WEBVTT 00:00.837 --> 00:02.837 - Good Friday everybody. 00:06.070 --> 00:07.903 Got a quick statement, 00:08.933 --> 00:11.002 and then I'll get to your questions. 00:11.002 --> 00:13.418 I wanted to begin by drawing your attention 00:13.418 --> 00:14.801 to the statement Syncom released 00:14.801 --> 00:17.670 a short time ago from General Votel concerning Turkey 00:17.670 --> 00:19.612 and any suggestion General Votel 00:19.612 --> 00:22.994 supported the recent coup attempt in that country. 00:22.994 --> 00:24.746 You have his statement refuting that, 00:24.746 --> 00:26.254 but I wanted to reiterate a few things 00:26.254 --> 00:28.503 from this podium if I could. 00:28.503 --> 00:30.361 The United States has repeatedly condemned 00:30.361 --> 00:31.525 the failed coup in Turkey, 00:31.525 --> 00:33.952 and we continue to convey our absolute support 00:33.952 --> 00:35.586 for Turkey's democratically elected 00:35.586 --> 00:38.777 civilian government and democratic institutions. 00:38.777 --> 00:40.518 Turkey is a close NATO ally, 00:40.518 --> 00:43.085 and a vital member of the counter ISIL coalition. 00:43.085 --> 00:44.945 The U.S. Military has worked very closely 00:44.945 --> 00:46.626 with our Turkish allies for decades 00:46.626 --> 00:49.812 to counter a wide range of threats to our common security. 00:49.812 --> 00:51.959 At all levels of our military hierarchy, 00:51.959 --> 00:53.589 we are in regular communication 00:53.589 --> 00:55.409 with our Turkish counterparts. 00:55.409 --> 00:56.808 As General Votel said it, 00:56.808 --> 00:59.176 the Aspen security forum on Thursday, 00:59.176 --> 01:01.850 Turkey's been an extraordinary and vital partner 01:01.850 --> 01:03.928 and any reports that suggest General Votel 01:03.928 --> 01:05.930 express support in any fashion 01:05.930 --> 01:07.981 for the actions of Turkish Military officers 01:07.981 --> 01:10.395 who undertook illegal military action 01:10.395 --> 01:13.709 against the Turkish government are factually inaccurate. 01:13.709 --> 01:16.057 Likewise as Secretary Carter and Chairman Dunford 01:16.057 --> 01:16.998 had made clear previously, 01:16.998 --> 01:19.012 any suggestion, anyone in the department, 01:19.012 --> 01:22.273 supported the coup in any way, would be absurd. 01:22.273 --> 01:23.706 We look forward to continuing our close 01:23.706 --> 01:26.438 cooperation with Turkey going forward. 01:26.438 --> 01:28.092 Separately, I also wanted to mention 01:28.092 --> 01:29.535 that Syncom announced yesterday 01:29.535 --> 01:31.243 that it has initiated an assessment 01:31.243 --> 01:34.173 to determine whether a U.S. airstrike conducted Thursday 01:34.173 --> 01:36.375 near Manbij, Syria may have resulted 01:36.375 --> 01:38.963 in the unintentional deaths of civilians. 01:38.963 --> 01:41.298 That assessment is still in it's early phase 01:41.298 --> 01:43.482 and we do not have all the facts at this time, 01:43.482 --> 01:45.631 and we do not have any conclusions. 01:45.631 --> 01:47.134 Again this assessment was triggered 01:47.134 --> 01:49.967 by Syncom's own internal reporting 01:50.347 --> 01:52.222 and that only highlights the seriousness 01:52.222 --> 01:55.232 with which our forces take the issue of civilian casualties 01:55.232 --> 01:57.068 and the obligation to protect 01:57.068 --> 01:59.058 innocent lives on the battlefield. 01:59.058 --> 02:00.790 Th United States and our coalition partners 02:00.790 --> 02:02.316 have taken exceptional measures 02:02.316 --> 02:05.080 to minimize the risk to civilians in this conflict, 02:05.080 --> 02:07.273 and I think it's important to contrast the seriousness 02:07.273 --> 02:09.173 with which we treat these issues. 02:09.173 --> 02:11.271 The care we take to protect innocent lives, 02:11.271 --> 02:13.354 and our accountability and transparency 02:13.354 --> 02:15.372 with the enemy that we are fighting. 02:15.372 --> 02:18.045 ISIL has launched a series of attacks in Iraq and Syria 02:18.045 --> 02:21.259 in which civilian deaths were not an unintended consequence 02:21.259 --> 02:23.539 civilian deaths were the intent. 02:23.539 --> 02:25.673 ISIL has proudly claimed responsibility 02:25.673 --> 02:27.612 for attacks just this month that have killed 02:27.612 --> 02:29.360 hundreds of innocent civilians, 02:29.360 --> 02:31.457 including the July 4th attack in Baghdad, 02:31.457 --> 02:33.857 that killed more than 140 people, 02:33.857 --> 02:35.288 and the bombing just this week 02:35.288 --> 02:38.992 in Al Qamishli, Syria that killed more than 40, 02:38.992 --> 02:41.223 and of course it has also claimed responsibility 02:41.223 --> 02:43.364 for terror attacks, horrific terror attacks, 02:43.364 --> 02:45.281 outside Iraq and Syria. 02:45.800 --> 02:47.640 We will continue to work hard every day 02:47.640 --> 02:49.246 to execute our mission while doing our best 02:49.246 --> 02:51.582 to minimize the risk to innocent civilians, 02:51.582 --> 02:54.535 and to be transparent and accountable about those efforts. 02:54.535 --> 02:57.618 We do not expect ISIL to do the same. 02:57.787 --> 03:00.962 With that I'm happy to take your questions, Leta? 03:00.962 --> 03:04.795 - Just to further clarify on the Turkey thing, 03:06.118 --> 03:09.284 General Votel also made some specific comments 03:09.284 --> 03:13.284 about his concerns about the impact of the coup, 03:13.691 --> 03:17.608 and said that he is concerned that the U.S. has 03:18.964 --> 03:22.297 had relationships with a lot of Turkish Military leaders, 03:22.297 --> 03:24.800 and that's he's concerned that the coup 03:24.800 --> 03:26.278 might have an impact on that. 03:26.278 --> 03:29.089 Does the Secretary agree with that assessment, 03:29.089 --> 03:31.961 but there are concerns about the impact of the coup 03:31.961 --> 03:35.461 on U.S. relations with the military there. 03:35.498 --> 03:37.728 - As I pointed out, we've had excellent 03:37.728 --> 03:41.311 military relations with Turkey for decades, 03:41.358 --> 03:43.020 and we continue to have excellent 03:43.020 --> 03:45.573 military relations with Turkey. 03:45.573 --> 03:48.245 What I think General Votel was referring to specifically 03:48.245 --> 03:51.308 is that we are engaged in active operations right now 03:51.308 --> 03:53.610 with Turkey, certainly the counter ISIL campaign 03:53.610 --> 03:57.039 is the best example of that at this moment, 03:57.039 --> 04:00.848 and as I heard his comments yesterday, at Aspen, 04:00.848 --> 04:03.248 he was referring to the fact that in some cases 04:03.248 --> 04:05.766 our counter parts may not be in 04:05.766 --> 04:07.387 those same positions at this time 04:07.387 --> 04:10.056 and to ensure that we continue to operate 04:10.056 --> 04:13.223 effectively with the Turkish Military. 04:14.158 --> 04:17.263 He was addressing the concern that that continue 04:17.263 --> 04:19.705 and he's talked about the excellent cooperation 04:19.705 --> 04:21.007 we've got in the Turks, 04:21.007 --> 04:23.182 and just making sure that that cooperation continues 04:23.182 --> 04:25.347 and that nothing affects our operations. 04:25.347 --> 04:29.514 So far, as he indicated again, our operations at Incirlik 04:29.833 --> 04:33.166 will continue and I think understandably 04:34.118 --> 04:36.538 the Syncom commanders responsible for those operations 04:36.538 --> 04:38.374 with regard to ISIL was expressing 04:38.374 --> 04:40.181 that concern to make sure that there's nothing, 04:40.181 --> 04:42.305 that we don't miss a beat here, 04:42.305 --> 04:44.320 and I think that was what he was trying to convey. 04:44.320 --> 04:46.494 - But I mean he specifically said, 04:46.494 --> 04:49.176 "I'm concerned about what impact, 04:49.176 --> 04:51.691 what the impact is on those relationships, 04:51.691 --> 04:53.622 as we continue to move forward." 04:53.622 --> 04:56.966 So are you saying the Secretary does or does not agree 04:56.966 --> 04:58.451 that there is a concern about the 04:58.451 --> 05:01.069 impact on the military relationship. 05:01.069 --> 05:04.599 - I think what the concern that General Votel expressed, 05:04.599 --> 05:08.321 that I think is fair to say that we all share 05:08.321 --> 05:10.315 is making sure that our operations 05:10.315 --> 05:12.581 against ISIL are not impacted. 05:12.581 --> 05:15.447 The Secretary has received assurances from his counterpart 05:15.447 --> 05:16.968 that that's not gonna happen. 05:16.968 --> 05:19.985 As the operational commander responsible for Syncom 05:19.985 --> 05:24.068 and obviously with regard to the overall mission, 05:24.912 --> 05:26.654 General Votel was expressing his 05:26.654 --> 05:27.899 concern that that not happen. 05:27.899 --> 05:31.149 The Secretary would share that concern, 05:31.278 --> 05:33.699 but he's had assurances from his own counterpart 05:33.699 --> 05:35.128 that that's not gonna happen, 05:35.128 --> 05:37.711 and that certainly we want this 05:39.136 --> 05:41.886 operation to continue seamlessly, 05:41.888 --> 05:43.115 and I think that's what 05:43.115 --> 05:44.948 General Votel was expressing as well. 05:44.948 --> 05:46.652 - Just one other quick thing on that. 05:46.652 --> 05:49.461 He also said that some of the people, 05:49.461 --> 05:50.913 some of the military officers that 05:50.913 --> 05:53.088 the U.S. has been dealing with are indeed in jail. 05:53.088 --> 05:54.788 Is that your understanding also? 05:54.788 --> 05:56.225 - I'm gonna leave it to the tertium. 05:56.225 --> 05:58.419 I do not know the disposition of everyone involved. 05:58.419 --> 06:00.263 - And then he made one other comment 06:00.263 --> 06:02.204 that seemed to suggest that while 06:02.204 --> 06:04.467 power's back on, et cetera, at Incirlik, 06:04.467 --> 06:07.634 that there are some outstanding issues 06:07.917 --> 06:12.084 that continue to be at least somewhat problematic there. 06:12.746 --> 06:16.496 Can you talk about what some of those may be? 06:16.982 --> 06:21.023 - I'll refer you back to Syncom and General Votel, 06:21.023 --> 06:23.247 but obviously you know we had the concerns 06:23.247 --> 06:25.346 about the power situation at Incirlik. 06:25.346 --> 06:29.513 We are up and running again, and at this point in time, 06:30.938 --> 06:34.120 we want to make sure that nothing in our fight against ISIL, 06:34.120 --> 06:35.739 is interrupted, that if anything, 06:35.739 --> 06:38.064 we can accelerate that effort. 06:38.064 --> 06:39.404 Whether it be from Turkey, 06:39.404 --> 06:42.882 or with our partnership with other coalition partners, 06:42.882 --> 06:44.907 and I think that is the concern 06:44.907 --> 06:47.697 that General Votel was expressing, 06:47.697 --> 06:49.753 and we have an opportunity here 06:49.753 --> 06:52.428 to truly accelerate this campaign, 06:52.428 --> 06:54.456 and we want to follow through on that. 06:54.456 --> 06:55.902 We believe all the members of the coalition 06:55.902 --> 06:58.237 including Turkey would like to do the same thing. 