WEBVTT 00:00.440 --> 00:03.060 Okay , Good afternoon . We'll start 00:03.060 --> 00:05.710 things off today with Georgia . The 00:05.710 --> 00:08.440 United States is deeply troubled by the 00:08.440 --> 00:12.040 arrest of opposition leader 00:12.040 --> 00:15.080 Nika Malia and other members of the 00:15.080 --> 00:16.650 opposition in Georgia . 00:19.640 --> 00:23.580 Excuse me . Um , In other news 00:23.580 --> 00:26.470 today , the secretary announced the 00:26.470 --> 00:28.820 inaugural International Anti Corruption 00:28.820 --> 00:32.170 Champions Award recognizing 12 honorees 00:32.240 --> 00:34.660 ranging from a government auditor from 00:34.660 --> 00:37.150 Micronesia to a journalist from the 00:37.150 --> 00:39.800 Kyrgyz Republic to a civic leader from 00:39.800 --> 00:42.380 getting these 12 courageous individuals 00:42.380 --> 00:44.547 deserve recognition for their tireless 00:44.547 --> 00:47.420 work to defend transparency , combat 00:47.430 --> 00:49.910 corruption and ensure accountability in 00:49.910 --> 00:51.799 their own countries . Corruptions 00:51.799 --> 00:53.910 Impact on the quality of governance , 00:53.910 --> 00:56.450 security and economic stability . Eyes 00:56.450 --> 00:59.160 Well understood . It erodes the trust 00:59.160 --> 01:01.216 and confidence of citizens and their 01:01.216 --> 01:03.382 public institutions and puts an anchor 01:03.382 --> 01:05.104 around the necks of developing 01:05.104 --> 01:06.993 economies . United States remains 01:06.993 --> 01:09.070 committed to anti corruption efforts 01:09.070 --> 01:11.330 around the world on we recognize that 01:11.330 --> 01:13.470 we will only be successful by working 01:13.470 --> 01:15.920 in concert with dedicated partners and 01:15.920 --> 01:18.090 countries also striving towards 01:18.100 --> 01:19.990 fulfilling international anti 01:20.000 --> 01:23.620 corruption standards . Eso with that 01:23.630 --> 01:26.940 madman . Thank you just on the Georgia 01:26.940 --> 01:29.220 thing before I get to my main question 01:29.230 --> 01:32.530 just is there mawr to that comment that 01:32.530 --> 01:34.752 you're just on Lee , that you're deeply 01:34.752 --> 01:37.260 troubled . Is there any ? Well , we We 01:37.260 --> 01:39.371 covered this a little bit last week , 01:39.371 --> 01:41.371 So let me recap essentially what we 01:41.371 --> 01:43.750 said then . We are deeply concerned by 01:43.750 --> 01:46.320 political developments in Georgia . We 01:46.320 --> 01:48.960 again call on all parties to exercise 01:48.960 --> 01:51.480 restraint in to avoid any actions or 01:51.480 --> 01:54.030 rhetoric that could escalate tensions 01:54.070 --> 01:56.720 or results in violence . We urge the 01:56.720 --> 01:58.942 Georgian government to act in line with 01:58.942 --> 02:00.776 zero Atlantic aspirations and to 02:00.776 --> 02:02.553 reinforce its commitment to the 02:02.553 --> 02:04.609 principles of democracy , individual 02:04.609 --> 02:06.831 liberty and the rule of law by ensuring 02:06.831 --> 02:08.831 that its judicial and prosecutorial 02:08.831 --> 02:10.887 systems are free of political bias . 02:10.910 --> 02:12.854 United States supported supports a 02:12.854 --> 02:14.799 democratic , secure and prosperous 02:14.799 --> 02:17.021 Georgia . We will continue to work with 02:17.021 --> 02:19.132 Georgia to promote the rule of law on 02:19.132 --> 02:21.570 accountable institutions . Under my 02:21.580 --> 02:25.500 what I wanted to start with Egypt on , 02:25.500 --> 02:27.611 I know that you guys put a readout of 02:27.611 --> 02:29.722 the secretary . You put out a readout 02:29.722 --> 02:31.556 of the secretary's call with the 02:31.556 --> 02:33.722 foreign minister . But in that readout 02:33.722 --> 02:35.833 it talks about how the secretary told 02:35.833 --> 02:38.000 the foreign minister that human rights 02:38.000 --> 02:40.167 would be central to the relationship . 02:40.167 --> 02:42.222 Uh , the US Egypt relationship , and 02:42.222 --> 02:44.444 I'm just wondering if you can expand on 02:44.444 --> 02:46.556 that . What does that actually , What 02:46.556 --> 02:48.667 does that mean ? How does it manifest 02:48.667 --> 02:51.120 itself ? Because , as you know , there 02:51.120 --> 02:54.360 was a bit of criticism just a week ago 02:54.370 --> 02:57.100 when you guys went ahead and approved 02:57.100 --> 03:00.410 this almost $200 million sale of 03:00.420 --> 03:04.200 missiles to Egypt in the midst of ah 03:04.210 --> 03:07.820 crackdown on dissidents . Matt , What I 03:07.820 --> 03:10.200 would say is to reiterate something 03:10.200 --> 03:12.367 that President Biden first said on the 03:12.367 --> 03:14.422 campaign trail . I believe it was in 03:14.422 --> 03:16.367 October of this year . He made the 03:16.367 --> 03:19.450 point on . It's a point that applies to 03:19.460 --> 03:22.340 his now administration that human 03:22.340 --> 03:25.200 rights are values . 03:25.310 --> 03:28.450 Principles that are 03:28.460 --> 03:32.410 universal will always be . We will 03:32.410 --> 03:34.243 always carry them with us in our 03:34.243 --> 03:36.590 bilateral relationships . That includes , 03:36.600 --> 03:39.000 importantly , when it comes to our 03:39.000 --> 03:41.210 closest security partners . We have , 03:41.220 --> 03:43.331 of course , discussed some of them in 03:43.331 --> 03:46.000 this briefing room . The idea that 03:46.140 --> 03:49.710 relationships can be multifaceted , we 03:49.710 --> 03:51.821 have interests , but we , of course , 03:51.821 --> 03:53.988 have our values . We're never going to 03:53.988 --> 03:56.099 discount our values in pursuit of our 03:56.099 --> 03:58.660 interests on that is true . In the case 03:58.670 --> 04:00.503 of Egypt , the president and the 04:00.503 --> 04:02.503 secretary , they've been clear that 04:02.503 --> 04:04.614 democracy and human rights must be at 04:04.614 --> 04:06.837 the forefront of U . S foreign policy . 04:06.837 --> 04:08.726 The state Department consistently 04:08.726 --> 04:10.892 discusses with the government of Egypt 04:10.892 --> 04:13.003 our concerns over lack of respect for 04:13.003 --> 04:15.003 human rights , including freedom of 04:15.003 --> 04:17.226 expression and freedom of association . 04:17.226 --> 04:19.337 We spoke last week multiple occasions 04:19.337 --> 04:21.226 about the detention of the family 04:21.226 --> 04:24.540 members . Mohammed Time uh , eso . 04:24.550 --> 04:27.070 Clearly , these issues will always be 04:27.080 --> 04:29.760 in our bilateral bilateral relationship . 04:29.770 --> 04:31.881 You saw that reflected in the readout 04:31.881 --> 04:34.610 today . E . Guess my question is , does 04:34.610 --> 04:36.499 that does that manifest itself in 04:36.499 --> 04:39.710 anything in the short term that in 04:39.710 --> 04:42.170 terms of an actual policy decision , or 04:42.170 --> 04:44.910 is it just telling the Egyptians that 04:44.910 --> 04:47.700 you're not happy happy about how 04:47.700 --> 04:49.910 they're how they're handling it ? What 04:49.910 --> 04:53.440 is the what is the tangible result of 04:53.510 --> 04:55.920 even rights being central to 04:55.930 --> 04:57.874 relationship ? Well , the tangible 04:57.874 --> 04:59.986 result is taking place every day here 04:59.986 --> 05:03.270 at Main ST Andi , also in our embassy 05:03.270 --> 05:05.492 in Cairo , but also in embassies around 05:05.492 --> 05:07.390 the world are State Department 05:07.390 --> 05:09.680 officials are raising these issues ? 05:09.920 --> 05:12.340 They are supporting human rights 05:12.350 --> 05:14.980 defenders . We talked about 12 of them 05:14.980 --> 05:17.091 in the context of the anti corruption 05:17.091 --> 05:20.240 awards awardees that we announced today 05:20.250 --> 05:22.083 on Beacon . Talk about it in the 05:22.083 --> 05:24.306 context of Egypt . The fact that it was 05:24.306 --> 05:26.361 raised in this the secretary's first 05:26.361 --> 05:28.528 call with his Egyptian counterpart , I 05:28.528 --> 05:30.306 think speaks to the priority we 05:30.306 --> 05:32.980 attached to this issue . Of course , 05:33.270 --> 05:35.381 Matt , you will probably be the first 05:35.381 --> 05:37.103 to remind me that words are no 05:37.103 --> 05:39.880 substitute for deeds on , and so you 05:39.880 --> 05:42.047 can see those deeds . Well , you would 05:42.047 --> 05:44.269 see those deeds . Um , if you could see 05:44.269 --> 05:46.380 the work on the part of what is going 05:46.380 --> 05:48.380 on in our embassy in Cairo . What's 05:48.380 --> 05:52.320 going on here ? E 05:52.330 --> 05:54.552 just want to know if there was if there 05:54.552 --> 05:56.719 is anything like in the immediate term 05:56.719 --> 05:58.830 after this call in him saying that is 05:58.830 --> 06:01.090 gonna be central if there's any shift , 06:01.100 --> 06:05.000 any anything substantive that we 06:05.000 --> 06:08.190 can actually see other than other than 06:08.200 --> 06:10.950 the read up . Certainly . I hope what 06:10.950 --> 06:14.430 we see , um , is what 06:14.430 --> 06:16.430 happens on the part of the Egyptian 06:16.430 --> 06:18.763 government . That's what we want to see . 