FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Delivering on the Promise of Economic Statecraft
Remarks
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Singapore Management University
Singapore
November 17, 2012
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, thank you very much. Thank you, President De Meyer, for welcoming all of us here to SMU. Thank you, Ambassador Adelman, for your exemplary service here in Singapore, strengthening and deepening the already very strong relationship between our two countries. Thank you also for the Minister of State and the Minister for Education and the Speaker of the Parliament for being here with us. And thanks to the American Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. ASEAN business council for helping to cosponsor this event.
It has been three years since I was last here with President Obama, when we came for our first APEC meeting. And that trip helped launch what has been called our pivot to the Asia Pacific. As Secretary of State, I have visited the region many times. And I was just in Australia with Secretary of Defense Panetta for our annual AUSMIN consultations with our Australian counterparts. Tomorrow I will join President Obama in Thailand. And then we will go together to Burma and on to Cambodia for the East Asia Summit.
Now, I think one of the questions that may be on your and others' minds is: "Why is the American President spending all this time in Asia so soon after winning re-election?" Well, the answer for us is very simple. Because so much of the history of the 21st century will be, is being, written in this region. America's expanded engagement represents our commitment to help shape that shared future. The strategic and security dimensions of our efforts are well known. But the untold story that is just as important is our economic engagement. Because it is clear that not only in the Asia Pacific but across the world, increasingly, economics are shaping the strategic landscape. Emerging powers are putting economics at the center of their foreign policies, and they are gaining clout less because of their size of their armies than because of the growth of their GDP.
For the first time in modern history, nations are becoming major global powers without also becoming global military powers. So, to maintain our strategic leadership in the region, the United States is also strengthening our economic leadership. And we know very well that America's economic strength at home and our leadership around the world are a package deal. Each reinforces and requires the other.
I must say this is a lesson that Singapore learned long ago. Today the non-stop flow of people, goods, and capital through this small nation is proof that a country does not need to be big to be mighty, to be respected, to be a real leader. Every country wants to do business in Singapore, so every country has a stake in cultivating good relationships with Singapore. With only 1/60 of the population of the United States, Singapore is our 15th largest trading partner. More than 2,000 American companies base their regional headquarters here. Two-way trade exceeded $50 billion for the first time last year. And U.S. direct investment surpassed $116 billion over the last decade. That makes Singapore's security and stability a vital interest for the United States. This connection between economic power and global influence explains why the United States is placing economics at the heart of our own foreign policy. I call it economic statecraft.
Now, these ideas are hardly new. After all, it was Harry Truman who said our relations, foreign and economic, are indivisible. But today that carries renewed urgency. Last year I laid out America's economic statecraft agenda in a series of speeches in Washington, Hong Kong, San Francisco, and New York. Since then, we have turned this vision into action in four key areas: first, updating our foreign policy priorities to take economics more into account; second, turning to economic solutions for strategic challenges; third, stepping up commercial diplomacy -- what I like to call jobs diplomacy -- to boost U.S. exports, open new markets, and level the playing field for our businesses; and fourth, building the diplomatic capacity to execute this ambitious agenda.
In short, we are shaping our foreign policy to account for both the economics of power and the power of economics. The first and most fundamental task is to update our foreign policy and its priorities for a changing world. For the last decade, as you know, the United States focused enormous time, resources, and attention on a war in Iraq that is now over, and a war in Afghanistan that is winding down. Responding to threats will, of course, always be central to our foreign policy. But it cannot be our foreign policy. America has to seize opportunities that will shore up our strength for years to come. That means following through on our intensified engagement in the Asia Pacific and elevating the role of economics in our work around the world.
Here in Asia the United States is taking concrete steps to protect and update an open, free, transparent, and fair economic system that has made the region's spectacular growth possible. Through APEC and ASEAN, we are working with partners like Singapore to improve regulatory standards, harmonize customs procedures, and reduce trade barriers. We've ratified a free trade agreement with the Republic of Korea that will improve competitiveness and transparency, while boosting American exports by as much as $10 billion a year. In negotiations with China and India on bilateral investment treaties, we are seeking a level playing field between American companies and their competitors, including state-owned enterprises.
And with Singapore and a growing list of other countries on both sides of the Pacific, we are making progress toward finalizing a far-reaching new trade agreement called the Trans-Pacific Partnership. The so-called TPP will lower barriers, raise standards, and drive long-term growth across the region. It will cover 40 percent of the world's total trade and establish strong protections for workers and the environment. Better jobs with higher wages and safer working conditions, including for women, migrant workers and others too often in the past excluded from the formal economy will help build Asia's middle class and rebalance the global economy. Canada and Mexico have already joined the original TPP partners. We continue to consult with Japan. And we are offering to assist with capacity building, so that every country in ASEAN can eventually join. We welcome the interest of any nation willing to meet 21st century standards as embodied in the TPP, including China.
The United States is also moving economics to the center of our agenda elsewhere in the world. For example, we want to improve our economic partnership with our allies in Europe. That is every bit as compelling to us as our security partnership through the NATO alliance. So, to that end, we are exploring negotiations with the European Union for a comprehensive economic agreement that would increase trade and spur growth on both sides of the Atlantic.
Africa. Africa is currently home to 7 of the world's 10 fastest-growing economies. I deliberately said that slowly because so many people look surprised when I say it. And so, we are changing the way we do business with Africa. Certainly regarding our development agenda, but also trying to do more to harness market forces and private-sector solutions for these growing African economies.
In Latin America, which remains the destination for 40 percent of all U.S. exports, we have ratified free trade agreements with Colombia and Panama, and we have begun discussions with a new group called the Alliance of the Pacific, formed by Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Chile to expand their competitiveness in the global marketplace.
Now, our next step will be to transform these regional efforts -- the TPP, the EU agreement, our bilateral trade deals -- into a truly global vision. In the same way that the general agreement on trade and tariffs offered a global blueprint following World War II, we need new arrangements to take on the challenges that inhibit trade today, from non-tariff barriers to preferential treatment for state-owned enterprises.
As we do more to define our foreign policy priorities in economic terms, we also need to update the tools we use. So our second main area of action is finding ways to tap economic solutions for strategic challenges. Just look at what's happening now in Burma. The cost of economic sanctions and the benefits of rejoining the global economy helped spur the government to begin opening up. And we are very grateful to the wise counsel we received from Singapore along the way. The United States is responding not just with growing diplomatic engagement, but also with new economic ties that we believe will help encourage further political and market reforms, and thereby improve stability over time.
This July more than 70 executives from 38 leading U.S. companies visited as part of the U.S.-ASEAN business council delegation. And I understand that the American Chamber of Commerce here in Singapore led a similar trip in August. The United States is also supporting World Bank programs that will provide more than $80 million for infrastructure projects in the country's townships, and financial support for small businesses.
Burma is part of a region where progress has been slowed by insecurity and mistrust. But it doesn't have to be that way. As Burma opens up and establishes new ties to its neighbors, it could become a commercial hub linking markets in India and Bangladesh with Southeast Asia. An Indo-Pacific economic corridor powered by new energy and transportation infrastructure and fewer trade barriers could create jobs and help lift millions out of poverty. It could also promote stability and drive cooperation on shared challenges like narcotics and human trafficking, refugees, and natural disasters.
Now, this all might sound ambitious. And, I confess, it is. But we cannot shy away from big goals. The post-World War II generation that built the modern global order and established institutions and agreements that fostered unprecedented security and prosperity are really the examples we should be following, in those footsteps, thinking bigger, working harder to create the arrangements that will give us another 100 years of security and prosperity.
The same goes for another regional vision we call the New Silk Road, a web of trade and transportation links reaching from the steps of Central Asia to the southern tip of India. Forging stronger economic ties across this region is a key element in our long-term strategy for Afghanistan. If you look at the map, you see why Afghanistan has been fought over and part of the great game for so many generations because of its very strategic position right in the middle of this trading route.
