Oval Office Chat Session: Obama and Merkel

Leaders Discussed Iran, Syria and the G-8 Summit

The President and German Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke by phone today to discuss several foreign policy issues of mutual concern, including Iran and Syria.

Both leaders expressed the hope that Iran would take advantage of the upcoming P5+1 talks to address the international community’s concerns about the Iranian nuclear program. 

They also reiterated their common resolve to increase the pressure on the Iranian regime through sanctions and other measures if it remained unresponsive. 

On Syria, the President and Chancellor shared the concern that the Assad government was not complying with the terms of the agreement negotiated by Kofi Annan and continued to engage in unacceptable brutality against its own people. 
 

They agreed that this underscored the need for the UN Security Council to come together to take more resolute action. 

The President told the Chancellor that he looked forward to hosting her at Camp David for the G-8 Summit next month and to continuing their regular consultations on these and other important issues.

George Zimmerman to be Charged with Second-Degree Murder

Alleged Killer in Police Custody, Attorney Says Client Will Plead Not Guilty

Special prosecutor Angela Corey today announced that George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watchman that allegedly shot and killed 17-year old Trayvon Martin during an encounter, will be charged with second-degree murder.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. 

Footage from the press conference is available here: MSNBC video of press conference

From The G-Man and Newsy.com will provide more information on the prosecutor's decision as it becomes available.  

'The United States Grieves with the Rwandan People'

Original caption states: "Deep gashes delivered by the killers are visible in the skulls that fill one room at the Murambi School." 

Statement by the President on the 18th Anniversary of the Genocide in Rwanda

Eighteen years after the Rwandan genocide, we pause to reflect with horror and sadness on the 100 days in 1994 when 800,000 people lost their lives. The specter of this slaughter of mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters haunts us still, and reminds the nations of the world of our shared responsibility to do all we can to protect civilians and to ensure that evil of this magnitude never happens again. The United States grieves with the Rwandan people, and we remember those whose lives were cut short. And as we do, we also recognize Rwanda’s progress in moving beyond this horrible tragedy, the strides it has taken to improve the lives of its people, and its contributions to protecting civilians from other nations in UN peacekeeping missions around the world. The U.S. government and the American people will continue to extend our friendship, partnership, and support to the Rwandan people as they seek to build a peaceful and prosperous future.

Photo source: http://www.house.gov/wolf/issues/hr/sudan/caphotos.htmlAuthor: US Rep. Frank Wolf
Permission: Public Domain

'We Offer Our Condolences to the Somali People'

Jay Carney, White House Press Secretary

Carney Comments on the Attack on the National Theater in Mogadishu, Somalia

The United States strongly condemns the outrageous attack today in Mogadishu that resulted in a tragic loss of life. We offer our condolences to the Somali people, particularly those who lost family and loved ones. Somalia, with the support of African Union peacekeepers, has made great strides in the past months to improve security and rebuild Mogadishu after two decades of civil strife. Al-Shabaab’s attack on the newly reopened National Theater is another sign that it is standing in the way of Somalia’s path to peace and stability, and demonstrates why it is being rejected by the Somali people. We remain committed to the people of Somalia and assisting them in countering al-Shabaab’s violence and in returning peace to their country.

Details on the attack available here: Los Angeles Times article

Election Held in Burma

Flag of Burma

Statement by the Press Secretary

We congratulate the people of Burma on their participation in the electoral process, and Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy on their strong showing in the polls. This election is an important step in Burma’s democratic transformation, and we hope it is an indication that the Government of Burma intends to continue along the path of greater openness, transparency, and reform. 

Details on the election available here: Voice of America: Burma Election

Clashes Along Border of Sudan and South Sudan

Carney: "Both Sides Must Exert the Greatest Restraint in This Situation"

The following statement has been issued by White House Press Secretary Jay Carney regarding the fighting taking place on the border of Sudan and South Sudan.

The United States is alarmed by the fighting in Southern Kordofan, Sudan, and along a disputed area of the border between Sudan and South Sudan. Both sides must exert the greatest restraint in this situation.

