing, labeling, holding and distribution of drugs and components were not in conformance with cGMP requirements for drugs. Drugs not manufactured, processed, packed, labeled, held and distributed in conformance with cGMP requirements are adulterated as a matter of federal law, without any showing of actual defect.
“Drug quality – and especially with the medicines we give our children – is of paramount concern to the FDA,” said Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg M.D. of the FDA. “The FDA expects manufacturers to have systems in place that will quickly discover and correct problems with medical products before they enter the U.S. marketplace. Today’s guilty plea holds accountable those corporations who risk jeopardizing the public health by not adhering to the high standards set for drug manufacturers.”
Acting Assistant Attorney General Mizer and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Lappen commended the investigative efforts of the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations. The government is represented in this case by Assistant Director Jeffrey Steger and Trial Attorney Kathryn Drenning of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Leahy of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, with the assistance of Associate Chief Counsel for Enforcement Laura Pawloski of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of General Counsel’s Food and Drug Division.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
McNeil-PPC Inc. Pleads Guilty in Connection with Adulterated Infants' and Children's Over-the-Counter Liquid Drugs
McNeil-PPC Inc. entered a guilty plea in Federal District Court in Philadelphia today to one count of an information charging the company with delivering for introduction into interstate commerce adulterated infants’ and children’s over-the-counter (OTC) liquid medicines, the Department of Justice announced today. As part of the criminal resolution, McNeil, a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, agreed to pay a criminal fine of $20 million and forfeit $5 million.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer of the Justice Department’s Civil Division and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis D. Lappen of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania today announced the filing of a criminal Information against McNeil for delivering for introduction into interstate commerce infants’ and children’s liquid OTC drugs that were adulterated. According to the criminal charge, the infants’ and children’s liquid medicines were adulterated because they were not manufactured, processed, packed or held in conformance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), in violation of the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA).
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania accepted McNeil’s guilty plea.
In addition to McNeil’s guilty plea, McNeil remains subject to a permanent injunction entered by the U.S. District Court in 2011, requiring the company, among other things, to make remedial measures before reopening its manufacturing facility in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania.
“McNeil’s failure to comply with current good manufacturing practices is seriously troubling,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Mizer. “The Department of Justice will continue to be aggressive in pursuing and punishing companies such as McNeil that disregard a process designed to assure quality medicines, especially OTC drugs for infants and children.”
“The law requires that drugs be produced under the most rigorous of quality standards,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Lappen. “When companies fail to exercise the vigilance that the law demands, they will held be accountable. Drug companies should be aware that failing to adhere to good manufacturing practices subjects them to penalties and prosecution.”
According to the information, the OTC liquid drugs manufactured by McNeil at its Fort Washington facility, including Infants’ and Children’s Tylenol and Infants’ and Children’s Motrin, were bottled on four lines of machinery dedicated to liquid formulations. As alleged in the information, on or about May 1, 2009, McNeil received a complaint from a consumer regarding the presence of “black specks in the liquid on the bottom of the bottle” of Infants’ Tylenol. According to the information, the foreign material was later identified as including nickel/chromium-rich inclusions, which were not intended ingredients in this OTC liquid drug. In connection with receiving this consumer complaint, McNeil did not initiate or complete a Corrective Action Preventive Action (CAPA) plan, as alleged in the charging document.
The information alleges numerous other instances in which McNeil found metal particles in bottles of Infants’ Tylenol at its Fort Washington facility but failed to initiate or complete a CAPA. According to the information, during a 2010 Inspection of McNeil’s Fort Washington facility, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asked McNeil for a list with all non-conformances for particles and the associated OTC drug batches that had occurred since an FDA inspection in 2009. As noted in the information, this document revealed 30 batches of OTC liquid drugs, including Infants’ Tylenol, Children’s Tylenol, and Children’s Motrin. During the 2010 inspection, the FDA asked McNeil for the CAPA plan covering the particles and foreign material found in the Infants’ and Children’s OTC drugs, and a McNeil employee confirmed that McNeil did not have such a CAPA plan.
On or about April 30, 2010, McNeil Consumer Health Care, a division of McNeil, in consultation with the FDA, announced that the company was recalling all lots of certain unexpired Infants’ and Children’s OTC drugs manufactured at McNeil’s Fort Washington facility and distributed in the United States and other countries around the world. McNeil’s recall included, but was not limited to, Infants’ and Children’s Tylenol and Infants’ and Children’s Motrin. According to a press release issued by McNeil on April 30, 2010, some of the recalled OTC drugs “may contain tiny particles.”
The FDCA prohibits causing the introduction or delivery for introduction into interstate commerce of any adulterated drug. Under the law, a drug is adulterated if the methods used in, or the facilities and controls used for, the manufacture, processing, packing, labeling, holding and distribution of drugs and components were not in conformance with cGMP requirements for drugs. Drugs not manufactured, processed, packed, labeled, held and distributed in conformance with cGMP requirements are adulterated as a matter of federal law, without any showing of actual defect.
“Drug quality – and especially with the medicines we give our children – is of paramount concern to the FDA,” said Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg M.D. of the FDA. “The FDA expects manufacturers to have systems in place that will quickly discover and correct problems with medical products before they enter the U.S. marketplace. Today’s guilty plea holds accountable those corporations who risk jeopardizing the public health by not adhering to the high standards set for drug manufacturers.”
Acting Assistant Attorney General Mizer and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Lappen commended the investigative efforts of the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations. The government is represented in this case by Assistant Director Jeffrey Steger and Trial Attorney Kathryn Drenning of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Leahy of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, with the assistance of Associate Chief Counsel for Enforcement Laura Pawloski of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of General Counsel’s Food and Drug Division.
SECRETARY KERRY MAKES REMARKS WITH GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER STEINMEIER
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Remarks With German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier
Remarks
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Ben Franklin Room
Washington, DC
March 11, 2015
SECRETARY KERRY: Well, good evening, everybody. It’s a distinct pleasure for me to welcome someone who’s become a really good friend in the course of our diplomatic travels, Frank-Walter Steinmeier of Germany, a man who may spend as many hours as I do in the air, moving around.
We saw each other, literally, just about a week ago in Paris, where we met with our British counterpart, the British foreign secretary, and Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius of France. And there we had a long discussion about a number of issues, most importantly about the Iran negotiations. As everybody knows, this is a P5+1 negotiating process. Our critical partners in this effort are every member – Russia, China, Germany, France, Great Britain – and we are united in our position, all of us, that it is critical to be able to have accountability and certainty with respect to the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program.
We spoke at length in Paris about the areas where we are still witnessing gaps, and we hope very much that over the course of the next days, we can close those gaps. But Germany has been an indispensable partner in this process. The German scientists, German nuclear experts have spent significant time analyzing proposals, helping us to understand options, and have really contributed significantly to our ability to be at a critical moment in these negotiations. And I think we would agree, both of us, that now it is inherent in – it’s really important that Iran make fundamental choices, as we are making fundamental choices, in order to try to prove to the world as effectively as possible that there will be no path to a nuclear weapon and that the world can be certain of the activities that Iran is engaged in.
In many ways – I don’t know if you’ve seen – there’ve been some articles recently that have been written about the indispensable role that Germany is playing in many different areas, and I want to second that. I agree. Germany is Europe’s chief facilitating officer, to quote one of those articles, and German-French leadership has been essential with respect to the effort to try to create a Minsk agreement that has meaning. I personally admire and respect the efforts that Chancellor Merkel made together with President Hollande to take a risk for peace, to take a risk to go to Minsk when nobody knew with certainty what the outcome would be, and to make their best effort to give some diplomatic energy to the effort to bring about peace.
We all have still some outstanding questions regarding that process – all of us, including Germany. We all insist that the withdrawal of heavy weapons needs to take place on both parts, and we all insist that it is critical that Russia cease its support for violations of the integrity of Ukraine and its sovereignty. And it is vital to the ability to be able to guarantee a Europe that is whole and peaceful and free to be able to make certain that this Minsk agreement is, in fact, implemented.
Just today, Frank, we announced an additional round of sanctions with respect to Ukraine on a number of different individuals, on a number of entities, bank, and also on some Yanukovych associates. And so we are all anxious to get to a day when this is de-escalated and when we can see a different prospect for minimizing the possibilities of confrontation.
Finally, let me just say that Germany’s leadership and partnership with respect to Afghanistan has also been critical. As we look at the issue of continued engagement with President Ghani and Afghanistan and the efforts to try to sustain the troop training program that is taking place, Germany is also playing a key role in that. So it is with pleasure that I welcome my counterpart from Germany here. I look forward to reciprocating. We spent a wonderful evening in Berlin, where we had an opportunity to talk into the late hours. I’m afraid it’s already late for our traveling friends – (laughter) – so we’ll have to arrange a different scenario here, but it’s really a pleasure to have you here, Frank. Thank you.
FOREIGN MINISTER STEINMEIER: (Via interpreter.) Thank you, John, for inviting me to Washington. Thank you very much indeed for the time that you are devoting to me at the end of a very long day that you’ve already put behind yourself. I remember our last and latest meeting. We met only at the end of last week in Paris, and I think in the days preceding that weekend, we met at least every week, if not even more often than that, be it in Berlin, Munich, Vienna, Geneva, Brussels, London, or in many other places on this earth. It’s simply necessary in times like these, where we are confronting with a great number of different crises and have to tackle these crises.
But let me also be very clear I have very fond memories of your last visit to Berlin, because we not only had a political exchange, it was also a visit that came about because we celebrated a particular anniversary: the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. And we talked to those people who put their lives at risk in order to bring down the Wall or to climb over the Wall at the time where it was still standing in order to get into the western part of Berlin, and many of them gave their lives in that attempt. We spoke with young people during your visit who haven’t had any experience of the Wall because they were born after the Wall came down. And for me, too, that was a very moving experience, a moving day, the day where you came to Berlin to celebrate with us.
