Department of State Daily Press Briefing – October 18, 2021

Transcript

Good afternoon. Everyone before we turn to today’s business. I just want to spend a moment picking up where Secretary Blinken left off this morning. As you know, today is a very somber day here at the Department of State. Some of my colleagues were lucky enough to work for Secretary Powell. I’ve heard many of them over the course of this morning tell their favorite stories about Secretary Powell. They have without exception, done so with the spark in their eye and with appropriate warmth in their voice. All of us here are fortunate enough to work in an institution that Secretary Powell has shaped and one that continues to reflect his tremendous legacy. Speaking for myself as a child of the late Cold War in the first gulf war, I remember thinking there could be no leader, bigger, no leader greater than someone like General Powell whom we now know as Secretary Powell at least in this building. He was an inspiration to uh not only my generation, my generation, but many generations of America Americans across this country are lucky enough to have experienced a trailblazing leader with integrity, with character. Perhaps most of all with decency and this institution in this country are better off because of Colin Powell, who we all miss very dearly. Now turning to uh today uh the United States welcomes the opening of the Syrian Constitutional Committee 6th round of negotiations today in Geneva. We stand firmly behind U. N. Security Council resolution 22 54 U. N. Security special envoy Peterson who brought the co-chairs together in advance of the Constitutional committee for the first time yesterday. It is essential that the Syrian regime and leaders of the opposition engaged constructively in Geneva consistent with the political process outlined in U. N. Security Council resolution 22 54. The Syrian people deserve nothing less after more than a decade of war. Uh And with that I will be happy to turn to your questions about you wanna start. Thank you. Um A couple three points on Russia and NATO. Um You I’m sure have seen that they have suspended their office, their liaison office with NATO in brussels. And I’m wondering if you have anything to say about that and if you don’t if you don’t or if you don’t care, that’s fine. But do you have any reaction to them also closing down NATO’s office in Moscow? Well we would refer you to NATO for further information but we do note that NATO recently withdrew the accreditation of eight members of the Russian mission to NATO who were serving as undeclared Russian intelligence officers. Uh NATO’s policy towards Russia remains consistent. It has strengthened its deterrence and its defense in response to Russia’s aggressive action while at the same time leaving the door open for meaningful dialogue that continues to be the case specific reaction to them suspending or closing down the office in Oscar nothing happened secondly. Um Do you have any comment on the bombing in Tigre Ethiopian pledge? Well we’ve seen these reports of of of an attack on the capital in MMA Kelly, um we are in the process of looking into them. Uh We broadly speaking, do remain gravely concerned by what has been escalating violence for some time. Uh that includes the expansion of fighting in Northern Ethiopia and in regions throughout the country. Uh and of course the growing risk that fighting poses to the integrity of the Ethiopian state. Uh Not only does it pose a risk to uh the state, it undermines critical efforts to keep civilians safe and importantly, to deliver humanitarian aid to Ethiopians who are in dire need of such support. We urge all parties to end hostilities immediately and for the Ethiopian government and the TPLF the Tigray People’s Liberation Front to enter into negotiation without preconditions toward a sustainable ceasefire. We continue to believe that a sustainable ceasefire will help establish conditions conditions for a dialogue that is credible. A dialogue that is inclusive and to find a political settlement to the longstanding political grievances that have led to the conflict, moreover, as we’ve said before, the government of Eritrea must immediately and permanently withdraw its forces from Ethiopia, consistent with the comments already made by both Ethiopia and Eritrea. Sure, and on sanctions went into effect weeks ago. What is the administration waiting for to impose sanctions under that regime? Well, we have been very clear that we are prepared to use every tool at our disposal until and unless the various parties change their course. Obviously, the executive order that went into effect in September I believe it is does afford uh the U. S. Government an important tool to hold accountable. Those who are responsible for the violence, those who are responsible for the suffering of the Ethiopian people. We are absolutely prepared to use that tool and other appropriate tools as might be appropriate. Uh Come here on Iran. Um I wonder how the United States view Iran’s request for a meeting in brussels with EU officials to discuss the draft text from June. Um Do you think this is a way of them trying to slow roll you? Well, to be clear, we do not think it is necessary. Uh We are together with our allies and partners in the P five plus one um of the same mind that negotiations in Vienna, 1/7 round of talks between the P five plus one and Iran in direct, in the case of the United States should resume as soon as possible. Uh We have been very clear at that the destination we seek as in Vienna, not an intermediate step uh in brussels, of course, we understand that uh Mr. Morra recently is in Tehran certainly appreciate the efforts of the Eu uh to engage in this dialogue on behalf of the Joint Commission on behalf of of our allies and partners who seek the same goal and that is a mutual return to compliance with the J. C. P. O. A. As negotiated in Vienna. And importantly, picking up in Vienna with 1/7 round that takes up where the sixth round left off. This is the message that we heard consistently from our allies and partners when we were in new York city on the margins of the U. N. General Assembly. Uh This is the message that the Secretary has heard on a bilateral