It is critical that the two countries proceed with plans for meetings of the Joint Political Security Mechanism and the Abyei Joint Operations Committee in late March and the presidential summit on April 3. Only through direct contact and negotiations over fundamental issues of security and border management in Southern Kordofan, Blue Nile, and Abyei can Sudan and South Sudan avoid further fighting, achieve vitally needed economic cooperation, and coexist in peace. We also urge Darfur armed movements and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement–North to exercise restraint and cooperate fully with restoration of peace.

Achieving humanitarian access and protection of the civilian population must be the priority of all those concerned for the people of Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile.

Details on the conflict are available here: Aljazeera article

Obama Congratulates Sall on Election Victory

President-elect Macky Sall

Statement by the President on Senegal's Elections

I congratulate Macky Sall on his victory in Senegal’s presidential elections. Domestic and international observers report that the election was carried out transparently, freely, and reflects the will of the Senegalese people.

I also recognize President Abdoulaye Wade for his leadership and friendship to the United States during his presidency. I look forward to building similarly productive ties with President-elect Sall, while deepening the longstanding bonds between the United States and the Senegalese people.

Senegal has, through this election, reaffirmed its tradition as a leading example of good governance and democracy at work in Africa and remains an example for its neighbors. The government and people of Senegal have once again demonstrated their commitment to political expression through peaceful, democratic elections, making it harder for non-democratic forces near and far to prevail. Today's results deepen hopes across the continent and around the world that the quest for human dignity cannot be denied and that Africa's democratic wave must continue.

The United States looks forward to maintaining its strong partnership and close engagement with the people and government of Senegal to continue to strengthen democracy, peace, and prosperity in the region.

For details on the election and what it will mean for the Senegalese people going forward, click here: Senegal elections

Photo source: Own work
Author:  Rignese 

Permission:  GNU Free Documentation License

Oval Office Chat Session: Obama and Sarkozy

(Click photo to enlarge.)

Readout of President Obama’s Call with President Sarkozy of France

The President spoke by phone today with President Sarkozy of France while aboard Air Force One en route to Nevada. President Obama expressed his solidarity with President Sarkozy, and the government and people of France, as they deal with the aftermath of the tragic and unprovoked attacks that left seven dead, including three French soldiers, and three children and a teacher at a Jewish school. 

President Obama welcomed the actions taken by French authorities in identifying and locating a suspect in the killings, and their continued efforts to prevent further acts of violence. President Obama underscored that the American people stand shoulder to shoulder with our French allies and friends in this trying time.

Image courtesy of http://www.acclaimimages.com  

Obama Reflects on the Life of King George Tupou V

Statement by the President

With the passing yesterday of King George Tupou V of Tonga, the United States has lost a friend and the people of Tonga have lost a visionary leader. Upon ascending to the throne, King George championed a process of peaceful democratization that led to the first majority elected Parliament of Tonga taking office in 2010.  As I said when I met with the King at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy graduation last spring, Tonga is one of the United States’ closest partners among the Pacific Island states and we are grateful for its role in Afghanistan, where Tonga makes an active contribution to the international coalition.  On behalf of all Americans, I extend my deepest condolences to the Queen Mother Halaevalu Mata’aho, the Royal Family, and the people of Tonga on the passing of King George Tupou V.

Editor's note: More information on the King's life is available via the following Sky News article: Tonga's King George Tupou V Dies Aged 63

Vietor Denounces Attack in France

The Flag of France

Statement by National Security Spokesman Tommy Vietor

We were deeply saddened to learn of the horrific attack this morning against the teachers and students of a Jewish school in the French city of Toulouse.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of the victims, and we stand with a community in grief.  We join the Government of France in condemning this unprovoked and outrageous act of violence in the strongest possible terms.

Image courtesy of  http://www.buzzle.com

Oval Office Chat Session: Obama and Karzai

Obama Congratulated Afghan President on Birth of Daughter and Addressed Concerns

President Obama called President Karzai early this morning to offer his best wishes and congratulations to President Karzai and his wife on the birth of their daughter. The two leaders took the opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to the Lisbon framework, in which Afghan forces would complete the process of transition and have full responsibility for security across the country by the end of 2014. 

The two leaders also affirmed that they share the goal of building capable Afghan security forces and strengthening Afghan sovereignty so that Afghans are increasingly in charge of their own security, with the lead for combat operations shifting to Afghan forces, with U.S. forces in support, in 2013. 

