Department of State Daily Press Briefing – June 3, 2021.

Transcript

Good afternoon. It’s been a long time. Good to see everyone. Uh Just one thing at the top. The U. S. Government through the U. S. Agency for International Development has airlifted emergency medical supplies to Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka to help save lives stop the spread of covid 19 and continue to meet the urgent health needs across South Asia In Maldives. This emergency assistance will deliver this emergency since delivery will provide 600 pulse oximeters 292,000 vital pieces of personal protective equipment to support frontline healthcare workers and people most affected by the current outbreak in Pakistan. This flight will bring 1200 pulse oximeters, 340,000 pieces of personal protective equipment for health care professionals on the ground In Sri Lanka. This resistance includes 880,000 vital pieces of personal protective equipment and 1200 pulse oximeters to support frontline healthcare workers and others most affected by the current outbreak. Us the idea is coordinating additional shipments for South Asia in the coming weeks and we’ll have more details on that in the days and weeks ahead. Uh, so with that I am uh, just by habit I will I will start there today. Congratulations. Thank you. On the Vienna talks. What can you tell us about the outcome of the latest round? There were signs of optimism from both the EU as well as the Iranians. Just the U. S. Share that optimism that the next round could be the last. Well, we have tried to leave emotions aside. We are neither optimistic nor pessimistic about this. We’re clear, we’re clear eyed about the stakes were clear eyed about our objectives and ultimately our objective here is to ensure that Iran is once again subject to the most stringent verification and monitoring regime uh, ever negotiated. That’s what the 2015 J. C. P. O. A uh, imposed uh that is the benefit that it accrued uh, to us. And of course we have been discussing in directly with the Iranians on the ground uh, via our allies and partners, the modalities by which we might re engage in mutual compliance with the terms of the 2015 J. C. P. O. A. Uh special envoy Malley is, I believe at this moment, on his way back to Washington, you are right that the fifth round has now concluded. We’ve always said that this will be a set of negotiations that spans multiple rounds. We expect there will be 1/6. I think there’s uh just about every expectation. There will be subsequent rounds Beyond that. The fact is that we have made progress. The past rounds have helped to crystallize the choices that Iran would need to make, the steps that Iran would need to take to resume its own compliance with the nuclear deal. The steps that it would need once again to be subject to the stringent verification uh and monitoring regime, the limitations on heavy water, the limitations on centrifuges, uh, the limitations uh, that uh permanently uh and again, verifiably prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon in our into It has helped to illuminate for us what we would need to do with, including with our own sanctions to resume our compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal. Uh, this progress notwithstanding challenges remain, uh, and there remain questions as to whether um, there is a seriousness of purpose and and a determination on the part of all parties to resume compliance with the deal again. Uh, that is a proposition the President has laid out. It was, is what we would like to see happen given the benefits that are accrued to our national interest by ensuring that Iran is once again subject to these. But we’re not there yet. And uh ways ahead remains yes. After the previous round, you said that it has helped crystallize etcetera, etcetera. So, what has changed in this sixth round, precisely? And would you say that there is some kind of, I don’t know if it’s a draft or mutually agreed basis about sanctions to believe and the actions to be taken by Iran, and uh the only thing that remains to be decided is that this political decision in Tehran to sign that agreement, or there are still details on the sanctions and on the actions that have to be negotiated? Well, I would never want to say that what is ongoing in Vienna now is easy. Uh And I think my colleague rob Malley would uh take great offense as he rightly should. Uh We’re right to say that, I will say what makes this um what what uh is different about this set of negotiations versus 2014 and 2015 is the fact that we have a text. Uh And that text, of course, is the text of the J. C. P. O. A. Uh The fact is that we know precisely what uh would be required at least generally on all sides because we have this text. Uh and that text has been the the really the North Star as we have engaged in directly with the Iranians now. Um even though we have a text in the form of the 2015 J. C. P. O. A. That doesn’t mean that we have all the answers on uh on the Iranian part on the Iranian side. Uh There have been uh now five rounds of indirect discussions about the steps they would need to take to comply once again with that 2015 nuclear deal. On our end. Uh there have been discussions about uh sanctions that may be inconsistent with the 2015 nuclear deal. Sanctions that have been imposed uh subsequent to the last administration’s abandonment of the J. C. P. O. A. Uh in 2018. None of this is especially black and white. That’s what makes it so challenging in in some ways. But again, the baseline document is that 2015 deal both for us to determine what sanctions we may have in place. Currently, that would be otherwise inconsistent with the deal and what Iran would need