06:18.763 --> 06:20.930 Improvement . Um , that is where we're 06:20.930 --> 06:24.790 making this point to them . Thanks . Uh , 06:24.800 --> 06:27.840 I was wondering what you guys have to 06:27.840 --> 06:31.730 say about report of the I , um , 06:31.740 --> 06:33.796 saying that they're deeply concerned 06:33.796 --> 06:36.018 about the possible presence off nuclear 06:36.018 --> 06:39.360 material unfunded Claire site in Iran 06:39.730 --> 06:41.897 and also , of course , on the decision 06:41.897 --> 06:44.540 today to go forward with restricting 06:44.540 --> 06:46.860 the access for the inspectors . Despite 06:46.860 --> 06:49.240 the everything that happened last 06:49.240 --> 06:51.250 weekend . Well , I guess we talked 06:51.250 --> 06:53.472 about this a little bit yesterday , but 06:53.472 --> 06:55.528 we we have , in fact seen , uh , the 06:55.528 --> 06:57.950 IAEA is latest quarterly report on Iran . 06:57.960 --> 07:01.310 Um , it remains restricted until the 07:01.320 --> 07:03.810 board decides it can be released 07:03.820 --> 07:06.830 publicly . We fully support , as I said 07:06.830 --> 07:08.774 yesterday , the director general's 07:08.774 --> 07:11.990 efforts to ensure full implementation 07:12.000 --> 07:15.050 of I e . A verification in Iran on we 07:15.050 --> 07:17.310 have full faith and confidence in the 07:17.310 --> 07:19.560 director General and three i A e a . 07:19.560 --> 07:22.290 More broadly , we wouldn't comment on 07:22.290 --> 07:24.710 the details of this report until it's 07:24.710 --> 07:26.766 released publicly . Um , but what we 07:26.766 --> 07:28.821 can say is that on it's certainly no 07:28.821 --> 07:30.932 secret is that Iran continues to take 07:30.932 --> 07:33.490 steps in excess of its J c P o A . 07:33.500 --> 07:35.850 Limits . Iran has also recently taken 07:35.850 --> 07:39.520 steps to reduce cooperation with the 07:39.520 --> 07:41.580 IAEA , including the additional 07:41.580 --> 07:43.469 protocol . You heard the director 07:43.469 --> 07:45.747 General speak to this over the weekend . 07:45.747 --> 07:47.969 You heard me speak to this yesterday as 07:47.969 --> 07:50.136 well . We have underscored our concern 07:50.136 --> 07:52.080 that Iran eyes moving in the wrong 07:52.080 --> 07:54.191 direction . It is moving further away 07:54.191 --> 07:56.136 from its nuclear constraints . Our 07:56.136 --> 07:58.850 objective in all of this remains to 07:58.850 --> 08:01.270 seek an outcome in which Iran in the 08:01.270 --> 08:03.326 United States resume compliance with 08:03.326 --> 08:05.548 their commitments under the J c p o a . 08:05.560 --> 08:08.910 These steps by Iran . The steps that , 08:08.920 --> 08:12.110 um , we have spoken to the Iranians 08:12.110 --> 08:14.780 have spoken Thio publicly are clearly 08:14.790 --> 08:18.490 moving in the wrong direction . We also 08:18.490 --> 08:20.580 know that the I A continues to 08:20.580 --> 08:22.760 investigate a number of serious 08:22.770 --> 08:25.570 outstanding issues related to potential 08:25.570 --> 08:27.681 undeclared nuclear material in Iran . 08:27.681 --> 08:31.410 To your question , we insist that 08:31.420 --> 08:34.920 Iran cooperate with the IAEA to resolve 08:34.920 --> 08:37.040 these issues without further delay . 08:37.050 --> 08:39.272 We'll be in close consultation with the 08:39.272 --> 08:41.630 i A e a board of governors to discuss 08:41.630 --> 08:45.250 appropriate action in support of the 08:45.260 --> 08:48.600 agency's efforts on day . All the while , 08:48.610 --> 08:51.820 we have made clear that the best , the 08:51.820 --> 08:53.931 most sustainable , the most effective 08:53.931 --> 08:57.520 way to place limits , verifiable and 08:57.520 --> 08:59.464 permanent limits on Iran's nuclear 08:59.464 --> 09:01.920 program is through a negotiated 09:01.960 --> 09:04.340 solution to this . The proposition that 09:04.340 --> 09:06.396 the president has put has put on the 09:06.396 --> 09:08.396 table has been known for quite some 09:08.396 --> 09:10.618 time now . Even before he was present , 09:10.618 --> 09:12.507 United states the shorthand being 09:12.507 --> 09:14.507 compliance for compliance . If Iran 09:14.507 --> 09:16.562 resumes its full compliance with the 09:16.562 --> 09:18.673 nuclear deal , United States would be 09:18.673 --> 09:20.562 prepared to do the same . That is 09:20.562 --> 09:22.562 necessary but not sufficient step . 09:22.562 --> 09:24.660 It's not sufficient because we from 09:24.660 --> 09:26.520 there would like to lengthen and 09:26.520 --> 09:28.687 strengthen the deal . We would like to 09:28.687 --> 09:30.576 negotiate follow on agreements to 09:30.576 --> 09:32.742 address other areas of Iran's malign , 09:32.742 --> 09:34.464 uh , influence , including its 09:34.464 --> 09:36.576 ballistic missile program . The first 09:36.576 --> 09:38.353 step in all of this , a natural 09:38.353 --> 09:40.576 outgrowth from what we have been saying 09:40.576 --> 09:42.576 for some time , is to meet with the 09:42.576 --> 09:44.631 Iranians under the auspices of the P 09:44.631 --> 09:46.700 five plus one . Don't have an update 09:46.700 --> 09:48.930 for you there . Obviously , we made our 09:48.940 --> 09:51.280 offer known last week . We did that in 09:51.280 --> 09:53.530 tandem with our European partners . 09:53.610 --> 09:55.832 I've made this point before , but there 09:55.832 --> 09:57.666 has been a lot of ink spilled in 09:57.666 --> 10:00.440 attention paid Thio . The offer that we 10:00.440 --> 10:02.551 put forward , I think in many ways it 10:02.551 --> 10:05.210 was more noteworthy was the joint 10:05.210 --> 10:07.154 statement that emanated from the E 10:07.154 --> 10:10.350 three on the secretary of state 10:10.400 --> 10:12.900 secretary blanket . It was a clear 10:12.900 --> 10:14.880 signal that after weeks of 10:14.880 --> 10:16.991 consultations , weeks of coordination 10:16.991 --> 10:19.158 with our European allies , our closest 10:19.158 --> 10:21.269 allies were now on the same page . We 10:21.269 --> 10:23.436 are walking in lockstep with them down 10:23.436 --> 10:25.470 this path of diplomacy . It is no 10:25.470 --> 10:27.526 longer were no longer working across 10:27.526 --> 10:29.581 purposes we're working hand in glove 10:29.581 --> 10:31.414 with our European allies on . We 10:31.414 --> 10:33.590 believe that gives us , ah , position 10:33.590 --> 10:35.700 of strength when it comes to these 10:35.700 --> 10:37.533 negotiations . And we believe it 10:37.533 --> 10:39.700 provides the best path forward . Yes , 10:40.440 --> 10:43.440 thank you . E wanna change topics if 10:43.440 --> 10:45.650 it's okay with anything else on around 10:45.650 --> 10:48.070 quickly , Uh , short . We'll take 10:48.080 --> 10:50.910 Roslyn , and then we'll , uh thanks , 10:50.910 --> 10:53.820 Dad . Uh , congressional Republicans 10:53.820 --> 10:56.220 have criticized the J C P o a . One 10:56.220 --> 10:58.442 because it should have been a treaty in 10:58.442 --> 11:01.480 their view . And now they're trying to 11:01.480 --> 11:03.591 put pressure on the administration to 11:03.591 --> 11:06.270 not give in to Iran's repeated demands 11:06.280 --> 11:09.470 to lift the sanctions that were imposed 11:09.480 --> 11:11.702 by the previous administration , saying 11:11.702 --> 11:13.869 three us should not be in the business 11:13.869 --> 11:16.930 of rewarding bad behavior in the past 11:16.930 --> 11:19.041 couple of hours . Connecticut Senator 11:19.041 --> 11:21.580 Chris Murphy , when asked , said that 11:21.590 --> 11:23.201 he doesn't think it would be 11:23.201 --> 11:27.130 necessarily a bad idea to remove those 11:27.130 --> 11:29.830 sanctions in order to get the U . S . 11:29.840 --> 11:33.530 And Iran talking again . Is 11:33.540 --> 11:36.380 this a topic of discussion between the 11:36.380 --> 11:38.570 administration and members of Congress 11:38.900 --> 11:41.670 to perhaps get some political cover to 11:41.670 --> 11:43.781 consider at least lifting some of the 11:43.781 --> 11:46.190 sanctions to get this process moving . 11:46.720 --> 11:50.050 Is this simply a red line ? And I use 11:50.050 --> 11:53.710 that term as a term of art that the 11:53.710 --> 11:55.930 administration isn't going to do that 11:55.940 --> 11:58.470 Iran has to come back into compliance . 