To that end, the two leaders also discussed President Karzai's recent reiteration of his longstanding concerns regarding night raids and house searches and recommitted to conclude ongoing negotiations on a Memorandum of Understanding to resolve those concerns. 

They also agreed to further discuss concerns voiced by President Karzai about the presence of foreign troops in Afghan villages.  

President Obama reiterated that he looks forward to welcoming President Karzai to the NATO Summit in Chicago in May, where they, along with our NATO Allies and ISAF partners, will together define the next phase of transition. 

The President and President Karzai agreed to stay in close touch. 

'The United States is Committed to Eradicating Trafficking in Persons'

Statement by the President on the Meeting of the Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons

Nearly one hundred and fifty years ago, in issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, President Abraham Lincoln reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to the enduring cause of freedom.  Then as now, we remain steadfast in our resolve to see that all men, women, and children have the opportunity to realize this greatest of gifts.  Yet millions around the world—including here in the United States—toil under the boot of modern slavery.  Mothers and fathers are forced to work in fields and factories against their will or in service to debts that can never be repaid.  Sons and daughters are sold for sex, abducted as child soldiers, or coerced into involuntary labor.  In dark corners of our world, and hidden in plain sight in our own communities, human beings are exploited for financial gain and subjected to unspeakable cruelty.  

Slavery remains the affront to human dignity and stain on our collective conscience that it has always been.   That is why members of my cabinet and senior advisors gathered at the White House today, at a meeting chaired by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, to lay out their plans for meeting this challenge. The United States is committed to eradicating trafficking in persons, and we will draw on tools ranging from law enforcement and victim service provision, to public awareness building and diplomatic pressure.  Because we know that government efforts are not enough, we are also increasing our partnerships with a broad coalition of local communities, faith-based and non-governmental organizations, schools, and businesses.

To bring all these elements together, and to be sure we are maximizing our efforts, today I am directing my cabinet to find ways to strengthen our current work, and to expand on partnerships with civil society and the private sector, so that we can bring more resources to bear in fighting this horrific injustice.  In the coming weeks the White House will build on this gathering on behalf of human dignity.  I am confident that we will one day end the scourge of modern slavery, because I believe in those committed to this issue: young people, people of faith and station, Americans who refuse to accept this injustice and will not rest until it is vanquished. Today, I reaffirm that the United States stands with them, and that together we will realize the promise of the Emancipation Proclamation and our country’s ideal of freedom. 

Thomas Lubanga Dyilo Convicted for War Crimes

Thomas Lubanga Dyilo 

NSC's Vietor Responds to Court Ruling

National Security Council (NSC) spokesman Tommy Vietor today issued the following statement in response to the conviction of Congolese warlord Thomas Lubanga Dyilo. 

The United States welcomes the conviction by the International Criminal Court of Congolese warlord Thomas Lubanga Dyilo for war crimes relating to enlisting and conscripting children under the age of 15 and causing them to participate actively in hostilities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). As this decision illustrates, the international community is united in its determination to end the repugnant practice of using child soldiers. Today’s decision is a reminder that those who prey upon children, forcing them to become soldiers and sex slaves, are committing a despicable crime for which they will be held accountable.

More information on the court ruling can be obtained by clicking here: Chicago Tribune - Thomas Lubanga Dyilo

Photo courtesy of http://swahilivilla.blogspot.com/

'The Loss of So Many Young Lives is Especially Heartbreaking'

Statement by National Security Council Spokesman Tommy Vietor on Accident in Switzerland

The President sends his deepest condolences to the victims and their families of last night’s bus accident in Switzerland. The loss of so many young lives is especially heartbreaking. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Belgian communities of Lommel and Heverlee and all the people of Belgium at this difficult time. As a close friend of both Belgium and Switzerland, the United States stands ready to provide whatever assistance may be helpful. 

President Obama Meets with Libyan Prime Minister

Libyan Prime Minister Abdurrahim ElKeib

Leaders Discuss a Range of Security Issues

This morning President Obama welcomed Libyan Prime Minister Abdurrahim ElKeib to the White House—the first of several meetings the Prime Minister will hold with U.S. officials this week.  During the meeting the President pledged continued support to the Libyan people and noted the contributions made by American service members and civilians to securing Libya’s freedom.  