So, even as we move forward with the security transition under NATO ISAF in 2014, and the end of our coalition combat mission, we are focused on shoring up Afghanistan's economic future, because we know that, without that, stability and security will certainly be elusive. This is a point that has too often been missed in serious foreign policy debates. The long, hard work of economic development may not be glamorous, but it is essential, even in war zones. And certainly the increasing economic relationship between India and Pakistan is good news, first and foremost for the Pakistani and Indian business people and consumers, but more generally with the hope that those kinds of ties can lead to even greater cooperation in the future.
We are also using new economic tools to address one of the world's preeminent security challenges: Iran. A broad coalition is revolutionizing how the international community enforces sanctions and builds pressure. We went after Iran's central bank and finance sector, and we reached out to private insurers, shippers, oil companies, and financial institutions to help us target pressure points that make it harder for companies and governments to do business with Iran.
Now we see results. Every major importer of Iranian oil has lowered their consumption. All 27 nations of the European Union have joined a boycott. In one year, Iran's oil exports are down by more than one million barrels a day, costing the Iranian Government at least $3 billion each month. And, in fact, because of increased production in other places in the world, we have not seen the spike in oil prices that so many people feared and predicted.
Now, regimes in places like Tehran and Pyongyang, that violate international norms and beggar their people in pursuit of greater military strength pose a stark contrast with emerging economic powers that are delivering benefits for their people.
The example of Iran also illustrates how powerful economic tools can be when we apply them both creatively and collectively. The Assad regime in Syria, Hezbollah, the Haqqani network, and others, are all vulnerable to sophisticated and meticulous market pressure. Someone has said that the threats we face are perhaps enhanced because of how interconnected we are in the world because of globalization. But so are the responses. And we have to be smarter about how we identify and use them through international cooperation, robust coalitions, and determined diplomacy.
The third major area of focus for economic statecraft is commercial diplomacy that boosts U.S. exports, opens new markets, and levels the playing field for American businesses. Let me hasten to say this is not just about American prosperity. Although, as you might guess, as the American Secretary of State, that ranks very high on my list of priorities. That is always our goal. But this is about finding more opportunities for all of us to prosper together. It's about helping the next wave of emerging economies achieve the same kind of growth that Singapore has enjoyed. It's about rebalancing the global economy so Americans export more, Asians import more, and we avoid financial crises and build middle classes.
So, the United States is stepping up our game, using our network of more than 270 embassies and consulates to advocate for American firms, and help achieve President Obama's goal of doubling U.S. exports in 5 years. With 95 percent of the world's customers living beyond our own borders, this has become an economic imperative. So our diplomats are working to make it easier for U.S. businesses to find answers and get advice about navigating markets. We're helping them connect with foreign partners and compete for contracts. And whenever a U.S. Government official travels overseas now, we try to include business events on our schedules. In fact, later today I will visit a General Electric aviation facility here in Singapore.
We are sending more trade missions, like the one I mentioned to Burma. And this summer I led the first delegation of American CEOs to the U.S.-ASEAN Business Forum in Cambodia. Three heads of state and more than a dozen key ministers were eager to engage with them. Back in Washington, we have convened conferences bringing together business leaders and government officials from more than 100 countries. We're proud to go to bat for the Boeings and Chevrons and General Motors and so many others. But we're also working to help industries large and small that have not been traditional exporters. Ultimately, this effort is more than hooking a big fish here and there. We want every company -- American, Singaporean, or any other -- to have that level playing field and a chance to compete on the merits. That is a recipe for shared prosperity.
Yet in too many places businesses trying to break into markets face resistance, including trade barriers that are going up not along national borders, but behind them. And these obstacles stem from political choices, not market forces. And it will take serious and sustained diplomacy to address them. Wherever companies face discrimination, the United States will stand up for the rules of an open, free, transparent, and fair economic system, and we expect all like-minded economies to share that responsibility.
Now, recently we saw a break-through when India retooled its policy on foreign direct investment. Their old rules barred companies that carry multiple brands in one store -- like Wal-Mart, Target, and Costco, or similar foreign companies -- from doing retail business in the Indian market. That limited competition. But, more than that, it prevented the kind of knowledge transfer and supply chain modernization that India needs. So we and -- I should note -- other countries, as well, raised this issue with India's leaders at the highest level for years. And we are pleased that Delhi has now agreed to loosen its restrictions.
But to take advantage of a more level playing field, American businesses must step up, too. Here in Singapore, U.S. firms operate on every corner. But elsewhere, too many are sitting on the sidelines. I hear it over and over when I travel: "Where are the American businesses?" And at a time when America's domestic growth depends more than ever on our ability to compete internationally, this has to change. And when U.S. businesses do compete, we want to work with them to make sure their suppliers at every link in the chain are meeting international standards like labor rights, intellectual property, and environmental impact.
And, finally, a level playing field means lowering the barriers that keep women from fully participating in the global economy. You knew I would get to that, didn't you? Mountains of evidence make this so abundantly clear. No nation can achieve the kind of growth that we all want and need if half the population never gets to compete. And we cannot afford any longer to exclude the energy and talent that women add to our economies.
The World Bank has done some ground-breaking research on this, pointing out what it would mean to tear down the barriers, some of them still very explicit. There are countries that deny women credit, there are countries that prevent women from opening businesses or running them without male fronts. There are countries that prevent women from inheriting businesses. There are so many still existing legal barriers. And then, of course, there are the attitudinal and cultural barriers that are somewhat less obvious, but no less difficult. And in the World Bank's research, tearing down all those obstacles would raise GDP everywhere in the world, including in my own country. In my own country it would be by nine percent.
So, think about what this would mean in a time where we are still facing global economic problems. And so I always say that we've got to do more, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because we cannot afford not to do it.
The fourth and final area we are focused on is making sure America's diplomats and development experts have all the skills and support they need to actually implement economic statecraft. So, we are focused on recruiting, retaining, and rewarding the most talented people we can find. I appointed the State Department's first-ever chief economist. And I combined our work on energy, the environment, and economics under a single under secretary position to maximize synergy and cooperation. We are ramping up our training curriculum for economic officers, and developing new tools and incentives to help them do their jobs. Now, these kinds of changes unfold over years, but they show a commitment to match our practices to our priorities. And they will help hard-wire economic statecraft into American foreign policy.
Now, let me offer three quick examples that really show the intersection of economics and security. Let's start with cyber theft. Now, most countries outlaw breaking into the headquarters of a company to steal proprietary information. Yet when it comes to cyber theft of that same material, many look the other way or even encourage it. This is more than just bad international behavior. It is bad economics. If we set a precedent that cyber theft is acceptable, everyone will eventually suffer. So I named the State Department's first coordinator for cyber issues, and we are advancing concerted strategies to address these really legitimate and troubling concerns.
Next, on energy. We know energy can be a source of healthy competition, with countries racing to develop new technologies and renewables. But it can also be a source of conflict, fueling corruption and instability. And how the world uses energy is a key factor as to whether we will finally address the threat of climate change. So we have created at the State Department a new Bureau of Energy Resources, and made this issue a priority in our diplomacy.
And finally, the resurgence of state capitalism: a challenge at once economic and strategic. Now, state-owned or state-supported enterprises are not necessarily problematic in all cases. But they do often lack the transparency and accountability that come with private boards and investors. And then, diplomatic challenges arise when states abuse their economic advantage to bully their neighbors or box out competitors, like when we see countries cut off gas flows in the middle of winter over a political disagreement. So, the State Department, working with seven other U.S. Government agencies, launched a comprehensive study on state capitalism. And in the coming weeks, we should see a final report with detailed recommendations for how we engage on the challenges posed.