11:58.620 --> 12:01.590 No ifs , ands or buts . Well , reason I 12:01.590 --> 12:03.757 would start by making the point that a 12:03.757 --> 12:06.530 run moved away started to move away 12:06.540 --> 12:08.707 from its constraints under the J C p o 12:08.707 --> 12:11.930 A . After the May 2018 decision to 12:11.940 --> 12:14.720 leave the J C p o A , Um 12:14.730 --> 12:18.460 uh , when the agreement was 12:18.540 --> 12:20.730 adhered to by all sides , um , it was 12:20.730 --> 12:22.841 working . It was working according to 12:22.841 --> 12:25.063 the I E A . It was working According to 12:25.063 --> 12:26.786 this building , it was working 12:26.786 --> 12:29.119 according to the intelligence community , 12:29.119 --> 12:31.341 a swells according to our international 12:31.341 --> 12:33.563 partners , Um , that is why we continue 12:33.563 --> 12:35.730 to believe that the that the J c p o A 12:35.730 --> 12:38.890 forms inappropriate basis . Uh , Thio 12:38.900 --> 12:41.680 start Thio , hold those discussions toe 12:41.680 --> 12:43.902 lengthen and strengthen the deal . Um , 12:43.902 --> 12:46.160 that , of course , was , uh concluded 12:46.160 --> 12:49.860 in 2015 on to build on it . 12:50.240 --> 12:51.790 Now , when it comes to the 12:51.790 --> 12:53.790 consultations you referenced , Um , 12:53.790 --> 12:56.190 what we have said really since January 12:56.190 --> 12:58.380 20th is that the first step in this 12:58.380 --> 13:00.770 process is to undertake consultations 13:00.780 --> 13:03.390 with our allies . And I've spoken to 13:03.400 --> 13:05.800 the three , uh , in this context with 13:05.800 --> 13:07.856 our partners . And of course , there 13:07.856 --> 13:10.078 were . There are other members of the P 13:10.078 --> 13:12.300 five plus one , of course , who are not 13:12.300 --> 13:14.356 treaty allies . Um , there are other 13:14.356 --> 13:16.467 interested parties around the world , 13:16.467 --> 13:18.689 including our partners in the region on 13:18.689 --> 13:21.070 with members of Congress . And those 13:21.070 --> 13:23.237 consultations with members of Congress 13:23.237 --> 13:25.920 have been ongoing . We want to make 13:25.920 --> 13:27.976 sure that , uh , well , I should say 13:27.976 --> 13:30.150 that that we know that our approach 13:30.240 --> 13:33.310 we'll have the most legitimacy Andi 13:33.320 --> 13:36.430 prospects for success when we have that 13:36.440 --> 13:38.496 support , not only from our partners 13:38.496 --> 13:40.690 and allies , but from key members of 13:40.690 --> 13:42.710 Congress . When it comes Thio , the 13:42.710 --> 13:44.710 proposals that have been put on the 13:44.710 --> 13:47.380 table are retort here is quite simple . 13:47.390 --> 13:50.080 We offered last week to meet with the 13:50.080 --> 13:52.191 Iranians . We said we'd be willing to 13:52.191 --> 13:54.302 meet with the Iranians in the context 13:54.302 --> 13:56.524 of the P five plus one , because that's 13:56.524 --> 13:58.691 where we believe these issues are best 13:58.691 --> 14:00.524 discussed and adjudicated . Um , 14:00.524 --> 14:02.469 there's been posturing in Tehran . 14:02.469 --> 14:06.330 There has been , uh , posturing 14:06.330 --> 14:08.960 elsewhere . We think that discussions , 14:08.960 --> 14:12.220 negotiations , engaging in that clear 14:12.220 --> 14:15.040 eyed principle diplomacy together with 14:15.050 --> 14:17.570 our closest partners . The E three in 14:17.570 --> 14:19.792 this case , along with the other P five 14:19.792 --> 14:21.792 plus one members . That's the place 14:21.792 --> 14:24.014 where we wanna have those discussions . 14:24.014 --> 14:26.780 Well , yeah . Um the South Korean 14:26.780 --> 14:29.002 Foreign Ministry said today that it has 14:29.002 --> 14:31.169 reached an agreement in principle with 14:31.169 --> 14:34.980 the Iranians toe unfree some of the oil 14:35.040 --> 14:36.873 money that has been frozen by US 14:36.873 --> 14:39.770 sanctions , but that it's pending US 14:39.780 --> 14:41.891 approval . Is that the case ? And are 14:41.891 --> 14:43.947 you involved in discussions with the 14:43.947 --> 14:45.891 South Koreans ? Thio unfreeze that 14:45.891 --> 14:48.058 money ? Well , we don't have ah common 14:48.058 --> 14:50.169 precisely on that . Precisely because 14:50.169 --> 14:52.280 there has been no transfer of funds . 14:52.280 --> 14:54.280 As you alluded , Thio , we wouldn't 14:54.280 --> 14:56.400 want to comment on bilateral 14:56.410 --> 14:58.950 negotiations with other countries . 14:58.960 --> 15:02.050 You've heard me speak Thio our close 15:02.050 --> 15:05.770 consultations with allies on partners 15:05.780 --> 15:08.058 and of course , uh , the South Koreans , 15:08.058 --> 15:11.030 Republic of Korea . A key ally , um , 15:11.040 --> 15:14.680 key treaty ally Andi . Very much 15:14.690 --> 15:16.860 a partner when it comes to sanctions 15:16.860 --> 15:19.880 enforcement across the board . Eso it 15:19.880 --> 15:22.047 wouldn't be a surprise . Wouldn't come 15:22.047 --> 15:24.158 as a shock . I'm sure to hear you say 15:24.158 --> 15:26.380 that we do discuss these issues broadly 15:26.380 --> 15:28.602 with the South Koreans , but I wouldn't 15:28.602 --> 15:28.450 characterize it beyond that anything 15:28.450 --> 15:30.561 else in Iran ? Are we ready ? Move on 15:30.561 --> 15:32.506 One more . Yeah , sort of around a 15:32.506 --> 15:34.770 former secretary of state . Well , it's 15:34.770 --> 15:38.210 a Mike Z . It's a it's a Mike Pompeo 15:38.210 --> 15:40.210 Iran Question . Former Secretary of 15:40.210 --> 15:42.820 State Pompeo was on Fox News today and 15:42.830 --> 15:45.750 said that , um , current Biden 15:45.760 --> 15:48.050 administration officials , uh , during 15:48.050 --> 15:50.320 the Trump years had sought to undermine 15:50.320 --> 15:53.690 Trump's Iran policy and called it , uh , 15:53.700 --> 15:55.860 un American uh , including 15:55.870 --> 15:58.190 communications that Fox News said that 15:58.190 --> 16:00.357 they had with Foreign Minister Zarif . 16:00.357 --> 16:02.579 And I wondered if you wanted to respond 16:02.579 --> 16:04.579 to former Secretary Pompeo that Fox 16:04.579 --> 16:06.801 News said they had with the reporting . 16:06.801 --> 16:08.968 Sorry , I understand that had reported 16:08.968 --> 16:08.450 on some of these , I think were 16:08.450 --> 16:10.394 previously known interactions with 16:10.394 --> 16:12.450 Foreign Minister Zarif that occurred 16:12.450 --> 16:14.339 during the Trump administration . 16:14.339 --> 16:16.450 Secretary former Secretary Pompeo was 16:16.450 --> 16:18.672 asked about them today on Fox said that 16:18.672 --> 16:20.506 those people have been trying to 16:20.506 --> 16:22.728 undermine Trump policy and called it un 16:22.728 --> 16:24.950 American . And I wondered , if you want 16:24.950 --> 16:27.006 to respond to that , I don't want to 16:27.006 --> 16:29.172 respond to that directly . What I What 16:29.172 --> 16:31.228 I would say is that uh , everyone in 16:31.228 --> 16:33.394 this administration shares the view of 16:33.394 --> 16:35.617 the president , United States that Iran 16:35.617 --> 16:37.783 cannot be allowed to acquire a nuclear 16:37.783 --> 16:37.710 weapon . I wouldn't want to speak for 16:37.710 --> 16:39.710 the previous administration , but I 16:39.710 --> 16:41.980 would hazard a guess , Uh , that they 16:41.990 --> 16:44.370 believe the same believed the same . I 16:44.370 --> 16:47.510 should say that Iran should never be 16:47.510 --> 16:49.621 allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon . 16:49.621 --> 16:52.140 It is also no secret that this 16:52.140 --> 16:54.890 president and this administration have 16:55.130 --> 16:58.190 on key principles had profound 16:58.190 --> 17:01.300 disagreements with the way in which the 17:01.300 --> 17:03.800 previous administration sought to bring 17:03.800 --> 17:06.133 that about . Um , even in this briefing , 17:06.133 --> 17:08.960 you have heard , uh , me say that while 17:08.960 --> 17:11.550 the A c p o . A . Was in effect while 17:11.550 --> 17:13.606 it was still in effect , of course . 