to do on its part to resume its its nuclear compliance. You can say that at the working level, at the Vienna talks level there is a mutual understanding on sanctions and actions. Uh, there are there are still uh points that you disagree. So there is there is a mutual understanding as to generally um, what would need to happen and at the very highest levels it’s the shorthand is compliance for compliance. Uh, both sides are engaging in this. I can speak for our side, presumably for the Iranian side too, because they are willing to entertain the proposition of returning to compliance. Now, obviously, uh, there are some challenges that remain. There are some hurdles that remain that we haven’t been able to overcome uh, in those five rounds. Uh, and the cause of that are as many, um, including the fact that once again, um, these are indirect negotiations. Uh, these are complex uh, issues. Uh, there is no lack of distrust between and among Iran and uh, the other um, uh, partners and allies with whom we’re working um, on this. But look, I will leave it to uh, the Iranians to answer the question as to whether they are um, uh, they have made a strategic decision about their willingness to re engage with the Iran deal in a way that we would need to see happen. Uh, were we to resume our own compliance clarifying it? So you’re saying you are not demanding any new provisions that you know what you guys signed on To back in 2015 would suffice to get back to where things were. You’re not demanding other provisions, except maybe for the sensitive clause. That’s where you might have some flexibility. Is that what you say? There would be no other demands, like some countries that are like Israel, like the Saudis and so on are calling for. Well, what we have said is that as a necessary but insufficient step, we are looking at to return to mutual compliance. We are willing to return to compliance with the deal knowing that again, the benefits we would accrue from Iran doing the same would profoundly be in our own national interest. I say it’s necessary but insufficient because there are follow on steps that we would like to see from there a longer and stronger nuclear deal to address some of the issues that you raised and follow on agreements that address the broader set of threats challenges we see from the Iranian regime, support for proxies in the region, support for terrorism and terrorist groups. Uh, it’s destabilizing activities, It’s human rights abuses. So again, um, right now, we are focused on a potential mutual return to compliance because, uh, Iran moving closer to having the capacity to quickly develop a nuclear weapon if it so chooses, would make every single challenge we face with Iran all the more difficult we see halting Iran’s nuclear program and rolling it back in significant, deeply significant ways as this first line of business. Because it is so important now, I will also say that just as we continue with the nuclear issue, we have remained resolutely focused on the issue of americans who are unjustly detained in Iran at every opportunity we raise those americans. We have done so in the context of these talks and we will continue to do so until unless those americans are safely reunited. I talked with some of the other JCPOA partners about Iranian support for Hamas. I don’t know that that has. What I will say is that uh in Vienna special envoy Malley in his counterparts have been focused on the nuclear issue. Now, as I said before, we have a number of very significant concerns with Iran. Its support for proxies, its support for terrorist groups like Hamas is certainly among them. But of course, special envoy Malley’s primary focus um in Vienna has been on the on the nuclear issue. Okay, what guarantees can you offer Iran that any sanctions relief you give them if there is an accord will not simply be undone If a Republican administration comes into office in 2024. And how do you also ensure that they see the benefits of of any of that relief given concerns in the business community? Also that they could still face sanctions? Uh you know, should a successor administration undo the deal a second time. Right. Well, look what we know um uh and it is what um uh the uh what guided uh the uh previous Democratic administration as well and in fact guided previous administrations before that uh is that the only way to permanently address Iran’s nuclear program to permanently and verifiably ensure that Iran is never able to acquire a nuclear weapon is through diplomacy. Uh And the formulation that the J. C. P. O. A. Struck is really uh in many ways um The only formulation under the sun it is verifiable and permanent limits on Iran’s nuclear program in return for relief of nuclear related sanctions. Again, what we are talking about is a return to that formula. Uh And it’s a basic formula that has been around ever since this iteration of Iran’s nuclear program has been on the table. Now of course we can speak for this administration. Uh We wouldn’t dare to speak for a subsequent administration. I think. What we can say, however, um is that this has been widely and broadly recognized, not only by previous american administrations but also by our allies, our closest allies, including those uh in europe around the world, but also partners with whom we share fairly little in terms of other mutual interests. Um the Russians and the chinese, of course, our original signatories to the 2015 J. C. P. O. A. Because they to understand that this construction verifiable and permanent restrictions and in fact a profound rollback on Iran’s nuclear program in return for limited sanctions relief is not only in their interests but in our estimation, it