That is a day that reminded us of the great values that both our countries stand up for and for which we are willing to stand up and fight for. I’ve back – I’ve been back in office for roughly a year now, and I’m in a position to look back to, let pass and review the many crises that we’re confronted with, be it Libya or Syria; be it Iraq or African countries, African conflicts. Afghanistan – our job is not quite done yet there. A new mission has begun. All of that illustrates that we need to be in close touch, need to exchange views and coordinate actions, need to talk to each other – not only on occasions like your visit to Berlin or my visit today here in Washington. We’re in regular contact, in touch, be it on the phone or be it directly, trying to coordinate our actions and the next steps.
That is a good thing, and we will keep up that practice, especially with an eye to the two major conflicts in which both our countries are engaged, trying to develop solutions – Ukraine, that is; Iraq, on the other hand – Iran, on the other hand. The negotiations that took place in Minsk on the 12th of February – this Minsk package, as we call it – and I made that point more than once – may not be perfect, but it may – it is probably the only, perhaps even the last possibility, given the process of escalation, to reduce the level of violence, to initiate a process of de-escalation, and to make sure that the number of casualties we’ve seen on a daily basis is being brought down.
Today, we’re at a point where it’s far too early to pat our shoulders and take pride in what we have achieved. Both of us are far from being happy or satisfied with what we have been able to achieve so far. We have to keep up the pressure on the conflict parties. On the way to Washington, I once again used the opportunity to talk to Sergei Lavrov on the phone in order to make it very clear that wherever the ceasefire is violated, both sides have to try to make sure that the daily violations of the ceasefire come to an end, so as to allow us to enter another stage in the process of implementing the Minsk agreements. To begin that is to prepare the ground for a political settlement. First steps have been taken, but much still needs to be done, especially with an eye to the urgently-required economic stabilization of the country. The country is under enormous pressure. The decisions of the IMF can serve as a first step of providing help and assistance here.
Now, as far as Iran is concerned – and John Kerry made the point earlier – we used the opportunity last week in Paris to talk to our European partners, France and Great Britain, and to harmonize a common approach which hopefully will take us into the final round of negotiations in the search for a solution. For more than a decade, that conflict has been with us. I have been involved with – in this process in different positions, in different functions – as the foreign minister during my first stint; now again. Thus, I may be permitted to say that for the very first time in those 10 years, I’m under the impression that negotiations in the last year have been of a serious nature. Progress has been visible. But again, both of us are convinced that not all impediments have been cleared away, and thus everyone is called upon to continue to – Iran is called upon to continue to negotiate in a spirit – in a serious spirit. And we ask and urge Iran to show and express its readiness to enter into a compromise.
This is not a choice between a good or a bad deal. It’s very clear what we want to see. We want to be very clear in that what we want to see is that it is made impossible for Iran to acquire a nuclear bomb. It has to be made clear – unequivocally clear. It has to be something that can be reviewed, and we want to see that achieved on a long-term basis. Thank you very much.
SECRETARY KERRY: I also forgot to mention that we are providing some $75 million to Ukraine immediately in nonlethal military assistance, including vehicles, MRAPs[1], and so forth. And I’m sure one of the things we’ll discuss tonight is what further assistance might or might not be necessary going forward. So also, vielen dank.
FOREIGN MINISTER STEINMEIER: Vielen dank. Thanks.
Remarks With German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier
Remarks
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Ben Franklin Room
Washington, DC
March 11, 2015
SECRETARY KERRY: Well, good evening, everybody. It’s a distinct pleasure for me to welcome someone who’s become a really good friend in the course of our diplomatic travels, Frank-Walter Steinmeier of Germany, a man who may spend as many hours as I do in the air, moving around.
We saw each other, literally, just about a week ago in Paris, where we met with our British counterpart, the British foreign secretary, and Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius of France. And there we had a long discussion about a number of issues, most importantly about the Iran negotiations. As everybody knows, this is a P5+1 negotiating process. Our critical partners in this effort are every member – Russia, China, Germany, France, Great Britain – and we are united in our position, all of us, that it is critical to be able to have accountability and certainty with respect to the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program.
We spoke at length in Paris about the areas where we are still witnessing gaps, and we hope very much that over the course of the next days, we can close those gaps. But Germany has been an indispensable partner in this process. The German scientists, German nuclear experts have spent significant time analyzing proposals, helping us to understand options, and have really contributed significantly to our ability to be at a critical moment in these negotiations. And I think we would agree, both of us, that now it is inherent in – it’s really important that Iran make fundamental choices, as we are making fundamental choices, in order to try to prove to the world as effectively as possible that there will be no path to a nuclear weapon and that the world can be certain of the activities that Iran is engaged in.
In many ways – I don’t know if you’ve seen – there’ve been some articles recently that have been written about the indispensable role that Germany is playing in many different areas, and I want to second that. I agree. Germany is Europe’s chief facilitating officer, to quote one of those articles, and German-French leadership has been essential with respect to the effort to try to create a Minsk agreement that has meaning. I personally admire and respect the efforts that Chancellor Merkel made together with President Hollande to take a risk for peace, to take a risk to go to Minsk when nobody knew with certainty what the outcome would be, and to make their best effort to give some diplomatic energy to the effort to bring about peace.
We all have still some outstanding questions regarding that process – all of us, including Germany. We all insist that the withdrawal of heavy weapons needs to take place on both parts, and we all insist that it is critical that Russia cease its support for violations of the integrity of Ukraine and its sovereignty. And it is vital to the ability to be able to guarantee a Europe that is whole and peaceful and free to be able to make certain that this Minsk agreement is, in fact, implemented.
Just today, Frank, we announced an additional round of sanctions with respect to Ukraine on a number of different individuals, on a number of entities, bank, and also on some Yanukovych associates. And so we are all anxious to get to a day when this is de-escalated and when we can see a different prospect for minimizing the possibilities of confrontation.
Finally, let me just say that Germany’s leadership and partnership with respect to Afghanistan has also been critical. As we look at the issue of continued engagement with President Ghani and Afghanistan and the efforts to try to sustain the troop training program that is taking place, Germany is also playing a key role in that. So it is with pleasure that I welcome my counterpart from Germany here. I look forward to reciprocating. We spent a wonderful evening in Berlin, where we had an opportunity to talk into the late hours. I’m afraid it’s already late for our traveling friends – (laughter) – so we’ll have to arrange a different scenario here, but it’s really a pleasure to have you here, Frank. Thank you.
FOREIGN MINISTER STEINMEIER: (Via interpreter.) Thank you, John, for inviting me to Washington. Thank you very much indeed for the time that you are devoting to me at the end of a very long day that you’ve already put behind yourself. I remember our last and latest meeting. We met only at the end of last week in Paris, and I think in the days preceding that weekend, we met at least every week, if not even more often than that, be it in Berlin, Munich, Vienna, Geneva, Brussels, London, or in many other places on this earth. It’s simply necessary in times like these, where we are confronting with a great number of different crises and have to tackle these crises.
But let me also be very clear I have very fond memories of your last visit to Berlin, because we not only had a political exchange, it was also a visit that came about because we celebrated a particular anniversary: the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. And we talked to those people who put their lives at risk in order to bring down the Wall or to climb over the Wall at the time where it was still standing in order to get into the western part of Berlin, and many of them gave their lives in that attempt. We spoke with young people during your visit who haven’t had any experience of the Wall because they were born after the Wall came down. And for me, too, that was a very moving experience, a moving day, the day where you came to Berlin to celebrate with us.
That is a day that reminded us of the great values that both our countries stand up for and for which we are willing to stand up and fight for. I’ve back – I’ve been back in office for roughly a year now, and I’m in a position to look back to, let pass and review the many crises that we’re confronted with, be it Libya or Syria; be it Iraq or African countries, African conflicts. Afghanistan – our job is not quite done yet there. A new mission has begun. All of that illustrates that we need to be in close touch, need to exchange views and coordinate actions, need to talk to each other – not only on occasions like your visit to Berlin or my visit today here in Washington. We’re in regular contact, in touch, be it on the phone or be it directly, trying to coordinate our actions and the next steps.
That is a good thing, and we will keep up that practice, especially with an eye to the two major conflicts in which both our countries are engaged, trying to develop solutions – Ukraine, that is; Iraq, on the other hand – Iran, on the other hand. The negotiations that took place in Minsk on the 12th of February – this Minsk package, as we call it – and I made that point more than once – may not be perfect, but it may – it is probably the only, perhaps even the last possibility, given the process of escalation, to reduce the level of violence, to initiate a process of de-escalation, and to make sure that the number of casualties we’ve seen on a daily basis is being brought down.
Today, we’re at a point where it’s far too early to pat our shoulders and take pride in what we have achieved. Both of us are far from being happy or satisfied with what we have been able to achieve so far. We have to keep up the pressure on the conflict parties. On the way to Washington, I once again used the opportunity to talk to Sergei Lavrov on the phone in order to make it very clear that wherever the ceasefire is violated, both sides have to try to make sure that the daily violations of the ceasefire come to an end, so as to allow us to enter another stage in the process of implementing the Minsk agreements. To begin that is to prepare the ground for a political settlement. First steps have been taken, but much still needs to be done, especially with an eye to the urgently-required economic stabilization of the country. The country is under enormous pressure. The decisions of the IMF can serve as a first step of providing help and assistance here.
Now, as far as Iran is concerned – and John Kerry made the point earlier – we used the opportunity last week in Paris to talk to our European partners, France and Great Britain, and to harmonize a common approach which hopefully will take us into the final round of negotiations in the search for a solution. For more than a decade, that conflict has been with us. I have been involved with – in this process in different positions, in different functions – as the foreign minister during my first stint; now again. Thus, I may be permitted to say that for the very first time in those 10 years, I’m under the impression that negotiations in the last year have been of a serious nature. Progress has been visible. But again, both of us are convinced that not all impediments have been cleared away, and thus everyone is called upon to continue to – Iran is called upon to continue to negotiate in a spirit – in a serious spirit. And we ask and urge Iran to show and express its readiness to enter into a compromise.
This is not a choice between a good or a bad deal. It’s very clear what we want to see. We want to be very clear in that what we want to see is that it is made impossible for Iran to acquire a nuclear bomb. It has to be made clear – unequivocally clear. It has to be something that can be reviewed, and we want to see that achieved on a long-term basis. Thank you very much.