17:13.606 --> 17:15.439 But while all sides were in full 17:15.439 --> 17:17.661 compliance , um , Iran was living up to 17:17.661 --> 17:19.650 its commitments on That is not my 17:19.650 --> 17:23.190 opinion . That was the assessment 17:23.200 --> 17:25.980 of this building of our intelligence 17:25.980 --> 17:27.924 community of international weapons 17:27.924 --> 17:30.036 inspectors on the part of the I A e a 17:30.036 --> 17:32.036 on we say when we say that Iran was 17:32.036 --> 17:33.924 living up to its commitment , the 17:33.924 --> 17:36.147 commitment that Iran had when it was in 17:36.147 --> 17:38.369 full compliance and full performance of 17:38.369 --> 17:41.620 its jcpoa A requirements was , uh , 17:41.630 --> 17:44.910 strict limitations on its nuclear 17:44.920 --> 17:47.430 activities . Ah , strict verification 17:47.430 --> 17:49.541 and monitoring regime . In fact , the 17:49.541 --> 17:52.560 strictest ever , uh , negotiated , Uh , 17:52.570 --> 17:56.330 and a prohibition , um , indefinite 17:56.450 --> 17:58.610 permanent prohibition on Iran's 17:58.610 --> 18:01.020 acquisition of a nuclear weapon . That 18:01.020 --> 18:03.760 is why this administration continues to 18:03.760 --> 18:07.100 believe that the JCPOA forms 18:07.110 --> 18:10.100 inappropriate basis to begin broader 18:10.100 --> 18:11.820 discussions to begin broader 18:11.820 --> 18:13.840 discussions for lengthening and 18:13.840 --> 18:16.007 strengthening the deal . And then , of 18:16.007 --> 18:18.229 course , as I said before negotiating , 18:18.229 --> 18:21.860 follow on agreements , uh , 18:22.240 --> 18:24.830 there , this has always been a This has 18:24.830 --> 18:27.160 been a contentious issue , but I think 18:27.170 --> 18:29.640 every good faith actor can come to this 18:29.640 --> 18:31.510 issue , um , in this country , 18:31.510 --> 18:34.820 believing that American interest should 18:34.820 --> 18:37.130 always be put first , uh , that Iran 18:37.130 --> 18:39.390 should never be allowed to acquire a 18:39.390 --> 18:41.390 nuclear weapon . And we believe the 18:41.390 --> 18:43.112 best way to do that is through 18:43.112 --> 18:45.112 principled , clear eyed diplomacy . 18:45.960 --> 18:48.182 Administration's position was that even 18:48.182 --> 18:50.300 if Iran was complying in full 18:50.300 --> 18:53.760 compliance , the agreement the deal was 18:53.760 --> 18:56.330 so flawed that it would still give them 18:56.330 --> 18:59.500 a pathway , uh , to develop a bomb 18:59.510 --> 19:02.390 because of the sunset clauses because 19:02.390 --> 19:06.060 of the the end 19:06.060 --> 19:08.820 of the end of certain sanctions 19:09.240 --> 19:12.740 that , uh , some of which began in 19:12.750 --> 19:14.583 September , What , you guys have 19:14.583 --> 19:16.710 withdrawn the snapback . So I mean , 19:16.720 --> 19:18.831 can you at least acknowledge that's a 19:18.831 --> 19:20.950 fundamental difference in the in how 19:20.950 --> 19:23.040 this administration views it and how 19:23.050 --> 19:25.161 the previous administration views . I 19:25.161 --> 19:26.994 mean , they thought the previous 19:26.994 --> 19:29.340 administration's argument was that even 19:29.340 --> 19:32.780 if Iran completely complies , it's 19:32.780 --> 19:36.160 still a bad deal because they can still 19:36.540 --> 19:39.840 enrich the limits on enrichment . The 19:39.850 --> 19:42.040 limits on centrifuges and everything 19:42.040 --> 19:44.720 get , get , get lifted over a period of 19:44.730 --> 19:48.120 time . A couple things were undeniably 19:48.130 --> 19:50.340 true . Andi . I say that with the 19:50.340 --> 19:52.229 caveat that it's , of course , no 19:52.229 --> 19:54.451 secret that the previous administration 19:54.451 --> 19:57.170 appeared to have a very different view 19:57.240 --> 20:00.890 of the utility , the general utility of 20:00.890 --> 20:02.890 the J C P O a . But a couple things 20:02.890 --> 20:05.112 were true before the J . C p o . I went 20:05.112 --> 20:07.420 into effect . Iran's breakout time . 20:07.430 --> 20:09.319 The time it would need to develop 20:09.319 --> 20:11.430 enough fissile material for a nuclear 20:11.430 --> 20:13.930 weapon was estimated in a handful of 20:13.930 --> 20:17.410 months when Iran was in full compliance 20:17.410 --> 20:19.490 and full performance of its Jcpoa 20:19.490 --> 20:22.060 commitments at that time went up Thio 20:22.940 --> 20:26.630 Ah , full year . Uh , also , Iran 20:26.640 --> 20:29.670 is permanently barred from obtaining a 20:29.670 --> 20:32.320 nuclear weapon . Hold up that permanent 20:32.320 --> 20:34.820 bar . Okay , that you're talking about 20:34.820 --> 20:37.380 the fatwa ? No , I'm not talking about 20:37.380 --> 20:39.602 that . What ? I'm talking about the Non 20:39.602 --> 20:41.890 Proliferation Treaty Well , so there is 20:41.890 --> 20:44.150 a permanent . They just suspended their 20:44.150 --> 20:45.928 cooperation with the additional 20:45.928 --> 20:48.810 protocol is separate from the NPT , but 20:48.820 --> 20:50.830 OK . Eso okay . Sounds like I've 20:50.830 --> 20:52.886 answered the question . Yes . Okay . 20:52.886 --> 20:55.108 Thank you . All right . I have a couple 20:55.108 --> 20:57.330 of questions on the Palestinian issue . 20:57.330 --> 21:00.900 Uh , first on Lincoln's conversation 21:00.900 --> 21:03.200 yesterday , phone call with his 21:03.200 --> 21:05.540 counterpart , the Israeli Ashkenazi , 21:05.780 --> 21:08.950 and hey emphasized that the bite 21:08.950 --> 21:11.400 administration adheres to the two state 21:11.400 --> 21:14.350 solution . Could you tell us where does 21:14.350 --> 21:16.940 this administration envision this two 21:16.940 --> 21:20.510 state solution to be . And is East 21:20.510 --> 21:23.620 Jerusalem part of it ? Well , I would 21:23.620 --> 21:27.060 say that the secretary , um , was 21:27.060 --> 21:29.040 pleased to speak with his Israeli 21:29.040 --> 21:31.310 counterpart . They've had multiple 21:31.320 --> 21:34.160 conversations at this . A tous point 21:34.170 --> 21:36.660 we've said before the United States 21:36.660 --> 21:38.890 remains unwavering . Uh , in our 21:38.890 --> 21:41.210 commitment to Israel's security , Andi 21:41.220 --> 21:45.180 will work to strengthen all aspects of 21:45.180 --> 21:48.290 the Israeli bilateral bilateral 21:48.300 --> 21:51.960 relationship when it comes thio the two 21:51.960 --> 21:54.270 state solution . The Biden 21:54.270 --> 21:57.500 administration believes that the two 21:57.500 --> 22:00.020 state solution is the best way to 22:00.020 --> 22:03.960 ensure Israel's identity as a 22:03.970 --> 22:06.960 Jewish and democratic state , while 22:06.960 --> 22:10.830 living in peace alongside ah viable 22:10.840 --> 22:13.160 and democratic Palestinian state . Uh , 22:13.170 --> 22:16.210 that is precisely why the two state 22:16.210 --> 22:19.830 solution continues to be the crux 22:19.840 --> 22:23.460 of how we view three conflict and where 22:23.460 --> 22:26.040 we believe Onda how we believe the 22:26.040 --> 22:28.207 conflict should be resolved . Now , of 22:28.207 --> 22:31.160 course , I don't think anyone is saying 22:31.160 --> 22:34.640 that a negotiated two state solution , 22:34.680 --> 22:37.040 um is in the offing in the coming hours 22:37.040 --> 22:40.000 or days were realistic , but at the 22:40.000 --> 22:42.990 same time , we believe it provides a 22:42.990 --> 22:46.440 durable framework for Thean State 22:46.450 --> 22:49.240 that we've talked about . But you know , 22:49.240 --> 22:51.620 so much has changed . I mean , do you 22:51.620 --> 22:54.190 feel that you have leverage with the 22:54.200 --> 22:56.760 current Israeli Prime Minister who's , 22:56.770 --> 22:59.048 you know , running for reelection very , 22:59.048 --> 23:01.159 very soon ? You know , I mean , is it 23:01.159 --> 23:03.270 is it really worthwhile to speak with 23:03.270 --> 23:05.103 them about not taking unilateral 23:05.103 --> 23:07.326 actions ? I mean , do you see him to be 23:07.326 --> 23:10.620 amenable to whatever issues that you 23:10.620 --> 23:13.000 raise with e think this ? I think this 23:13.000 --> 23:14.850 goes back Thio the issue . I was 23:14.850 --> 23:17.450 speaking to before , uh , that the 23:17.450 --> 23:20.510 United States were the world's 23:20.520 --> 23:22.687 strongest , most powerful country . We 23:22.687 --> 23:25.000 can pursue an accomplished multiple 23:25.000 --> 23:28.100 things at once . We have interests and 23:28.100 --> 23:30.710 we have values . Those things need not 23:30.710 --> 23:33.340 be inconsistent on . In fact , our 23:33.340 --> 23:35.410 interests are our values on device 23:35.410 --> 23:38.990 versa . Eso when it comes to the two 23:38.990 --> 23:40.879 state solution . Our values are a 23:40.879 --> 23:43.890 playoff on both sides . Frankly , we 23:43.890 --> 23:47.500 believe Israel should continue to be a 23:47.510 --> 23:50.190 Jewish on Democratic state . At the 23:50.190 --> 23:51.968 same time , we believe that the 23:51.968 --> 23:54.420 Palestinians deserve , uh , they're 23:54.430 --> 23:57.430 legitimate aspirations . Um , for , 23:57.440 --> 24:00.470 uh , statehood and independence . Um , 24:00.480 --> 24:03.720 so we bring our values with us in every 24:03.720 --> 24:05.942 relationship across the board we talked 24:05.942 --> 24:07.942 about in Egypt , we talked about in 24:07.942 --> 24:09.998 other countries in this room on It's 24:09.998 --> 24:12.164 certainly true when it comes to Israel 24:12.164 --> 24:13.998 as well . You know , just if you 24:13.998 --> 24:16.331 indulge me just a little bit , you know ? 