is certainly uh in our interest. So there is an l overwhelming international consensus uh that um on a couple fronts, number one, that Iran’s nuclear program must not only be halted but rolled back uh in these important ways. And number two, uh that diplomacy is the way to do that on a durable and permanent basis. And number three, that this formulation, the formulation that really is quite simple in what it uh in in how it goes about it, but is hugely meaningful in what it does for global security. Um that that remains on the table. Yes. Let me move it around a new topic. Sure, anything else on Iran or on this follow on agreement? Is that a precondition to rejoin the Jason the way that the Iranians will commit to sitting down for this following agreement? What is the precondition is that before we turn to other matters? Is that we have a compliance for compliance deal, if that is in fact Going to be achievable, and we certainly do hope that it will be achievable because once again, it is in our interest and it’s a place these verifiable and permanent limits on Iran’s nuclear program while rolling back the progress that Iran has made uh when it comes to its nuclear program since 2018 others on uh yeah, yeah, Belarus, the president lukashenko’s government is now saying that they want to limit the american diplomats at the embassy. I wonder um if you’re rethinking um where to place us? Ambassador julie fisher. Um and then also just if you have any comment on the ongoing repression, because there have been some pretty gruesome scenes, especially yesterday in a courthouse in Well, you are right that today Belarus informed Uh the United States that it is imposing new limits on American diplomatic and technical personnel at our embassy in Minsk in Belarus. This will take effect on June 13, 2 solid over a week from now. Unfortunately, the Belarussian Belarussian authorities have brought a relationship to this point through relentless and intensifying repression against their citizens uh, culminating of course most recently and and something we all saw in the outrageous forced version of the Ryanair flight uh and the arrest of uh the Belarussian journalist and his companion who were on that flight in response to these events. And as you’ve heard from The White House in recent days, um the administration announced a series of actions on May 28 late last month, including reimposing uh sanctions restrictions against nine Belarussian state owned enterprises previously granted relief under a general license by the Treasury Department. We know that a sovereign, independent belarus, that respects the democratic aspirations of its citizens, their human rights in their countries, international obligations uh is not only in their interest, it’s in our interest as well, uh and were disappointed to put it mildly to be where we are now, but we’ll continue to work with our allies and our partners to promote our shared interests, Uh And really not only our shared values but universal values that remain. The aspirations, the unfulfilled aspirations of the people of Belarus. Now when it comes to Ambassador Fisher um It goes without saying that that we again are a steadfast supporter of a free independent and democratic fellers. Ambassador Fisher will be in a position to continue to support the democratic aspirations uh of the Belarussian people. Uh And she’ll continue to engage uh with them from outside of galleries including leaders of the pro democracy movement, media professionals, students and other members of civil society to express our support. She’ll also continue to engage with our allies and partners. And of course Ambassador Fisher has been traveling in europe in recent weeks and I expect she will continue to do so going forward. Yes I’d like to ask about the vaccines on the U. S. Plan to send 25 million doses globally. 25%. We go to quote quote countries experienced surges those in crisis and other partners. Brazil is currently experiencing at search and a huge crisis. One of the worst why is brazil not among those that we received those is from That 25%. And also are those six million doses that are going to Latin American, Caribbean enough to share among more than 12 countries that are doing really bad. Well uh let me first start by saying that the scale and the scope of the outbreak in brazil um is um truly um heartbreaking to see. And the United States as we’ve said before, um has um and will continue to provide uh support to the government of brazil uh to help it recover uh first staunch the outbreak and to recover from this outbreak as quickly as possible. We’ve done that in the context of non vaccine supplies, uh, supplies that are critical to brazil’s health uh sector, public health sector, um but we’re also now doing it in the context of vaccines and in brazil is in fact receiving vaccines as a as a result of the announcement that came out of the White House today. Before I get into that. Let me just offer a bit more context as to how we think about this because there’s been a lot of attention um placed on vaccines and of course, there profoundly important. But really this is a three pronged strategy when it comes to how we seek to help the world and lead the world in stopping the pandemic, stopping in his tracks uh and putting the world back on track to recovery. The first is uh an emphasis that we have placed here at home on increasing our production domestically of vaccines. And that’s precisely why our success in doing so, that we are now in a position where we are confident in our own vaccine supply, confident enough to be able to make this Uh really ambitious and meaningful pledge of the 80 million vaccines shared with