06:58.237 --> 07:01.237 We all share a common enemy in ISIL. 07:01.346 --> 07:02.179 Adrese. 07:02.696 --> 07:04.364 - If we could move to Syria for just a minute, 07:04.364 --> 07:06.022 two questions, firstly the Russian 07:06.022 --> 07:08.127 and Syrian governments announced yesterday 07:08.127 --> 07:12.294 this humanitarian operation in rebel parts of Aleppo, 07:12.808 --> 07:16.975 saying they wanted civilians to be allowed safe passage. 07:17.457 --> 07:20.519 Firstly, was the pentagon in coordination with the Russian, 07:20.519 --> 07:22.448 or would we coordinate it with, 07:22.448 --> 07:23.771 before the announcement was made, 07:23.771 --> 07:26.097 and secondly do you think this is a sincere effort? 07:26.097 --> 07:29.965 Or is this sort of a ruse as some officials have called it 07:29.965 --> 07:34.132 to get civilians out and then be able to strike those areas. 07:34.615 --> 07:38.382 - Again, we're not in negotiations with the Russians. 07:38.382 --> 07:41.045 Secretary Kerry has been negotiating, 07:41.045 --> 07:42.944 as you know the State Department's been in the lead 07:42.944 --> 07:45.342 with regard to our conversations with the Russians 07:45.342 --> 07:47.138 who I'll leave it to the State Department 07:47.138 --> 07:48.180 to characterize those. 07:48.180 --> 07:49.522 I understand even Secretary Kerry 07:49.522 --> 07:51.241 was asked about this today. 07:51.241 --> 07:53.672 We did not have any coordination 07:53.672 --> 07:56.755 or understanding about this corridor. 07:58.406 --> 08:01.229 That's being discussed by the Russians. 08:01.229 --> 08:04.188 - Second thing, on the Manbij assessment 08:04.188 --> 08:06.364 that you've started, this obviously isn't the first time 08:06.364 --> 08:08.963 in this month that there's been an assessment. 08:08.963 --> 08:12.518 There are only U.S. led coalition airplanes in that area. 08:12.518 --> 08:14.260 So it's very unlikely that it's anyone 08:14.260 --> 08:16.498 but the U.S. coalition partner. 08:16.498 --> 08:19.298 The opposition has called for strikes to stop. 08:19.298 --> 08:21.501 So at one point do you say let's stop, 08:21.501 --> 08:23.652 and let's look at what the problem is, 08:23.652 --> 08:25.088 and then move forward, 08:25.088 --> 08:28.585 because I mean obviously the number is pretty enormous 08:28.585 --> 08:30.469 for these strikes to be taking place 08:30.469 --> 08:33.880 and for them to continue while the investigations continue. 08:33.880 --> 08:36.630 - This is Adrese, a critical part 08:36.647 --> 08:39.730 of the effort right now against ISIL. 08:41.181 --> 08:43.007 We've described how important Manbij is. 08:43.007 --> 08:45.211 We've described how complicated this situation is, 08:45.211 --> 08:48.495 with regard to the forces taking on ISIL, 08:48.495 --> 08:51.662 the urban environment that this is in, 08:51.703 --> 08:53.441 the fact that ISIL has been dug in. 08:53.441 --> 08:56.608 ISIL has been willing to place itself, 08:57.700 --> 08:59.700 in and around civilians. 09:00.059 --> 09:02.726 This is a complicated situation, 09:03.498 --> 09:06.353 and we will continue to apply the rigor, 09:06.353 --> 09:08.770 that we always do in terms of 09:08.990 --> 09:11.607 minimizing the risks to civilians, 09:11.607 --> 09:13.493 but we are supporting those forces, 09:13.493 --> 09:15.059 because this is as I said before, 09:15.059 --> 09:16.532 a critical moment in this campaign. 09:16.532 --> 09:19.291 This is a critical piece of territory, 09:19.291 --> 09:22.041 is a place where we feel strongly 09:22.950 --> 09:27.117 that ISIL has planned external attacks outside of Syria, 09:27.266 --> 09:29.674 and that makes it all the more important 09:29.674 --> 09:33.341 why those local forces that we're supporting 09:34.227 --> 09:38.228 can capture this territory and remove ISIL from this area, 09:38.228 --> 09:42.228 and that requires air support, by the coalition, 09:42.676 --> 09:44.430 that we'll continue to provide, 09:44.430 --> 09:47.577 but obviously this is a situation, this most recent one, 09:47.577 --> 09:49.790 there have been others, at least one other strike, 09:49.790 --> 09:51.486 in which again, a credibility assessment 09:51.486 --> 09:55.415 has already been conducted and determined to be credible, 09:55.415 --> 09:59.582 that we're gonna apply the rigor and the diligence 09:59.632 --> 10:02.649 needed to find out exactly what happened here 10:02.649 --> 10:05.930 and take whatever lessons we learn from that 10:05.930 --> 10:09.419 and apply that to our, how we conduct our missions, 10:09.419 --> 10:10.742 but this is a difficult environment 10:10.742 --> 10:14.475 and I would be clear about that the urban environment here 10:14.475 --> 10:17.030 and the complicating factor about the enemy we're targeting, 10:17.030 --> 10:18.875 what they're doing with regard 10:18.875 --> 10:20.165 to the civilians around them. 10:20.165 --> 10:24.291 They are not taking steps to protect innocent civilian life. 10:24.291 --> 10:25.724 - The targeting doesn't seem to be working 10:25.724 --> 10:29.389 because why not get the assessments complete, 10:29.389 --> 10:32.987 learn from them and then make those changes and continue, 10:32.987 --> 10:34.787 because I mean obviously if people are dying on the ground, 10:34.787 --> 10:36.167 they're not going to be in support 10:36.167 --> 10:37.946 of U.S. led coalition strikes. 10:37.946 --> 10:40.157 I mean it's not winning hearts and minds, 10:40.157 --> 10:42.370 that you've used strategies in the past. 10:42.370 --> 10:44.622 I mean it just doesn't seem like the smart idea 10:44.622 --> 10:47.947 to be striking even though civilians were being killed. 10:47.947 --> 10:49.755 - Those local forces we're supporting 10:49.755 --> 10:51.474 might have a different view if we weren't 10:51.474 --> 10:55.307 conducting those air strikes in their support. 10:56.415 --> 10:58.312 I imagine you'd be asking me some of the same 10:58.312 --> 11:00.624 questions if those forces came under attack from ISIL, 11:00.624 --> 11:02.319 because we weren't providing some 11:02.319 --> 11:04.062 of the air support to them. 11:04.062 --> 11:07.538 So we are using, again, the coalition is using the 11:07.538 --> 11:11.705 very careful scrutiny in how we conduct these operations. 11:11.998 --> 11:15.819 We will continue to review these particular instances 11:15.819 --> 11:18.569 in which there is at least claims 11:20.927 --> 11:23.180 of civilian casualties being present. 11:23.180 --> 11:25.345 If that were the case how did that happen? 11:25.345 --> 11:27.684 What in our operational system 11:27.684 --> 11:30.060 needs to be reviewed and looked at, 11:30.060 --> 11:32.595 but we will continue to take this fight to ISIL 11:32.595 --> 11:34.664 and to apply the rigor to these air strikes 11:34.664 --> 11:36.629 that we have from the start of this campaign. 11:36.629 --> 11:40.538 Remember we've had thousands of air strikes at this point. 11:40.538 --> 11:43.871 We have taken every possible step we can 11:45.501 --> 11:47.087 to try and reduce the risk of civilian casualties 11:47.087 --> 11:49.421 and we believe that track record 11:49.421 --> 11:51.754 is an excellent track record 11:51.971 --> 11:55.054 and that we have taken many instances 11:55.455 --> 11:56.906 in which we have not carried out strikes, 11:56.906 --> 11:58.656 because of that risk. 11:58.871 --> 12:00.605 And we'll continue to do so. 12:00.605 --> 12:01.855 Yes, Christina. 12:02.112 --> 12:04.550 - Thanks Peter, Jabhat al-Nusra 12:04.550 --> 12:07.133 has now detached from Al-Queda, 12:07.623 --> 12:09.670 and they've re-branded themselves 12:09.670 --> 12:13.083 Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, or something like that. 12:13.083 --> 12:16.749 Will the DOD continue to strike this new group 12:16.749 --> 12:18.938 and does that change whether, 12:18.938 --> 12:21.364 the DOD's calculation of whether it will continue 12:21.364 --> 12:25.082 or does there need to be a State Department designation, or? 12:25.082 --> 12:27.804 - Just because they change their name 12:27.804 --> 12:30.277 doesn't mean they've changed their actions, 12:30.277 --> 12:33.014 and this will continue to be a group that, 12:33.014 --> 12:35.752 that we'll continue to focus our efforts on 12:35.752 --> 12:38.099 for the understandable reason that this is a terrorist group 12:38.099 --> 12:42.062 that has in the past and continues to threaten the U.S., 12:42.062 --> 12:46.229 the United States, American citizens, and our interests. 12:46.765 --> 12:48.537 And so a name change alone, 12:48.537 --> 12:51.204 it's actions not names and words 12:51.302 --> 12:53.341 that we will be watching going forward. 12:53.341 --> 12:55.001 - So I hear you saying you're gonna strike this group 12:55.001 --> 12:56.152 whatever they're called. 12:56.152 --> 12:59.485 - It remains, again, a terrorist target, 13:00.007 --> 13:02.424 as it has been for some time. 13:03.528 --> 13:05.611 - A couple of clarifiers? 13:05.641 --> 13:07.949 The assessment that you opened with, 13:07.949 --> 13:09.665 that's for the July 23rd strike. 13:09.665 --> 13:13.832 There hasn't been a third civilian casualty incident? 13:15.067 --> 13:18.567 - I'm referring to an incident that Syncom 13:19.387 --> 13:23.554 issued a statement last night regarding an air strike, 13:23.581 --> 13:26.866 in and around Manbij that occurred yesterday. 13:26.866 --> 13:28.479 - So there is a third strike then? 13:28.479 --> 13:30.557 - Yes, this is a third incident 13:30.557 --> 13:33.261 with regard to the previous ones that they've discussed. 13:33.261 --> 13:35.369 This is a third incident that took place yesterday. 13:35.369 --> 13:37.771 - Okay, and then shifting to Turkey, 13:37.771 --> 13:40.854 there was a protest outside Incirlik. 13:40.976 --> 13:43.395 Could you give us an update on 13:43.395 --> 13:45.173 for the U.S. personnel that are inside the base, 13:45.173 --> 13:47.923 do they have any ability to move within or out 13:47.923 --> 13:50.900 of Incirlik and what sort of forced posture measures 13:50.900 --> 13:54.333 are being taken to protect the personnel at the base? 13:54.333 --> 13:57.105 - Well you know I'm not gonna get into all the 13:57.105 --> 13:59.438 forced posture, all the security precautions 13:59.438 --> 14:01.237 that we have in place for our forces, 14:01.237 --> 14:04.583 but we've been at an elevated force protection level 14:04.583 --> 14:06.750 at Incirlik for some time. 14:06.992 --> 14:08.838 We'll continue to take every step we need to, 14:08.838 --> 14:10.313 to make sure our personnel, 14:10.313 --> 14:12.393 and other coalition personnel, 14:12.393 --> 14:15.587 are as safe as possible at that, at Incirlik. 