SECRETARY KERRY: I also forgot to mention that we are providing some $75 million to Ukraine immediately in nonlethal military assistance, including vehicles, MRAPs[1], and so forth. And I’m sure one of the things we’ll discuss tonight is what further assistance might or might not be necessary going forward. So also, vielen dank.
FOREIGN MINISTER STEINMEIER: Vielen dank. Thanks.
Thursday, March 12, 2015
READOUT: PRESIDENT OBAMA'S VIDEO CONFERENCE WITH PRESIDENT GHANI OF AFGHANISTAN
FROM: THE WHITE HOUSE
March 12, 2015
Readout of the President’s Video Conference with President Ashraf Ghani of Afghanistan
Today, the President spoke with President Ashraf Ghani of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan by video conference, along with Chief Executive Officer Dr. Abdullah Abdullah. The President encouraged accelerated Afghan progress towards forming an inclusive national unity government and expressed his expectation that their visit to Washington later this month will demonstrate our mutual commitment to a strengthened U.S.-Afghan strategic partnership. The leaders discussed the ongoing efforts of the Afghan National Security Forces to improve security in Afghanistan and the importance of countering extremist threats from groups like al-Qa`ida. The President commended President Ghani and Dr. Abdullah on their leadership in promoting an Afghan peace process to end the conflict in Afghanistan and their initiative to improve Afghanistan-Pakistan relations.
March 12, 2015
Readout of the President’s Video Conference with President Ashraf Ghani of Afghanistan
Today, the President spoke with President Ashraf Ghani of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan by video conference, along with Chief Executive Officer Dr. Abdullah Abdullah. The President encouraged accelerated Afghan progress towards forming an inclusive national unity government and expressed his expectation that their visit to Washington later this month will demonstrate our mutual commitment to a strengthened U.S.-Afghan strategic partnership. The leaders discussed the ongoing efforts of the Afghan National Security Forces to improve security in Afghanistan and the importance of countering extremist threats from groups like al-Qa`ida. The President commended President Ghani and Dr. Abdullah on their leadership in promoting an Afghan peace process to end the conflict in Afghanistan and their initiative to improve Afghanistan-Pakistan relations.
U.S. CONGRATULATES PEOPLE OF MAURITIUS ON THEIR INDEPENDENCE DAY
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Mauritius' National Day
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
March 12, 2015
On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Mauritius as you celebrate the 47th anniversary of independence on March 12.
Mauritius is an example to other nations in the region your most recent election demonstrates your legacy of peaceful democratic transitions, good governance, and the power of the vote which Mauritian citizens have exercised time and time again.
The United States and Mauritius work together to advance regional security, enhance trade and investment, and defend human rights.
On this day of celebration, I wish the people of Mauritius continued peace and prosperity.
Mauritius' National Day
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
March 12, 2015
On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Mauritius as you celebrate the 47th anniversary of independence on March 12.
Mauritius is an example to other nations in the region your most recent election demonstrates your legacy of peaceful democratic transitions, good governance, and the power of the vote which Mauritian citizens have exercised time and time again.
The United States and Mauritius work together to advance regional security, enhance trade and investment, and defend human rights.
On this day of celebration, I wish the people of Mauritius continued peace and prosperity.
AG HOLDER'S REMARKS ON SHOOTING OF POLICE OFFICERS, PILOT CITIES FOR NATIONAL INITIATIVE FR BUILDING COMMUNITY TRUST AND JUSTICE
FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Attorney General Holder Remarks Announcing Six Pilot Cities for the National Initiative for Building Community Trust and Justice
Washington, DCUnited States ~ Thursday, March 12, 2015
Remarks as prepared for delivery
Thank you all for being here this afternoon. I want to address the heinous attacks that occurred against two brave law enforcement officers in Ferguson, Missouri, last night.
I unequivocally condemn these repugnant attacks. I know that all of us in the law enforcement family—and all Americans across the country—are hoping and praying for a speedy recovery. And I stand ready to offer the full investigative resources of the Department of Justice to find the perpetrators of this attack and hold them accountable.
You know, seeing this attack last night turned my stomach—because in the week since the Justice Department released its pattern-and-practice report on Ferguson, we have begun to see really important signs of progress. There were good-faith steps being taken within the city’s leadership to move in a new, more cooperative direction that is beneficial to law enforcement and to community residents. We still have a long way to go to bring about the systemic change needed—but the early indications had been truly positive.
What happened last night was a pure ambush. This was not someone trying to bring healing to Ferguson, but someone who wants to stoke unrest. This disgusting and cowardly attack might have been intended to unravel any sense of progress, but I hope that doesn’t happen. Incidents like the one we have witnessed throw into sharp relief why conversations like the one we convened today—to build trust between law enforcement and community members—are so important.
One year ago, the Obama Administration launched the groundbreaking My Brother’s Keeper initiative, which seeks to create opportunities for all young people in this country to improve their lives and reach their full potential—no matter who they are or where they live. As a part of this effort, the My Brother’s Keeper Task Force recommended that the Justice Department establish a program to help resolve long-standing tensions between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. And six months ago, I was proud to announce the National Initiative for Building Community Trust and Justice—a nationwide program designed to enhance procedural justice, reduce bias and support reconciliation.
Through the committed work of Department leaders like Assistant Attorney General Karol Mason of the Office of Justice Programs—who is here with us today—and with the partnership of Department components including the COPS Office, the Civil Rights Division, the Community Relations Service and the Office on Violence Against Women, we are redoubling our commitment to restoring faith in the integrity of law enforcement wherever that faith has been eroded.
Today, I am announcing three significant new steps we are taking as part of this exciting initiative. First, we have selected six cities to serve as pilot sites for innovative strategies to strengthen bonds between police and citizens they serve: Birmingham, Alabama; Stockton, California; Gary, Indiana; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Fort Worth, Texas. By helping to develop programs that serve their own diverse experiences, these cities will stand on the leading edge of our effort to confront pressing issues in communities across the country.
Second, we have launched a new online resource, available at trustandjustice.org, which will advance cutting-edge research and information about best practices and trust-building policy.
Third, we’re offering training, mentoring, expert consultations, and assistance on racial reconciliation directly to police departments and communities across America through the Office of Justice Programs’ Diagnostic Center.
These are groundbreaking advances—but the Department of Justice will not accomplish these goals alone. We will continue to work side-by-side with law enforcement to identify opportunities for positive change. And we will work with communities to seek avenues for building more healthy environments.
From my own decades-long career in law enforcement, and as the brother of a retired police officer, I know that the overwhelming majority of America’s brave men and women in public safety do their jobs with integrity and at great personal risk. I have enormous respect for the vital role that they play in all of America’s communities – and for the sacrifices that they and their families are too often called to make on behalf of their country.
The dangers they face have been made clear recently not only with the attacks we experienced last night, but also with the killing of Officer Robert Wilson III in Philadelphia last week and with the tragic loss of Deputy U.S. Marshal Josie Wells in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, earlier this week. These devastating incidents serve as a reminder that our law enforcement officers perform a job that is extremely serious, deeply heroic, and deserving of our most emphatic support.
I am committed to ensuring that the reforms we put in place do not impose additional risks on our law enforcement officers in an already hazardous environment. There should be no situation in which an officer’s life is put in jeopardy because of concerns that by appropriately defending themselves, they might be viewed as committing a crime. That is why the Justice Department’s discussions about these matters have centered on proven, common-sense and evidence-based collaborative measures that protect our citizens, strengthen our neighborhoods, and keep our officers safe.
I recognize our goals will not be easy to achieve. Change will not occur overnight. But in conversations like this one—with law enforcement, civil rights, youth and community leaders–I have been struck not by our divisions, but by our common interest in creating the more just society that all Americans deserve. I know that we are undertaking the crucial and necessary work of our time—work that will make a lasting difference for generations to come.
Attorney General Holder Remarks Announcing Six Pilot Cities for the National Initiative for Building Community Trust and Justice
Washington, DCUnited States ~ Thursday, March 12, 2015
Remarks as prepared for delivery
Thank you all for being here this afternoon. I want to address the heinous attacks that occurred against two brave law enforcement officers in Ferguson, Missouri, last night.
I unequivocally condemn these repugnant attacks. I know that all of us in the law enforcement family—and all Americans across the country—are hoping and praying for a speedy recovery. And I stand ready to offer the full investigative resources of the Department of Justice to find the perpetrators of this attack and hold them accountable.
You know, seeing this attack last night turned my stomach—because in the week since the Justice Department released its pattern-and-practice report on Ferguson, we have begun to see really important signs of progress. There were good-faith steps being taken within the city’s leadership to move in a new, more cooperative direction that is beneficial to law enforcement and to community residents. We still have a long way to go to bring about the systemic change needed—but the early indications had been truly positive.
What happened last night was a pure ambush. This was not someone trying to bring healing to Ferguson, but someone who wants to stoke unrest. This disgusting and cowardly attack might have been intended to unravel any sense of progress, but I hope that doesn’t happen. Incidents like the one we have witnessed throw into sharp relief why conversations like the one we convened today—to build trust between law enforcement and community members—are so important.
One year ago, the Obama Administration launched the groundbreaking My Brother’s Keeper initiative, which seeks to create opportunities for all young people in this country to improve their lives and reach their full potential—no matter who they are or where they live. As a part of this effort, the My Brother’s Keeper Task Force recommended that the Justice Department establish a program to help resolve long-standing tensions between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. And six months ago, I was proud to announce the National Initiative for Building Community Trust and Justice—a nationwide program designed to enhance procedural justice, reduce bias and support reconciliation.
Through the committed work of Department leaders like Assistant Attorney General Karol Mason of the Office of Justice Programs—who is here with us today—and with the partnership of Department components including the COPS Office, the Civil Rights Division, the Community Relations Service and the Office on Violence Against Women, we are redoubling our commitment to restoring faith in the integrity of law enforcement wherever that faith has been eroded.