the rest of the world by uh the end of June uh in parallel to that, we are also seeking to increase manufacturing capacity abrupt. And we’ve spoken to that effort in a number of different contexts, including with the quad and the partnership that the quad countries have developed, including in the context of India uh and the increased manufacturing capacity there. And the third prongs of this um is what you asked about and that’s uh the dose sharing. Uh and that’s what we detailed um A bit more today, uh uh today, the announcement that the 1st 25 million doses would be going out with 75% of those going to Kovacs, the remaining 25% of that going uh directly uh two countries. And we arrived at that knowing that uh we set a goal of maximizing the use of multilateral mechanisms, particularly kovacs, to provide us government owned vaccine supplies internationally. Our goal is to further strengthen these international institutions, including kovacs, which we know will continue to play A pivotal indispensable role in helping the world to one stop this pandemic and to um get back on the road to recovery. Now, the 25 million doses that we spoke about today, um that is only a fraction of the 80 million doses that uh The administration has committed to send out the door to the rest of the world by the end of this month. And as you mentioned, 75%,, We’ll go at least 75% will go through kovacs supplying these doses to countries in need. Doing so will maximize the number of vaccines available equitably for the greatest number uh for the most risk of countries around The world and for those doses shared through Kovacs, we are in fact prioritizing Latin America and the Caribbean as well as south and southeast, Southeast Asia and Africa uh in coordination uh in that case with the African Union, uh the 25% uh we are also prioritizing a number of regions that have been especially hard hit in in recent months. Now, when it comes to those kovacs a lot, uh six million of those doses will go to latin America and the caribbean, as we know that the region has suffered tremendously as other regions have as well from this pandemic. And ultimately, I would just note that um we’re doing this for two reasons. Um One um we know that as long as the virus is spreading anywhere, it is a threat to people everywhere. Uh and in order to get this virus under control whether um it is protecting against a resurgence here in this country, whether it is protecting against flare ups in other countries around the world, uh that we need to have global coverage and a global response. But to we’re doing this because it’s the right thing to do. We have the resources now from our own increased domestic production. Uh and this is something that um it’s in sure it’s in the interests of the american people and of the United States, but it is the right thing to do now that we’re in a position to do so, and we’ll be sharing more details on that in the weeks ahead. Yes, Vaccines, do you know the specific number of vaccine doses that India will receive from this 25 million. So what we’ve spoken to today um are uh shares per region. Uh and so uh there is a breakdown by region. Um but we don’t have specific dose numbers to offer per country at this point in the next round of vaccine distribution will be announced. Do you have a tablet for that? Well, what we said, let me make one point that that uh this 25 million, of course not a not a paltry sum. Um, we’ll be going out the door uh imminent uh as as soon as we can muster now, the distribution of vaccines, of course, it depends somewhat on on the manufacturer. Um but it is not as simple as putting a stamp on an envelope and send it around the world. So uh there are logistical challenge challenges associated with this. But we are moving Uh as quickly as we can in an effort to get these vaccines um uh to their destination countries uh as as soon as we can. Uh the other part of your question is that this is 25 million. Uh there remain um some 55 million doses that uh the administration has committed to send abroad by the end of this month. And so I expect you’ll be hearing more from us on that. These are mostly estrogenic, a fighter or modern. Er Do you know that? So what we have said is that 60 million um astrazeneca uh doses uh and of course there’s 60 million are awaiting FDA approval. Um uh With uh the remaining 20 combination of vaccines that are available in the question on vaccine itself. As as the distance was taken during the quarter increase India’s capabilities. Event vaccine manufacturing can give us a sense where we are on that and how much time it protect for India to increase its capabilities to produce more vaccines. Well, it is immensely important to us for two reasons. Number one, uh, the increased uh manufacturing capacity uh in India, the volume of capacity that is has the potential there um, has the potential to be a game changer um, uh, well beyond uh India’s borders. And that’s precisely why uh, this arrangement was reached and announced in the context of the quad. But to it’s important to us because India has suffered immensely from the outbreak. There virtually no elements of indian society has been left untouched by this horrible, horrible scourge. And so that is why we have, even before this announcement today, we have spoken of the focus on increased um manufacturing in India but also the bilateral support that we have provided um to India as a means to help the country address this uh $00 million. Um Hundreds of millions of dollars in total half a billion dollars I believe 500 million has been put towards this uh including by the US government but also uh the U. S. Government, as you may recall. Um