24:16.331 --> 24:18.220 But this prime minister has had a 24:18.220 --> 24:20.331 tradition , and during every election 24:20.331 --> 24:22.331 is almost every year where he would 24:22.331 --> 24:24.331 take unilateral action to satisfy a 24:24.331 --> 24:26.442 very , you know , very fundamentalist 24:26.442 --> 24:28.609 base and so on the settlers , I mean , 24:28.609 --> 24:30.720 let's be open and so on . If he takes 24:30.720 --> 24:32.887 such actions , are you Are you telling 24:32.887 --> 24:35.109 him not to at all on there ? Will there 24:35.109 --> 24:37.440 be consequences if he did ? I think 24:37.450 --> 24:39.672 Andi , I may have said this in response 24:39.672 --> 24:41.894 to one of your previous questions , but 24:41.894 --> 24:44.730 we have been very clear from this room 24:44.730 --> 24:48.380 and on , and more broadly , we 24:48.380 --> 24:51.570 believe it is critical for 24:51.580 --> 24:54.860 Israel to refrain from unilateral steps . 24:54.940 --> 24:57.970 Uh , that exacerbate tensions on 24:57.980 --> 25:00.770 undercut those efforts to advance a two 25:00.770 --> 25:03.460 state solution . Again , we believe in 25:03.460 --> 25:05.682 the centrality and the premise of a two 25:05.682 --> 25:07.793 state solution . We don't want to see 25:07.793 --> 25:10.016 um , either side take a step that would 25:10.016 --> 25:12.349 put that further out of reach uncovered . 25:12.349 --> 25:14.571 Just just one last thing on uncovered . 25:14.571 --> 25:18.110 I know that my colleague from heart 25:18.110 --> 25:20.660 asked you last week , and he suggested 25:20.660 --> 25:22.827 that the Israelis are allowing 100,000 25:22.827 --> 25:25.950 vaccines . Thio go in , you know . But 25:25.960 --> 25:27.793 until today , really nothing has 25:27.793 --> 25:30.127 happened . Are you following up on that ? 25:30.127 --> 25:32.127 I mean , there's really seems to be 25:32.127 --> 25:33.849 withholding a matter of fact , 25:33.849 --> 25:36.071 preventing these vaccines from going to 25:36.071 --> 25:38.404 Gaza , going to the West Bank and so on . 25:38.404 --> 25:38.040 What is your position on this ? And 25:38.050 --> 25:40.161 especially with the World Bank report 25:40.161 --> 25:43.990 yesterday saying that the situation 25:43.990 --> 25:46.310 is really quite disastrous there , and 25:46.310 --> 25:48.980 it needs to be quick . Randy . Well , 25:48.980 --> 25:50.800 we believe it's important for 25:50.810 --> 25:52.699 Palestinians to achieve increased 25:52.699 --> 25:56.180 access , uh , to Covic vaccine in the 25:56.180 --> 25:58.236 weeks ahead . I think I talked about 25:58.236 --> 26:00.370 this . I guess it was on Friday . We 26:00.370 --> 26:03.560 believe it's important for their own , 26:03.570 --> 26:06.640 Um for their own needs . It's important 26:06.640 --> 26:09.740 for , um , Israel , Israel's 26:09.750 --> 26:11.930 health and security as well . But 26:11.930 --> 26:14.097 there's also a broader dynamic play as 26:14.097 --> 26:17.850 long as Cove . It is uncontrolled 26:17.860 --> 26:20.050 in any part of the world . We can see 26:20.050 --> 26:22.217 the development of these variants that 26:22.217 --> 26:24.494 have posed such a challenge to us . Um , 26:24.494 --> 26:26.494 that is why this administration has 26:26.494 --> 26:30.380 undertaken a une effort thio distribute 26:30.390 --> 26:33.010 a safe and effective vaccine . Uh , to 26:33.020 --> 26:35.020 millions of Americans , millions of 26:35.020 --> 26:37.340 Americans , um , per day on some days 26:37.350 --> 26:39.540 on It is also why we have made 26:39.540 --> 26:41.707 commitments on the international stage 26:41.707 --> 26:44.510 through Gavi $32 billion commitment , 26:44.520 --> 26:47.050 the president announced , uh , late 26:47.050 --> 26:49.680 last week , followed by a longer term 26:49.690 --> 26:52.330 additional $2 billion . Um , that near 26:52.330 --> 26:55.500 term $2 billion is We have prioritized 26:55.500 --> 26:58.300 it precisely because we know that no 26:58.300 --> 27:00.800 American can ultimately be safer , that 27:00.800 --> 27:02.967 this country cannot ultimately be safe 27:02.967 --> 27:06.200 from cove it while it continues . Thio 27:06.210 --> 27:09.080 run in the wild on the more people we 27:09.080 --> 27:11.080 can vaccinate , of course , in this 27:11.080 --> 27:13.191 country . But the more people who are 27:13.191 --> 27:15.358 also vaccinated around the world , the 27:15.358 --> 27:17.680 quicker we can squash this pandemic and 27:17.680 --> 27:20.460 protect Americans here at home . Rich , 27:21.040 --> 27:24.180 uh , released earlier today or read out 27:24.180 --> 27:26.402 regarding the secretary's call with the 27:26.402 --> 27:28.347 Polish foreign minister . Uh , the 27:28.347 --> 27:31.490 foreign minister wrote that he on his 27:31.500 --> 27:33.611 Ukrainian counterpart were calling on 27:33.611 --> 27:35.611 the Biden administration to use all 27:35.611 --> 27:37.850 means at their disposal to prevent Nord 27:37.850 --> 27:40.940 Stream two from happening . Do you 27:40.940 --> 27:43.107 agree that this administration or will 27:43.107 --> 27:45.329 this administration agree that you guys 27:45.329 --> 27:47.496 are on the same page that you're using 27:47.496 --> 27:49.440 all at your disposal to stop North 27:49.440 --> 27:51.440 Stream two ? Well , rich e think we 27:51.440 --> 27:53.162 talked about this a little bit 27:53.162 --> 27:55.162 yesterday , but , um , in the first 27:55.162 --> 27:57.051 weeks of this administration , we 27:57.051 --> 27:58.996 conducted three assessment that we 27:58.996 --> 28:02.150 submitted to Congress on Friday on bond 28:02.160 --> 28:03.882 Important Leader question . We 28:03.882 --> 28:06.360 consulted closely with our European 28:06.370 --> 28:09.140 partners in our European allies . I 28:09.140 --> 28:11.280 think it is fair to say that none of 28:11.280 --> 28:13.447 our partners or allies would have been 28:13.447 --> 28:15.900 taken by surprise by what ultimately 28:15.910 --> 28:19.360 was in that assessment . When it comes 28:19.360 --> 28:22.790 thio the pulse , we certainly 28:22.800 --> 28:26.440 share their concerns with Nord Stream 28:26.440 --> 28:29.060 Thio . More broadly . That is why we 28:29.060 --> 28:31.400 have been unequivocal on saying that 28:31.410 --> 28:33.577 North Stream two is a bad deal . It is 28:33.577 --> 28:35.632 a bad deal for Europe . Um , it is a 28:35.632 --> 28:38.300 bad deal for Europe's in the context of 28:38.300 --> 28:41.470 Europe's own stated energy goals s Oh , 28:41.480 --> 28:43.702 this is not what we submitted on Friday 28:43.702 --> 28:45.869 was not the end of the story . Um , it 28:45.869 --> 28:48.490 was report that Congress required 28:48.490 --> 28:50.490 Congress obviously has a legitimate 28:50.490 --> 28:52.657 interest in this . We will continue to 28:52.657 --> 28:54.850 keep Congress apprised , Uh , and if 28:54.860 --> 28:57.150 additional policy responses are 28:57.150 --> 29:00.730 warranted , Thio fulfill 29:00.780 --> 29:03.230 legislative requirements our to fulfill 29:03.240 --> 29:05.296 our interests when it comes to North 29:05.296 --> 29:07.351 Stream two . We won't hesitate to do 29:07.351 --> 29:09.407 that As part of your consultations , 29:09.407 --> 29:11.462 bipartisan group of lawmakers sent a 29:11.462 --> 29:13.351 letter last week . They used open 29:13.351 --> 29:16.120 source data to identify ships that 29:16.120 --> 29:19.170 we're working on that project . They 29:19.170 --> 29:21.337 say they've not gotten a response . Is 29:21.337 --> 29:23.503 the State Department looking into that 29:23.503 --> 29:25.614 charges in that letter ? And can they 29:25.614 --> 29:28.350 expect a response ? Uh , so I'll I'm 29:28.350 --> 29:30.461 not familiar with the letter election 29:30.461 --> 29:32.628 if we have anything specific to say on 29:32.628 --> 29:34.683 that . But of course , in the report 29:34.683 --> 29:36.628 that we submitted to Congress last 29:36.628 --> 29:38.961 Friday and then we spoke Thio yesterday , 29:38.961 --> 29:41.100 we did identify the Russia based Gvt 29:41.100 --> 29:44.870 Reus Azan entity knowingly selling , 29:44.870 --> 29:47.480 leasing or providing the vessel Fortuna 29:47.490 --> 29:50.250 in the construction of the pipeline . 