Today, I am announcing three significant new steps we are taking as part of this exciting initiative. First, we have selected six cities to serve as pilot sites for innovative strategies to strengthen bonds between police and citizens they serve: Birmingham, Alabama; Stockton, California; Gary, Indiana; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Fort Worth, Texas. By helping to develop programs that serve their own diverse experiences, these cities will stand on the leading edge of our effort to confront pressing issues in communities across the country.
Second, we have launched a new online resource, available at trustandjustice.org, which will advance cutting-edge research and information about best practices and trust-building policy.
Third, we’re offering training, mentoring, expert consultations, and assistance on racial reconciliation directly to police departments and communities across America through the Office of Justice Programs’ Diagnostic Center.
These are groundbreaking advances—but the Department of Justice will not accomplish these goals alone. We will continue to work side-by-side with law enforcement to identify opportunities for positive change. And we will work with communities to seek avenues for building more healthy environments.
From my own decades-long career in law enforcement, and as the brother of a retired police officer, I know that the overwhelming majority of America’s brave men and women in public safety do their jobs with integrity and at great personal risk. I have enormous respect for the vital role that they play in all of America’s communities – and for the sacrifices that they and their families are too often called to make on behalf of their country.
The dangers they face have been made clear recently not only with the attacks we experienced last night, but also with the killing of Officer Robert Wilson III in Philadelphia last week and with the tragic loss of Deputy U.S. Marshal Josie Wells in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, earlier this week. These devastating incidents serve as a reminder that our law enforcement officers perform a job that is extremely serious, deeply heroic, and deserving of our most emphatic support.
I am committed to ensuring that the reforms we put in place do not impose additional risks on our law enforcement officers in an already hazardous environment. There should be no situation in which an officer’s life is put in jeopardy because of concerns that by appropriately defending themselves, they might be viewed as committing a crime. That is why the Justice Department’s discussions about these matters have centered on proven, common-sense and evidence-based collaborative measures that protect our citizens, strengthen our neighborhoods, and keep our officers safe.
I recognize our goals will not be easy to achieve. Change will not occur overnight. But in conversations like this one—with law enforcement, civil rights, youth and community leaders–I have been struck not by our divisions, but by our common interest in creating the more just society that all Americans deserve. I know that we are undertaking the crucial and necessary work of our time—work that will make a lasting difference for generations to come.
AG HOLDER'S STATEMENT ON FATAL SHOOTING OF DEPUTY U.S. MARSHAL JOSIE WELLS
FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Statement by Attorney General Holder on Fatal Shooting of Deputy U.S. Marshal Josie Wells
Attorney General Eric Holder released the following statement Wednesday regarding the fatal shooting of Deputy U.S. Marshal Josie Wells:
“Deputy Marshal Josie Wells was a dedicated law enforcement officer, a remarkable patriot and a courageous public servant. Though he was taken from us far too suddenly and far too soon, he leaves behind an indelible legacy that will live on in the lives he touched; in the work that the U.S. Marshals Service continues to perform; and in a world that is safer because of his devoted service. His loss is a deeply tragic reminder that the work of our law enforcement officers around the nation is extremely serious, profoundly heroic and deserving of our most emphatic support. The thoughts and prayers of the law enforcement community will be with the family and loved ones of Deputy Marshal Wells throughout this difficult time. And as we go forward, the Department of Justice intends to honor his service and his sacrifice by continuing to fight for the values he protected every day, and to defend the American people for whom he gave his life.”
FROM: U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE
Deputy U.S. Marshal Killed in the Line of Duty
Washington – Deputy U.S. Marshal Josie Wells died from a gunshot wound received in the line of duty in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, March 10. Wells, 27, a native of Mississippi had been with the U.S. Marshals Service since January 2011.
Wells was part of a team executing arrest warrants on a fugitive wanted for double homicide in Baton Rouge. The team engaged in gunfire with the fugitive and Wells was shot. He was immediately transported to Lane Regional Medical Center in Zachary, Louisiana, where he died.
The fugitive, Jamie Croom, was also shot and transported to a local hospital where he later died.
“Our deputies and law enforcement partners face untold dangers every day in the pursuit of justice in cities nationwide,” said Director Stacia A. Hylton. “The fugitive who killed Deputy Wells was extremely dangerous, wanted for double homicide and intentionally evaded justice.”
Hylton added, “When a public servant dies in the line of duty, it is an immeasurable tragedy felt by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Wells’ family, friends and colleagues.”
The shooting investigation is being conducted by FBI and the Baton Rouge Police Department.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Statement by Attorney General Holder on Fatal Shooting of Deputy U.S. Marshal Josie Wells
Attorney General Eric Holder released the following statement Wednesday regarding the fatal shooting of Deputy U.S. Marshal Josie Wells:
“Deputy Marshal Josie Wells was a dedicated law enforcement officer, a remarkable patriot and a courageous public servant. Though he was taken from us far too suddenly and far too soon, he leaves behind an indelible legacy that will live on in the lives he touched; in the work that the U.S. Marshals Service continues to perform; and in a world that is safer because of his devoted service. His loss is a deeply tragic reminder that the work of our law enforcement officers around the nation is extremely serious, profoundly heroic and deserving of our most emphatic support. The thoughts and prayers of the law enforcement community will be with the family and loved ones of Deputy Marshal Wells throughout this difficult time. And as we go forward, the Department of Justice intends to honor his service and his sacrifice by continuing to fight for the values he protected every day, and to defend the American people for whom he gave his life.”
FROM: U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE
Deputy U.S. Marshal Killed in the Line of Duty
Washington – Deputy U.S. Marshal Josie Wells died from a gunshot wound received in the line of duty in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, March 10. Wells, 27, a native of Mississippi had been with the U.S. Marshals Service since January 2011.
Wells was part of a team executing arrest warrants on a fugitive wanted for double homicide in Baton Rouge. The team engaged in gunfire with the fugitive and Wells was shot. He was immediately transported to Lane Regional Medical Center in Zachary, Louisiana, where he died.
The fugitive, Jamie Croom, was also shot and transported to a local hospital where he later died.
“Our deputies and law enforcement partners face untold dangers every day in the pursuit of justice in cities nationwide,” said Director Stacia A. Hylton. “The fugitive who killed Deputy Wells was extremely dangerous, wanted for double homicide and intentionally evaded justice.”
Hylton added, “When a public servant dies in the line of duty, it is an immeasurable tragedy felt by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Wells’ family, friends and colleagues.”
The shooting investigation is being conducted by FBI and the Baton Rouge Police Department.
DOD REPORTS PESMERGA FIGHTERS SEIZE KEY RIDGELINE IN NORTHERN IRAQ
FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Peshmerga Fighters Take Key ISIL Ridgeline in Northern Iraq
From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release
SOUTHWEST ASIA, March 11, 2015 – Peshmerga fighters, supported by Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve airstrikes, seized a key ridgeline west of Kirkuk in northern Iraq, task force officials reported today.
The peshmerga forces overcame ISIL resistance in this section of Iraq and denied the terrorist group its freedom of maneuver in the area, officials said. The March 9 operation also pushed ISIL further away from the Kirkuk oilfields.
During the operation, peshmerga forces seized critical portions of Route 80 in Iraq, according to officials. In addition, the peshmerga forces pushed ISIL 2 to 3 miles back over a wide front, liberating about 30 square miles of terrain formerly held by ISIL.
Coalition Airstrikes in Support
Coalition forces conducted supporting airstrikes, resulting in the destruction of 10 enemy fighting positions, five tactical units and 10 ISIL weapons systems, officials said.
“This operation is another step on the path to ultimately defeating Daesh [the Arabic acronym for ISIL]. It clearly demonstrates the ability of peshmerga forces to degrade Daesh influence in Northern Iraq,” said Army Lt. Gen. James L. Terry, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve commander.
The Inherent Resolve coalition will continue to support efforts to attack and defeat ISIL, officials said. Peshmerga fighters now hold the gains they have made and are postured to retake additional territory from ISIL in the region, officials added
Peshmerga Fighters Take Key ISIL Ridgeline in Northern Iraq
From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release
SOUTHWEST ASIA, March 11, 2015 – Peshmerga fighters, supported by Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve airstrikes, seized a key ridgeline west of Kirkuk in northern Iraq, task force officials reported today.
The peshmerga forces overcame ISIL resistance in this section of Iraq and denied the terrorist group its freedom of maneuver in the area, officials said. The March 9 operation also pushed ISIL further away from the Kirkuk oilfields.
During the operation, peshmerga forces seized critical portions of Route 80 in Iraq, according to officials. In addition, the peshmerga forces pushed ISIL 2 to 3 miles back over a wide front, liberating about 30 square miles of terrain formerly held by ISIL.
Coalition Airstrikes in Support
Coalition forces conducted supporting airstrikes, resulting in the destruction of 10 enemy fighting positions, five tactical units and 10 ISIL weapons systems, officials said.
“This operation is another step on the path to ultimately defeating Daesh [the Arabic acronym for ISIL]. It clearly demonstrates the ability of peshmerga forces to degrade Daesh influence in Northern Iraq,” said Army Lt. Gen. James L. Terry, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve commander.
The Inherent Resolve coalition will continue to support efforts to attack and defeat ISIL, officials said. Peshmerga fighters now hold the gains they have made and are postured to retake additional territory from ISIL in the region, officials added
FTC CHARGES DIRECTTV WITH DECEPTIVELY ADVERTISING COST OF SATELLITE SERVICES
FROM: U.S. FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
FTC Charges DIRECTV with Deceptively Advertising the Cost of Its Satellite Television Service
Company Advertises Discounted Monthly Prices, Fails to Tell Consumers about Two-Year Contract Obligation, Significant Price Increase in the Second Year, and Need to Cancel “Free” Premium Movie Channels
The Federal Trade Commission has charged DIRECTV, the country’s largest provider of satellite television services, with deceptively advertising a discounted 12-month programming package because it fails to clearly disclose that the package requires a two-year contract. In addition, DIRECTV does not clearly disclose that the cost of the package will increase by up to $45 more per month in the second year, and that early cancellation fees of up to $480 apply if consumers cancel the package before the end of the two-year period.