14:15.587 --> 14:19.754 It remains a foremost concern, a foremost priority for us, 14:20.071 --> 14:24.238 and will continue to be so, but our operations continue. 14:24.867 --> 14:26.813 - Can they move in and out of the base right now 14:26.813 --> 14:28.316 or are they all stuck on the base? 14:28.316 --> 14:30.326 - I'm not gonna get into all the security precautions 14:30.326 --> 14:32.837 in place right now with our personnel. 14:32.837 --> 14:36.018 - Last, this morning the marines put out a statement 14:36.018 --> 14:38.851 about an F-18 crash in California. 14:39.169 --> 14:42.002 There are reports that it occurred 14:42.383 --> 14:45.336 during a combat simulation known as aerosol course. 14:45.336 --> 14:47.836 Can you confirm those reports? 14:47.978 --> 14:51.077 - I'm gonna refer you back to the Marines. 14:51.077 --> 14:53.087 I understand that a tragedy took place here 14:53.087 --> 14:54.972 and the Marines will have the best information 14:54.972 --> 14:57.024 in terms of what took place, 14:57.024 --> 15:00.774 and the investigation surrounding it, Andrew? 15:01.009 --> 15:05.092 - Peter, in Iraq, the Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr 15:05.864 --> 15:09.697 seems to have, be taking a very different tone 15:10.060 --> 15:11.797 in his public remarks lately. 15:11.797 --> 15:15.058 He's made some specific threats to the U.S. troops, 15:15.058 --> 15:17.389 in particular since the Secretary announced 15:17.389 --> 15:20.774 the additional forces that will deploy there. 15:20.774 --> 15:22.932 Is that a concern, is the Secretary concerned at all 15:22.932 --> 15:25.849 that Sadr who has a long history of 15:26.501 --> 15:30.627 being confrontational with American forces over there, 15:30.627 --> 15:34.213 could pose a problem from the counter ISIL campaign? 15:34.213 --> 15:35.792 - Obviously Andrew, anyone, anytime, 15:35.792 --> 15:38.689 we have people threatening U.S. forces, that's a concern, 15:38.689 --> 15:40.913 but we feel confident in the security measures 15:40.913 --> 15:43.267 that we've put in place, the protective measures, 15:43.267 --> 15:45.898 as well as our relationship with the government of Iraq 15:45.898 --> 15:48.905 and Prime Minister al-Abadi with regard to 15:48.905 --> 15:52.985 our cooperation with those, the Iraqi forces right now. 15:52.985 --> 15:55.432 We're working together to defeat ISIL. 15:55.432 --> 15:56.865 The common enemy of ISIL, 15:56.865 --> 16:00.115 and we'll continue to work closely with 16:00.945 --> 16:03.049 the government of Iraq, and seek their help, 16:03.049 --> 16:05.421 in making sure any issues about force protection 16:05.421 --> 16:07.026 for our personnel are addressed. 16:07.026 --> 16:07.859 Yes, Paul. 16:09.256 --> 16:12.165 - Can I just ask when we should expect to see results 16:12.165 --> 16:14.266 of the civilian casualty assessments in 16:14.266 --> 16:16.933 both the 19th case and the 23rd? 16:19.354 --> 16:22.246 - I would imagine that the credibility assessments, 16:22.246 --> 16:25.329 they generally take a matter of days. 16:26.041 --> 16:28.715 I'll leave it to Syncom to give you the specifics, 16:28.715 --> 16:30.784 but I think in a short amount of time, 16:30.784 --> 16:33.067 we'll have a sense of the credibility assessment 16:33.067 --> 16:34.468 in these cases, as to. 16:34.468 --> 16:36.245 - You mean the credibility assessment for the one? 16:36.245 --> 16:37.216 - First one's been confirmed. 16:37.216 --> 16:38.257 - [Paul] Been confirmed. 16:38.257 --> 16:40.052 - Yeah, so I'll leave it to Syncom 16:40.052 --> 16:42.716 to walk you through the timetable 16:42.716 --> 16:45.387 but the actual formal investigation, 16:45.387 --> 16:47.739 I know will be conducted as quickly as possible, 16:47.739 --> 16:49.719 but they will want to get as many facts as they can 16:49.719 --> 16:52.182 from as many sources as they can 16:52.182 --> 16:56.349 beyond just our own internal operational resources. 16:57.681 --> 17:00.046 But I'll leave it to Syncom to give you 17:00.046 --> 17:01.685 a better sense of the actual timeline. 17:01.685 --> 17:03.635 - I also wanted to ask you about the numbers. 17:03.635 --> 17:06.586 I think the number of affirmed civilian casualties 17:06.586 --> 17:10.169 all told from the coalition in the campaign 17:10.359 --> 17:13.876 is something around 55, and each of these incidents 17:13.876 --> 17:16.550 around Manbij are one of those incidents, 17:16.550 --> 17:19.763 if we believed the numbers that are coming out of Syria, 17:19.763 --> 17:22.380 would be higher than all of the deaths 17:22.380 --> 17:23.874 that have been reported by the coalition 17:23.874 --> 17:25.246 from the last two years, 17:25.246 --> 17:27.196 and as you said yourself there are more than 1,000 17:27.196 --> 17:29.543 air strikes that have been conducted. 17:29.543 --> 17:32.727 Are you confident that the reporting structure 17:32.727 --> 17:34.199 that is in place at Syncom 17:34.199 --> 17:36.644 is capturing all of these casualties potentially 17:36.644 --> 17:38.247 being caused by these air strikes? 17:38.247 --> 17:41.597 - I'm confident that the structure that we have in place 17:41.597 --> 17:44.847 is rigorous and thorough means by which 17:46.459 --> 17:48.959 of determining those instances 17:49.313 --> 17:52.450 in which allegations of civilian casualties 17:52.450 --> 17:54.950 can be deemed credible or not. 17:56.005 --> 17:58.142 The rigor that our forces apply to this, 17:58.142 --> 18:00.629 again, both in the original targeting, 18:00.629 --> 18:02.200 and in the assessment afterwards, 18:02.200 --> 18:03.557 when there are allegations, 18:03.557 --> 18:06.006 is extremely strict and rigorous 18:06.006 --> 18:07.886 and will continue to be so, 18:07.886 --> 18:10.219 and the number you provided, 18:10.663 --> 18:12.720 the 55 number is the same number 18:12.720 --> 18:15.300 that I understand that we have at this point. 18:15.300 --> 18:17.883 Obviously we regret any loss of 18:18.090 --> 18:20.241 innocent life in this conflict 18:20.241 --> 18:23.252 and we'll continue to do everything we can to minimize it 18:23.252 --> 18:26.267 and these instances in which there are 18:26.267 --> 18:29.901 reports of civilian casualties in and around Manbij, 18:29.901 --> 18:32.318 will be properly scrutinized. 18:32.429 --> 18:35.955 I think you heard from the Secretary and General Votel, 18:35.955 --> 18:39.455 at the counter ISIL meeting the other day. 18:39.467 --> 18:41.033 That's a reflection of how we conduct 18:41.033 --> 18:43.283 ourselves in this conflict. 18:44.122 --> 18:46.554 It is a reflection of our values, 18:46.554 --> 18:49.637 and the respect we have for civilians 18:50.552 --> 18:52.008 in these conflict zones, 18:52.008 --> 18:54.640 and the steps that we're trying to take to minimize that, 18:54.640 --> 18:57.223 and in those instances in which 18:57.311 --> 18:59.063 there are civilian casualties, 18:59.063 --> 19:00.995 we will be as transparent as we can be 19:00.995 --> 19:02.415 about how this happened, 19:02.415 --> 19:05.138 and try and learn whatever lessons we can at the same time. 19:05.138 --> 19:06.840 - Just a last one, in the interests of transparency, 19:06.840 --> 19:09.325 why are the dismissed allegations of civilian casualties 19:09.325 --> 19:11.742 not being released by Syncom? 19:11.911 --> 19:15.494 - In terms of credibility assessments that. 19:16.573 --> 19:19.701 - Syncom is releasing instances where the U.S. has 19:19.701 --> 19:23.868 confirmed that there have been civilian casualties, 19:24.329 --> 19:26.973 but all of the other reports of allegations 19:26.973 --> 19:28.563 of civilian casualties which Syncom is 19:28.563 --> 19:30.729 going through it's process and then dismissing, 19:30.729 --> 19:33.062 are not being released, why? 19:33.346 --> 19:36.139 - Because someone at the process involved, 19:36.139 --> 19:38.597 has looked at this to determine 19:38.597 --> 19:41.142 whether there is credible evidence 19:41.142 --> 19:44.248 to suggest that there were civilian casualties, 19:44.248 --> 19:45.911 that that process has concluded 19:45.911 --> 19:49.328 that there was not a credible allegation. 19:49.799 --> 19:51.318 - How can we evaluate that process 19:51.318 --> 19:52.410 if we don't know what the allegation was 19:52.410 --> 19:54.354 and on what basis it was dismissed. 19:54.354 --> 19:57.830 - I'll refer you to Syncom if there's particular instances 19:57.830 --> 20:00.163 in which you have questions, 20:00.517 --> 20:03.364 but we have tried to address the ones 20:03.364 --> 20:05.600 that were brought to our attention, 20:05.600 --> 20:09.017 and Syncom has a strict process for this. 20:09.130 --> 20:11.963 The U.S. Military has a very strict process for this, 20:11.963 --> 20:14.014 and we are trying to respond to the instances 20:14.014 --> 20:15.971 in which there are credible allegations 20:15.971 --> 20:17.336 and we go through a process, 20:17.336 --> 20:20.088 a very strict process in trying to determine what that is, 20:20.088 --> 20:21.790 that includes as I mentioned before, 20:21.790 --> 20:24.873 not just our own operational evidence 20:25.455 --> 20:27.341 but things that might be collected outside, 20:27.341 --> 20:30.674 social media, videos, personal accounts. 20:32.889 --> 20:35.722 This is a conflict zone right now, 20:36.575 --> 20:39.550 and our ability to collect information 20:39.550 --> 20:42.092 in each and every one of these instances, 20:42.092 --> 20:43.494 given the limits in terms of 20:43.494 --> 20:44.971 American personnel on the ground 20:44.971 --> 20:48.202 are not insignificant in some circumstances, 20:48.202 --> 20:50.258 so that is also a factor we have to weigh 20:50.258 --> 20:53.318 in determining these credibility assessments. 20:53.318 --> 20:55.055 - I'd like to follow up on that if I may, 20:55.055 --> 20:57.207 and a couple of other things as well. 20:57.207 --> 21:01.374 It's not just the ones that you deem not credible, 21:02.439 --> 21:06.091 but the ones where you are able to come to no conclusion 21:06.091 --> 21:09.244 perhaps because of all the factors you've raised, 21:09.244 --> 21:10.886 and this is a policy matter, 21:10.886 --> 21:13.522 this is I'm assuming that central command 21:13.522 --> 21:15.939 obeys whatever DOD policy is. 21:15.954 --> 21:17.785 The Secretary comes up and talks about this 21:17.785 --> 21:20.146 all the time, on civilian casualties. 21:20.146 --> 21:22.339 So can we circle back with you right now 21:22.339 --> 21:24.776 and ask you to take the question, 21:24.776 --> 21:27.443 how many, in addition to the 55, 21:29.709 --> 21:33.032 how many other cases, how many other people, 21:33.032 --> 21:37.199 human beings, comparing apples and apples here on 55, 21:37.395 --> 21:39.806 how many others have you looked at 21:39.806 --> 21:41.973 and you deem not credible, 21:42.493 --> 21:44.314 how many others have you looked at 21:44.314 --> 21:47.107 and you simply can come to no conclusion? 