Now, let me add that many of the questions that I have discussed today about the relationship between strategic and economic issues deserve deeper study. Perhaps, President De Meyer, at this institution. Almost a new foreign policy discipline. And I hope scholars at think tanks and universities will help us explore the implications and design more effective responses.
The ambitious agenda we've been working on, and that I have described to you today, will require a sustained commitment from secretary to secretary, from president to president. And the United States has to keep asking tough questions of ourselves and our partners around the world. We need to form coalitions of like-minded nations that deal in the changing dynamics of power and influence. And, as economic strength and global power converge, all countries need to think about the way their domestic decisions reverberate on the international stage. And that is especially true in my own country.
When I was traveling through Asia last summer, during the height of the debate over the debt ceiling back home, leaders from across the region pulled me aside to ask if the U.S. Congress would actually allow America to default on our debt. Let's be clear. The full faith and credit of the United States should never be in question. Today, as Washington gears up for another round of budget negotiations, I am again hearing concerns about the global implications of America's economic choices. Now, I am out of politics, but let me assure you that, for all the differences between the political parties in my country, we are united in our commitment to protect American leadership and bolster our national security. Reaching a meaningful budget deal is critical to both. It will shore up our ability to project economic power around the globe, strengthen our position in the competition of ideas, shaping the global marketplace, and remind all nations that we remain a steady and dependable partner. For us, this is a moment, once again, to prove the resilience of our economic system, and reaffirm America's leadership in the world.
As Ambassador Adelman said, "I've been in the business of advancing American leadership for a long time now. I've seen the ups and downs firsthand, our greatest triumphs and our wrenching heartbreaks. And through it all, I've only grown more convinced that our global leadership depends on our economic strength, and more confident that the United States has what it takes to keep leading in the 21st century."
This much is clear: the future belongs to those who can anticipate opportunities, who follow the trend lines, not just the headlines, countries like Singapore, which transformed itself into an Asian tiger in the decades after independence, and continues to innovate and excel. Global leadership is not a birthright. Not a birthright for the United States or any nation. It must be constantly tended and earned anew. Americans' ability, however, to reinvent ourselves has been a national strength since the first settlers arrived in search of new shores and new opportunities. It is part of our DNA. It is part of who we are, as Americans. And I know the United States will rise, as we always have, to meet the challenges of this new international landscape, firm in our purpose, innovative in our approach, and unwavering in our determination to succeed. And we look forward to a future of peace and prosperity and opportunity for all. Thank you. (Applause.)
Showing posts with label U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE CLINTON. Show all posts
Showing posts with label U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE CLINTON. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Saturday, November 3, 2012
U.S. SEC. OF STATE CLINTON AND KOSOVO PRIME MINISTER THACI MAKE REMARKS
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Remarks With Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci and EU High Representative Catherine Ashton
Remarks
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Government Building
Pristina, Kosovo
October 31, 2012
PRIME MINISTER THACI: (Via interpreter) Honorable Secretary Clinton, allow me to express my condolences and those of the Kosovar people for the consequences of the hurricane. We pray for them, and we are visit the U.S. – will soon (inaudible) after this hurricane.
Honorable Lady Ashton, Secretary Clinton, 13 years ago, Kosovo was a country that was totally devastated with over a million of its citizens driven away from their homes and thousands of people missing, many unspoken. Thirteen years ago, Honorable Secretary Clinton, you visited my citizens in refugee camps here. Those pictures are unforgettable. Today, you visit them in their own state in the independent and sovereign Kosovo. Kosovo and its citizens will be eternally grateful to the United States of America and the countries of the European Union for the powerful support that they gave to Kosovo on its long journey to freedom and independence.
Despite the significant progress we have made in – together in these 13 years of freedom and the four and a half years of independence, today Kosovo is still not the Kosovo of our dreams. We are persistently working for a European Kosovo, for a Euro-Atlantic Kosovo. We are conscious that we need to do more. There’s a lot of work to do in the rule of law, combating corruption and organized crime. Much work is still expected from us increasing the welfare of our citizens, and (inaudible) including minority communities in the public and institutional (inaudible).
Although extraordinary success has been made in integrating Serbian citizens in the south of the country, still a challenge remains in the north. I am a Prime Minister, Prime Minister of all citizens, both the citizens in the north and in south. And I guarantee (inaudible) to all. We will work extensively in attractive development projects for our citizens in that part of the country as well. We will continue to extend our hand of cooperation and provide services to all. But despite our willingness, the presence of illegal structures financed by Serbia makes our work very difficult there.
Honorable media representatives, I assured Baroness Ashton and Secretary Clinton that the institutions of Kosovo will meet all criteria in order that we may implement the will of the citizens of Kosovo and our vision to integrate as soon as possible in the European Union and in NATO. EU integration has no other alternative. Honorable Ashton, I assure you that Kosovo will continually provide positive arguments so that your work in pushing Kosovo’s EU agenda forward will be easier. We elaborated together, together with Secretary Clinton and Baroness Ashton, that the process of normalizing relations between the State of Kosovo and the State of Serbia is a determining factor of the Europeanization of the region. Kosovo is determined in this process. But let us be clear that (inaudible) will not go back; the state of Kosovo is being consolidated and strengthened every day. Kosovo’s independence and its territorial integrity and the (inaudible) state organization are internationally recognized facts and undisputable.
There are, however, many things that are in the interest of both countries and in the interest of the citizens of both states. Dialogue is the only way forward to integrate into the EU, and it is the main determining catalyzer to integrate in this – in the EU. And normalizing relations between Kosovo and Serbia, it goes in the best interests of Kosovo, of Serbia, of the region. It is also in the best interest for powerful investment from the EU and the U.S., and also in the interest of peace and regional stability and also for the Euro-Atlantic perspective.
So citizens in Kosovo, in Serbia, and in the region, after opening this chapter, will have more hope and more confidence in the future – Euro-Atlantic future of Kosovo.
MODERATOR: Now we invite the Honorable Madam Secretary Hillary Clinton for a press statement.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you very much. And Prime Minister, I’m delighted to be back in Pristina. I am also reminded, as you did, of my visit 13 years ago to refugee camps where the people who are now proud citizens of a new, independent state had fled to save their lives. I’m not sure any people has made as much progress in such a short period of time as the Kosovar people. The United States has been with you on every step of your journey, and we will remain as your partner and your friend as you continue forward.
Ever since I visited two years ago, I’ve been looking forward to returning and continuing the conversations that I’ve had over 13 years with the leaders and people of Kosovo about the future that you are building. I’m here today with the High Representative of the European Union, Cathy Ashton, because the United States fully supports the aspirations of the Kosovar people to be integrated into Europe and the Euro-Atlantic Alliance. We believe the dialogue that the Prime Minister has begun with Cathy Ashton and the Prime Minister of Serbia is absolutely essential. It provides the path to long-term stability, prosperity, and peace for people here and throughout the region. So we are working closely with the European Union and High Representative Ashton to advance the political dialogue that has begun.
And I personally want to commend the Prime Minister. Prime Minister Thaci took a political risk – I know a little bit about political risks – in going to this meeting in Brussels. It was the right decision. It was courageous and it was smart. I also want to commend your President. President Jahjaga has represented Kosovo very well around the world. She has changed minds and hearts about Kosovo and about your future.
My message yesterday in Belgrade is the same as my message here today in Pristina. The United States urges all parties to continue to work to implement the agreements reached to date, to reach agreements in new areas, and to advance concrete measures to normalize relations. Normalization of relations is key to future progress for both Serbia and Kosovo. But we believe in the United States that these steps taken by Kosovo are especially important for you. We think that moving toward the European Union will give you the rewards for the hard work, the sacrifice of the people of this generation and the past and future generations to come. So I urge Kosovo’s leaders to continue to carry out negotiations in good faith. Certainly, addressing the concerns of the Kosovo Serbs will be critical. I will meet with a group of ethnic Serb returnees later today, and will convey America’s commitment to helping build a future in Kosovo and throughout the region where all people of all backgrounds have a chance to succeed.