DIRECTV also fails to disclose that its offer of free premium channels for three months is in fact a negative option continuity plan that requires consumers to proactively cancel to avoid automatic charges on their credit or debit cards, the FTC alleges.
“DIRECTV misled consumers about the cost of its satellite television services and cancellation fees,” said FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez. “DIRECTV sought to lock customers into longer and more expensive contracts and premium packages that were not adequately disclosed. It’s a bedrock principle that the key terms of an offer to a consumer must be clear and conspicuous, not hidden in fine print.”
In filing its complaint, the FTC is seeking a court order that permanently bars DIRECTV from engaging in the allegedly illegal conduct, as well as a monetary judgment that could be used to provide refunds to affected consumers.
DIRECTV is a national provider of direct-to-home satellite television services, based in El Segundo, California. With more than 20 million subscribers across the United States, the company is the largest provider of such multi-channel video programming distribution in the nation. The company offers its services to consumers through subscriptions, and typically requires users to agree to a 24-month contract that includes a programming package, satellite dish, other necessary equipment, and installation and support services.
According to the FTC’s complaint, in many instances since 2007, DIRECTV has violated the FTC Act by making deceptive claims or omissions of material facts in advertisements and on its website for its satellite television subscription service. Specifically, the FTC charges that:
DIRECTV promotes its television service and programming package prices “for 12 months,” without clearly and prominently disclosing that these deals require consumers to sign a two-year contract (with a substantial early cancellation fee) and that the cost of the programming packages jumps $25 to $45 a month in the second year of the contract; and DIRECTV represents that consumers will receive premium channels, such as HBO and Showtime, “free for 3 months,” without adequately disclosing that: 1) consumers will be enrolled in a negative option continuity plan that charges for the premium channels after the trial period; 2) consumers must contact DIRECTV to cancel the plan before the trial period ends to avoid incurring the charges; 3) DIRECTV will use consumers’ credit or debit card information to charge them after the trial period ends; and 4) there are specific costs associated with the negative option continuity plan.
In addition to the agency’s charges that DIRECTV violated the FTC Act, the FTC also alleges the company violated the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act (ROSCA) by failing to clearly and conspicuously disclose on its website all of the material terms of offers with a negative option component.
The Commission vote approving the complaint was 5-0. It was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, San Francisco Division on March 11, 2015, and names as defendants DIRECTV and DIRECTV, LLC.
NOTE: The Commission files a complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the law has been or is being violated and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. The case will be decided by the judge.
FTC Charges DIRECTV with Deceptively Advertising the Cost of Its Satellite Television Service
Company Advertises Discounted Monthly Prices, Fails to Tell Consumers about Two-Year Contract Obligation, Significant Price Increase in the Second Year, and Need to Cancel “Free” Premium Movie Channels
The Federal Trade Commission has charged DIRECTV, the country’s largest provider of satellite television services, with deceptively advertising a discounted 12-month programming package because it fails to clearly disclose that the package requires a two-year contract. In addition, DIRECTV does not clearly disclose that the cost of the package will increase by up to $45 more per month in the second year, and that early cancellation fees of up to $480 apply if consumers cancel the package before the end of the two-year period.
DIRECTV also fails to disclose that its offer of free premium channels for three months is in fact a negative option continuity plan that requires consumers to proactively cancel to avoid automatic charges on their credit or debit cards, the FTC alleges.
“DIRECTV misled consumers about the cost of its satellite television services and cancellation fees,” said FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez. “DIRECTV sought to lock customers into longer and more expensive contracts and premium packages that were not adequately disclosed. It’s a bedrock principle that the key terms of an offer to a consumer must be clear and conspicuous, not hidden in fine print.”
In filing its complaint, the FTC is seeking a court order that permanently bars DIRECTV from engaging in the allegedly illegal conduct, as well as a monetary judgment that could be used to provide refunds to affected consumers.
DIRECTV is a national provider of direct-to-home satellite television services, based in El Segundo, California. With more than 20 million subscribers across the United States, the company is the largest provider of such multi-channel video programming distribution in the nation. The company offers its services to consumers through subscriptions, and typically requires users to agree to a 24-month contract that includes a programming package, satellite dish, other necessary equipment, and installation and support services.
According to the FTC’s complaint, in many instances since 2007, DIRECTV has violated the FTC Act by making deceptive claims or omissions of material facts in advertisements and on its website for its satellite television subscription service. Specifically, the FTC charges that:
DIRECTV promotes its television service and programming package prices “for 12 months,” without clearly and prominently disclosing that these deals require consumers to sign a two-year contract (with a substantial early cancellation fee) and that the cost of the programming packages jumps $25 to $45 a month in the second year of the contract; and DIRECTV represents that consumers will receive premium channels, such as HBO and Showtime, “free for 3 months,” without adequately disclosing that: 1) consumers will be enrolled in a negative option continuity plan that charges for the premium channels after the trial period; 2) consumers must contact DIRECTV to cancel the plan before the trial period ends to avoid incurring the charges; 3) DIRECTV will use consumers’ credit or debit card information to charge them after the trial period ends; and 4) there are specific costs associated with the negative option continuity plan.
In addition to the agency’s charges that DIRECTV violated the FTC Act, the FTC also alleges the company violated the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act (ROSCA) by failing to clearly and conspicuously disclose on its website all of the material terms of offers with a negative option component.
The Commission vote approving the complaint was 5-0. It was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, San Francisco Division on March 11, 2015, and names as defendants DIRECTV and DIRECTV, LLC.
NOTE: The Commission files a complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the law has been or is being violated and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. The case will be decided by the judge.
DEFENSE SECRETARY CARTER TESTIFIES ON PRESIDENT'S PROPOSED AUTHORIZATION TU USE FORCE AGAINST ISIL
FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Carter: Proposed Authorization Gives Flexibility to Fight ISIL
By Cheryl Pellerin
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, March 11, 2015 – President Barack Obama’s proposed authorization to use military force against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant is flexible enough to allow for the full range of military scenarios, Defense Secretary Ash Carter told a Senate panel this morning.
Carter testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee alongside Secretary of State John F. Kerry and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey.
In reviewing the president’s proposed AUMF as secretary of defense, Carter said he asked himself two questions.
“First, does it provide the necessary authority and flexibility to wage our campaign, allowing for a full range of likely military scenarios?” Carter said.
Sending a Message
Second, he added, “will it send a message to the people I’m responsible for -- our brave men and women in uniform and civilian personnel who will wage this campaign -- that the country is behind them?”
Carter said he believes the AUMF accomplishes both, and urged Congress to pass the proposal.
The proposed AUMF takes into account the reality that ISIL as an organization is likely to evolve strategically, he said, morphing, rebranding and associating with other terrorist groups as it continues to threaten the United States and its allies.
The AUMF wisely does not include geographical restrictions, Carter said, “because ISIL already shows signs of metastasizing outside of Syria and Iraq.”
Military Flexibility
The proposed AUMF provides flexibility in military means to prevail against ISIL, with one exception, the secretary added.
“The proposed AUMF does not authorize long-term, large-scale offensive ground combat operations like those we conducted in Iraq and Afghanistan, because our strategy does not call for them,” he added. “Instead, local forces must provide the enduring presence needed for an enduring victory against ISIL.”
The proposed AUMF expires in three years, although no one knows if the campaign will be completed over that time, the secretary said, adding that he understands the reason for the proposed sunset provision.
“It derives from the important principle stemming from the Constitution that makes the grave matter of enacting an authorization for the use of military force a shared responsibility of the president and Congress,” Carter said.
A Chance to Assess Progress
The president’s proposed authorization gives the American people a chance to assess progress in three years’ time, he added, and gives the next president and the next Congress a chance, if they choose, to reauthorize the AUMF.
Carter said another key consideration for approving the AUMF is that it sends the right signals, most importantly to the troops, and also to partner nations.
“It will signal to our coalition partners and to our adversary that the United States government has come together to address a serious challenge,” he said.
Carter again urged Congress to pass the president’s AUMF because, he said, “it provides the necessary authority and flexibility to wage our current campaign. And because it will demonstrate to our men and women in uniform –- some of whom are in harm’s way right now –- that all of us stand unflinchingly behind them.”
SOUTH AMERICAN COUNTER-TERRORISM OFFICIAL SENTENCED FOR TRYING TO SUPPORT HEZBOLLAH
FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
South American Counter-Terrorism Official Sentenced to 195 Months in Prison for Attempting to Support Hezbollah
Also Convicted of Narcotics Trafficking and Firearms Offenses
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin and U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara of the Southern District of New York announced that Dino Bouterse, a citizen of Suriname who assisted in the formation of that country’s Counter-Terrorism Unit, was sentenced today in federal court in New York City to 195 months in prison for attempting to provide material support and resources to Hezbollah, a designated terrorist organization, along with narcotics trafficking and firearms offenses. Bouterse, who was arrested in Panama on Aug. 29, 2013, and arrived in the United States on Aug. 30, 2013, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Shira A. Scheindlin, who also imposed today’s sentence.
“Dino Bouterse was supposed to oppose terrorism,” said U.S. Attorney Bharara. “Instead, Bouterse betrayed his official position and tried to support and aid Hezbollah, including his agreement to assist Hezbollah in acquiring weapons, and conspiring to import cocaine to the U.S. Today he has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term for those odious crimes.”
According to the indictment, other documents filed in federal court and statements made at today’s sentencing:
In 2013, Bouterse used his position within the government of Suriname to assist individuals he believed were members of Hezbollah, who informed Bouterse that they intended to conduct terrorist attacks against American interests. In exchange for a multimillion-dollar payment, Bouterse agreed to allow large numbers of purported Hezbollah operatives to use Suriname as a permanent base for, among other things, attacks on American targets. In furtherance of his efforts to assist Hezbollah, Bouterse supplied a false Surinamese passport to a purported Hezbollah operative for the purpose of clandestine travel, including travel to the United States; discussed heavy weapons that he could provide to Hezbollah; and instructed the purported Hezbollah members about how Hezbollah operatives, supplied with a Surinamese cover story, could enter the United States.