21:47.107 --> 21:50.566 Could you try and get us an answer to that? 21:50.566 --> 21:53.376 Because that's a department wide question, 21:53.376 --> 21:56.027 so anything you could do to throw your weight behind that, 21:56.027 --> 21:57.777 and get us an answer. 21:58.107 --> 21:59.544 - We will continue, Barbara, 21:59.544 --> 22:02.502 to be as transparent as we can be about these. 22:02.502 --> 22:03.910 - That's what I'm asking. 22:03.910 --> 22:06.991 - Yeah, we'll continue to try and do that, 22:06.991 --> 22:10.408 and try and respond as clearly as we can, 22:10.458 --> 22:13.233 and we provided specific numbers in these instances. 22:13.233 --> 22:15.058 Syncom continues to do that. 22:15.058 --> 22:17.714 If you have particular instances, 22:17.714 --> 22:19.533 it'd be helpful for us to be able 22:19.533 --> 22:21.950 to respond to specific cases. 22:21.990 --> 22:24.206 - I, personally as a reporter, 22:24.206 --> 22:25.799 I'd like to see the overall numbers. 22:25.799 --> 22:28.045 I cannot give you time, date, and place, 22:28.045 --> 22:30.503 because I don't know what else they've looked into. 22:30.503 --> 22:33.753 So on the basis of public transparency, 22:34.163 --> 22:36.996 can you get a total number for us, 22:37.293 --> 22:39.543 how many people, civilians, 22:41.338 --> 22:45.505 you deem the allegation of a civilian casualty not credible, 22:46.357 --> 22:48.607 how many people, civilians, 22:48.677 --> 22:51.080 have you not been able to come to a conclusion 22:51.080 --> 22:52.580 about one way or the other, 22:52.580 --> 22:56.330 because perhaps lack of information and data? 22:58.143 --> 23:01.476 We have no way of knowing what they are. 23:01.516 --> 23:04.308 We'd like to know, we're asking you guys, 23:04.308 --> 23:07.225 what are those two sets of numbers? 23:07.801 --> 23:09.612 - I'll take your question, Barbara, 23:09.612 --> 23:12.619 and again, I will stand by the process 23:12.619 --> 23:15.286 that Syncom and this institution 23:16.220 --> 23:19.209 have had in place for some time in terms of the rigor 23:19.209 --> 23:22.823 and the numbers that we're providing right now, 23:22.823 --> 23:24.817 and if there's more transparency that we can provide 23:24.817 --> 23:26.412 we certainly will try and provide it. 23:26.412 --> 23:28.162 - What we're looking for is, 23:28.162 --> 23:30.984 the other two thirds of the equation here, 23:30.984 --> 23:33.010 beyond the 55, that they are willing, 23:33.010 --> 23:35.297 they are able to acknowledge. 23:35.297 --> 23:36.810 So anything you could do to get 23:36.810 --> 23:37.908 that additional transparency. 23:37.908 --> 23:39.270 - [Peter] Understood. 23:39.270 --> 23:40.893 - My other two questions, very quickly, 23:40.893 --> 23:42.962 are General Votel yesterday, 23:42.962 --> 23:46.295 what he said, and Leta pointed this out, 23:46.472 --> 23:48.587 is that he had some concerns. 23:48.587 --> 23:52.170 So is in fact, our U.S. Military operations 23:54.036 --> 23:56.786 against ISIS out of Turkish bases 23:58.041 --> 24:02.208 100% back to pre-coup operations, activities? 24:04.744 --> 24:07.379 Is there any area in Turkey where you are 24:07.379 --> 24:10.962 not back to where you were before the coup? 24:11.308 --> 24:14.782 - I think as General Votel indicated yesterday, 24:14.782 --> 24:17.336 Incirlik is back up and running. 24:17.336 --> 24:20.256 Our cooperation with the Turks remains excellent 24:20.256 --> 24:22.292 and we continue our operations 24:22.292 --> 24:24.861 as we've heard from the Turkish minister of defense, 24:24.861 --> 24:26.406 the Secretary himself, 24:26.406 --> 24:27.762 their cooperation going forward 24:27.762 --> 24:30.053 in this campaign remains intact. 24:30.053 --> 24:32.310 We are, the only concern I think that the 24:32.310 --> 24:34.806 General Votel was expressing was 24:34.806 --> 24:36.025 concern that there would be some 24:36.025 --> 24:38.319 sort of interruption going forward, 24:38.319 --> 24:41.757 that we certainly don't anticipate or expect, 24:41.757 --> 24:45.924 but we are in a very complicated environment right now 24:48.989 --> 24:51.702 where we want to apply as much pressure on ISIL as possible, 24:51.702 --> 24:53.584 and whether it's in Turkey or elsewhere, 24:53.584 --> 24:55.430 we don't want any interruption going forward, 24:55.430 --> 24:58.294 and I think that's the concern that he was expressing. 24:58.294 --> 25:01.177 - What is the interruption going forward that worries you? 25:01.177 --> 25:03.832 - We had an interruption at Incirlik 25:03.832 --> 25:05.614 for a few days as you know. 25:05.614 --> 25:07.194 We don't have any indication of problems 25:07.194 --> 25:08.511 at this moment in time 25:08.511 --> 25:10.772 and we would just like to maintain that, 25:10.772 --> 25:12.635 and that was I think what General Votel 25:12.635 --> 25:14.949 was expressing yesterday at Aspen, 25:14.949 --> 25:17.449 and he said publicly at Aspen, 25:17.647 --> 25:20.074 we've had excellent cooperation from the Turks. 25:20.074 --> 25:22.112 We want to make sure that continues, 25:22.112 --> 25:23.722 and we have every reason to believe it will 25:23.722 --> 25:26.028 based on the conversations we're having with the Turks. 25:26.028 --> 25:28.281 - Peter, can I just clarify Barbara's point? 25:28.281 --> 25:29.969 He was asked very specifically, 25:29.969 --> 25:32.641 are you talking about potential future concerns 25:32.641 --> 25:35.058 or already existing concerns, 25:35.245 --> 25:38.810 and he very specifically said his current existing concerns 25:38.810 --> 25:41.983 are about the impact on the relationship 25:41.983 --> 25:45.316 that currently right now he is concerned 25:46.275 --> 25:49.692 that the coup is impacting U.S. Military, 25:51.032 --> 25:54.782 he said relations and then further clarified, 25:54.997 --> 25:58.830 military with U.S. Turkish military relations, 25:58.864 --> 26:00.613 that he was afraid of that impact. 26:00.613 --> 26:03.319 - I think if you heard what he had to say, 26:03.319 --> 26:05.629 he expressed his concerns about the fact that 26:05.629 --> 26:08.962 in some cases U.S. Military counterparts 26:10.113 --> 26:13.682 are not necessarily there to have the same correspondence 26:13.682 --> 26:15.148 that they did before the coup. 26:15.148 --> 26:17.232 - [Leta] Right, he said they were in jeopardy. 26:17.232 --> 26:20.232 - He did refer at one point to that, 26:21.209 --> 26:22.836 but I think the larger point here, 26:22.836 --> 26:26.150 is that we have excellent military to military cooperation, 26:26.150 --> 26:28.843 have had for some time with the Turkish Military. 26:28.843 --> 26:32.142 If you are no longer able to talk to a counterpart 26:32.142 --> 26:34.321 that you've dealt with for some time, 26:34.321 --> 26:35.774 then there's a concern that there 26:35.774 --> 26:37.391 might be some breakdown in communication. 26:37.391 --> 26:40.463 We are trying to work through that with the Turks 26:40.463 --> 26:42.425 and have every confidence we'll be able to do that. 26:42.425 --> 26:45.593 I think that's what General Votel was speaking to. 26:45.593 --> 26:47.093 - So Peter, confidence to be able to do that, 26:47.093 --> 26:49.537 you're suggesting with those word choices, 26:49.537 --> 26:51.110 there is a situation right now 26:51.110 --> 26:53.858 and confidence to be able to do that is in the future. 26:53.858 --> 26:56.441 So the bottom line is there are 26:56.509 --> 26:58.666 Turkish Military personnel in jail, 26:58.666 --> 27:00.755 in Turkey as a result of the coup, 27:00.755 --> 27:03.213 that you were dealing with that you can no longer deal with 27:03.213 --> 27:05.136 and you're rebuilding that relationship? 27:05.136 --> 27:06.494 Is that accurate? 27:06.494 --> 27:09.245 - I'm not gonna characterize what the disposition 27:09.245 --> 27:10.846 of all those people, 27:10.846 --> 27:13.539 but I think it is, as the Turkish government has made clear, 27:13.539 --> 27:16.168 there are changes within the Turkish Military 27:16.168 --> 27:18.251 and we are in some cases, 27:18.800 --> 27:20.669 and it's not just the United States, 27:20.669 --> 27:21.985 but other countries that may have had 27:21.985 --> 27:24.015 military to military relations with the Turks, 27:24.015 --> 27:26.652 now may be dealing with new individuals, 27:26.652 --> 27:27.999 and we'll work through that, 27:27.999 --> 27:29.348 and that's what we're doing, 27:29.348 --> 27:32.050 and I think that's our military communications 27:32.050 --> 27:34.114 with the Turks will continue, 27:34.114 --> 27:35.782 as they work through these issues themselves. 27:35.782 --> 27:38.198 These are domestic issues for the Turkish government, 27:38.198 --> 27:40.242 for the sovereign Turkish government, 27:40.242 --> 27:41.998 and we will continue to work through that. 27:41.998 --> 27:46.009 We happen to be involved in a campaign right now, 27:46.009 --> 27:49.097 against ISIL with Turkey and other coalition countries 27:49.097 --> 27:51.963 in which we do not want to see that campaign miss a beat, 27:51.963 --> 27:54.526 and we are gonna work as diligently as we can 27:54.526 --> 27:56.246 to make sure that doesn't happen. 27:56.246 --> 27:58.151 Let me move over, Doyle. 27:58.151 --> 27:59.390 - Thanks sir, two questions, 27:59.390 --> 28:02.723 one, common enemy ISIL, they are killing 28:03.136 --> 28:04.869 thousands of innocent people, 28:04.869 --> 28:08.619 and also spreading into Europe and also Asia, 28:10.222 --> 28:12.851 including in the South Asia region, 28:12.851 --> 28:14.995 and now at the State Department, 28:14.995 --> 28:17.280 more than 20 nations are meeting, 28:17.280 --> 28:20.863 religious and ethnic minorities under ISIL, 28:22.192 --> 28:25.157 including India and U.S. counter terrorism. 28:25.157 --> 28:27.247 So what role do you think pentagon is playing 28:27.247 --> 28:28.434 at this they are making at the 28:28.434 --> 28:30.534 State Department against ISIL? 28:30.534 --> 28:32.728 - Well we obviously had a significant meeting 28:32.728 --> 28:34.377 at the State Department last week 28:34.377 --> 28:36.126 in which we had both the defense ministers 28:36.126 --> 28:37.428 and the foreign ministers, 28:37.428 --> 28:39.211 of all the coalition countries 28:39.211 --> 28:40.872 engaged in the fight against ISIL, 28:40.872 --> 28:43.483 as the Secretary has said for some time, 28:43.483 --> 28:46.139 there's a military component to this campaign, 28:46.139 --> 28:49.689 but there are certainly, that is not sufficient, 28:49.689 --> 28:52.792 in and of itself to deal with the threat posed by ISIL. 28:52.792 --> 28:54.972 There are efforts that we need to, 28:54.972 --> 28:56.562 in terms of both political 28:56.562 --> 29:00.394 and stabilization economic efforts that need to be 29:00.394 --> 29:02.366 conducted in order to make sure that 29:02.366 --> 29:04.840 ISIL is defeated and stays defeated, 29:04.840 --> 29:07.178 and there are other efforts to reach out, 29:07.178 --> 29:10.095 around the world to try and address 29:10.396 --> 29:13.563 questions about this hateful ideology, 29:14.173 --> 29:17.896 and what can be done in terms of making clear 29:17.896 --> 29:21.563 that ISIL is a threat just in terms of it's, 29:21.615 --> 29:23.640 the message it's sending around the world. 