29:50.260 --> 29:54.200 We determined that ktt Reus was 29:54.210 --> 29:56.154 partaking in sanctionable activity 29:56.154 --> 29:58.154 precisely because it was engaged in 29:58.154 --> 30:00.266 pipe laying or pipe laying activities 30:00.266 --> 30:02.377 at depths of 100 ft or more , which I 30:02.377 --> 30:04.599 understand to be the key criterion when 30:04.599 --> 30:06.766 it comes to pizza . The legislation at 30:06.766 --> 30:09.680 play here eso the as I said before the 30:09.680 --> 30:11.791 report on Friday , was not the end of 30:11.791 --> 30:13.736 the story . It was just the latest 30:13.736 --> 30:15.902 chapter we will continue to monitor to 30:15.902 --> 30:17.902 evaluate , And if additional policy 30:17.902 --> 30:19.847 responses are warranted , we won't 30:19.847 --> 30:22.550 hesitate to take thumbs up . Uh , 30:23.140 --> 30:25.800 you've talked a lot about trying Thio 30:25.810 --> 30:28.040 get allies , especially allies in the 30:28.040 --> 30:30.340 region . Thio pressure the Burmese 30:30.340 --> 30:32.820 military to change course . There's an 30:32.820 --> 30:36.180 initiative by Indonesia and ASEAN 30:36.180 --> 30:39.880 Initiative led by Indonesia , which is 30:39.890 --> 30:41.890 trying to push the Burmese military 30:41.890 --> 30:44.240 thio stick by their promise of holding 30:44.240 --> 30:47.010 elections in a year on and apparently a 30:47.020 --> 30:49.187 trip planned by the Indonesian foreign 30:49.187 --> 30:51.187 minister , which would be the first 30:51.187 --> 30:52.964 sort of engagement with the new 30:52.964 --> 30:56.460 military hunter . Does that does the U . 30:56.460 --> 30:58.460 S . Sort of have a position on this 30:58.460 --> 31:01.360 because it seems ing contradictory off 31:02.040 --> 31:04.151 your position , which has been to try 31:04.151 --> 31:05.929 and get the hunters attempt the 31:05.929 --> 31:08.040 generals to kind of , um , change 31:08.040 --> 31:10.230 course rather than saying yes , you 31:10.230 --> 31:12.397 could take power for a year is long As 31:12.397 --> 31:14.730 you hold elections after a year so that , 31:14.730 --> 31:14.550 you know , it seems to be out of out of 31:14.550 --> 31:16.717 whack there . Well , I understand that 31:16.717 --> 31:18.883 proposal remains hypothetical . And so 31:18.883 --> 31:21.200 we wouldn't want toe weigh in on this 31:21.210 --> 31:24.500 at this stage . What I would say and I 31:24.500 --> 31:26.667 would reiterate something we have said 31:26.667 --> 31:29.810 ever since , Uh , the coup on February 31:29.810 --> 31:32.190 1st , something we determined to be a 31:32.190 --> 31:34.412 coup the very next day . And then we've 31:34.412 --> 31:36.950 been unambiguous about ever since , Um , 31:37.540 --> 31:40.880 Burmese . Burma's military leaders must 31:40.880 --> 31:42.824 see that their attempts to replace 31:42.824 --> 31:44.547 Burma's democratically elected 31:44.547 --> 31:47.710 government on gets violent actions will 31:47.710 --> 31:49.766 have consequences . Of course , last 31:49.766 --> 31:53.310 night we announced a new additional set 31:53.320 --> 31:56.430 of sanctions . There was a G seven 31:56.440 --> 31:58.830 statement that I'm sure you saw , uh , 31:58.840 --> 32:00.896 this morning again the United States 32:00.896 --> 32:03.240 and our some of our closest partners on 32:03.250 --> 32:05.290 allies speaking with one voice 32:05.370 --> 32:07.740 condemning what's going on . And of 32:07.740 --> 32:09.740 course , we're not the only country 32:09.740 --> 32:11.518 taking action , uh , to promote 32:11.518 --> 32:13.740 accountability for the military leaders 32:13.740 --> 32:16.250 behind , uh , this coup . In fact , we 32:16.250 --> 32:18.790 applauded the recent sanctions that 32:18.790 --> 32:21.012 sanctions announcements were made by UK 32:21.012 --> 32:23.560 in Canada a Zwelithini announcement 32:23.560 --> 32:27.340 that the you will look into its own its 32:27.340 --> 32:30.030 own measures . Eso Our message to the 32:30.030 --> 32:33.800 junta has not changed . They must 32:33.810 --> 32:35.870 relinquish power . They must restore 32:35.880 --> 32:38.740 Thebe democratically elected government . 32:38.750 --> 32:40.917 And our message to the people of Burma 32:40.917 --> 32:42.972 has not changed . We stands with the 32:42.972 --> 32:45.720 people of Burma . We will continue 32:45.730 --> 32:49.010 again in concert with our like minded 32:49.020 --> 32:51.187 allies and partners around the world , 32:51.187 --> 32:53.600 um , to support their , um , 32:53.610 --> 32:56.300 aspirations for the restoration of a 32:56.300 --> 32:58.244 civilian led government in Burma . 32:58.640 --> 33:02.400 Have the 33:02.400 --> 33:05.460 United States received formal request 33:05.460 --> 33:07.349 from the Burmese diplomats in the 33:07.349 --> 33:11.140 United States who are asking for asylum 33:11.140 --> 33:13.251 because they do not want to side with 33:13.251 --> 33:15.362 the military leaders they want , They 33:15.362 --> 33:17.418 don't want to go back home to . They 33:17.418 --> 33:19.473 want to be on the same side with the 33:19.473 --> 33:21.473 Burmese people and separately , How 33:21.473 --> 33:24.940 would you characterize the heart ? Um , 33:24.950 --> 33:27.460 other members in the cross position 33:27.460 --> 33:29.870 regarding the sanctions ? Um , I was 33:29.870 --> 33:32.730 reading the statement after the court 33:32.730 --> 33:35.130 meeting . Um , they called for a return 33:35.130 --> 33:37.186 for Democracy Palace . No mention on 33:37.186 --> 33:39.380 the sanctions our lay on the same page 33:39.380 --> 33:41.580 with the U . S . In regards to 33:41.580 --> 33:43.840 sanctions with against the military 33:43.840 --> 33:46.062 leaders . Thank you . Well you saw from 33:46.062 --> 33:48.229 the readout that was issued after that 33:48.229 --> 33:50.340 meeting late last week . I suppose it 33:50.340 --> 33:52.670 was , uh that there is unanimity in the 33:52.670 --> 33:55.490 position that we democracy , that 33:55.490 --> 33:58.520 civilian leadership must be restored to 33:58.520 --> 34:00.687 the people of Burma . We've heard that 34:00.687 --> 34:02.798 from the quad . We've heard that from 34:02.798 --> 34:05.020 the G seven . We've heard it , heard it 34:05.020 --> 34:07.020 from other countries individually . 34:07.020 --> 34:09.100 Other constellations of countries 34:09.100 --> 34:11.322 together . Um , we've heard it from the 34:11.322 --> 34:13.720 U . N . Security Council s O . The 34:13.720 --> 34:15.831 world is speaking with just about one 34:15.831 --> 34:19.330 voice when it comes Thio opposing the 34:19.330 --> 34:21.700 military coup in Burma and supporting 34:21.710 --> 34:24.630 Theus aspirations of the people of 34:24.630 --> 34:27.540 Burma to restore their civilian 34:27.550 --> 34:30.230 democratically elected government of 34:30.240 --> 34:33.260 the United States will continue Thio 34:33.270 --> 34:35.270 offer that rhetorical support , but 34:35.270 --> 34:38.780 also to take action in furtherance of 34:38.780 --> 34:40.891 those goals . As I mentioned before , 34:40.891 --> 34:43.002 we announced two additional sanctions 34:43.002 --> 34:45.200 against two of additional um , members 34:45.200 --> 34:47.280 of the military . Uh , some of our 34:47.290 --> 34:49.620 close allies and partners have 34:49.630 --> 34:51.797 announced their own sanctions or their 34:51.797 --> 34:55.500 intent to sanction um a zay said in a 34:55.500 --> 34:57.556 very different context when it comes 34:57.556 --> 34:59.722 United States , it's certainly not the 34:59.722 --> 35:01.833 end of the story on DWI will continue 35:01.833 --> 35:04.560 to pursue means on a policy basis . Uh , 35:04.570 --> 35:07.780 Thio , fulfill our goal to support the 35:07.780 --> 35:11.450 Burmese people in to restore democratic 35:11.460 --> 35:14.410 and civilian rule . Um , uh , in Burma 35:14.410 --> 35:16.688 when it comes Thio , Burmese diplomats , 35:16.688 --> 35:18.910 United States , we'll see if we can get 35:18.910 --> 35:21.021 you anything on that front . Can we ? 35:21.021 --> 35:22.854 Can I please ask about Georgia's 35:22.854 --> 35:24.688 political crisis ? Thank you for 35:24.688 --> 35:27.170 Laurita on the top of the briefing . Um , 35:28.040 --> 35:30.740 have the United States or the embassy 35:30.740 --> 35:32.351 or State Department have any 35:32.351 --> 35:34.660 communication with the current prime 35:34.660 --> 35:36.760 minister overload detention off the 35:36.770 --> 35:39.450 opposition leader . And in your 35:39.450 --> 35:42.050 assessment , what would happen next ? 35:42.060 --> 35:45.410 Our sanctions in the U . S . Tour box . 35:45.420 --> 35:48.250 Thank you . Well , Asai said , we we 35:48.260 --> 35:50.870 urge the government of Georgia Toe act 35:50.870 --> 35:54.040 in line with its own aspirations with 35:54.040 --> 35:56.410 its own Euro Atlantic aspirations and 35:56.410 --> 35:58.970 to reinforce its commitment thio 35:58.980 --> 36:01.690 democracy , individual liberty on the 36:01.690 --> 36:04.450 rule of law by ensuring that its 36:04.450 --> 36:06.506 judicial and prosecutorial system is 36:06.506 --> 36:09.020 free of political bias . We have made 36:09.030 --> 36:11.840 no bones about where we stand . The 36:11.850 --> 36:13.794 fact that I'm saying this from the 36:13.794 --> 36:15.906 podium is certainly a good indication 36:15.906 --> 36:18.080 that we have had , uh , more candid 36:18.090 --> 36:20.800 discussions with our interlocutors , 36:20.810 --> 36:23.450 including interlocutors uh in Georgia 36:23.460 --> 36:26.010 again , not to be repetitive , but this 36:26.010 --> 36:28.066 goes back to what we've said several 36:28.066 --> 36:30.121 times throughout this briefing about 36:30.121 --> 36:32.288 the United States . Um , always having 36:32.288 --> 36:34.454 our values , taking our values in hand 36:34.454 --> 36:36.440 when we enter into bilateral 36:36.440 --> 36:38.662 relationships or in multilateral fora . 