In June 2013, Bouterse and a co-defendant, Edmund Quincy Muntslag, met in Bouterse’s office in Suriname with confidential sources (the CSs) working with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to discuss importing cocaine into the United States using commercial airline flights. During the meeting, Bouterse showed the CSs a rocket launcher and a kilogram of cocaine.
Approximately one month later, Bouterse and Muntslag worked to provide transportation and security for cocaine being sent through Suriname to the United States. As a test run, Bouterse and Muntslag sent 10 kilograms of cocaine on a commercial flight departing from Suriname. Bouterse personally verified the arrangements for the 10-kilogram cocaine shipment in a text message. The cocaine was intercepted by law enforcement officials after it departed Suriname.
In July 2013, Bouterse met with one of the CSs to discuss opening Suriname to the CSs’ purported Hezbollah associates.
Later that month, Bouterse met in Europe with one of the CSs and with two other men who purported to be associated with Hezbollah. During this meeting, Bouterse discussed initially hosting 30 to 60 Hezbollah members in Suriname for training and operations. He also indicated that he wanted a Hezbollah cell in Suriname to act, in part, as a personal armed force. Bouterse confirmed his understanding that the purported Hezbollah operatives would operate in South America against American targets, and he agreed to supply Surinamese passports to the operatives and to assist with their applications for visas to travel from South America into the United States. In addition, in response to a request for surface-to-air missiles and rocket-propelled grenades, Bouterse stated that he would need “two months” and that he would provide a list of what he could supply. Finally, at the July 2013 meeting in Europe, Bouterse agreed to create a false Surinamese passport for one of the purported Hezbollah operatives so that Bouterse and the Hezbollah operative could travel to Suriname to inspect the facilities that Bouterse had agreed to prepare for the Hezbollah contingent.
At a subsequent meeting in August 2013, Bouterse delivered a Surinamese passport with false identifying information to a purported Hezbollah operative. As had been discussed at the July 2013 meeting in Europe, the purported Hezbollah operative was to use the fraudulent passport to travel to Suriname. Bouterse indicated that everything was ready in Suriname for the arrival of the purported Hezbollah members, and that some “toys” – a code-word for weapons – would be available for inspection.
Following this meeting, Bouterse was arrested by Panamanian law enforcement and transferred to the custody of the DEA.
* * *
On Aug. 29, 2014, Bouterse pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to Hezbollah, a foreign terrorist organization; conspiring to import five kilograms or more of cocaine into the United States; and using and carrying, or aiding and abetting the use and carrying of, a firearm during and in relation to a drug-trafficking crime. In addition to his prison term, Bouterse, 42, a citizen of Suriname, was ordered to pay a $300 special assessment fee.
Assistant Attorney General Carlin joined U.S. Attorney Bharara in praising the outstanding efforts of the DEA’s Special Operations Division. Assistant Attorney General Carlin and U.S. Attorney Bharara also thanked the DEA’s Miami Field Division, Panama City Country Office, Port-of-Spain Country Office and Bogota Country Office; the Government of the Republic of Panama; and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Lockard, Adam Fee, Michael Ferrara and Edward Y. Kim of the Southern District of New York and Trial Attorney Andrew Sigler of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
South American Counter-Terrorism Official Sentenced to 195 Months in Prison for Attempting to Support Hezbollah
Also Convicted of Narcotics Trafficking and Firearms Offenses
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin and U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara of the Southern District of New York announced that Dino Bouterse, a citizen of Suriname who assisted in the formation of that country’s Counter-Terrorism Unit, was sentenced today in federal court in New York City to 195 months in prison for attempting to provide material support and resources to Hezbollah, a designated terrorist organization, along with narcotics trafficking and firearms offenses. Bouterse, who was arrested in Panama on Aug. 29, 2013, and arrived in the United States on Aug. 30, 2013, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Shira A. Scheindlin, who also imposed today’s sentence.
“Dino Bouterse was supposed to oppose terrorism,” said U.S. Attorney Bharara. “Instead, Bouterse betrayed his official position and tried to support and aid Hezbollah, including his agreement to assist Hezbollah in acquiring weapons, and conspiring to import cocaine to the U.S. Today he has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term for those odious crimes.”
According to the indictment, other documents filed in federal court and statements made at today’s sentencing:
In 2013, Bouterse used his position within the government of Suriname to assist individuals he believed were members of Hezbollah, who informed Bouterse that they intended to conduct terrorist attacks against American interests. In exchange for a multimillion-dollar payment, Bouterse agreed to allow large numbers of purported Hezbollah operatives to use Suriname as a permanent base for, among other things, attacks on American targets. In furtherance of his efforts to assist Hezbollah, Bouterse supplied a false Surinamese passport to a purported Hezbollah operative for the purpose of clandestine travel, including travel to the United States; discussed heavy weapons that he could provide to Hezbollah; and instructed the purported Hezbollah members about how Hezbollah operatives, supplied with a Surinamese cover story, could enter the United States.
In June 2013, Bouterse and a co-defendant, Edmund Quincy Muntslag, met in Bouterse’s office in Suriname with confidential sources (the CSs) working with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to discuss importing cocaine into the United States using commercial airline flights. During the meeting, Bouterse showed the CSs a rocket launcher and a kilogram of cocaine.
Approximately one month later, Bouterse and Muntslag worked to provide transportation and security for cocaine being sent through Suriname to the United States. As a test run, Bouterse and Muntslag sent 10 kilograms of cocaine on a commercial flight departing from Suriname. Bouterse personally verified the arrangements for the 10-kilogram cocaine shipment in a text message. The cocaine was intercepted by law enforcement officials after it departed Suriname.
In July 2013, Bouterse met with one of the CSs to discuss opening Suriname to the CSs’ purported Hezbollah associates.
Later that month, Bouterse met in Europe with one of the CSs and with two other men who purported to be associated with Hezbollah. During this meeting, Bouterse discussed initially hosting 30 to 60 Hezbollah members in Suriname for training and operations. He also indicated that he wanted a Hezbollah cell in Suriname to act, in part, as a personal armed force. Bouterse confirmed his understanding that the purported Hezbollah operatives would operate in South America against American targets, and he agreed to supply Surinamese passports to the operatives and to assist with their applications for visas to travel from South America into the United States. In addition, in response to a request for surface-to-air missiles and rocket-propelled grenades, Bouterse stated that he would need “two months” and that he would provide a list of what he could supply. Finally, at the July 2013 meeting in Europe, Bouterse agreed to create a false Surinamese passport for one of the purported Hezbollah operatives so that Bouterse and the Hezbollah operative could travel to Suriname to inspect the facilities that Bouterse had agreed to prepare for the Hezbollah contingent.
At a subsequent meeting in August 2013, Bouterse delivered a Surinamese passport with false identifying information to a purported Hezbollah operative. As had been discussed at the July 2013 meeting in Europe, the purported Hezbollah operative was to use the fraudulent passport to travel to Suriname. Bouterse indicated that everything was ready in Suriname for the arrival of the purported Hezbollah members, and that some “toys” – a code-word for weapons – would be available for inspection.
Following this meeting, Bouterse was arrested by Panamanian law enforcement and transferred to the custody of the DEA.
* * *
On Aug. 29, 2014, Bouterse pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to Hezbollah, a foreign terrorist organization; conspiring to import five kilograms or more of cocaine into the United States; and using and carrying, or aiding and abetting the use and carrying of, a firearm during and in relation to a drug-trafficking crime. In addition to his prison term, Bouterse, 42, a citizen of Suriname, was ordered to pay a $300 special assessment fee.
Assistant Attorney General Carlin joined U.S. Attorney Bharara in praising the outstanding efforts of the DEA’s Special Operations Division. Assistant Attorney General Carlin and U.S. Attorney Bharara also thanked the DEA’s Miami Field Division, Panama City Country Office, Port-of-Spain Country Office and Bogota Country Office; the Government of the Republic of Panama; and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Lockard, Adam Fee, Michael Ferrara and Edward Y. Kim of the Southern District of New York and Trial Attorney Andrew Sigler of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
THOMAS COUNTRYMAN'S REMARKS AT INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR STRATEGIC STUDIES
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
03/11/2015 08:22 AM EDT
Remarks at the International Institute for Strategic Studies
Remarks
Thomas M. Countryman
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation
London, United Kingdom
March 6, 2015
Thank you Mark for the invitation. Having worked with IISS for years on a number of your publications, I am very happy to finally get the chance to visit your headquarters and on a auspicious day. Yesterday marked the 45th anniversary of the entry into force of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty so it is an appropriate time to consider what we have accomplished and how we can approach the Review Conference starting next month. We want to keep in mind the big picture throughout. This treaty in my opinion is the most successful multilateral treaty in the history of diplomacy. It has played a fundamental and irreplaceable role in promoting the security of every state that has become a party to the treaty. It is the common foundation for goals that we share in disarmament and nonproliferation and it lays the basis for the cooperation globally in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Upholding and strengthening the treaty is central to President Obama’s Prague agenda and his commitment to seek the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons. The treaty is not perfect, it is not immune to challenge, but it is irreplaceable and could not be replicated if we allow it to fall apart.
The NPT Treaty and Review Conference
So let’s consider the significant accomplishments of the treaty. First it provides a framework for ending the nuclear arms race, for the vast reductions in global nuclear stockpiles we have already achieved, particularly in the United States, and for reinforcing the strong taboo against use of nuclear weapons. It has succeeded in limiting the number of states that possess nuclear weapons. Projections in the 1960s before the treaty was negotiated were that by the turn of the century there would have been dozens of states possessing nuclear weapons. Instead that number has barely increased in the last 45 years. The treaty established durable, international legal obligations designed to prevent proliferation of weapons. It gives direction to safeguards and export control regimes that are needed to sustain the treaty, and it has promoted peaceful nuclear trade and assistance for energy and development throughout the world.