Secretary Blinken, Gayle smith, uh Kurt Campbell and others have led an effort to galvanize the private sector uh to chip in uh and to do so in a very meaningful way. Uh Knowing that this has to be something that if we’re going to um staunch the outbreak of the epidemic there that we will need this partnership with the private sector. And we’ve been really gratified to see that together between U. S. Government contributions as well as private sector contributions. We have seen some half a billion dollars in support go to India in its time of need. Thank you. Uh let me let me just move around a little bit. Yeah of questions about central America. First one is Secretary Blinken has been earlier this week in Costa rica and he met with the foreign ministers of the Zika. Uh Was there any kind of agreement or compromise uh seen the situation in the region? And the second one is well uh South America is supposed to be a priority for this administration, especially in terms of the fight against corruption and uh improving governance, governance and uh constitutionality rule of law. But the fact is that in last week, last month uh President Book Ellen’s El Salvador has removed the constitutional court uh in Nicaragua. Opposition leaders have been arrested in Guatemala. Former prosecutors against corruption has been arrested. Is the United States is strategy working failing what’s happened? Well, uh what I would say, um let me first start with the second part of your question uh when it comes to El Salvador. Uh and we said at the time and we’ll reiterate now that the actions by President Michel, um uh and the Legislative Assembly, they undermine the independence of El Salvador’s judicial system as well as its Attorney General. Uh Secretary Blinken actually had an opportunity to speak to to um President Mikhail shortly after these moves were announced on May 2nd, uh he placed a call to the President, made very clear that the United States is deeply concerned um by um uh an effort to erode the separation of powers uh and noting that um the rule of law, anti corruption, um uh taking aim at impunity. These are essential to the functioning uh democracy. And so we continue to look to President Bush, uh to restore strong separation of powers where they’ve been eroded and to demonstrate his government and his party’s commitment um to transparency and to accountability to the people of el Salvador. And now we have you’re right that we were just in Costa rica for the Zika meeting. And I will tell you that um the meaning uh focused on in uh in large part at least the patterns of irregular migration uh that have affected, of course, not only this country, but um countries uh in the region, um but in order to uh the conversation focused in large part on these very underlying issues uh corruption, uh lack of accountability, uh lack of adherence to the rule of law impunity. Because these are precisely uh some of the most important drivers of that irregular migration. Uh and um our goal ultimately is in one of the, I will say that in the in the meeting, uh one of the participants, I think put it quite well, uh when he spoke of a right to remain a right to remain for the people of Central America. And what you meant by that is that um we of course, I think much of the public focus has been on the flow of irregular migrants, but our goal uh needs to be in our goal of this administration school, in fact, is uh to create a right to remain the conditions. Um so that the people of the region, the people of Central America need not feel that their only option is to um undertake an incredibly dangerous uh and futile journey to the United States rather than remain in their home countries and that’s really The focus of our approach. Um that is one of the focus of the president’s proposed $4 billion dollar comprehend comprehensive regional uh strategy to create that sense of opportunity um uh for people of the region to instill uh and to reinforce that right to remain. You asked about uh some of the recent setbacks um uh what I would say is that, you know, this these are challenges that won’t be solved overnight um that can’t be solved overnight. Um Our strategy, including the President’s $4 billion over four year. Comprehensive vision is one that will be developed over four years. Even in the early weeks of this administration, we have announced a significant uh humanitarian relief for the people of the region. Vice President Harris, just within the recent days, have spoken, have spoken of more than $300 million that the United States is committing uh to address uh some of these challenges. But again, these are these are long standing issues, Um poverty, violence, corruption, extreme weather, climate change, and of course the two major hurricanes that hit the region uh in late 2020. And and compounding all of that. And this is something that we talked about to the severe economic downturn uh that COVID-19 has wrought on the region as well. So we have moved out. Um and uh it was an early priority of this administration on the part of Vice President Harris, on the part of Secretary Blinken on the part of our special envoy, Ricardo zuniga uh to make progress on this and to do so in important ways. And we’ve done that. But just as we do that, we know that uh this will be a process uh that will uh this will be a strategy that unfolds over time um with the goal of creating better lives, creating better uh conditions for opportunity and ultimately creating that right to remain for the people of Central America. And you don’t critic outcome you’re expecting from next Vice President. Harris traveled to Guatemala. I mean because, okay, this is a long term strategy, but