29:23.640 --> 29:25.542 So these are all things that I'm sure 29:25.542 --> 29:26.820 my colleagues at the State Department 29:26.820 --> 29:28.094 are engaged with there. 29:28.094 --> 29:29.923 We're focused here on the military campaign 29:29.923 --> 29:31.840 and very focused on it. 29:32.067 --> 29:34.506 - Who's training them, and arming them, 29:34.506 --> 29:36.977 supplying arms, it takes training and arms 29:36.977 --> 29:38.977 to kill innocent people, 29:39.186 --> 29:42.409 are you telling them who is behind this too? 29:42.409 --> 29:44.589 - It's part of our overall campaign. 29:44.589 --> 29:48.589 We're going after not only their weapons caches, 29:48.864 --> 29:50.997 those weapons that in many cases, 29:50.997 --> 29:52.507 they've been able to recover, 29:52.507 --> 29:56.674 within Syria and Iraq from territory that they've taken. 29:59.118 --> 30:01.140 We're going after their finances. 30:01.140 --> 30:03.444 We're going after their oil assets. 30:03.444 --> 30:07.277 We're going after their ability to tax people. 30:07.412 --> 30:10.431 We're approaching it from each and every front 30:10.431 --> 30:12.537 including the weapons that they're maintaining. 30:12.537 --> 30:15.073 - In countries on South China Sea, 30:15.073 --> 30:17.138 how dangerous is the situation now 30:17.138 --> 30:20.020 in China and Russia is now have moved, 30:20.020 --> 30:23.588 and they are exorcising and China is threatening 30:23.588 --> 30:27.755 those nations in the region after this Hague outcome. 30:32.194 --> 30:35.594 This may be leading to a third world war, 30:35.594 --> 30:37.554 because if China continues this behavior 30:37.554 --> 30:38.798 the way it is going on, 30:38.798 --> 30:42.131 something they are saying in Washington. 30:42.561 --> 30:46.644 - Well, we certainly, that's not something we're. 30:48.087 --> 30:50.859 There's plenty of reasons to believe 30:50.859 --> 30:54.109 that tensions over the South China Sea, 30:54.124 --> 30:56.868 in light of this ruling that there's an opportunity 30:56.868 --> 30:59.264 for all the countries in that part of the world 30:59.264 --> 31:01.393 to resolve their differences there peacefully. 31:01.393 --> 31:04.104 That has been certainly our goal. 31:04.104 --> 31:07.663 A diplomatic resolution is the most appropriate way 31:07.663 --> 31:08.881 to resolve these issues. 31:08.881 --> 31:12.675 We don't take any particular stand on the claims here, 31:12.675 --> 31:16.216 as you know, but we do encourage peaceful resolution. 31:16.216 --> 31:18.610 This particular ruling presents an opportunity 31:18.610 --> 31:22.690 for countries to pursue those kinds of avenues of resolution 31:22.690 --> 31:24.695 and if anything this should be an opportunity 31:24.695 --> 31:26.708 to reduce the very tensions you've talked about. 31:26.708 --> 31:27.625 Yes, Aseem. 31:28.527 --> 31:30.527 - Peter, the presidents, 31:30.759 --> 31:33.319 I won't go back to Turkey by the way. 31:33.319 --> 31:34.886 - I appreciate that. (laughing) 31:34.886 --> 31:38.438 - Yeah, (laughing) and also defense chiefs, 31:38.438 --> 31:40.670 and also top commanders talk to each other 31:40.670 --> 31:42.595 and assured each other that the cooperation 31:42.595 --> 31:45.723 between the two countries are going to excellently continue. 31:45.723 --> 31:46.556 - [Peter] Yeah. 31:46.556 --> 31:48.848 - But why is that concern within the military. 31:48.848 --> 31:50.614 The United States, the U.S. Military, 31:50.614 --> 31:52.462 that the change of some people 31:52.462 --> 31:55.825 on the ground would affect their relationship 31:55.825 --> 31:58.075 between the two militaries. 31:58.152 --> 32:01.219 - I think what General Votel has expressed, 32:01.219 --> 32:03.393 what you've heard from Chairman Dunford, 32:03.393 --> 32:07.060 and Secretary Carter is that we don't expect 32:08.017 --> 32:11.678 that it's going to have an impact on the relationship 32:11.678 --> 32:13.340 and we certainly don't want it to. 32:13.340 --> 32:15.173 I think what we heard from General Votel, 32:15.173 --> 32:17.970 is that the relationship is so extensive, 32:17.970 --> 32:19.254 our military to military relationshop 32:19.254 --> 32:22.254 builds up over years as a NATO ally, 32:23.223 --> 32:25.446 and that there's significant interaction 32:25.446 --> 32:27.025 that's been taking place over the years, 32:27.025 --> 32:29.930 at lower levels, then the highest levels of the military, 32:29.930 --> 32:32.930 and the only concern being expressed 32:33.202 --> 32:36.029 is that in some instances a counterpart 32:36.029 --> 32:38.280 may not be there who you worked with directly. 32:38.280 --> 32:41.436 Now you need to find out who that new person might be. 32:41.436 --> 32:43.689 I think it's just the operational flow of 32:43.689 --> 32:47.106 that engagement that we want to make sure 32:47.123 --> 32:48.244 doesn't miss a beat, 32:48.244 --> 32:50.652 and I think that's the only thing that was expressed. 32:50.652 --> 32:53.069 - Those who have him removed, 32:53.838 --> 32:55.865 are also replaced at the same time. 32:55.865 --> 32:58.670 So it's not even one day that you will 32:58.670 --> 33:00.538 have another individual on the ground, 33:00.538 --> 33:02.024 and the procedures are clear 33:02.024 --> 33:04.845 so why is there this concern among the? 33:04.845 --> 33:06.133 - I think you just explained it, 33:06.133 --> 33:09.044 what we hope happen in this instance. 33:09.044 --> 33:11.261 I think that's what General Votel was expressing. 33:11.261 --> 33:13.360 Professional military relations 33:13.360 --> 33:15.658 between our two countries have been excellent. 33:15.658 --> 33:17.944 We want to make sure that they continue that way 33:17.944 --> 33:19.325 and you've heard that as you said, 33:19.325 --> 33:22.858 from the highest levels of the Turkish Military 33:22.858 --> 33:24.875 and from the highest levels of the U.S. Military. 33:24.875 --> 33:26.208 That's our goal. 33:26.231 --> 33:28.558 This is an important NATO ally, 33:28.558 --> 33:32.293 important vital partner in the fight against ISIL, 33:32.293 --> 33:35.604 and we don't want to see anything that might interrupt that 33:35.604 --> 33:38.739 and we have no expectation that there will, 33:38.739 --> 33:40.914 and especially in light of the comments 33:40.914 --> 33:45.081 of support from both folks in positions of power in Turkey 33:45.860 --> 33:48.084 and of course the senior leadership here. 33:48.084 --> 33:49.984 - Just one last question. 33:49.984 --> 33:51.759 There have been a lot of claims 33:51.759 --> 33:54.402 brought against General Letourneau, 33:54.402 --> 33:57.069 against General Campbell before, 33:57.526 --> 34:01.693 and also CIA director also had some comments which raised 34:02.335 --> 34:04.249 a lot of discussions in Turkey. 34:04.249 --> 34:06.092 Could you assure the Turkish public opinion 34:06.092 --> 34:08.342 that none of those plotters 34:08.882 --> 34:11.747 had good relations with the United States? 34:11.747 --> 34:12.978 - I can assure you that, 34:12.978 --> 34:14.755 as I said at the beginning here, 34:14.755 --> 34:18.922 any suggestion that any member of the Department of Defense 34:18.945 --> 34:23.112 supported or played a role in the attempted coup in Turkey 34:23.587 --> 34:25.825 that that would be absurd to suggest that. 34:25.825 --> 34:27.117 You've heard that from Chairman Dunford, 34:27.117 --> 34:28.901 you've heard that from Secretary Carter, 34:28.901 --> 34:30.818 it is almost laughable, 34:30.908 --> 34:34.825 and so it would be a concern if that suggestion 34:36.834 --> 34:39.167 is being portrayed out there 34:40.563 --> 34:42.882 because it does not reflect the professional 34:42.882 --> 34:46.301 military relationship between our two countries. 34:46.301 --> 34:48.068 - [Aseem] So the plotters has no relation 34:48.068 --> 34:51.321 with the U.S. Military at all, good relations. 34:51.321 --> 34:54.071 - We have had excellent relations 34:54.529 --> 34:56.298 with the Turkish Military, 34:56.298 --> 34:59.381 and what I'm saying is the suggestion 34:59.871 --> 35:02.739 that anyone in the Department of Defense, 35:02.739 --> 35:06.906 any of the uniform officials you just referred to, 35:08.274 --> 35:11.135 had any role or had any support for 35:11.135 --> 35:13.483 what took place in Turkey would be wrong 35:13.483 --> 35:16.061 and we have condemned the coup. 35:16.061 --> 35:19.424 We have supported the democratically elected 35:19.424 --> 35:21.571 government of Turkey and will continue to do so, 35:21.571 --> 35:22.782 and will continue to maintain the 35:22.782 --> 35:24.514 excellent military to military, 35:24.514 --> 35:26.602 the defense relationship, with Turkey. 35:26.602 --> 35:27.519 Yes, Janie. 35:27.968 --> 35:29.551 - Thank you, Peter. 35:30.560 --> 35:33.893 Secretary of the Army Fanning will visit 35:33.896 --> 35:36.563 to South Korea early next month. 35:36.807 --> 35:38.271 Do you know what purpose is his visit 35:38.271 --> 35:40.588 for South Korea for next month? 35:40.588 --> 35:43.171 - I know that Secretary Fanning 35:43.184 --> 35:45.516 is making a trip through Asia 35:45.516 --> 35:48.622 and has several stops but I'll refer you to his office 35:48.622 --> 35:51.205 and the Army for his itinerary. 35:51.922 --> 35:54.322 - When he visit to South Korea, 35:54.322 --> 35:57.072 he would visit site of the Assad. 36:00.465 --> 36:03.057 - I'll leave it to Secretary Fanning 36:03.057 --> 36:05.323 and the Army to tell you his exact schedule. 36:05.323 --> 36:08.093 I honestly don't have it in front of me. 36:08.093 --> 36:11.426 - Does the United States have additional 36:11.819 --> 36:15.319 plan for the prevent Assad in South Korea? 36:16.786 --> 36:19.565 Do you have an additional appointment schedule? 36:19.565 --> 36:20.815 - You mean a second site? 36:20.815 --> 36:21.982 - [Janie] Yes. 36:22.034 --> 36:25.534 - As we've discussed the THAAD deployment, 36:27.524 --> 36:30.769 the alliance decision to move forward with that. 36:30.769 --> 36:32.986 At this point we're working through the issues 36:32.986 --> 36:35.448 with regard to this deployment, 36:35.448 --> 36:38.781 and we're focused on that at this point. 