Let me be absolutely clear, not only here in Pristina but to anyone listening or watching throughout the region: The United States is firmly committed to Kosovo’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and to seeing the rule of law extend throughout Kosovo. We oppose any discussion of territorial changes or reopening Kosovo’s independent status. These matters are not up for discussion. The boundaries of an independent, sovereign Kosovo are clear and set. I appreciate the Prime Minister saying that he is the Prime Minister of the north and of the south, and we look forward to assisting the Prime Minister, his government, and the people of Kosovo as they translate that commitment into reality in both the north and the south.
The United States is very proud of our friendship with Kosovo. We see a country that is young not only in terms of years of being a state, but in terms of demography. You have a young population. The young men and women of Kosovo whom I had a chance to meet with two years ago, when I was here, deserve to be fully integrated into Europe. And that is our goal for you. We want to continue working with you to build and strengthen your democratic institutions and advance the economic welfare of your people. I believe in Kosovo’s future, and the United States remains deeply committed to your success.
Now for me and my family, and many of my fellow Americans, this is more than a matter of foreign policy. It is deeply personal. As I was driving in from the airport last evening, I saw that enormous statue of my husband – (laughter) – standing next to the store called Hillary. (Laughter.) I had a chance to visit both of them last time. It looks like the store is doing well, which I was very happy to see. But we have a personal commitment to your success, and we also know that getting into the European Union is not easy. There have to be changes made. And it’s not only changes by the government, but also changes by the people. But we also know Kosovo’s future lies in Europe, and we are anxious to see you move as quickly as possible in that direction.
So we will stand with you as you make key reforms to improve governance that brings you closer to full Euro-Atlantic integration. We will stand with you as you work with Serbia to resolve practical problems and overcome obstacles, and we will be there for you as you take the necessary steps toward the future you so richly deserve.
Thank you.
MODERATOR: Now I would kindly pass the floor for a press statement to Honorable Lady Catherine Ashton.
HIGH REPRESENTATIVE ASHTON: Well, thank you very much. Can I first of all say how delighted I am to be back, and especially delighted to be back with Secretary Clinton, my friend Hillary, who I know has a very special place in the hearts of the people of Kosovo. Prime Minister, it’s always a pleasure to see you and to have the opportunity to continue our work together.
On this particular trip, a common theme has been our view of the importance of seeing the countries we visited being part of the European Union. And to the people of Kosovo, I say the same thing: Your future lies with the European Union, and we are eager to see you realize that ambition. As Secretary Clinton said, the road is not easy. Every country that comes into the European Union will tell you it gets harder before it gets easier. There are many things that need to be done. But they’re worth doing because at the end of it, you will have a country that is stronger economically, stronger politically, where the rule of law is observed correctly, where human rights are fully respected. And though I would also say that all countries need to continue to be vigilant and to continue on the journey that they are to take in these regards, nonetheless you will arrive at the European Union with great strength. And I personally look forward to that day very much.
The dialogue that we have begun is not easy. It’s not easy for the Prime Minister; it’s not easy for the Prime Minister of Serbia, Prime Minister Dacic, either. And I know that for the people of Kosovo, with the history and the fears that you have, it’s not easy, either. But we commit to you that this dialogue is about making lives better. It’s about normalizing life so that the people who live in the north can go about their daily lives feeling part of a community, feeling part in their lives of a society. And it’s about doing so by sitting down and talking, and talking openly and freely.
And I have to say to all of you that I believe your Prime Minister was extremely brave to come to Brussels and to be willing to come into the room and have that conversation. I also believe the Prime Minister of Serbia was brave, too. It was a good meeting. It was a first good meeting. There will be more, and soon. And its purpose will be, as I have said, to make things better. I hope you will give him your full support. I hope the Prime Minister can count on all the politicians and the people to go forward, and in doing so, to know that it’s not just the European Union that will be working hard on this, but that we will be in close contact with our friends, our partners in the United States of America, who play such a vital role in supporting not just Kosovo, but actually the European Union as a whole.
So thank you very much, Prime Minister, for all that you’re doing. Secretary Clinton, as this is our last press conference on this particular trip, what a pleasure it’s been to travel with you and to work so closely with you. And to all of you, I wish this country every possible success.
MODERATOR: Thank you. (Inaudible.)
Remarks With Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci and EU High Representative Catherine Ashton
Remarks
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Government Building
Pristina, Kosovo
October 31, 2012
PRIME MINISTER THACI: (Via interpreter) Honorable Secretary Clinton, allow me to express my condolences and those of the Kosovar people for the consequences of the hurricane. We pray for them, and we are visit the U.S. – will soon (inaudible) after this hurricane.
Honorable Lady Ashton, Secretary Clinton, 13 years ago, Kosovo was a country that was totally devastated with over a million of its citizens driven away from their homes and thousands of people missing, many unspoken. Thirteen years ago, Honorable Secretary Clinton, you visited my citizens in refugee camps here. Those pictures are unforgettable. Today, you visit them in their own state in the independent and sovereign Kosovo. Kosovo and its citizens will be eternally grateful to the United States of America and the countries of the European Union for the powerful support that they gave to Kosovo on its long journey to freedom and independence.
Despite the significant progress we have made in – together in these 13 years of freedom and the four and a half years of independence, today Kosovo is still not the Kosovo of our dreams. We are persistently working for a European Kosovo, for a Euro-Atlantic Kosovo. We are conscious that we need to do more. There’s a lot of work to do in the rule of law, combating corruption and organized crime. Much work is still expected from us increasing the welfare of our citizens, and (inaudible) including minority communities in the public and institutional (inaudible).
Although extraordinary success has been made in integrating Serbian citizens in the south of the country, still a challenge remains in the north. I am a Prime Minister, Prime Minister of all citizens, both the citizens in the north and in south. And I guarantee (inaudible) to all. We will work extensively in attractive development projects for our citizens in that part of the country as well. We will continue to extend our hand of cooperation and provide services to all. But despite our willingness, the presence of illegal structures financed by Serbia makes our work very difficult there.
Honorable media representatives, I assured Baroness Ashton and Secretary Clinton that the institutions of Kosovo will meet all criteria in order that we may implement the will of the citizens of Kosovo and our vision to integrate as soon as possible in the European Union and in NATO. EU integration has no other alternative. Honorable Ashton, I assure you that Kosovo will continually provide positive arguments so that your work in pushing Kosovo’s EU agenda forward will be easier. We elaborated together, together with Secretary Clinton and Baroness Ashton, that the process of normalizing relations between the State of Kosovo and the State of Serbia is a determining factor of the Europeanization of the region. Kosovo is determined in this process. But let us be clear that (inaudible) will not go back; the state of Kosovo is being consolidated and strengthened every day. Kosovo’s independence and its territorial integrity and the (inaudible) state organization are internationally recognized facts and undisputable.
There are, however, many things that are in the interest of both countries and in the interest of the citizens of both states. Dialogue is the only way forward to integrate into the EU, and it is the main determining catalyzer to integrate in this – in the EU. And normalizing relations between Kosovo and Serbia, it goes in the best interests of Kosovo, of Serbia, of the region. It is also in the best interest for powerful investment from the EU and the U.S., and also in the interest of peace and regional stability and also for the Euro-Atlantic perspective.
So citizens in Kosovo, in Serbia, and in the region, after opening this chapter, will have more hope and more confidence in the future – Euro-Atlantic future of Kosovo.