something expected to happen now. Well, I will leave it to the White House and and specifically to the Vice President’s office to um speak about uh to her trip. But I think just as Secretary of Lincoln’s travel uh to the second meeting where we met with his counterparts from the region, it will be an important signal of american engagement uh and our partnership with the region. And that’s really how we see this. Um For us this is not um just a problem to be solved. It’s a it’s a partnership. Uh and that’s why we have made uh and we’ll continue to make important investments in the future of the region knowing that only by improving lives only by creating that that right to remain well, we will we be able to address some of those underlying challenges. Thank you. Change topics. Thank you. First. I want to pay tribute to our late colleague and friend taking. They’re saying maybe Western peace and julianna graciously yesterday. Uh Second of course, the Palestinian Israeli issue, There is a whole smorgasbord of uh issues and topics that are, you know, they’re going on the if you care to comment on the new Israeli government of potential new Israeli government that you think. But let me ask you, I assume you’re referring to President Artsakh President talk, You already congratulated them that I’m talking about the government and the make of the new government. And how are you going to deal with Israel without Netanyahu after so many years? Uh but let me ask you Uh 2, 2 on two issues pertaining to the Palestinians, one I asked this yesterday and maybe you have more input on this today. Israel is preventing cancer patient from crossing the Eretz crossing and it’s a really critical situation. Uh I wonder if you have any comment on that. And my second is of course, you know, again on the whereabouts of Mr heavy armor, what is he doing? What is next on his agenda? What will he be doing? Is he currently in talks and negotiations? Thank you. Uh So on your first question, um we we of course are familiar with these reports and it’s something that we documented in many different uh context Um uh including uh we document these concerns extensively in the West Bank and the Gaza human Rights Report. Um We have encouraged all parties to work together to facilitate greater freedom of movement uh including for humanitarian ends. And I can tell you of course we were just in the region uh less than two weeks ago now, Deputy Assistant Secretary armor was there, he joined up with our delegation. This absolutely was a topic of conversation with our Israeli counterparts. It was a topic of conversation with our uh with the Palestinian Authority. Um It was something we heard from uh members of civil society with whom we also met the yeah our goal. And you’ve heard us say this uh now over the longer term, but it’s something we are uh attempting to make demonstrable progress on uh in the near term, is to ensure that both Israelis and Palestinians enjoy equal measures of security, of safety of prosperity and of dignity. Uh and that is an important goal in its own right. It is important for the humanitarian well being um of uh for uh including Palestinians, but it is also important if we are going to be able to eventually make progress towards what remains our goal. And that is a two state solution, a two state solution that really is, in our estimation, the only way to preserve importantly Israel’s identity as a jewish and a democratic state, while bestowing on the Palestinian people uh their legitimate aspirations for statehood, security and uh and dignity. And so Uh that’s why ensuring that there is ample humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza, especially in the aftermath of of the recent violence, is incredibly important to us. It is why um, over the course of recent weeks and starting before that on April seven, right here, I announced uh more than $100 million in support for the Palestinian people Ambassador thomas Greenfield, just before that had announced $15 million.8 in in coronavirus related relief for the Palestinian people. All told, I believe now we have announced some 360 $1 million in assistance um for the Palestinian people. Um knowing that again, if we are to be able to to help um make progress towards that ultimate goal of a two state solution, um we need to provide um this humanitarian relief uh and we need to be able to do so with some urgency given the uh dire situation, especially there in Gaza in the aftermath of the violence. Abby thanks. Do you have any comment on Norway summoning the U. S. Ambassador regarding spying from 2012 to 2014? And can you say what message was conveyed on behalf of the administration in that meeting? Uh Well um uh what I would say is that uh the charge, as I understand it uh did have a meeting with uh the Ministry of uh Defense. Look um these are issues that long predate uh this administration in 2014. Uh the Obama biden administration uh rolled out a new document I won’t bore you with the Full name, but PPD 28 uh that really put uh a policy framework um around uh these issues. And and that administration made very clear uh that if we want to um convey a message to our closest allies and partners, if we want to hear a message from our closest allies and partners we’ll pick up the phone and we’ll talk to them. Uh and um uh that’s precisely how uh we view this. Yeah. Do you have any comments on this new uh coalition government which is trying to to um well which will have to go through a vote in the message without Netanyahu? Uh what would it change for the U. S. Policy including defense assistance to Israel? And also do you have any worried about Netanyahu reported effort to try to undermine