The President applauded the Prime Minister for his leadership during Libya’s democratic transition and his government’s efforts to rebuild the country.  The President encouraged the Prime Minister to continue plans to hold national elections in June and stressed the importance of transparency and engagement with Libya’s newly energized civil society as the government develops accountable institutions.  

The leaders also discussed a range of security issues and increased cooperation on border management, weapons security, and regional counterterrorism concerns. The President said he looks forward to a close partnership between the United States and Libya going forward. 

Photo source: Department of Defense
Author: DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo
Permission: Public Domain

Biden to Travel to Mexico and Honduras

Vice President Joe Biden

Expected to Meet with Presidents Calderon and Lobo

Vice President Joe Biden will travel to Mexico and Honduras from March 4-6. 

In Mexico City, the Vice President will meet with President Calderón and will underscore the United States’ commitment to deepening our close dialogue and cooperation with Mexico on a broad range of issues.  

In Tegucigalpa, the Vice President will hold a bilateral meeting with President Lobo.  In addition, he will take part in a meeting with Central American leaders, who have been invited to a joint meeting by President Lobo, the current President Pro Tempore of the Central American Integration System. 

In both countries, the Vice President will also consult with our partners about the Summit of the Americas, scheduled to be held in Colombia in mid-April, which will focus on leveraging Hemispheric connections and partnerships to improve the lives of people throughout the region.  

Image courtesy of http://www.seymourjohnson.af.mil
Photo credit: U.S. Air Force

Author: Airman First Class Rae Perry

Oval Office Chat Session: Obama and Merkel

Leaders Discuss Eurozone Situation

The President and German Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke by phone this morning to discuss the latest developments concerning the financial situation in the eurozone.  

The President thanked the Chancellor for her leadership andwelcomed last night’s agreement in Europe on a new rescue program for Greece to help reduce its debt to sustainable levels.  

The President and Chancellor agreed that the planned EU fiscal pact, recent actions by the European Central Bank and reforms by Spain and Italy have also been positive steps in addressing the eurozone crisis.  

The President and the Chancellor also discussed preparations for the upcoming G-8 Summit and agreed that the emphasis should be on growth and jobs.

R.I.P: Anthony Shadid, 'Old Gray Lady' Stalwart

September 26, 1968 – February 16, 2012

"From The G-Man" Salutes the Life and Work of a 

New York Times Icon

May he rest in peace. 

Photo courtesy of http://anthonyshadid.com/

President Obama Chats with UK Prime Minister

Readout of the President's Call

The President and Prime Minister Cameron spoke by telephone today, continuing their frequent consultations on a range of global issues.

The President and Prime Minister discussed the situation in Syria, condemning the regime’s violent repression of its own citizens, and agreed to coordinate closely on efforts to pressure the Assad regime and support a transition to democracy.  

The two leaders also discussed Somalia, including the status of preparations for the February 23rd London Conference on Somalia. The President welcomed the Prime Minister’s personal leadership on this issue.

The President also consulted with the Prime Minister regarding the ongoing transition in Afghanistan and on the situation in the eurozone, including recent developments in Greece.

Finally, the President and the Prime Minister reviewed the status of preparations for the Prime Minister’s March 13-14 Official Visit, when President and Mrs. Obama look forward to welcoming Prime Minister and Mrs. Cameron to Washington, D.C.

Obama, Security Team Discuss Afghanistan and Pakistan

Readout of the Meeting

President Obama met today with his national security team as a part of his regular meetings on Afghanistan and Pakistan. The President received an update on our engagement with the Pakistani Government on a range of issues of mutual interest, including efforts to strengthen cooperation along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. 

The President also received an update on Afghanistan, including the building of capable Afghan security forces, our support for an Afghan-led reconciliation process, and our efforts to build a long-term, strategic partnership between the United States and Afghanistan. 

Finally, the President received an update on preparations for the NATO Summit in Chicago, where we will further define the ongoing transition to Afghan-lead security and NATO’s commitment to the future of Afghanistan as agreed to at the 2010 NATO Summit in Lisbon.