We are looking forward to a successful Review Conference or RevCon or short. We have been working with and will continue to work with all parties, and with particular focus on explaining our position better to Non-aligned states, in order to advance realistic and achievable objectives that reinforce and uphold the treaty. We seek a balanced review of all three pillars. As you know the three pillars are described as disarmament by the nuclear weapons states, nonproliferation and the commitment to avoid acquisition of nuclear weapons by other states, and the benefits of peaceful uses to all states. In the 2010 Review Conference, we agreed on an action plan by consensus. This was a breakthrough achievement. It was the most detailed, and substantive conclusion ever in the history of review processes. That action plan is valid today. It is a useful yardstick for implementing steps that strengthen the treaty. It is not, however, a deadline; it was not a time limited action plan. We need now at next month’s conference to take stock of the action plan and update it. We developed a series of working papers on how to update the action plan which we are now circulating in diplomatic channels. We want to reinforce all the parts that are relevant, which is most of it, and identify what can be advanced as a result of next month’s Review Conference. And of course we are actively studying all the papers produced by friends around the world because they contain valuable ideas on how to advance the goals of disarmament and nonproliferation.
Now one hallmark of our preparation has been greater transparency about U.S. nuclear weapons, about their quantity, their alert status, and their role in our military doctrine. The report we gave last year to the Preparatory Committee was unprecedented in providing insight into our nuclear weapons program. No other state has ever provided so much information and we intend to surpass it next month in the Review Conference. Similarly, we have invited a group of senior, foreign government officials to visit our national nuclear laboratories in New Mexico to encourage a more open and transparent dialogue on U.S. policies.
Nonproliferation Pillar
To get to a success in New York next month does not require consensus on a final document but it is desirable and we will do all we can to achieve it. Success can also be measured by the degree of consensus on advancing all three pillars on nonproliferation, disarmament, and peaceful uses. Let me spend just a couple more minutes on our priorities in each of these pillars. On nonproliferation, we want to ensure that the international verification of obligations under the NPT remains effective and robust. That means it requires political, technical, and resource commitments from the world. We will continue to promote the IAEA Additional Protocol which represents the highest standard for verification that states are meeting the NPT safeguards requirements. We have an active program through my bureau of the State Department to help states that seek assistance to implement their safeguard obligations. We need to give a strong statement of support to the International Atomic Energy Agency which has the responsibility for implementing safeguards. Most recently, this includes implementing the advanced idea of the State-level concept about which we could talk more.
The International Atomic Energy Agency deserves the highest degree of independence, expertise, and resources in order to accomplish its crucial mission. We need to underscore that noncompliance by the treaty’s members, that is by a state party, undermines the overall integrity of the NPT. We need to discuss how to hold accountable violators of the their own obligations and we also want to develop a consensus about how to address states that may abuse Article 10 of the treaty which gives states the right to withdraw from the NPT. We’ve been part of a group that has built a very wide consensus on this topic.
Peaceful Uses Pillar
On peaceful uses of nuclear science, at the RevCon we will address and advance our record of promoting the availability and sharing of peaceful benefits of the atom. We will highlight nuclear trade and the considerable amount that we spend in assisting states to provide for safety and security in nuclear energy use. At the 2010 conference then-Secretary Clinton announced the Peaceful Uses Initiative which was intended to expand the fund of money that the IAEA has to provide technical cooperation in developing countries. We have provided nearly $200 million dollars to this and other technical cooperation programs since 2010, and I expect we will make a new commitment on this at the Review Conference.
We will detail the progress made through the Nuclear Security Summit process initiated by President Obama. As a result of this process the number of facilities and countries around the world that possess highly enriched uranium or plutonium has decreased markedly. Security of storage sites of fissile materials is much greater, and more countries are prepared to counter nuclear smuggling. We also of course will discuss nuclear safety. Since the 2010 action plan we’ve seen the tragedy of Fukushima, and we note our support for a more wide range of programs to advance nuclear safety -- for example, the declaration of the diplomatic conference on the Convention of Nuclear Safety issued in Vienna last month. We will also use the Review Conference to seek support for new frameworks for peaceful nuclear cooperation such as an arrangement for a fuel bank facility in Kazakhstan that we hope to see finalized this year.
Disarmament Pillar
On the disarmament pillar, the U.S. commitment to achieve the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons remains firm. We continue to actively pursue nuclear disarmament in keeping with the commitment that we made under Article 6 of the treaty. We work hard to put in place the building blocks for nuclear disarmament. This approach of discrete, practical steps has achieved major reductions in nuclear weapons and fissile material stocks over several decades and continues to do so. It is a practical approach. It is a verifiable approach, and we’re prepared to explain it and defend it at the Review Conference. When I say discrete steps, it doesn’t mean one thing at a time; it means we are pursuing many channels in order to lay the groundwork for future efforts in bilateral arms reduction with the Russian Federation and in multilateral arms reduction. This includes not only changes to the U.S. arsenal and U.S. policies, but also requires building confidence and transparency with other nuclear states, including by cooperating on our nonproliferation goals. Each step that we have taken over the years has helped to create the conditions and build momentum for subsequent steps.
Some states party to the treaty are dissatisfied with the recent pace of disarmament but the fact remains that since the last Review Conference the New START Treaty has entered into force, and it is being implemented in terms of its notifications and inspections on a faithful basis by both the Russian Federation and the United States. By the time we reach the levels set by the treaty for 2018, the U.S. deployed nuclear arsenal will be at its lowest level since before I was born and that was when Mr. Eisenhower was president. But we also have to show readiness to do more. President Obama offered nearly two years ago to pursue further negotiated reductions with Russia with the goal of cutting our deployed nuclear weapons by another one third. That offer is still on the table. We are ready to engage with Russia on the full range of issues affecting strategic stability, but we’re also realistic about how much can be achieved without a willing partner in the current difficult strategic environment. A new Russian security doctrine which explicitly reprioritizes its nuclear forces is obviously creating a new and direct challenge to bilateral disarmament efforts.
Nuclear Weapons Free Zone – Middle East
Let me speak to one special topic from the 2010 RevCon that I know is of interest around the world. At the 2010 Review Conference the United States, Russia, and the United Kingdom, as depositaries of the Nonproliferation Treaty, accepted a commitment that we would before the end of 2012 convene a conference to discuss the creation of a weapons of mass destruction-free zone in the Middle East. Well we are now in the 39th month of 2012 and we haven’t yet succeeded in convening a conference. This is a very specific commitment we made and I think it requires explanation to the world of everything that we have done to try to make this possible. Here I would also note that despite differences with Russia on major issues, we have continued to cooperate well with the U.K., Russia and the UN on this particular point.
The commitment to convene a conference said explicitly that it should be attended by all states of the region, which is to include Israel. Israel, however, is not a member of the NPT and has no legal obligation to honor an invitation to the conference. Israel could, however, be persuaded and over the last three and a half years, through tireless efforts of Russia and the U.K. and the United Nations, and our facilitator Ambassador Laajava of Finland, but especially from the United States, we have reached a point where Israel accepts the value of holding such a conference which it sees as a venue for discussing not just creation of a WMD free zone in the Middle East, but a forum for discussing related security issues that must be addressed if a weapons free zone in the Middle East is to be successful. Over the past year and a half Ambassador Laajava and these three states, together with the UN, have convened five unofficial or informal meetings at which multiple Arab delegations and Israeli diplomats sat at the same table and discussed - for the first time in twenty years - regional security issues.
As a consequence, there is a better understanding by all sides of what are the obstacles and political conditions necessary for creation for such a zone are, and there is a better understanding of our Arab friends who have worked very hard on this issue and shown innovation and flexibility at times, a better understanding that this is not simply a technical exercise of taking the Africa Nuclear Weapon Free Zone Treaty and changing the names. It is a political process. It is a diplomatic process. It is a negotiation process, not just a technical drafting process. We remain hopeful even before the RevCon that additional contact between Israel and the Arabs on this issue will allow us to agree on an agenda and set a date for the convening of such a conference.
Conclusion
Let me just conclude by saying that we don’t just focus on the NPT every five years. It is the constant job of my bureau within the State Department to focus on the assignments and specific obligations that the treaty has given not just to the U.S., not just to the five recognized nuclear weapons states, but to every state party to the treaty. It’s a continual process of upholding and strengthening the treaty. It commands vigilance, and effort. It requires states to watch out for the kind of technical trade that they conduct with states such as North Korea and Iran. It means that we have to take greater responsibility to resolve conflicts that could become temptations for proliferation. We have to seek consensus, we have to identify areas of agreement with states that have a different set of priorities than the United States. Of course progress elsewhere will contribute to success at this conference and in subsequent years, and here of course I am particularly hopeful that Iran will be able to take “yes” for an answer and sign a substantive agreement with the P5 + 1 that ends the possibility of Iranian pursuit of a nuclear weapon.
I am less hopeful but never totally pessimistic that we’ll make similar progress with North Korea within the months ahead and of course I hope to see a reduction of tensions in Asia, the one area of the world in which the number of nuclear weapons is increasing. So overall I am optimistic that we can build on the success of the 2010 Review Conference. We look forward to working with all parties who share our interest in achieving an objective, balanced and realistic text. It is essential not just for the security of the world but for the vision that all of us need to keep in our heads, the prospect of finally achieving a world without nuclear weapons. So thank you and I look forward to questions and ideas that you may want to give me.
03/11/2015 08:22 AM EDT
Remarks at the International Institute for Strategic Studies
Remarks
Thomas M. Countryman
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation
London, United Kingdom
March 6, 2015
Thank you Mark for the invitation. Having worked with IISS for years on a number of your publications, I am very happy to finally get the chance to visit your headquarters and on a auspicious day. Yesterday marked the 45th anniversary of the entry into force of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty so it is an appropriate time to consider what we have accomplished and how we can approach the Review Conference starting next month. We want to keep in mind the big picture throughout. This treaty in my opinion is the most successful multilateral treaty in the history of diplomacy. It has played a fundamental and irreplaceable role in promoting the security of every state that has become a party to the treaty. It is the common foundation for goals that we share in disarmament and nonproliferation and it lays the basis for the cooperation globally in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Upholding and strengthening the treaty is central to President Obama’s Prague agenda and his commitment to seek the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons. The treaty is not perfect, it is not immune to challenge, but it is irreplaceable and could not be replicated if we allow it to fall apart.