and multilateral basis and his conversations before the U. N. General Assembly and after uh the U. N. General Assembly. Uh There is no daylight with our partners. There is no disagreement uh that a mutual return to compliance remains in our interests. It remains in the interests of our allies uh and partners and that we should resume the work of testing the proposition as to whether we can get there in Vienna as soon as possible. Yes please, Iran as well as if I could um Saudi Arabia said last week that they’ve had four interactions or what they call interactions and discussions with Iran since April. Um and is this department encouraged by these interactions? Do you see it as good for possibly encouraging around back to the table and or any concern with these interactions given that they’re both regional foes? Well, we certainly think constructive dialogue can be a useful tool for deescalating tensions. Regional tensions were supportive of dialogue broadly speaking, were supportive of dialogue in this case. Yes john well I don’t has to do with Iran or not, but since I haven’t seen a read out of it, what was the purpose of this virtual call the Secretary did with the Israelis and the Iraqis and the Indian. Uh so you will see a readout of that later today, but it was not a run. It was not a run. Okay, so it was well, you have a read out later today, but obviously this is a collection of four countries, the United States, the U. A. E um Israel and India with whom we share many interests. Uh it was an opportunity for the ministers to discuss a range of topics including expanding economic and political cooperation uh in the respective regions. Uh, deepening economic, excuse me, uh discuss climate change, energy cooperation, maritime security, a whole range of issues. But you’ll see a readout of later today, Sean sure, one more time, I’m sure the administration is sort of growing increasingly pessimistic that Iran even wants to come back into a deal. Are you preparing now for the possibility that this whole thing might just fail and it’s time to move on to. Not necessarily a plan B or other options, as the Secretary put it, but a new policy prerogative and declare sort of the death of the return of the opioid. Well, to your question nick, look, we’re not optimistic. We are not pessimistic. We are clear eyed and we are taking into account precisely what we are hearing from the Iranians, What we are not hearing from the Iranians. What we are seeing from the Iranians. What we are not seeing from the Iranians. Uh We are in the midst of uh in the midst of watching closely as the Iranians it seems form their own uh consensus as to what path they would like to choose. We are engaged in ongoing consultations with our allies and partners as you know, rob Malley is now in the Middle East. Uh He has just concluded a set of good meetings in the U. S. A. Uh he’ll be going on to Qatar to Saudi Arabia as well uh during this trip. Um But look we have been very clear and we’ve been clear for some time now this is not an exercise that can go on indefinitely. The secretary made this point on the eighth floor of this building last week when he was with his Emirati and Israeli counterpart. We continue to believe that there is a path for diplomacy. We continue to believe as I said before that a mutual returned to compliance with the J. C. P. O. A. Uh one that is diplomatically negotiated is the best and most effective means at our disposal to see to it that Iran is once again permanently and verifiably prevented from ever obtaining a nuclear weapon. But of course diplomacy like many things in life it takes two. And we have not uh seen heard those messages. We’ve not seen actions to date. That um are all that comforting when it comes to what the Iranians might seek uh in the near term. But of course the door remains open All the while you heard this from the secretary, you heard this after national security adviser, Sullivan’s meeting with his Israeli counterpart on October five, the president has made clear that if diplomacy fails. we are prepared to turn to other options. Uh and uh this is part of the intensive consultations that we are undertaking with our allies and partners in the region. Beyond Yeah, what what do you make of the fact that it now looks like Iran is exporting about a million barrels of oil a day and and seemingly has no financial incentive to come back to negotiations. The economy is doing better. It’s gone back into positive territory. The currency is no longer in freefall. It feels like sanctions enforcement has tailed off. And really, there’s no leverage economic leverage despite the sanctions that the administration has in place to compel them back to the table. Look, I would dispute the premise that Iran doesn’t have economic incentives to come back to the table. Uh these were economic incentives that lead Iran to the table. And the deal that came together in July of 2015 that was implemented in January 2016. Uh these are some of the same uh incentives uh that remain uh today when it comes to our sanctions and sanctions enforcement, I want to be very clear uh that are sanctions on Iranian oil and petrochemicals remain fully in place. We will continue to enforce them together with our allies and partners around the world until and unless Iran chooses a path of diplomacy uh and a path to a mutual return to compliance with the J. C. P. O. A. About the fact that china continues to import like 750,000 barrels a day from Iran. Look, these are consultations that we’re having with our allies and partners. We’ve been very clear about where we stand in terms of our sanctions, in terms of our sanctions enforcement. The PRC has also been very clear in terms of where they stand on potential mutual return to compliance with the J. C. P. O. A. The PRC is an original member. Founding member, you might say of the P. Five plus one. Uh The authorities in Beijing have made very clear uh that like the United States, like the Russian Federation, like the you like the French like the Germans like the brits were all of the mindset that mutual return to compliance with the joint comprehensive plan of action remains in our collective interest. Uh And right now we are waiting to be able