MODERATOR: Now we invite the Honorable Madam Secretary Hillary Clinton for a press statement.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you very much. And Prime Minister, I’m delighted to be back in Pristina. I am also reminded, as you did, of my visit 13 years ago to refugee camps where the people who are now proud citizens of a new, independent state had fled to save their lives. I’m not sure any people has made as much progress in such a short period of time as the Kosovar people. The United States has been with you on every step of your journey, and we will remain as your partner and your friend as you continue forward.
Ever since I visited two years ago, I’ve been looking forward to returning and continuing the conversations that I’ve had over 13 years with the leaders and people of Kosovo about the future that you are building. I’m here today with the High Representative of the European Union, Cathy Ashton, because the United States fully supports the aspirations of the Kosovar people to be integrated into Europe and the Euro-Atlantic Alliance. We believe the dialogue that the Prime Minister has begun with Cathy Ashton and the Prime Minister of Serbia is absolutely essential. It provides the path to long-term stability, prosperity, and peace for people here and throughout the region. So we are working closely with the European Union and High Representative Ashton to advance the political dialogue that has begun.
And I personally want to commend the Prime Minister. Prime Minister Thaci took a political risk – I know a little bit about political risks – in going to this meeting in Brussels. It was the right decision. It was courageous and it was smart. I also want to commend your President. President Jahjaga has represented Kosovo very well around the world. She has changed minds and hearts about Kosovo and about your future.
My message yesterday in Belgrade is the same as my message here today in Pristina. The United States urges all parties to continue to work to implement the agreements reached to date, to reach agreements in new areas, and to advance concrete measures to normalize relations. Normalization of relations is key to future progress for both Serbia and Kosovo. But we believe in the United States that these steps taken by Kosovo are especially important for you. We think that moving toward the European Union will give you the rewards for the hard work, the sacrifice of the people of this generation and the past and future generations to come. So I urge Kosovo’s leaders to continue to carry out negotiations in good faith. Certainly, addressing the concerns of the Kosovo Serbs will be critical. I will meet with a group of ethnic Serb returnees later today, and will convey America’s commitment to helping build a future in Kosovo and throughout the region where all people of all backgrounds have a chance to succeed.
Let me be absolutely clear, not only here in Pristina but to anyone listening or watching throughout the region: The United States is firmly committed to Kosovo’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and to seeing the rule of law extend throughout Kosovo. We oppose any discussion of territorial changes or reopening Kosovo’s independent status. These matters are not up for discussion. The boundaries of an independent, sovereign Kosovo are clear and set. I appreciate the Prime Minister saying that he is the Prime Minister of the north and of the south, and we look forward to assisting the Prime Minister, his government, and the people of Kosovo as they translate that commitment into reality in both the north and the south.
The United States is very proud of our friendship with Kosovo. We see a country that is young not only in terms of years of being a state, but in terms of demography. You have a young population. The young men and women of Kosovo whom I had a chance to meet with two years ago, when I was here, deserve to be fully integrated into Europe. And that is our goal for you. We want to continue working with you to build and strengthen your democratic institutions and advance the economic welfare of your people. I believe in Kosovo’s future, and the United States remains deeply committed to your success.
Now for me and my family, and many of my fellow Americans, this is more than a matter of foreign policy. It is deeply personal. As I was driving in from the airport last evening, I saw that enormous statue of my husband – (laughter) – standing next to the store called Hillary. (Laughter.) I had a chance to visit both of them last time. It looks like the store is doing well, which I was very happy to see. But we have a personal commitment to your success, and we also know that getting into the European Union is not easy. There have to be changes made. And it’s not only changes by the government, but also changes by the people. But we also know Kosovo’s future lies in Europe, and we are anxious to see you move as quickly as possible in that direction.
So we will stand with you as you make key reforms to improve governance that brings you closer to full Euro-Atlantic integration. We will stand with you as you work with Serbia to resolve practical problems and overcome obstacles, and we will be there for you as you take the necessary steps toward the future you so richly deserve.
Thank you.
MODERATOR: Now I would kindly pass the floor for a press statement to Honorable Lady Catherine Ashton.
HIGH REPRESENTATIVE ASHTON: Well, thank you very much. Can I first of all say how delighted I am to be back, and especially delighted to be back with Secretary Clinton, my friend Hillary, who I know has a very special place in the hearts of the people of Kosovo. Prime Minister, it’s always a pleasure to see you and to have the opportunity to continue our work together.
On this particular trip, a common theme has been our view of the importance of seeing the countries we visited being part of the European Union. And to the people of Kosovo, I say the same thing: Your future lies with the European Union, and we are eager to see you realize that ambition. As Secretary Clinton said, the road is not easy. Every country that comes into the European Union will tell you it gets harder before it gets easier. There are many things that need to be done. But they’re worth doing because at the end of it, you will have a country that is stronger economically, stronger politically, where the rule of law is observed correctly, where human rights are fully respected. And though I would also say that all countries need to continue to be vigilant and to continue on the journey that they are to take in these regards, nonetheless you will arrive at the European Union with great strength. And I personally look forward to that day very much.
The dialogue that we have begun is not easy. It’s not easy for the Prime Minister; it’s not easy for the Prime Minister of Serbia, Prime Minister Dacic, either. And I know that for the people of Kosovo, with the history and the fears that you have, it’s not easy, either. But we commit to you that this dialogue is about making lives better. It’s about normalizing life so that the people who live in the north can go about their daily lives feeling part of a community, feeling part in their lives of a society. And it’s about doing so by sitting down and talking, and talking openly and freely.
And I have to say to all of you that I believe your Prime Minister was extremely brave to come to Brussels and to be willing to come into the room and have that conversation. I also believe the Prime Minister of Serbia was brave, too. It was a good meeting. It was a first good meeting. There will be more, and soon. And its purpose will be, as I have said, to make things better. I hope you will give him your full support. I hope the Prime Minister can count on all the politicians and the people to go forward, and in doing so, to know that it’s not just the European Union that will be working hard on this, but that we will be in close contact with our friends, our partners in the United States of America, who play such a vital role in supporting not just Kosovo, but actually the European Union as a whole.
So thank you very much, Prime Minister, for all that you’re doing. Secretary Clinton, as this is our last press conference on this particular trip, what a pleasure it’s been to travel with you and to work so closely with you. And to all of you, I wish this country every possible success.
MODERATOR: Thank you. (Inaudible.)
# # #
Monday, October 15, 2012
REMARKS ON U.S. AND ITALY RELATIONS
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Remarks With Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi di Sant'Agata After Their Meeting
Remarks
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Treaty Room
Washington, DC
October 12, 2012
SECRETARY CLINTON: Good morning, everyone. I am delighted to welcome back to Washington someone who is very well known here, a friend and a colleague, and his colleagues as well. We last hosted Minister Terzi in February, and he's back to attend the annual dinner for the National Italian American Foundation, an organization that does so much to strengthen the ties of friendship and fellowship between the people of Italy and the people of the United States.
We also took this opportunity to continue an ongoing, never-ending conversation about all of the issues we are working on together and of course our very strong commitment to making a difference in the world and beyond. And on that point, let me congratulate the European Union on its Nobel Peace Prize. Certainly it's quite remarkable to see how unified and peaceful Europe is in the 21st century, and that did not happen by coincidence. It happened because of the very hard work and dedication of leaders and citizens across Europe. So for us, it's a great validation as well.
Italy is such a close friend and ally, a critical partner on countless international issues, and we look to Italy to lead on many of those issues. On the conflict in Syria, Italy has been with us every step of the way. In September, the Foreign Minister hosted Syrian opposition groups in Rome to discuss human rights and a peaceful end to the conflict there. We're working together to strengthen sanctions and the violence inflicted by the Assad regime and encourage a peaceful democratic transition.