The NPT Treaty and Review Conference
So let’s consider the significant accomplishments of the treaty. First it provides a framework for ending the nuclear arms race, for the vast reductions in global nuclear stockpiles we have already achieved, particularly in the United States, and for reinforcing the strong taboo against use of nuclear weapons. It has succeeded in limiting the number of states that possess nuclear weapons. Projections in the 1960s before the treaty was negotiated were that by the turn of the century there would have been dozens of states possessing nuclear weapons. Instead that number has barely increased in the last 45 years. The treaty established durable, international legal obligations designed to prevent proliferation of weapons. It gives direction to safeguards and export control regimes that are needed to sustain the treaty, and it has promoted peaceful nuclear trade and assistance for energy and development throughout the world.
We are looking forward to a successful Review Conference or RevCon or short. We have been working with and will continue to work with all parties, and with particular focus on explaining our position better to Non-aligned states, in order to advance realistic and achievable objectives that reinforce and uphold the treaty. We seek a balanced review of all three pillars. As you know the three pillars are described as disarmament by the nuclear weapons states, nonproliferation and the commitment to avoid acquisition of nuclear weapons by other states, and the benefits of peaceful uses to all states. In the 2010 Review Conference, we agreed on an action plan by consensus. This was a breakthrough achievement. It was the most detailed, and substantive conclusion ever in the history of review processes. That action plan is valid today. It is a useful yardstick for implementing steps that strengthen the treaty. It is not, however, a deadline; it was not a time limited action plan. We need now at next month’s conference to take stock of the action plan and update it. We developed a series of working papers on how to update the action plan which we are now circulating in diplomatic channels. We want to reinforce all the parts that are relevant, which is most of it, and identify what can be advanced as a result of next month’s Review Conference. And of course we are actively studying all the papers produced by friends around the world because they contain valuable ideas on how to advance the goals of disarmament and nonproliferation.
Now one hallmark of our preparation has been greater transparency about U.S. nuclear weapons, about their quantity, their alert status, and their role in our military doctrine. The report we gave last year to the Preparatory Committee was unprecedented in providing insight into our nuclear weapons program. No other state has ever provided so much information and we intend to surpass it next month in the Review Conference. Similarly, we have invited a group of senior, foreign government officials to visit our national nuclear laboratories in New Mexico to encourage a more open and transparent dialogue on U.S. policies.
Nonproliferation Pillar
To get to a success in New York next month does not require consensus on a final document but it is desirable and we will do all we can to achieve it. Success can also be measured by the degree of consensus on advancing all three pillars on nonproliferation, disarmament, and peaceful uses. Let me spend just a couple more minutes on our priorities in each of these pillars. On nonproliferation, we want to ensure that the international verification of obligations under the NPT remains effective and robust. That means it requires political, technical, and resource commitments from the world. We will continue to promote the IAEA Additional Protocol which represents the highest standard for verification that states are meeting the NPT safeguards requirements. We have an active program through my bureau of the State Department to help states that seek assistance to implement their safeguard obligations. We need to give a strong statement of support to the International Atomic Energy Agency which has the responsibility for implementing safeguards. Most recently, this includes implementing the advanced idea of the State-level concept about which we could talk more.
The International Atomic Energy Agency deserves the highest degree of independence, expertise, and resources in order to accomplish its crucial mission. We need to underscore that noncompliance by the treaty’s members, that is by a state party, undermines the overall integrity of the NPT. We need to discuss how to hold accountable violators of the their own obligations and we also want to develop a consensus about how to address states that may abuse Article 10 of the treaty which gives states the right to withdraw from the NPT. We’ve been part of a group that has built a very wide consensus on this topic.
Peaceful Uses Pillar
On peaceful uses of nuclear science, at the RevCon we will address and advance our record of promoting the availability and sharing of peaceful benefits of the atom. We will highlight nuclear trade and the considerable amount that we spend in assisting states to provide for safety and security in nuclear energy use. At the 2010 conference then-Secretary Clinton announced the Peaceful Uses Initiative which was intended to expand the fund of money that the IAEA has to provide technical cooperation in developing countries. We have provided nearly $200 million dollars to this and other technical cooperation programs since 2010, and I expect we will make a new commitment on this at the Review Conference.
We will detail the progress made through the Nuclear Security Summit process initiated by President Obama. As a result of this process the number of facilities and countries around the world that possess highly enriched uranium or plutonium has decreased markedly. Security of storage sites of fissile materials is much greater, and more countries are prepared to counter nuclear smuggling. We also of course will discuss nuclear safety. Since the 2010 action plan we’ve seen the tragedy of Fukushima, and we note our support for a more wide range of programs to advance nuclear safety -- for example, the declaration of the diplomatic conference on the Convention of Nuclear Safety issued in Vienna last month. We will also use the Review Conference to seek support for new frameworks for peaceful nuclear cooperation such as an arrangement for a fuel bank facility in Kazakhstan that we hope to see finalized this year.
Disarmament Pillar
On the disarmament pillar, the U.S. commitment to achieve the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons remains firm. We continue to actively pursue nuclear disarmament in keeping with the commitment that we made under Article 6 of the treaty. We work hard to put in place the building blocks for nuclear disarmament. This approach of discrete, practical steps has achieved major reductions in nuclear weapons and fissile material stocks over several decades and continues to do so. It is a practical approach. It is a verifiable approach, and we’re prepared to explain it and defend it at the Review Conference. When I say discrete steps, it doesn’t mean one thing at a time; it means we are pursuing many channels in order to lay the groundwork for future efforts in bilateral arms reduction with the Russian Federation and in multilateral arms reduction. This includes not only changes to the U.S. arsenal and U.S. policies, but also requires building confidence and transparency with other nuclear states, including by cooperating on our nonproliferation goals. Each step that we have taken over the years has helped to create the conditions and build momentum for subsequent steps.
Some states party to the treaty are dissatisfied with the recent pace of disarmament but the fact remains that since the last Review Conference the New START Treaty has entered into force, and it is being implemented in terms of its notifications and inspections on a faithful basis by both the Russian Federation and the United States. By the time we reach the levels set by the treaty for 2018, the U.S. deployed nuclear arsenal will be at its lowest level since before I was born and that was when Mr. Eisenhower was president. But we also have to show readiness to do more. President Obama offered nearly two years ago to pursue further negotiated reductions with Russia with the goal of cutting our deployed nuclear weapons by another one third. That offer is still on the table. We are ready to engage with Russia on the full range of issues affecting strategic stability, but we’re also realistic about how much can be achieved without a willing partner in the current difficult strategic environment. A new Russian security doctrine which explicitly reprioritizes its nuclear forces is obviously creating a new and direct challenge to bilateral disarmament efforts.
Nuclear Weapons Free Zone – Middle East
Let me speak to one special topic from the 2010 RevCon that I know is of interest around the world. At the 2010 Review Conference the United States, Russia, and the United Kingdom, as depositaries of the Nonproliferation Treaty, accepted a commitment that we would before the end of 2012 convene a conference to discuss the creation of a weapons of mass destruction-free zone in the Middle East. Well we are now in the 39th month of 2012 and we haven’t yet succeeded in convening a conference. This is a very specific commitment we made and I think it requires explanation to the world of everything that we have done to try to make this possible. Here I would also note that despite differences with Russia on major issues, we have continued to cooperate well with the U.K., Russia and the UN on this particular point.
The commitment to convene a conference said explicitly that it should be attended by all states of the region, which is to include Israel. Israel, however, is not a member of the NPT and has no legal obligation to honor an invitation to the conference. Israel could, however, be persuaded and over the last three and a half years, through tireless efforts of Russia and the U.K. and the United Nations, and our facilitator Ambassador Laajava of Finland, but especially from the United States, we have reached a point where Israel accepts the value of holding such a conference which it sees as a venue for discussing not just creation of a WMD free zone in the Middle East, but a forum for discussing related security issues that must be addressed if a weapons free zone in the Middle East is to be successful. Over the past year and a half Ambassador Laajava and these three states, together with the UN, have convened five unofficial or informal meetings at which multiple Arab delegations and Israeli diplomats sat at the same table and discussed - for the first time in twenty years - regional security issues.
As a consequence, there is a better understanding by all sides of what are the obstacles and political conditions necessary for creation for such a zone are, and there is a better understanding of our Arab friends who have worked very hard on this issue and shown innovation and flexibility at times, a better understanding that this is not simply a technical exercise of taking the Africa Nuclear Weapon Free Zone Treaty and changing the names. It is a political process. It is a diplomatic process. It is a negotiation process, not just a technical drafting process. We remain hopeful even before the RevCon that additional contact between Israel and the Arabs on this issue will allow us to agree on an agenda and set a date for the convening of such a conference.
Conclusion
Let me just conclude by saying that we don’t just focus on the NPT every five years. It is the constant job of my bureau within the State Department to focus on the assignments and specific obligations that the treaty has given not just to the U.S., not just to the five recognized nuclear weapons states, but to every state party to the treaty. It’s a continual process of upholding and strengthening the treaty. It commands vigilance, and effort. It requires states to watch out for the kind of technical trade that they conduct with states such as North Korea and Iran. It means that we have to take greater responsibility to resolve conflicts that could become temptations for proliferation. We have to seek consensus, we have to identify areas of agreement with states that have a different set of priorities than the United States. Of course progress elsewhere will contribute to success at this conference and in subsequent years, and here of course I am particularly hopeful that Iran will be able to take “yes” for an answer and sign a substantive agreement with the P5 + 1 that ends the possibility of Iranian pursuit of a nuclear weapon.
I am less hopeful but never totally pessimistic that we’ll make similar progress with North Korea within the months ahead and of course I hope to see a reduction of tensions in Asia, the one area of the world in which the number of nuclear weapons is increasing. So overall I am optimistic that we can build on the success of the 2010 Review Conference. We look forward to working with all parties who share our interest in achieving an objective, balanced and realistic text. It is essential not just for the security of the world but for the vision that all of us need to keep in our heads, the prospect of finally achieving a world without nuclear weapons. So thank you and I look forward to questions and ideas that you may want to give me.
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