36:39.482 --> 36:42.982 Andrew, sorry, my fault I saw Andrew here. 36:43.648 --> 36:46.648 - Is the U.S. flying strike missions 36:48.093 --> 36:49.978 out of Incirlik currently. 36:49.978 --> 36:50.811 - Yes. 36:51.165 --> 36:52.403 - Currently ongoing. 36:52.403 --> 36:53.236 - Yes. 36:53.377 --> 36:56.391 - Now based off of what's been said lately, 36:56.391 --> 36:59.474 General Votel is the second commander 37:00.554 --> 37:02.554 to be brought into this. 37:02.973 --> 37:05.556 Does the U.S. have contingency plans 37:05.556 --> 37:07.473 if Incirlik is cut off? 37:08.817 --> 37:11.567 - We, as we've said, even when we 37:11.758 --> 37:13.499 were not able to fly missions, 37:13.499 --> 37:17.416 we are able to mitigate and deal with instances 37:20.803 --> 37:23.522 in which we're unable to fly from certain locations. 37:23.522 --> 37:27.237 We have the ability to adjust and accommodate that, 37:27.237 --> 37:31.320 but Incirlik's a critical location, and we would, 37:31.653 --> 37:34.190 the coalition would prefer to fly from Incirlik 37:34.190 --> 37:36.053 for a variety of reasons, 37:36.053 --> 37:38.582 and we think it's an important capability 37:38.582 --> 37:41.249 and we greatly appreciate Turkey 37:41.766 --> 37:44.344 allowing those missions to fly from Incirlik 37:44.344 --> 37:46.409 but we do have the ability to adjust 37:46.409 --> 37:49.979 as you know previously we did not have access to Incirlik, 37:49.979 --> 37:52.071 and we conducted missions, 37:52.071 --> 37:55.033 but we anticipate being able to fly from Incirlik 37:55.033 --> 37:57.647 and we're doing so right now successfully. 37:57.647 --> 37:58.855 - Can I follow on that? 37:58.855 --> 37:59.688 - Yes. 37:59.688 --> 38:01.158 - So yesterday there were some protests 38:01.158 --> 38:02.566 just outside of Incirlik, 38:02.566 --> 38:03.879 Turks who were saying that they didn't 38:03.879 --> 38:05.175 want the U.S. presence there anymore, 38:05.175 --> 38:06.409 and they didn't want the U.S. to be 38:06.409 --> 38:07.713 able to conduct strike missions. 38:07.713 --> 38:10.321 They held up really graphic photos of people 38:10.321 --> 38:12.402 who have been killed by airstrikes in Syria, I think it was, 38:12.402 --> 38:15.338 but it may be Iraq and Syria, I don't know. 38:15.338 --> 38:18.549 Is there any concern from the Department of Defense 38:18.549 --> 38:20.224 that the U.S. access to Incirlik 38:20.224 --> 38:22.882 will be cut off in the near future, 38:22.882 --> 38:24.501 not just because of what's happened 38:24.501 --> 38:26.053 in the political instability, 38:26.053 --> 38:28.570 but because of our lack of public 38:28.570 --> 38:31.068 Turkish support for the U.S. role there? 38:31.068 --> 38:32.825 - As the Secretary's detailed, 38:32.825 --> 38:35.677 he had a good conversation with his Turkish counterpart, 38:35.677 --> 38:39.420 in which they both agreed on the need to maintain 38:39.420 --> 38:41.124 the fight against ISIL 38:41.124 --> 38:43.103 and our continued cooperation on that. 38:43.103 --> 38:44.725 Incirlik is a key part of that 38:44.725 --> 38:47.716 and we have no indication of any thing other than 38:47.716 --> 38:50.403 Turkish cooperation with continuing those missions 38:50.403 --> 38:51.955 from Incirlik and we're doing so 38:51.955 --> 38:54.249 as I just said to Bill, even today. 38:54.249 --> 38:57.203 - So the Turks have not approached the U.S. about 38:57.203 --> 39:00.286 any change in the U.S. access or role 39:01.532 --> 39:04.615 or abilities, any kind of parameters, 39:04.939 --> 39:06.616 what the U.S. Military can and cannot do 39:06.616 --> 39:08.619 out of Incirlik in recent days. 39:08.619 --> 39:11.022 - We are flying missions as we were before, 39:11.022 --> 39:14.605 and again we're appreciative to the Turkish 39:14.632 --> 39:17.114 government's help in restoring the power 39:17.114 --> 39:19.090 and getting those flights back up and running, 39:19.090 --> 39:21.466 and they are flying as we speak. 39:21.466 --> 39:22.587 - And I have another random one, 39:22.587 --> 39:24.284 unless someone has another Turkey one? 39:24.284 --> 39:25.775 - That wasn't her question. 39:25.775 --> 39:27.489 Her question was had they communicated 39:27.489 --> 39:29.173 with the U.S. Government or the Defense Department 39:29.173 --> 39:30.668 about modifying that. 39:30.668 --> 39:31.962 - The communication again, 39:31.962 --> 39:34.273 that the Secretary of Defense received from his counterpart 39:34.273 --> 39:36.815 is our cooperation, our efforts, 39:36.815 --> 39:38.839 focused on ISIL will continue 39:38.839 --> 39:41.089 and that includes Incirlik. 39:42.000 --> 39:43.638 - I have a Manbij question. 39:43.638 --> 39:44.471 - Hold on. 39:45.241 --> 39:47.291 - Has there been another call since the 39:47.291 --> 39:51.458 July 19th call between Secretary Carter and his counterpart? 39:51.737 --> 39:54.230 - I'm not aware of a direct call 39:54.230 --> 39:56.817 between the Secretary and his counterpart. 39:56.817 --> 39:59.171 I know that there have been other communications 39:59.171 --> 40:01.531 with the Turkish Military at other levels. 40:01.531 --> 40:03.319 - I have another random one then. 40:03.319 --> 40:04.645 - Okay go ahead. 40:04.645 --> 40:06.865 - Chelsea Manning was saying that he called his attorneys 40:06.865 --> 40:08.557 and said that he's now being considered, 40:08.557 --> 40:09.876 I'm sorry I apologize, 40:09.876 --> 40:12.758 she is now being considered for the potential 40:12.758 --> 40:14.662 for indefinite solitary confinement 40:14.662 --> 40:18.179 because of her suicide attempt earlier this month. 40:18.179 --> 40:20.012 What's the department? 40:20.348 --> 40:22.278 I guess, can you run us through, 40:22.278 --> 40:26.422 if someone, if a prisoner, in a U.S. Military facility, 40:26.422 --> 40:27.472 I know it's an Army facility, 40:27.472 --> 40:28.928 but in a U.S. Military facility, 40:28.928 --> 40:30.987 the prisoner attempts suicide 40:30.987 --> 40:33.371 with some sort of an elicit item 40:33.371 --> 40:35.608 with an illegal item that they're not supposed to have. 40:35.608 --> 40:39.775 Is the common practice to then, for the punishment to be, 40:40.944 --> 40:42.694 solitary confinement? 40:42.829 --> 40:43.913 Are you aware of that, 40:43.913 --> 40:45.550 and are you aware of the specific case? 40:45.550 --> 40:49.103 These allegations she's made through her attorneys? 40:49.103 --> 40:52.476 - I'm not aware, and I don't quite honestly from here, 40:52.476 --> 40:55.249 know the exact protocol in those instances. 40:55.249 --> 40:57.354 I'd refer you back to the Army first of all. 40:57.354 --> 40:59.334 But I'm happy to take the question, 40:59.334 --> 41:00.711 but I think the Army's probably 41:00.711 --> 41:02.320 your best best for this specific case. 41:02.320 --> 41:05.207 - So just given the high profile nature of this case though, 41:05.207 --> 41:09.374 is that something that the department, the larger DOD 41:10.412 --> 41:13.129 might get involved in, if an allegation like that, 41:13.129 --> 41:15.716 that specifically that, she is alleging 41:15.716 --> 41:17.244 through her attorneys that she is being 41:17.244 --> 41:19.914 targeted because of her sexuality 41:19.914 --> 41:21.684 and because of the nature of her crimes, 41:21.684 --> 41:23.349 and being treated differently 41:23.349 --> 41:26.266 and that with this suicide attempt, 41:27.050 --> 41:29.497 if you acknowledge that it was a suicide attempt, 41:29.497 --> 41:31.930 several weeks ago, that because of that, 41:31.930 --> 41:34.597 she's being treated differently. 41:34.610 --> 41:36.884 Is that something that DOD might, would get involved in? 41:36.884 --> 41:39.557 That specific allegation even though it's an Army facility? 41:39.557 --> 41:43.420 - I am not aware of any DOD involvement in this case. 41:43.420 --> 41:47.587 Like I said I'm not tracking this specific suggestion 41:47.701 --> 41:50.451 or the claim from the individual, 41:51.383 --> 41:52.910 so I'm going to refer you to the Army 41:52.910 --> 41:55.143 because I don't have a solid answer of you on it 41:55.143 --> 41:56.804 because I don't know the specific here 41:56.804 --> 41:59.104 but I'm sure that what you're gonna hear from the Army 41:59.104 --> 42:02.741 will be the details about how they handle these cases 42:02.741 --> 42:05.151 in terms of people who are incarcerated 42:05.151 --> 42:08.354 but I'll leave it to them to refer you to 42:08.354 --> 42:09.884 the actual protocols they follow. 42:09.884 --> 42:11.051 So yes, Carla. 42:11.167 --> 42:13.016 - Thank you. On Manbij. 42:13.016 --> 42:14.626 Considering how important it is 42:14.626 --> 42:17.346 for the United States to not kill or wound 42:17.346 --> 42:19.071 innocent civilians and considering how 42:19.071 --> 42:23.071 important Manbij is the the anti ISIL coalition, 42:23.357 --> 42:26.222 is there concern here at the pentagon 42:26.222 --> 42:29.186 with the Syrian Arab coalitions calling in strikes. 42:29.186 --> 42:31.943 Have there been any measures to retrain 42:31.943 --> 42:34.962 or kind of double down on the efforts 42:34.962 --> 42:36.672 on how they would conduct a strike 42:36.672 --> 42:40.505 and how they look in to civilians in the area? 42:40.879 --> 42:42.868 - Carla, as I'm think I've pointed out before. 42:42.868 --> 42:44.342 every time we conduct a strike, 42:44.342 --> 42:47.904 we're looking at the individual circumstances of each strike 42:47.904 --> 42:50.486 first of all, in the targeting to begin with, 42:50.486 --> 42:53.100 and each one of those strikes afterwards is assessed. 42:53.100 --> 42:56.723 Certainly in instances in which there are credible 42:56.723 --> 42:59.223 claims of civilian casualties, 42:59.300 --> 43:01.742 we'll go through and carefully examine 43:01.742 --> 43:03.623 exactly what took place there 43:03.623 --> 43:06.042 to see if there are lessons leaned 43:06.042 --> 43:09.292 that can be applied to future missions, 43:09.582 --> 43:12.593 but at this point, again, we're still getting the facts 43:12.593 --> 43:16.343 on these individual cases, these allegations, 43:16.621 --> 43:18.280 and we'll work through those, 43:18.280 --> 43:20.497 and we will, as we have in the past, 43:20.497 --> 43:23.875 apply that knowledge to what we're doing going forward. 43:23.875 --> 43:25.957 We expect this air campaign 43:25.957 --> 43:27.519 will continue to be a critical part 43:27.519 --> 43:29.496 of our effort against ISIL, 43:29.496 --> 43:31.626 not just in Manbij but elsewhere, 43:31.626 --> 43:34.975 and we will take those lessons learned as appropriate. 43:34.975 --> 43:37.367 - Are there any immediate lessons learned 43:37.367 --> 43:40.743 while the evaluation process is underway? 