We've also worked together during the course of the last year with the Monti government on economic reforms in Italy and elsewhere. We really are encouraged by the leadership shown by the Monti government, and Italy's progress. Our close ties in investment and business really demonstrate that we are in this together, and we will grow together. And as Italy tackles bureaucratic and regulatory barriers to create more growth and opportunity for the Italian people, they will have a partner in the United States.
So again, I thank you, Minister, for your work and for the great leadership you personally have shown and that the Government of Italy is demonstrating day in and day out, and we look forward to continuing our close consultations.
FOREIGN MINISTER TERZI: Thank you, thank you very much Madam Secretary, dear Hillary. Let me say how pleased and honored I am to be received here at the Department of State and to have been able to have important exchanges on main subjects in the international political agenda. But let me say, really, how pleased I am that you mentioned the fact that another commitment that I have tomorrow night is with the most important association of the Italian American organizations, because it brings to me, immediately, to the point that the importance of culture in foreign policy for my country.
We believe in – my government and I am a strong believer of the principle that culture is really a fundamental backbone of Italian foreign policy; probably foreign policy for every country, but especially with Italy, this is particularly true. And that is why I have the opportunity of mentioning during our meeting the program that we have put together for celebrating 2013 to have next year dedicated to the promotion of the Italian culture in the United States, so to name 2013 as the Year of the Italian Culture in the United States, and that in that sense, I would be very glad to see and to explain the program also tomorrow night.
But also the reference you made to the decision of the Nobel Prize committee to bestow upon the European Union the Peace Prize is extremely important, because it gives the gravitas of a strong sensibility that the U.S. Government and yourself, in particular, Hillary, give to the role of the European Union in world's affair and to the fundamental value for the European Union of speaking with a single voice in very difficult situations that are around us. But speaking in a single voice gives importance and substance to the Euro-Atlantic values and objectives, which are objectives of peace, social and economic development, and understanding more people. So this is the sense that we attribute also to this recognition of the European Union, and I think it is deeply shared with our American friends.
The discussion we had on Libya, Mali, Syria have been very important. Our objectives are very much coincident to our working for a quick stabilization and also improvement of the political institutions in Libya. We have, I think, agreed on the importance of the election of last July 7th and the political process which is developing which hopefully will lead to a government in the next few days which will be supported by the Libyan people and the Libyan society. As a close partner of Libya, the Italian Government will continue to do its utmost to assist and contribute to this institution of (inaudible) and to the economic development of the country.
And the same goes for Syria, a major crisis which is so worrisome from humanitarian point of view, but also for the instability which is bringing in the region which is already full of tensions for many different reasons, but which needs to be addressed in political terms. And that’s why working together with the different opposition groups and different opposition personalities is so important to create really another option, another future for a country that we want to be seeing peaceful and stable and respectful of human rights and of minorities.
And also our exchanges on Iran was important and the expectation that the Iranian leadership will finally decide to come back to the negotiating table in order to erase, specifically, the concern that the international community and especially the UN Security Council has so many times raised without clear and definite answers from Iran.
Thank you again, Hillary.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you very much.
MS. NULAND: We’ll take one from each side today. Let’s start with CNN, Jill Doherty.
QUESTION: Thank you very much. Madam Secretary, in the debate – the Vice Presidential Debate last night, there was one thing that the Vice President said, which was, "That is what intelligence told us." And there’s just one issue that seems so very basic that I’m finding it difficult to understand why it’s not clear, and that is whether or not there actually was a demonstration that night. Is there any clarity that you have at this moment about that?
And then also, could you tell us a little bit about what you were doing when that attack actually happened? I know Charlene Lamb, who as the State Department official, was mentioning that she back here in Washington was monitoring electronically from that post what was happening in real time. Could you tell us what you were doing? Were you watching? Were you talking with the President? Any details about that, please.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, Jill, before I answer your question, I want to underscore what an invaluable partner Italy has been in our efforts to support a democratic Libya. Italy played a crucial role in NATO’s Operation Unified Protector to protect the civilian population from Qadhafi’s violence. More than 4,000 air missions were flown from Sigonella alone. And in the wake of the Benghazi tragedy, the support of Italy has been absolutely essential. In ways large and small, our Italian friends and partners helped us evacuate our people on September 11th. They helped us get the FBI team in and in so many other ways. So I personally want to thank you, Giulio, and thank you, through you, your government for everything that you have done. And as you said, we will continue to work together to try to stabilize Libya and give the Libyan people the kind of future that they have so clearly stated they want.
With respect to your questions, Jill, I think that it is very important to recognize that we have an investigation going on. We have an Accountability Review Board that is just beginning its work. There is much we still don’t know. And I am the first to say that. But as someone who has been at the center of this tragedy from the beginning, I do know this: There is nobody in the Administration motivated by anything other than trying to understand what happened. And we are doing all we can to prevent it from ever happening again – anywhere. And of course, we are, as a government, doing what it takes to track down those who were responsible.
To this day – to this day, we do not have a complete picture. We do not have all the answers. No one in this Administration has ever claimed otherwise. Every one of us has made clear that we are providing the best information we have at that time. And that information continues to be updated. It also continues to be put into context and more deeply understood through the process we are engaged in. Ambassador Rice had the same information from the intelligence community as every other senior official did.
And that’s the very way that I’m answering your question today, because we can only tell you what we know based on our most current understanding of the attack and what led up to it. Obviously, we know more as time goes by and we will know even more than we did hours and days after the attack.
So that’s what an investigative process is designed to do: to try to sort through all of the information, some of it contradictory and conflicting. And I want us to keep in mind that four Americans were killed, four men who served our country. Dozens of Americans fought for their lives that night, and to honor them we all have to get to the bottom of every question and answer it to the best of our ability. And then we’ve got to be sure that we apply the lessons we learned to make sure that we protect everybody in harm’s way.
So I’m going to be, as I have been from the very beginning, cooperating fully with the investigations that are ongoing, because nobody wants to know more about what happened and why than I do. And I think I’ll leave it at that.
QUESTION: Mrs. Secretary, if you could, the question was --
SECRETARY CLINTON: I know, but I’m going to leave it at that.
FOREIGN MINISTER TERZI: May I just – because this, for me, is a neat opportunity to say how deeply shocked we were in Rome, in the Italian Government, for the terrible loss of life of Ambassador Chris Stevens, who left many friends and people who had the opportunity of appreciating his outstanding job as an American diplomat and so important also in terms of looking ahead for the future of Libya. I think that his sacrifice is and should be – and it is surely for the Italian people – a further indication, a further encouragement to commit ourselves to contribute to the Libya – Libya’s future, the future of the Libyans in the country, and freedom and democracy there.
MS. NULAND: Last question today (inaudible).
QUESTION: Thank you very much. You mentioned the strength of the relationship between Italy and the United States on many issues, on Middle East, Libya. I was wondering if you stand on the same side also on Afghanistan. And, Madam Secretary, if I may, Minister Terzi mentioned 2013 being the Year of the Italian Culture in the United States. I was wondering if this can be a way to further strengthen the relation between the two countries. Thank you.
FOREIGN MINISTER TERZI: Thank you very much. On Afghanistan, we are following the path which was, the last time, at the highest level in the Chicago NATO Summit, reiterated and reinforced. We are following the strategy of empowerment of the Afghan national security in every possible way. And we have common projects in the way we will train, and we continue to train an Afghan security force which has reached now a very considerable number of 350,000 personnel globally.
So we are on schedule. The indications that we have from the field are promising. There are still many problems that we are confronting, but we are confident that the agenda that we have established among the ISAF countries – and when we talk about ISAF country, it’s very important to remind that the other day, at a meeting – the ministerial defense meeting a few days ago, there were 50 countries around the table. That shows and that proves that the commitment of the international community at large is very strong, solid, and there is a unique agenda for everybody.