this transition of power or to try to stop it to prevent it uh in either way. And have you shared any message that you want to Israel to keep on with its peaceful tradition of uh tradition of peaceful transition of power? I think there were three or four parts of your question I’ll answer, I’ll answer one of them. Uh the regardless of what happens and obviously we’re not going to speak to government formation while it’s in process, um regardless of what happens, um regardless of what the government is in place um are stalwart support are ironclad support for Israel will remain, You have heard from President biden, you’ve heard from Secretary Blinken um of of that commitment in in recent days, uh including when it comes to replenishment of uh the iron dome. Um nothing about that will change even if there is a change in in government. So you agree with, you know, there’s I guess a proposal for a billion dollars for replenishing the iron dome, I think it’s been proposed by, you know, bipartisan group of legislators like lindsey Graham and others and so on. You approve that? Uh So what is that happening? What what the President has said is the United States will uh support the replenishment of the iron dome? We haven’t spoken in more detail. I know there’s a proposal um that has been uh floated, but our commitment to the iron dome uh knowing that the iron dome um saved untold number of Israeli lives from the indiscriminate rocket attacks fired by Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza uh In in recent weeks. It is uh an indispensable uh tool for the safety and security of Israelis. Again, we are talking about equal measures of safety and security for Israelis and Palestinians uh And on the Israeli side, the the iron dome is an important element of that equation. So today the secretary secretary, antony Blinken either met or already met or is meeting with Israeli Defense Minister Benny Ganz assume that they will be discussing all these issues, but they also be discussing, you know, a long term quiet or truth between Gaza and Israel. So I expect we’ll have a read out of this meeting that took place this morning and we’ll have a bit more detail uh to share. But I think what you will hear is that the meeting focused um one on our security, on our commitment to Israel’s security, on our belief uh that Israel has a right to uh defend itself. Um But also, um I expect you will see a focus on um some of the issues we’ve talked about um the humanitarian efforts to provide important humanitarian relief uh and assistance for the humanitarian recovery uh in Gaza. Uh ultimately we know that um only if we are able to offer again in equal measures a sense of opportunity, a sense of dignity of security uh and democracy to Palestinians and Israelis, will we be able to break this cycle of violence? Um what we don’t want to see happen is for Gaza to be rebuilt uh with uh in in with significant assistance from the United States and international community only to see this occur in the coming weeks, months or years. And so that’s why yes, we’re focused on the near term, but we’re also focused on the longer term on breaking that cycle. That cycle of violence. I was wondering if you have any uh updates on special envoy Feldman visit to Gulf and kenya. And I was wondering if you are considering if the US considering being uh working on a mediation uh regarding the dispute over the Ethiopian grand Dam? Well, um as we said before, we continue to support collaborative and constructive efforts by the parties in this case, Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan uh to reach an arrangement on the GERD. Uh we understand the importance of these waters to to all three countries uh and we continue to encourage a presumptive at the resumption of productive dialogue on the GERD under the auspices of the Au um uh you’re right that Ambassador Feldman is uh in the broader region. Uh now I expect we’ll be able to give you more detail on his on his travel upon his return just to follow up just are you relying more on the African Union efforts and uh ideas regarding the dispute over the granddaddy? Well, we know that the African Union is important um forum uh for conflict resolution, for mediation. Um We see ourselves as a partner, um not only to these three countries but also to the African Union. And so we’re working very closely with the African Union in an effort to bring the parties together and to make meaningful progress towards the resolution of this dispute on Afghanistan. There’s a new U. N. Report today that says the Taliban remains close with Al Qaeda. Despite efforts to mask their ties, they still have a close connection given the unconditional withdrawal of US troops was to stop Afghanistan from falling to the Taliban to becoming a haven for terrorism after the US withdrawal. And do you have any update on efforts to get S. I. Ve. Applicants out of the country? Well, on your first question, we are we absolutely have not taken our eye off the terrorist threat far from it. Uh And as we have said, uh in the context of announcing, are the military withdrawal from Afghanistan? We will have the means to detect a re emergence of a terrorist threat to the homeland from Afghanistan and to take action should that occur. Uh we’re going to reposition our forces and our assets to make sure that we guard against this potential reemergence. And we’ve spoken of uh the over the horizon options uh under the agreement, the Taliban committed not to allow al Qaeda or other terrorists to threaten the security, United States or allies um from Afghan soil. We are going to hold them to that commitment. Our ultimate goal is in Afghanistan that finds