43:40.743 --> 43:43.391 - We continue with each and every one of these strikes, 43:43.391 --> 43:46.166 we're looking at the circumstances on the ground 43:46.166 --> 43:48.134 at that particular moment in time, 43:48.134 --> 43:50.884 applying our normal set of tests, 43:51.828 --> 43:54.335 and if there are additional tests that need to be applied 43:54.335 --> 43:55.646 in light of what's happening, 43:55.646 --> 43:58.581 these credibility assessments will inform of us of that, 43:58.581 --> 44:00.664 but those are ongoing so. 44:00.714 --> 44:01.786 Yes, Richard. 44:01.786 --> 44:04.252 - Is there any change to the status of the dependence 44:04.252 --> 44:07.192 in Turkey, any plans to move them out? 44:07.192 --> 44:10.903 Is voluntary evacuation still available to them? 44:10.903 --> 44:13.316 - We had an order departure in Turkey, 44:13.316 --> 44:17.483 so those dependents have already left at Incirlik. 44:17.728 --> 44:20.262 - We were told there were still about 100 left. 44:20.262 --> 44:22.288 - I'll check and see if there's 44:22.288 --> 44:23.639 been any change in their status. 44:23.639 --> 44:25.977 I'm not aware of any at this point, 44:25.977 --> 44:29.076 but the vast majority of dependents have already left 44:29.076 --> 44:32.684 Turkey as a result of those steps taken some time ago, 44:32.684 --> 44:34.616 but I'll take the question and find out. 44:34.616 --> 44:37.011 - You don't think that there is 100 dependents still there. 44:37.011 --> 44:40.091 - No, that was my understanding as of last week, 44:40.091 --> 44:41.958 so I'm not sure if there's anything 44:41.958 --> 44:43.626 that's happened in the interim period. 44:43.626 --> 44:46.959 - Peter, I'm not clear on the connection 44:47.864 --> 44:51.614 of the Secretary with the minister of Turkey. 44:53.249 --> 44:57.082 The only contact they've had was on July 19th. 44:58.914 --> 45:01.348 - They had a phone call, I don't even know the date 45:01.348 --> 45:03.219 off the top of my head, 45:03.219 --> 45:06.469 they met shortly before that in person. 45:07.529 --> 45:10.323 - Is the Secretary, considering what's happened since, 45:10.323 --> 45:13.999 is the Secretary trying to get ahold of him right now? 45:13.999 --> 45:18.166 - The Secretary, as I said, has an excellent relationship 45:18.186 --> 45:20.886 with the Minister of Defense in Turkey. 45:20.886 --> 45:23.039 They had an excellent conversation on the phone, 45:23.039 --> 45:27.198 an extensive conversation to discuss some of these issues. 45:27.198 --> 45:29.781 Some of the issues they have discussed have been resolved 45:29.781 --> 45:32.410 including the situation at Incirlik 45:32.410 --> 45:34.473 and we continue to have excellent military, 45:34.473 --> 45:37.973 excellent defense relationship with Turkey 45:38.016 --> 45:41.531 at various levels and we'll continue to do so, 45:41.531 --> 45:44.837 and in part because we are engaged in this campaign 45:44.837 --> 45:47.315 with them again ISIL, we're talking with them, 45:47.315 --> 45:49.180 not just on a daily basis, 45:49.180 --> 45:50.984 every single day at various levels, 45:50.984 --> 45:54.693 to make sure that we are conducting this campaign 45:54.693 --> 45:56.264 as effectively as possible. 45:56.264 --> 45:57.376 We're also a NATO ally, 45:57.376 --> 46:00.469 have those contacts on a daily basis as well. 46:00.469 --> 46:02.670 - But there has been no contact between the Secretary 46:02.670 --> 46:04.570 and Minister Isik since July 19th, 46:04.570 --> 46:06.321 since that phone conversation. 46:06.321 --> 46:07.685 - I don't have any conversations 46:07.685 --> 46:09.276 to read out to you at this time. 46:09.276 --> 46:10.784 - Just to follow up, I think. 46:10.784 --> 46:11.617 - Yeah. 46:11.617 --> 46:12.955 - The heart of the question though, 46:12.955 --> 46:14.535 is the accusations that are being levied 46:14.535 --> 46:16.547 against some of the top U.S. commanders, 46:16.547 --> 46:18.693 we're trying to figure out at what level 46:18.693 --> 46:20.404 communications are occurring between 46:20.404 --> 46:22.502 the government and military of Turkey, 46:22.502 --> 46:25.215 and the U.S. government and U.S. Military, 46:25.215 --> 46:27.215 given the importance of? 46:27.448 --> 46:29.400 - There have been substantial conversations. 46:29.400 --> 46:31.075 - But at what level and between who? 46:31.075 --> 46:34.281 - I've described to you the Secretaries. 46:34.281 --> 46:36.722 I know that the Chairman has had regular contact 46:36.722 --> 46:38.472 with his counterpart. 46:39.051 --> 46:41.711 I'll leave it to the Chairman's office to describe those 46:41.711 --> 46:44.993 but these conversations continue at the highest levels. 46:44.993 --> 46:47.511 I think General Votel referred to 46:47.511 --> 46:50.011 his conversations in addition. 46:51.065 --> 46:52.600 This is an important relationship. 46:52.600 --> 46:54.538 We're gonna continue to have these conversations 46:54.538 --> 46:56.844 and work through these issues. 46:56.844 --> 46:58.645 - Well do you know Peter, if anyone's had 46:58.645 --> 47:01.528 discussions like today to help clarify 47:01.528 --> 47:05.176 or clear up some of the apparent misconceptions 47:05.176 --> 47:09.145 with what General Votel and or everyone said, was it? 47:09.145 --> 47:11.135 - General Votel has issued his own statement 47:11.135 --> 47:14.218 to make clear some of the suggestions 47:14.465 --> 47:18.215 that came from his comments that were I think 47:18.982 --> 47:21.982 to General Votel's take misreported, 47:22.186 --> 47:23.943 or certainly misunderstood, 47:23.943 --> 47:26.289 and I think he wanted to make that clear. 47:26.289 --> 47:27.586 - But has there been something other 47:27.586 --> 47:28.620 than a press release? 47:28.620 --> 47:29.944 Has there been, do you know, 47:29.944 --> 47:31.692 like any conversations like today? 47:31.692 --> 47:33.487 - I can't read out each and every one, 47:33.487 --> 47:35.191 but I can assure you that even today, 47:35.191 --> 47:37.722 there have been contacts at the highest levels 47:37.722 --> 47:41.309 of the U.S. Military with Turkish counterparts, 47:41.309 --> 47:43.274 and there were yesterday, 47:43.274 --> 47:45.930 and there will be going forward, 47:45.930 --> 47:48.347 whether it's as part of NATO, 47:48.778 --> 47:50.803 as part of the counter ISIL coalition. 47:50.803 --> 47:52.516 We'll continue to have those conversations 47:52.516 --> 47:56.266 with our Turkish counterparts as appropriate. 47:56.837 --> 47:58.112 - I know you don't speak for the State Department, 47:58.112 --> 47:59.254 but are you aware of any. 47:59.254 --> 48:00.337 - Absolutely. 48:00.768 --> 48:03.228 - Are you aware of any U.S. Government 48:03.228 --> 48:06.645 Department reaching out or representative 48:08.454 --> 48:11.603 reaching out to address these misconceptions 48:11.603 --> 48:14.592 that General Votel's siding with the coup plotters? 48:14.592 --> 48:18.759 - We're trying to make as clear as possible from here, 48:19.926 --> 48:23.343 you've heard earlier this week on Monday, 48:23.436 --> 48:25.768 the Chairman and the Secretary talk about these issues, 48:25.768 --> 48:29.185 when referenced to the absurd allegations 48:29.373 --> 48:32.500 or suggestions that General Campbell played some role. 48:32.500 --> 48:34.977 I think we're being as clear as we can be 48:34.977 --> 48:38.535 about the Department of Defense and the top leadership here, 48:38.535 --> 48:40.793 and our views on some of the suggestions 48:40.793 --> 48:42.699 that have been laid out there, 48:42.699 --> 48:45.632 that somehow the Department of Defense, 48:45.632 --> 48:47.679 or people within the Department of Defense, 48:47.679 --> 48:50.826 knew something or supported in any way, this coup. 48:50.826 --> 48:53.243 That is factually inaccurate, 48:53.296 --> 48:55.463 and with regard to others, 48:56.082 --> 48:57.415 I'll leave it to the State Department 48:57.415 --> 49:00.415 to characterize their conversations, 49:00.707 --> 49:02.442 but I'll leave it to the State Department 49:02.442 --> 49:03.785 to speak for itself, 49:03.785 --> 49:05.590 but I think our leadership here has been 49:05.590 --> 49:06.942 clear on this point, 49:06.942 --> 49:08.794 and I think General Votel has only 49:08.794 --> 49:10.303 emphasized that again today. 49:10.303 --> 49:12.331 - So I think the reason that this continues to have legs, 49:12.331 --> 49:15.432 is that while the DOD is putting out these statements 49:15.432 --> 49:16.836 and what not the Turks don't seem 49:16.836 --> 49:18.741 to be disavowing these claims, 49:18.741 --> 49:21.698 so is there any effort to work with these close partners, 49:21.698 --> 49:22.782 you've said over and over, 49:22.782 --> 49:24.397 you have such a close relationship with, 49:24.397 --> 49:26.062 and encourage them to come out 49:26.062 --> 49:28.091 and disavow the claims that very 49:28.091 --> 49:30.796 senior four star U.S. Military leaders 49:30.796 --> 49:33.679 and the head of all national intelligence in the U.S. 49:33.679 --> 49:37.012 were not behind the plot, and why is it, 49:37.395 --> 49:39.408 why are the Turks not coming out 49:39.408 --> 49:41.986 and saying that the U.S. didn't have a role behind this? 49:41.986 --> 49:43.777 - I will leave it to the Turks, 49:43.777 --> 49:45.295 to speak for themselves, 49:45.295 --> 49:47.962 We will continue as best we can, 49:48.670 --> 49:51.420 make clear to the Turkish people, 49:54.324 --> 49:57.157 and to anyone who cares to listen, 49:58.843 --> 50:00.396 that again our relationship with Turkey 50:00.396 --> 50:03.479 remains a solid defense relationship. 50:03.549 --> 50:05.732 We look forward to continued cooperation 50:05.732 --> 50:08.353 with this vital key NATO ally going forward 50:08.353 --> 50:12.020 and we will make it clear based on the facts 50:12.872 --> 50:15.266 of the appropriate relationship that we have 50:15.266 --> 50:16.623 with the Turkish Military, 50:16.623 --> 50:18.164 and how that will continue. 50:18.164 --> 50:20.484 Again, I'll leave it to the Turks to characterize 50:20.484 --> 50:22.879 what's going on for themselves, 50:22.879 --> 50:24.535 but I think individuals here, 50:24.535 --> 50:28.118 including General Votel who have had others 50:28.839 --> 50:31.839 suggest words that they did not say, 50:32.269 --> 50:34.769 we'll continue to say clearly, 50:35.467 --> 50:37.065 how important this relationship is 50:37.065 --> 50:39.449 and how we'll continue to have those conversations 50:39.449 --> 50:41.646 to try and clear up any misperceptions 50:41.646 --> 50:42.938 that may be out there. 