Afghanistan must go ahead. Over the last 10 years, there have been incredible success stories in terms of education, in terms of participation of women, children, and development of the country. So we have to continue and to be positive about the future of the country. We are working exactly, exactly in the same direction with the United States.
SECRETARY CLINTON: And I want to start by expressing great appreciation for the sacrifices that Italian soldiers and their families have made in support of our mission in Afghanistan. Italy is the fourth largest contributor to ISAF, the International Security Assistance Force, and leads the ISAF mission in Regional Command West. They’ve also, as you know, when President – when Prime Minister Monti and President Karzai met, signed a strategic partnership agreement. And Italy has been very generous in committing to help sustain the Afghan National Security Forces after 2014.
So as the Minister said, we are working together. We are committed to the roadmap set forth first in Lisbon and then in Chicago, and we are very grateful for Italy’s contributions and leadership.
As to your second question, we are very excited that December marks the beginning of the Year of Italian Culture. I thought every year was a year of Italian culture. (Laughter.) In the United States, certainly many of us enjoy it and hope for more. And I hope, though, that by highlighting it as a particular year, everyone can take advantage of the programming and the events that will be planned in cities across the United States. The very best of Italy, which is very good indeed, will be on display for American audiences. And I’m thrilled that this is going to enhance our close relationship in all the ways that matter – art, music, good food, you just name it. We are very excited about having this year upcoming, and I personally am looking forward to it even deepening and strengthening the ties between our two countries more than they already are, which is almost impossible to imagine, but I’m sure can occur.
Thank you all very much.
Remarks With Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi di Sant'Agata After Their Meeting
Remarks
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Treaty Room
Washington, DC
October 12, 2012
SECRETARY CLINTON: Good morning, everyone. I am delighted to welcome back to Washington someone who is very well known here, a friend and a colleague, and his colleagues as well. We last hosted Minister Terzi in February, and he's back to attend the annual dinner for the National Italian American Foundation, an organization that does so much to strengthen the ties of friendship and fellowship between the people of Italy and the people of the United States.
We also took this opportunity to continue an ongoing, never-ending conversation about all of the issues we are working on together and of course our very strong commitment to making a difference in the world and beyond. And on that point, let me congratulate the European Union on its Nobel Peace Prize. Certainly it's quite remarkable to see how unified and peaceful Europe is in the 21st century, and that did not happen by coincidence. It happened because of the very hard work and dedication of leaders and citizens across Europe. So for us, it's a great validation as well.
Italy is such a close friend and ally, a critical partner on countless international issues, and we look to Italy to lead on many of those issues. On the conflict in Syria, Italy has been with us every step of the way. In September, the Foreign Minister hosted Syrian opposition groups in Rome to discuss human rights and a peaceful end to the conflict there. We're working together to strengthen sanctions and the violence inflicted by the Assad regime and encourage a peaceful democratic transition.
We've also worked together during the course of the last year with the Monti government on economic reforms in Italy and elsewhere. We really are encouraged by the leadership shown by the Monti government, and Italy's progress. Our close ties in investment and business really demonstrate that we are in this together, and we will grow together. And as Italy tackles bureaucratic and regulatory barriers to create more growth and opportunity for the Italian people, they will have a partner in the United States.
So again, I thank you, Minister, for your work and for the great leadership you personally have shown and that the Government of Italy is demonstrating day in and day out, and we look forward to continuing our close consultations.
FOREIGN MINISTER TERZI: Thank you, thank you very much Madam Secretary, dear Hillary. Let me say how pleased and honored I am to be received here at the Department of State and to have been able to have important exchanges on main subjects in the international political agenda. But let me say, really, how pleased I am that you mentioned the fact that another commitment that I have tomorrow night is with the most important association of the Italian American organizations, because it brings to me, immediately, to the point that the importance of culture in foreign policy for my country.
We believe in – my government and I am a strong believer of the principle that culture is really a fundamental backbone of Italian foreign policy; probably foreign policy for every country, but especially with Italy, this is particularly true. And that is why I have the opportunity of mentioning during our meeting the program that we have put together for celebrating 2013 to have next year dedicated to the promotion of the Italian culture in the United States, so to name 2013 as the Year of the Italian Culture in the United States, and that in that sense, I would be very glad to see and to explain the program also tomorrow night.
But also the reference you made to the decision of the Nobel Prize committee to bestow upon the European Union the Peace Prize is extremely important, because it gives the gravitas of a strong sensibility that the U.S. Government and yourself, in particular, Hillary, give to the role of the European Union in world's affair and to the fundamental value for the European Union of speaking with a single voice in very difficult situations that are around us. But speaking in a single voice gives importance and substance to the Euro-Atlantic values and objectives, which are objectives of peace, social and economic development, and understanding more people. So this is the sense that we attribute also to this recognition of the European Union, and I think it is deeply shared with our American friends.
The discussion we had on Libya, Mali, Syria have been very important. Our objectives are very much coincident to our working for a quick stabilization and also improvement of the political institutions in Libya. We have, I think, agreed on the importance of the election of last July 7th and the political process which is developing which hopefully will lead to a government in the next few days which will be supported by the Libyan people and the Libyan society. As a close partner of Libya, the Italian Government will continue to do its utmost to assist and contribute to this institution of (inaudible) and to the economic development of the country.
And the same goes for Syria, a major crisis which is so worrisome from humanitarian point of view, but also for the instability which is bringing in the region which is already full of tensions for many different reasons, but which needs to be addressed in political terms. And that’s why working together with the different opposition groups and different opposition personalities is so important to create really another option, another future for a country that we want to be seeing peaceful and stable and respectful of human rights and of minorities.
And also our exchanges on Iran was important and the expectation that the Iranian leadership will finally decide to come back to the negotiating table in order to erase, specifically, the concern that the international community and especially the UN Security Council has so many times raised without clear and definite answers from Iran.
Thank you again, Hillary.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you very much.
MS. NULAND: We’ll take one from each side today. Let’s start with CNN, Jill Doherty.
QUESTION: Thank you very much. Madam Secretary, in the debate – the Vice Presidential Debate last night, there was one thing that the Vice President said, which was, "That is what intelligence told us." And there’s just one issue that seems so very basic that I’m finding it difficult to understand why it’s not clear, and that is whether or not there actually was a demonstration that night. Is there any clarity that you have at this moment about that?
And then also, could you tell us a little bit about what you were doing when that attack actually happened? I know Charlene Lamb, who as the State Department official, was mentioning that she back here in Washington was monitoring electronically from that post what was happening in real time. Could you tell us what you were doing? Were you watching? Were you talking with the President? Any details about that, please.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, Jill, before I answer your question, I want to underscore what an invaluable partner Italy has been in our efforts to support a democratic Libya. Italy played a crucial role in NATO’s Operation Unified Protector to protect the civilian population from Qadhafi’s violence. More than 4,000 air missions were flown from Sigonella alone. And in the wake of the Benghazi tragedy, the support of Italy has been absolutely essential. In ways large and small, our Italian friends and partners helped us evacuate our people on September 11th. They helped us get the FBI team in and in so many other ways. So I personally want to thank you, Giulio, and thank you, through you, your government for everything that you have done. And as you said, we will continue to work together to try to stabilize Libya and give the Libyan people the kind of future that they have so clearly stated they want.
With respect to your questions, Jill, I think that it is very important to recognize that we have an investigation going on. We have an Accountability Review Board that is just beginning its work. There is much we still don’t know. And I am the first to say that. But as someone who has been at the center of this tragedy from the beginning, I do know this: There is nobody in the Administration motivated by anything other than trying to understand what happened. And we are doing all we can to prevent it from ever happening again – anywhere. And of course, we are, as a government, doing what it takes to track down those who were responsible.