an end to four decades of conflict through a just and durable political settlement um uh and in that situation and that environment, terrorism is less likely to emerge. That’s why we continue to support um the peace process um uh and to encourage the parties to come together. And we were heartened to see uh in recent recent days uh that the negotiating teams are returning to Doha. Uh and we’ve urged them to focus on the key issues surrounding a political settlements and permanent comprehensive ceasefire. We know that this is a really pivotal moment for Afghan leaders in the Taliban uh to come together and to take responsibility for the future of the country. We’re also committed to the peace process because of the knowledge that the world will not accept in Afghanistan, uh the world will not accept the establishment in Afghanistan of any government imposed by force. That’s why our focus is on diplomacy. That’s why we’re heartened to see the party’s coming back together uh in Doha when it comes to S. I. V. S. We said this before. Um but uh we understand and we recognize that we have a special commitment uh and a special responsibility uh to the many afghans who over the years have at great risk to themselves and even to them fans to their families have assisted the United States in our efforts in Afghanistan. We are always seeking ways to improve uh the S. I. V. Process while ensuring the integrity integrity of the program uh and safeguarding our national security and affording opportunities to uh these afghans. Um We’ve identified process improvements and directed additional resources to the program including augmenting staff here in Washington to process applications. It’s I mentioned that because it’s worth noting that much of the processing of applicants that the Chief of mission stage occurs not in Kabul but here in Washington. And the team has significantly increased its staffing in recent months. We’ve also approved a temporary increase in consular staffing and our embassy in Kabul to conduct interviews in the process visa applications which allowed the embassy to address cases that were delayed due to covid 19 staffing reductions in related closures. Uh You also heard last week, I believe it was our deputy secretary for Management Resources uh in speaking to the budget that we have requested uh an additional 8000 S ivy funding for an additional 8000 special immigrant um visas from Congress. And of course, we know that it’s not only the department is not only the executive branch that is deeply uh deeply committed to this program, but again, we’re heartened to know that we have a partner uh in Congress and Congress that is very focused just as we are on this program as well. Mhm. They’re evacuating people are doing this processing in a third country. So what’s important and again, I think it’s important to understand is that even as we withdraw militarily our commitment to the government and in this case the people of Afghanistan will remain our diplomatic facility in Kabul. Well, even after the september deadline for troops to be uh U. S. Military forces to be out of the country, are embassy will remain will be able to continue processing uh and we will do that as quickly and efficiently as we can, knowing again the special responsibility that we have to these brave afghans. Thank you. We’ll do one more a court in Myanmar on Wednesday jail to journalists for incitement and spreading false news. Their organizations said, what’s the U. S. Doing to secure their release and has anyone been able to visit them? And if I may use for an affair? Chief barrel said today that the EU will impose a new round of sanctions on Myanmar’s military junta and its economic interests in the coming days. Well, is the U. S. Planning a coordinated announcement? Well, uh you didn’t ask about this precisely, but but let me also take an opportunity uh to note uh that uh we are deeply concerned over the detention of us citizens daniel finster uh Nathan Maung, both of whom were working as journalists uh in in Burma. We’ve pressed the military regime to release them both immediately uh to really release both of them immediately. Uh and we’ll continue to do so until they are allowed to return safely to their families. And this gets to your broader question. Um free and independent media is indispensable to building prosperous, resilient and free societies. We have seen the junta in recent days attempt to stifle um freedom of expression, freedom of assembly. Uh and um they do that knowing that uh only by suppressing the will of the burmese, people might be be able to uh retain some semblance of control. Um and so we will continue to press for the release of journalists who are detained uh in Burma. We will continue to press for the release of these two americans are consular officers. Most recently conducted a virtual visit um with uh Nathan Maung on May 24th. We’ve also sought to visit uh Daniel finster, but we haven’t been afforded access to him by regime officials. Um So as we attempt to uh ensure uh the secure the freedom of these journalists, um we will be pressing the case for all journalists who are wrongfully detained uh in Burma for doing nothing more than their job and ultimately knowing that their job is um uh the uh protecting the freedom of expression uh in of the people of Burma. Yes, yeah. How many doses are going to Brazil, Brazilian government is saying two million, is that correct? So the announcement today was grouped by region and we spoke of broad allocations to regions. There were, I believe, six million doses going to the region, but we haven’t spoken in terms of allocations to countries. Thank you. Thank you very, very much.