36:38.662 --> 36:41.290 Um , clearly , there are values we hold 36:41.290 --> 36:43.530 dear at play here . Liberty , rule of 36:43.530 --> 36:46.990 law , prosecutorial system that is 36:47.000 --> 36:49.060 independent and free of political 36:49.070 --> 36:52.470 influence . Uh , sorry . I'm sorry 36:52.480 --> 36:56.240 about Uganda Uganda ? Uh , yes , 36:56.240 --> 36:59.680 please . Um does does the the arrests 36:59.690 --> 37:02.160 in the United States view threaten 37:02.170 --> 37:05.230 Georgia's NATO aspirations ? Uh , 37:05.240 --> 37:07.930 look , the what we've seen in recent 37:07.930 --> 37:10.110 days is in contravention of Georgia's 37:10.120 --> 37:12.840 own Euro Atlantic aspirations . I 37:12.840 --> 37:15.390 wouldn't want Thio go beyond that . 37:15.400 --> 37:17.400 What I will say is that we watching 37:17.400 --> 37:19.456 closely , uh , in the hours and days 37:19.456 --> 37:22.070 ahead , we've made no secret about what 37:22.070 --> 37:25.420 we believe believe needs to happen with 37:25.430 --> 37:27.880 Georgia on . We'll see if that's the 37:27.880 --> 37:31.180 case . Uganda eso opposition leader 37:31.180 --> 37:33.590 Bobby Wine said on Sunday , like he was 37:33.600 --> 37:35.711 dropping the legal challenge . Thio , 37:35.711 --> 37:38.610 Uganda Presidential election results 37:38.620 --> 37:41.700 that handed victory to incumbent most 37:41.700 --> 37:44.560 of any citing Supreme Court justice 37:44.560 --> 37:47.500 hearing the case were biased . Can the 37:47.500 --> 37:49.667 State Department comment on the latest 37:49.667 --> 37:52.000 development and There's a US 37:52.000 --> 37:54.222 considering most of failures a reliable 37:54.222 --> 37:56.222 partner in the war against terror . 37:56.630 --> 37:59.440 Well , e believe we said this before . 37:59.450 --> 38:01.617 But it probably bears reiterating that 38:01.617 --> 38:03.980 Uganda's January 14th elections were 38:03.980 --> 38:06.091 marred by election irregularities and 38:06.091 --> 38:08.091 abuses by the government's security 38:08.091 --> 38:10.480 services against opposition candidates 38:10.480 --> 38:12.647 and members of civil society . Uh , we 38:12.647 --> 38:15.320 strongly urge independent , credible , 38:15.330 --> 38:18.040 impartial and thorough investigations . 38:18.120 --> 38:21.390 Uh , into these incidents will consider 38:21.390 --> 38:23.990 a range of targeted options . Toe hold 38:23.990 --> 38:26.530 accountable those members of the 38:26.530 --> 38:29.650 security forces responsible 38:29.660 --> 38:33.380 for these actions When it comes Thio 38:33.390 --> 38:37.200 president of 70 Uganda , of course , 38:37.210 --> 38:39.840 does continue to play a regional role 38:39.920 --> 38:42.810 on Does have a n'importe role when it 38:42.810 --> 38:45.650 comes to some of our interests . Uh , 38:45.660 --> 38:47.960 in the region , um , it is a troop 38:47.970 --> 38:50.230 contributing country Thio Amazon in 38:50.230 --> 38:52.230 Somalia . Um , in its international 38:52.230 --> 38:54.680 efforts Thio defeat Al Shabab . But 38:54.690 --> 38:57.280 again , um , things goes to the point 38:57.280 --> 38:59.330 that we've now made even more times 38:59.330 --> 39:01.870 throughout this briefing that we can 39:01.870 --> 39:03.814 pursue our interests on pursue our 39:03.814 --> 39:07.280 values at the same time . Um uh , we 39:07.290 --> 39:09.530 are considering , as I said , a range 39:09.540 --> 39:11.762 of targeted options to hold accountable 39:11.762 --> 39:14.470 those who are responsible for what we 39:14.470 --> 39:17.180 saw in the context of Uganda's 39:17.190 --> 39:20.900 elections . Just as we 39:20.900 --> 39:24.170 continue to work with , 39:24.180 --> 39:27.780 uh , Uganda , um , to 39:27.780 --> 39:29.950 pursue some of our mutual interests , 39:30.520 --> 39:32.990 we'll take a final final question or 39:32.990 --> 39:35.820 Thio . Let's let's try and move around 39:35.820 --> 39:39.080 a little bit . Yes , Yeah Thio ask you 39:39.080 --> 39:41.150 about The Bidens administration had 39:41.150 --> 39:43.206 said over and over that it wanted to 39:43.206 --> 39:45.317 see an end to the war in Yemen . What 39:45.317 --> 39:46.983 steps , if any , is the U . S 39:46.983 --> 39:49.039 administration taken at this point ? 39:49.039 --> 39:51.094 And if I can bring in Iran into this 39:51.094 --> 39:53.206 conversation , a Zus is trying to get 39:53.206 --> 39:55.372 Iran to the negotiating table . How do 39:55.372 --> 39:57.483 you what rolled ? You envision around 39:57.483 --> 39:59.710 playing in Yemen at this point ? Well , 39:59.720 --> 40:02.220 when it speaking to the steps that we 40:02.220 --> 40:04.500 have taken Thio prioritizing into the 40:04.500 --> 40:06.444 war in Yemen First , the President 40:06.444 --> 40:08.960 United States made very clear in his 40:08.960 --> 40:11.182 visit here . I guess it was a few weeks 40:11.182 --> 40:13.870 ago now last month that we would 40:13.890 --> 40:16.450 prioritize and throw our energy behind 40:16.460 --> 40:18.682 a diplomatic solution , working closely 40:18.682 --> 40:21.030 with the U . N . Envoy Martin Griffiths . 40:21.110 --> 40:24.060 Uh , that same day , he appointed a 40:24.070 --> 40:26.292 career foreign Service officer Timlin , 40:26.292 --> 40:29.220 working to be our special envoy for 40:29.220 --> 40:30.720 Yemen . The fact that this 40:30.720 --> 40:33.053 administration named Ah , special envoy . 40:33.053 --> 40:35.164 Someone with the respect both in this 40:35.164 --> 40:37.164 building and in capitals around the 40:37.164 --> 40:39.480 world to take on this work full time , 40:39.480 --> 40:41.591 I think speaks to that prioritization 40:41.591 --> 40:43.647 when it comes to Timlin working . We 40:43.647 --> 40:45.869 mentioned yesterday that he is now back 40:45.869 --> 40:48.120 in the Gulf . Hey is currently , um , 40:48.130 --> 40:51.090 meeting with interlocutors , uh , in 40:51.090 --> 40:53.257 the region . This comes just a week or 40:53.257 --> 40:56.060 so After his first trip to the region , 40:56.060 --> 40:58.630 he went to Saudi Arabia . Shortly after 40:58.640 --> 41:01.180 he was named Hey Met with Martin 41:01.180 --> 41:02.902 Griffiths he met . He met with 41:02.902 --> 41:04.958 representatives of the government of 41:04.958 --> 41:07.291 Yemen . Are Saudi interlocutors as well ? 41:07.291 --> 41:09.458 Eso He has been hard at work . Um , in 41:09.458 --> 41:12.350 this building on in the region already 41:12.360 --> 41:15.240 in an effort Thio , seek Thio push 41:15.240 --> 41:18.550 forward that goal of a political 41:18.550 --> 41:21.380 solution . Um , Thio this conflict in 41:21.380 --> 41:23.550 Yemen Yemen , which is now home to the 41:23.550 --> 41:25.828 world's worst humanitarian catastrophe . 41:25.828 --> 41:27.494 Speaking of that humanitarian 41:27.494 --> 41:29.930 catastrophe , um , we look forward to 41:29.930 --> 41:32.152 participating in the U . N . High level 41:32.152 --> 41:34.097 pledging event on the humanitarian 41:34.097 --> 41:36.263 crisis in Yemen on March 1st , which I 41:36.263 --> 41:38.430 believe is next Monday . It's an event 41:38.430 --> 41:40.430 that's co hosted by Switzerland and 41:40.430 --> 41:42.730 Sweden . March 1st ? Yep . 41:43.110 --> 41:46.940 E 41:46.940 --> 41:49.051 believe it is Monday because it is it 41:49.051 --> 41:52.350 is Monday , Aziz said . Humanitarian 41:52.350 --> 41:54.239 crisis in Yemen It is home to the 41:54.239 --> 41:56.570 world's worst humanitarian crisis on 41:56.570 --> 41:58.792 We're seeking to raise the ambition not 41:58.792 --> 42:01.230 only in this country but from on the 42:01.230 --> 42:03.341 part of our partners to when it comes 42:03.341 --> 42:06.480 to what they are willing to contribute 42:06.480 --> 42:08.647 and able to contribute . Thio bring an 42:08.647 --> 42:10.702 end to the monetary in plight of the 42:10.702 --> 42:12.702 many people I saw 11 final question 42:12.702 --> 42:14.702 there , Yeah , yes , thank you if I 42:14.702 --> 42:17.290 could Thio China questions the there's 42:17.290 --> 42:19.300 been some speculation about to the 42:19.300 --> 42:22.230 ambassador would be for for Beijing , 42:22.400 --> 42:24.456 and I know you can't drop hints from 42:24.456 --> 42:26.511 the podium , but could you give us a 42:26.511 --> 42:29.610 sense of the timing for when we will 42:29.610 --> 42:32.370 see the nominees put forward ? And also , 42:32.370 --> 42:34.660 can you give us any sense of what are 42:34.660 --> 42:36.830 the what are the attributes or skill 42:36.830 --> 42:39.540 sets that Biden administration is 42:39.540 --> 42:41.760 looking for with Secretary Blanket is 42:41.760 --> 42:43.490 looking for , given the very 42:43.490 --> 42:46.620 contentious nature of the bilateral 42:46.630 --> 42:48.686 relationship , the other question is 42:48.686 --> 42:51.010 this . Regarding the upcoming bilateral 42:51.010 --> 42:53.070 between President Biden and Prime 42:53.070 --> 42:55.760 Minister Trudeau , the Canadian House 42:55.760 --> 42:57.970 of Commons voted to declare that China 42:57.970 --> 43:00.170 is committing genocide against the 43:00.170 --> 43:02.390 weaker is but the prime minister . 