To this day – to this day, we do not have a complete picture. We do not have all the answers. No one in this Administration has ever claimed otherwise. Every one of us has made clear that we are providing the best information we have at that time. And that information continues to be updated. It also continues to be put into context and more deeply understood through the process we are engaged in. Ambassador Rice had the same information from the intelligence community as every other senior official did.
And that’s the very way that I’m answering your question today, because we can only tell you what we know based on our most current understanding of the attack and what led up to it. Obviously, we know more as time goes by and we will know even more than we did hours and days after the attack.
So that’s what an investigative process is designed to do: to try to sort through all of the information, some of it contradictory and conflicting. And I want us to keep in mind that four Americans were killed, four men who served our country. Dozens of Americans fought for their lives that night, and to honor them we all have to get to the bottom of every question and answer it to the best of our ability. And then we’ve got to be sure that we apply the lessons we learned to make sure that we protect everybody in harm’s way.
So I’m going to be, as I have been from the very beginning, cooperating fully with the investigations that are ongoing, because nobody wants to know more about what happened and why than I do. And I think I’ll leave it at that.
QUESTION: Mrs. Secretary, if you could, the question was --
SECRETARY CLINTON: I know, but I’m going to leave it at that.
FOREIGN MINISTER TERZI: May I just – because this, for me, is a neat opportunity to say how deeply shocked we were in Rome, in the Italian Government, for the terrible loss of life of Ambassador Chris Stevens, who left many friends and people who had the opportunity of appreciating his outstanding job as an American diplomat and so important also in terms of looking ahead for the future of Libya. I think that his sacrifice is and should be – and it is surely for the Italian people – a further indication, a further encouragement to commit ourselves to contribute to the Libya – Libya’s future, the future of the Libyans in the country, and freedom and democracy there.
MS. NULAND: Last question today (inaudible).
QUESTION: Thank you very much. You mentioned the strength of the relationship between Italy and the United States on many issues, on Middle East, Libya. I was wondering if you stand on the same side also on Afghanistan. And, Madam Secretary, if I may, Minister Terzi mentioned 2013 being the Year of the Italian Culture in the United States. I was wondering if this can be a way to further strengthen the relation between the two countries. Thank you.
FOREIGN MINISTER TERZI: Thank you very much. On Afghanistan, we are following the path which was, the last time, at the highest level in the Chicago NATO Summit, reiterated and reinforced. We are following the strategy of empowerment of the Afghan national security in every possible way. And we have common projects in the way we will train, and we continue to train an Afghan security force which has reached now a very considerable number of 350,000 personnel globally.
So we are on schedule. The indications that we have from the field are promising. There are still many problems that we are confronting, but we are confident that the agenda that we have established among the ISAF countries – and when we talk about ISAF country, it’s very important to remind that the other day, at a meeting – the ministerial defense meeting a few days ago, there were 50 countries around the table. That shows and that proves that the commitment of the international community at large is very strong, solid, and there is a unique agenda for everybody.
Afghanistan must go ahead. Over the last 10 years, there have been incredible success stories in terms of education, in terms of participation of women, children, and development of the country. So we have to continue and to be positive about the future of the country. We are working exactly, exactly in the same direction with the United States.
SECRETARY CLINTON: And I want to start by expressing great appreciation for the sacrifices that Italian soldiers and their families have made in support of our mission in Afghanistan. Italy is the fourth largest contributor to ISAF, the International Security Assistance Force, and leads the ISAF mission in Regional Command West. They’ve also, as you know, when President – when Prime Minister Monti and President Karzai met, signed a strategic partnership agreement. And Italy has been very generous in committing to help sustain the Afghan National Security Forces after 2014.
So as the Minister said, we are working together. We are committed to the roadmap set forth first in Lisbon and then in Chicago, and we are very grateful for Italy’s contributions and leadership.
As to your second question, we are very excited that December marks the beginning of the Year of Italian Culture. I thought every year was a year of Italian culture. (Laughter.) In the United States, certainly many of us enjoy it and hope for more. And I hope, though, that by highlighting it as a particular year, everyone can take advantage of the programming and the events that will be planned in cities across the United States. The very best of Italy, which is very good indeed, will be on display for American audiences. And I’m thrilled that this is going to enhance our close relationship in all the ways that matter – art, music, good food, you just name it. We are very excited about having this year upcoming, and I personally am looking forward to it even deepening and strengthening the ties between our two countries more than they already are, which is almost impossible to imagine, but I’m sure can occur.
Thank you all very much.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
U.S.-MEXICO SIGN AGREEMENT ON GENDER EQUALITY
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
United States-Mexico Sign Agreement to Collaborate in Promoting Gender Equality
Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
September 18, 2012
Today, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Mexican Secretary of Foreign Affairs Patricia Espinosa signed the U.S.-Mexico Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Promotion of Gender Equality, the Empowerment of Women and Women’s Human Rights prior to the Merida Initiative High-Level Consultative Group meeting.
This MOU demonstrates the U.S. and Mexican commitment to full integration of gender equality into our bilateral relationship. It recognizes the essential role women play as agents of change in society as well as their contributions to the economic development, democratic institutions, citizen security, and prosperity of both nations.
The United States and Mexico agreed to cooperate on gender equality efforts and initiatives in a number of key areas, including but not limited to:
1. Promoting economic empowerment and opportunity for women and girls;
2. Promoting social development that supports gender equality;
3. Strengthening citizen security, with a particular focus on women and girls;
4. Promoting increased access to justice.
The MOU reflects Secretary Clinton and the Department of State’s commitment to integrating the advancement of women and girls fully into the formulation and conduct of U.S. foreign policy.
United States-Mexico Sign Agreement to Collaborate in Promoting Gender Equality
Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
September 18, 2012
Today, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Mexican Secretary of Foreign Affairs Patricia Espinosa signed the U.S.-Mexico Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Promotion of Gender Equality, the Empowerment of Women and Women’s Human Rights prior to the Merida Initiative High-Level Consultative Group meeting.
This MOU demonstrates the U.S. and Mexican commitment to full integration of gender equality into our bilateral relationship. It recognizes the essential role women play as agents of change in society as well as their contributions to the economic development, democratic institutions, citizen security, and prosperity of both nations.
The United States and Mexico agreed to cooperate on gender equality efforts and initiatives in a number of key areas, including but not limited to:
1. Promoting economic empowerment and opportunity for women and girls;
2. Promoting social development that supports gender equality;
3. Strengthening citizen security, with a particular focus on women and girls;
4. Promoting increased access to justice.
The MOU reflects Secretary Clinton and the Department of State’s commitment to integrating the advancement of women and girls fully into the formulation and conduct of U.S. foreign policy.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE CLINTON ON INDONESIA'S NATIONAL DAY
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
Republic of Indonesia's National Day
Press Statement
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
August 15, 2012
On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the Indonesian people on the 67th anniversary of your independence this August 17. Over the past decade, Indonesia has emerged as a thriving democracy and a regional and global leader. Your commitment to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations has served as an inspiration to countries throughout the Asia Pacific.
We look forward to building even closer ties between our governments and people under our Comprehensive Partnership, and to continue our work together promoting peace, prosperity, and democracy around the world. I wish all Indonesians a safe and joyous celebration.
Republic of Indonesia's National Day
Press Statement
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
August 15, 2012
On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the Indonesian people on the 67th anniversary of your independence this August 17. Over the past decade, Indonesia has emerged as a thriving democracy and a regional and global leader. Your commitment to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations has served as an inspiration to countries throughout the Asia Pacific.
We look forward to building even closer ties between our governments and people under our Comprehensive Partnership, and to continue our work together promoting peace, prosperity, and democracy around the world. I wish all Indonesians a safe and joyous celebration.
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