50:42.938 --> 50:44.436 - Peter can you take the question 50:44.436 --> 50:48.269 and maybe get back to us on any specific calls 50:48.385 --> 50:52.552 or conversations that anyone either within the pentagon 50:52.564 --> 50:56.151 or the U.S. Military had with the Turks today, 50:56.151 --> 50:58.938 other than I don't think we can assume that 50:58.938 --> 51:00.985 the Turkish people are reading 51:00.985 --> 51:03.163 General Votel's press statement. 51:03.163 --> 51:05.628 So I mean, any sort of specific. 51:05.628 --> 51:07.890 - We're counting on you all to spread that word. 51:07.890 --> 51:09.517 I'm looking at Kaseem right here. 51:09.517 --> 51:11.707 I'm hoping that he's, reports a few things 51:11.707 --> 51:12.957 from this news conference. 51:12.957 --> 51:14.251 - I'm assuming you all don't rely on 51:14.251 --> 51:16.263 speaking through the media to another country. 51:16.263 --> 51:17.406 - No we absolutely don't. 51:17.406 --> 51:19.857 - So can you get back to us and say 51:19.857 --> 51:22.296 what specific conversations anyone at 51:22.296 --> 51:24.290 a high level has had in the wake 51:24.290 --> 51:25.776 of these recent allegations? 51:25.776 --> 51:29.193 - Let me, I want to make absolutely clear though Leta, 51:29.193 --> 51:32.308 that these conversations, separate in part from today, 51:32.308 --> 51:36.475 happened yesterday, that whether it's our folks at EUCOM 51:37.594 --> 51:40.261 who talk every day in some cases 51:40.531 --> 51:41.925 with their Turkish counterparts, 51:41.925 --> 51:45.549 this is a relationship that is so longstanding, 51:45.549 --> 51:49.049 so normal in it's exchange of information, 51:51.410 --> 51:55.491 and General Votel talked about the exchange of information, 51:55.491 --> 51:57.066 the integration that we have in terms 51:57.066 --> 51:58.875 of our operations with the Turks. 51:58.875 --> 52:01.208 We can't fly out of Incirlik 52:01.328 --> 52:03.950 without the active participation 52:03.950 --> 52:05.950 of the Turkish Military. 52:06.026 --> 52:07.803 We're doing that every day, 52:07.803 --> 52:09.800 and at the highest levels, 52:09.800 --> 52:12.817 we have continued conversations with them. 52:12.817 --> 52:14.146 I will see if there's, 52:14.146 --> 52:15.596 if there's something we can get 52:15.596 --> 52:17.091 for you that highlights that, 52:17.091 --> 52:19.597 but what my point is, is that that's not unusual. 52:19.597 --> 52:21.603 That happens all the time, 52:21.603 --> 52:22.915 and will continue to happen. 52:22.915 --> 52:25.900 - But how helpful is it to this long-standing military 52:25.900 --> 52:28.135 relationship when the president of that country 52:28.135 --> 52:31.715 is saying to a U.S. General, "know your place, 52:31.715 --> 52:33.963 you are taking the side of coup plotters." 52:33.963 --> 52:36.908 If the translation with BBC is accurate. 52:36.908 --> 52:38.575 How helpful is that? 52:38.793 --> 52:42.960 - We have, General Votel has spoken to this himself today, 52:43.893 --> 52:48.060 to make clear that any suggestion that he supported 52:49.601 --> 52:51.521 in any way what took place there 52:51.521 --> 52:53.071 would be factually inaccurate, 52:53.071 --> 52:55.076 and I think we're trying to do, 52:55.076 --> 52:57.351 make that as abundantly clear as we can, 52:57.351 --> 52:59.650 and to be as constructive as we can, 52:59.650 --> 53:02.628 in terms of making sure that our defense relationship there, 53:02.628 --> 53:06.295 that there are no questions about the solid, 53:06.881 --> 53:09.482 the importance of that relationship, 53:09.482 --> 53:11.638 and the need for continued cooperation, 53:11.638 --> 53:13.660 which we expect and hope to see, 53:13.660 --> 53:15.635 for decades more to come, 53:15.635 --> 53:17.173 and this is critically important right now 53:17.173 --> 53:19.302 because of the counter ISIL campaign, 53:19.302 --> 53:23.469 and of course both being long-standing NATO allies. 53:23.473 --> 53:25.743 I know you have one more question, then I gotta go. 53:25.743 --> 53:27.159 - I just follow up on Courtney's question. 53:27.159 --> 53:29.030 Would you like to see Turkish officials 53:29.030 --> 53:32.514 disavow this idea that the U.S. was involved with the coup, 53:32.514 --> 53:33.697 because the reason this has legs, 53:33.697 --> 53:35.610 is because as Courtney said, 53:35.610 --> 53:38.393 is because every time the suggestion comes up, 53:38.393 --> 53:41.738 it is not being denied on the part of Turkish officials. 53:41.738 --> 53:44.156 - We will let the facts speak for themselves, 53:44.156 --> 53:45.620 and I'll let the Turkish Government, 53:45.620 --> 53:47.777 the Turkish officials speak for themselves. 53:47.777 --> 53:50.496 We, Secretary just had, as I said, 53:50.496 --> 53:52.564 an excellent conversation with his Turkish counterpart. 53:52.564 --> 53:54.287 He has a great relationship with him. 53:54.287 --> 53:56.160 We're confident that the relationship 53:56.160 --> 53:58.026 between the United States and Turkey, 53:58.026 --> 54:00.031 the defense relationship will continue 54:00.031 --> 54:03.698 and will not be in any way impacted by this. 54:05.545 --> 54:07.636 We will let the facts speak for themselves. 54:07.636 --> 54:09.843 We will let General Votel and others make clear 54:09.843 --> 54:14.010 if there are any misperceptions about our views on this. 54:15.347 --> 54:17.555 We're trying to be as crystal clear as we can. 54:17.555 --> 54:20.572 We want to continue the military business 54:20.572 --> 54:23.775 that we've conducted for decades with the Turks, 54:23.775 --> 54:26.245 and we have every expectation we'll continue to do so. 54:26.245 --> 54:27.592 - Can I just, one clarification, 54:27.592 --> 54:28.819 when you tell me about all of these calls 54:28.819 --> 54:29.862 that have been going back and forth, 54:29.862 --> 54:31.982 the many many many many many calls you guys have, 54:31.982 --> 54:33.415 back and forth with the Turks, 54:33.415 --> 54:35.154 you're not saying that one or any of those calls 54:35.154 --> 54:37.616 dealt specifically with General Votel, 54:37.616 --> 54:41.783 and this alleged him being involved in the coup, right? 54:41.815 --> 54:43.692 That was not your insinuation by that right? 54:43.692 --> 54:47.608 - We have conversations every day with the Turks, but since. 54:47.608 --> 54:49.432 - [Courtney] But specifically was there one about this? 54:49.432 --> 54:51.751 - I think it is fair to say that since the coup attempt 54:51.751 --> 54:52.980 of course there have been conversations 54:52.980 --> 54:55.464 at the highest levels of the U.S Military, 54:55.464 --> 54:57.874 with the Turkish Military and in addition 54:57.874 --> 54:59.557 to not just us of course, 54:59.557 --> 55:02.383 President Obama spoke with President Erdogan. 55:02.383 --> 55:04.223 - But again, specifically about General Votel, 55:04.223 --> 55:05.912 and any allegations that he might have 55:05.912 --> 55:07.126 been specifically involved, 55:07.126 --> 55:08.540 because I just want to be clear, 55:08.540 --> 55:10.543 because since Leta asked you to take the question 55:10.543 --> 55:12.422 and come back if you come back to us 55:12.422 --> 55:14.758 and say there were calls, all these calls, 55:14.758 --> 55:16.087 I guess that my, 55:16.087 --> 55:18.504 I just want to be clear that, 55:19.070 --> 55:20.477 so that we understand. 55:20.477 --> 55:22.959 - I'm not referring to any particular, 55:22.959 --> 55:25.959 to General Votel but there have been 55:26.134 --> 55:29.217 since the coup regular communications 55:29.323 --> 55:32.689 at the highest levels of the Department of Defense 55:32.689 --> 55:35.939 with our Turkish counterparts, and you. 55:35.941 --> 55:38.002 - But I think means since yesterday, 55:38.002 --> 55:40.177 since the president of Turkish. 55:40.177 --> 55:42.603 - I know there have been some in the last 24 hours. 55:42.603 --> 55:44.181 There've been some in the last 48 hours, 55:44.181 --> 55:45.418 and that is not unusual, 55:45.418 --> 55:46.745 because we're talking to them all the time. 55:46.745 --> 55:47.912 We have to be. 55:49.532 --> 55:52.313 - General Votel to the Turks directly. 55:52.313 --> 55:54.323 Has anybody in this department refuted 55:54.323 --> 55:57.441 the claims that General Votel might have been involved. 55:57.441 --> 56:00.032 - General Votel has refuted that claim publicly. 56:00.032 --> 56:02.043 - He has done that in a press release, 56:02.043 --> 56:04.590 so has the Secretary, has the Chairman, 56:04.590 --> 56:08.757 or has General Votel directly refuted this to the Turks. 56:09.410 --> 56:11.993 - I can't answer that question, 56:12.028 --> 56:13.383 because I don't know everyone's 56:13.383 --> 56:15.484 phone calls today with the Turks. 56:15.484 --> 56:16.508 - [Lita] That was the question, 56:16.508 --> 56:18.993 directly refuted it with them. 56:18.993 --> 56:20.573 - I will take that question, 56:20.573 --> 56:24.740 but I can assure you that that message from General Votel 56:24.977 --> 56:27.295 from hopefully myself, from this podium 56:27.295 --> 56:28.747 and others within the building, 56:28.747 --> 56:31.580 any suggestion that General Votel. 56:32.054 --> 56:33.720 - Continue, if you have such a great 56:33.720 --> 56:35.713 military relationship with them? 56:35.713 --> 56:37.767 - I'm not, I don't know the substance 56:37.767 --> 56:39.228 of every single phone call we've had today. 56:39.228 --> 56:40.551 I'll take the question. 56:40.551 --> 56:41.648 - That's a high level call. 56:41.648 --> 56:42.981 - Yeah, exactly. 56:43.147 --> 56:45.068 - I mean this is the height of all U.S. central command. 56:45.068 --> 56:46.998 He's a four star General with 30 plus years. 56:46.998 --> 56:49.215 That's a high level call that I would think 56:49.215 --> 56:52.055 the Department of Defense would know was gonna happen, 56:52.055 --> 56:53.890 if some, whether it was General Votel, 56:53.890 --> 56:55.592 or someone on his behalf was calling. 56:55.592 --> 56:57.495 - We have lots of things to talk to the Turks about. 56:57.495 --> 56:59.420 - You're talking about the leadership in Turkey right now. 56:59.420 --> 57:01.266 You understand we're not asking for every little phone call 57:01.266 --> 57:03.765 back and forth to order food or whatever, I don't know, 57:03.765 --> 57:05.818 but it was a very specific high level call. 57:05.818 --> 57:07.265 If it's possible to take that. 57:07.265 --> 57:09.333 - I will try and get that question answered for you. 57:09.333 --> 57:10.461 - If you can get the ones about ordering food 57:10.461 --> 57:13.056 that would be great. (laughing) 57:13.056 --> 57:15.389 - Okay, just to round it up. 57:15.510 --> 57:17.178 - General Dunford is going to go to 57:17.178 --> 57:19.345 Turkey on July 31st right? 57:21.746 --> 57:24.532 - I will leave it to the Chairman and his staff 57:24.532 --> 57:28.186 to tell you about his schedule and itinerary. 57:28.186 --> 57:30.103 Okay, thanks everybody. 57:30.794 --> 57:32.627 - Have a nice weekend.