43:02.390 --> 43:04.446 Trudeau , in his Cabinet , abstained 43:04.446 --> 43:06.668 from that eso The position of the Biden 43:06.668 --> 43:08.779 administration , as we know , is that 43:08.779 --> 43:11.120 thes activities do constitute genocide . 43:11.600 --> 43:14.120 So I wanted to get a sense of what ? 43:14.130 --> 43:16.330 What ? The Biden administration . What 43:16.330 --> 43:18.552 Secretary Blinken proposed to do to get 43:18.552 --> 43:20.719 the two sides on the same page on this 43:20.719 --> 43:23.670 issue . Eso on your first question . As 43:23.670 --> 43:25.892 you know , Ambassador , all nominations 43:25.892 --> 43:28.059 are the prerogative . The president on 43:28.059 --> 43:30.226 DSO . I'm not in a position thio offer 43:30.226 --> 43:32.392 any sense of timeline on and certainly 43:32.392 --> 43:34.110 not the identity of who might 43:34.120 --> 43:36.064 ultimately end up representing our 43:36.064 --> 43:38.231 interests in Beijing . I think what we 43:38.231 --> 43:41.750 do know , however , eyes that our 43:41.760 --> 43:45.350 ambassador will be responsible for 43:45.360 --> 43:49.050 helping to Stewart on approach to China 43:49.060 --> 43:52.280 that has competition at the center . We 43:52.280 --> 43:54.520 know that this is a relationship that 43:54.520 --> 43:56.520 has adversarial elements . It has 43:56.520 --> 43:58.742 competitive elements in the competitive 43:58.742 --> 44:00.964 elements are really at the crux of that 44:00.964 --> 44:03.400 relationship . It also has a number of 44:03.400 --> 44:05.567 cooperative elements on . We've talked 44:05.567 --> 44:08.090 about the fact that when it is in our 44:08.100 --> 44:10.322 national interest in America's national 44:10.322 --> 44:12.544 interest , that there can be times when 44:12.544 --> 44:14.378 cooperation will be on the table 44:14.378 --> 44:16.440 climate , for example , Um is one of 44:16.440 --> 44:19.800 those areas . So whoever ends up in 44:19.800 --> 44:21.856 Beijing will have a lot on her . His 44:21.856 --> 44:24.078 plate , Um , on The president will want 44:24.078 --> 44:27.100 to make sure that that person eyes 44:27.100 --> 44:29.170 appropriately empowered and and sees 44:29.180 --> 44:31.910 eyes toe . I see . I see eye to eye 44:31.920 --> 44:34.370 with the president on the best approach 44:34.370 --> 44:36.259 to compete and ultimately toe out 44:36.259 --> 44:40.040 compete with China on the issues that 44:40.050 --> 44:43.420 are near and dear , uh , to us , um , 44:43.790 --> 44:46.870 on genocide . Um , we've been very 44:46.870 --> 44:49.940 clear that Secretary Blinken has 44:49.940 --> 44:53.720 determined that what has taken place in 44:53.720 --> 44:55.942 Xinjiang was genocide . We've also been 44:55.942 --> 44:58.070 very clear that it constitutes crimes 44:58.070 --> 45:01.450 against humanity . Um uh , obviously , 45:01.460 --> 45:03.404 other governments are looking very 45:03.404 --> 45:06.580 closely at this . There are different 45:06.580 --> 45:08.940 processes within different capitals . I 45:08.940 --> 45:10.940 wouldn't want to speak to any other 45:10.940 --> 45:14.630 governments efforts thio define or even 45:14.630 --> 45:17.270 to evaluate what has gone on . But I 45:17.270 --> 45:21.260 will say that we have prioritized on 45:21.260 --> 45:24.550 approach to China that in the first 45:24.550 --> 45:28.020 instance , um seeks to ensure that we 45:28.030 --> 45:30.086 are competing with and out competing 45:30.110 --> 45:32.277 with China from a position of strength 45:32.277 --> 45:34.554 on their number of sources of strength . 45:34.554 --> 45:37.700 Our values are a source of strength our 45:37.700 --> 45:40.420 alliances and partnerships are a source 45:40.420 --> 45:42.642 of strength , and it's relevant to your 45:42.642 --> 45:44.809 question when we seek to take on China 45:44.809 --> 45:47.280 alone is we've done in the past . I 45:47.280 --> 45:50.740 think that the results , um , 45:50.750 --> 45:52.972 would be meager compared to what we can 45:52.972 --> 45:55.750 dio when we are galvanizing collective 45:55.750 --> 45:58.370 action when we're bringing our European 45:58.370 --> 46:00.650 allies , our allies and partners in the 46:00.650 --> 46:02.950 Indo Pacific along with us , and that 46:02.950 --> 46:05.050 is in essentially every realm , the 46:05.050 --> 46:08.990 security realm , I when it comes to 46:09.000 --> 46:11.333 human rights abuses , a Z you mentioned , 46:11.333 --> 46:13.940 and so that's precisely what we are 46:13.950 --> 46:15.783 trying to do . I'm sure we'll be 46:15.783 --> 46:18.120 speaking a lot more about the ways in 46:18.120 --> 46:20.310 which we will seek to bring those 46:20.310 --> 46:22.340 partners along . Um , not only to 46:22.340 --> 46:26.120 highlight the abuses and the outrages 46:26.120 --> 46:28.176 that have taken place in places like 46:28.176 --> 46:31.180 Xinjiang , but ways Thio seek to change 46:31.180 --> 46:33.610 behavior on the part of Beijing . Seek 46:33.610 --> 46:35.940 to change that underlying conduct . A 46:35.950 --> 46:37.950 technical question on what you just 46:37.950 --> 46:40.117 said that you , said Secretary Blake . 46:40.117 --> 46:42.117 It is determined that what's taking 46:42.117 --> 46:44.283 place in Jin Jin Jiang is a genocide . 46:44.283 --> 46:46.394 Does that mean that since the last 30 46:46.394 --> 46:48.061 days , this administration is 46:48.061 --> 46:50.172 undertaking a separate a new review . 46:50.780 --> 46:52.947 That's different from the one that the 46:52.947 --> 46:55.113 previous administration took because , 46:55.113 --> 46:56.891 you know , Secretary Pompeo had 46:56.891 --> 46:58.947 determined that it was a genocide as 46:58.947 --> 47:01.080 well . And Secretary Blinken and or 47:01.090 --> 47:04.650 then designate was 47:04.660 --> 47:06.327 said that he agreed with that 47:06.327 --> 47:08.382 determination . But has there been ? 47:08.382 --> 47:10.438 Has this administration made its own 47:10.438 --> 47:12.438 new determination separate from the 47:12.438 --> 47:14.382 previous administrations ? So this 47:14.382 --> 47:16.493 building this building along with our 47:16.493 --> 47:18.716 interagency partners , we're constantly 47:18.716 --> 47:20.827 evaluating all sources of information 47:20.827 --> 47:22.827 when it comes to what's going on in 47:22.827 --> 47:24.827 Xinjiang on a human rights basis or 47:24.827 --> 47:27.070 anywhere else . I , our Bureau of East 47:27.070 --> 47:29.870 Asian and Pacific Affairs , our Bureau 47:29.870 --> 47:32.910 of Global Criminal Justice , our office 47:32.910 --> 47:35.021 of the Legal adviser , um , I n r . A 47:35.021 --> 47:37.243 number of other entities are constantly 47:37.243 --> 47:40.240 looking at those inputs . But Secretary 47:40.240 --> 47:42.296 Blinken has been very clear , and he 47:42.296 --> 47:44.462 has the prerogative to say this . What 47:44.462 --> 47:46.930 has taken place in Xinjiang constitutes 47:46.940 --> 47:49.710 genocide . Know if there was a separate 47:49.720 --> 47:51.670 new determination by this 47:51.670 --> 47:53.750 administration since January 20th , 47:53.760 --> 47:56.880 that is a genocide or or if you're just 47:56.890 --> 47:58.334 staying with the previous 47:58.334 --> 48:00.290 administrations , which Secretary 48:00.300 --> 48:02.290 Secretary Blinken came to that 48:02.290 --> 48:04.760 conclusion on the basis of the 48:04.760 --> 48:07.070 information he was receiving a za close 48:07.070 --> 48:09.760 adviser to the president elect to 48:09.770 --> 48:12.100 becoming well , he mentioned in his 48:12.100 --> 48:14.322 confirmation hearing , which took place 48:14.322 --> 48:16.100 prior to January 20 . But we're 48:16.100 --> 48:18.322 constantly evaluating in reviewing what 48:18.322 --> 48:20.267 is going on so that we can shine a 48:20.267 --> 48:22.322 spotlight on human rights abuses and 48:22.322 --> 48:24.378 ultimately hold to account those who 48:24.378 --> 48:24.320 would perpetrate them . Thank you very 48:24.320 --> 48:25.910 much . We'll do it again tomorrow .