to render a verdict as to whether Iran is willing and able to return to the negotiating table in Vienna Sean over the weekend. The Maduro government. So it was suspended talks with uh with uh they’re studying the extradition of Mr. sob Do you have any um any reaction first? The suffering of the of the dialogue, what this votes for for the future in Venezuela? And also to the linkage with the extradition. Sure. Um look at the broadest level. Nicolas Maduro needs to end the human rights abuses and needs to allow the Venezuelan people, his people to participate in free and fair presidential parliamentary, regional and local elections. Uh We have been consistent in terms of where we stand with the Venezuelan led negotiations between the unity platform and the Maduro regime. We support them. We continue to support them and we continue to believe that they should lead to the peaceful restoration of democracy that the people of Venezuela so earnestly desire and deserve they should end, they should result in an ent to the regime’s human rights abuses into the alleviation of Venezuela’s dire humanitarian suffering and put an end to a crisis that has gone on for far too long by suspending participation in these negotiations. The Maduro regime, on the other hand, has made very clear that it is putting its interests once again above the interests of the Venezuelan people. Just just think about it. They are putting the case of one individual, above the welfare, above the well being above the livelihoods of the millions of Venezuelans who have made clear uh their aspirations for democracy for greater freedom for um prosperity uh and at the most basic level and alleviation of the humanitarian suffering that the regime has inflicted on the Venezuelan people. Uh We will continue to work with the Venezuelan with our Venezuelan international partners to in the meantime provide assistance to address the crisis in Venezuela. We call on the international community to redouble its support to the Venezuelan people as they work to peacefully restore democracy to their country. As I think all of, you know, will be headed in that direction tomorrow we’ll be going to Ecuador in Colombia uh Tuesday through Thursday of this week and we’ll have an opportunity there to discuss some of these broad themes as well. Uh Sean, were you? Yeah, sure. Mhm. Leading the expedition to this. Is that something that would be under discussion in the United States? Do you see some any type? It is often difficult for undemocratic autocratic repressive governments to understand the simple and fundamental truth about how we operate in this country and that is that our law enforcement is independent of politics of policy. The criminal charges against Alex sob long predate and have no relation to the political negotiations between the unity platform uh and the Maduro regime. These operate on a second track. So no, there is there is no linkage. Sure If you’re worried about their faith being linked to this as well. Well, we are aware of the reports that the COGG six have been moved from back from house arrest into custody, but we can’t confirm their current locations. Um We often do have difficulty obtaining access to and confirming reports about detained individuals in Venezuela. But we make every effort to provide appropriate consular assistance. Even if that’s by phone by video conference, by other means. We have been in frequent and direct contact with their families however, and that will that will continue. Yes. Did you just just said that the criminal charges are another thing in terms of the political negotiation in Mexico. But regarding the Citgo six, their families here in the US are demanding the dividing administrations take a step towards guarantee their safety and their release. And they are even suggesting That you kind of make some kind of exchange between Alexa and the single six. Is this even possible? Are you considering look to be very clear these are wrongful detainees. These are individuals who were lured to Venezuela by the Maduro regime uh and arrested upon their arrival. Uh The regime continues to detain them to gain political leverage. Uh They are holding them as uh political ponds. Uh We call in the regime to release them immediately so that they can return to be reunited with their families in the United States. If you take a look at the history of this case after canceling their initial appearance before a judge dozens of times over the last three years. A Venezuelan court convicted these individuals after a sham trial without any evidence. Having already spent four years wrongfully detained in Venezuela. And the specious charges, they should be immediately and unconditionally released. We have spoken many times before about the practice, the heinous practice of arbitrary detention of individuals of holding individuals on trumped up charges, putting them through sham trials, refusing to afford them real due process. Uh It is a practice that is as reprehensible in Venezuela as it is anywhere else in the world. And Secretary Blinken has made a point of working closely with our partners and allies, including um prominently with our Canadian allies. To reinforce the norm that taking and holding individuals for nothing more than political gain is a practice that must be discarded is a practice that has no place in the modern world and that’s what we’ll continue to do. Uh These are individuals who are wrongfully detained who should be released unconditionally the visit of Secretary to Colombia in two days. Uh The U. S. Has said that Colombia is in a strategic ally with this trip. I think that you want to show that however President Banda was here in Washington two times in the last few weeks looking for a meeting with President joe Biden. Is President joe Biden ignoring President Manduca or is he avoiding a meeting with Duke? No, there is, there is there is no avoiding uh It is it is very true that Colombia is a strategic partner of our uh that is precisely why uh the secretary will be visiting Colombia on his first trip to South America as secretary of State. Uh in just a couple of days, he of course will have an opportunity to meet with President Dok with his foreign minister counterpart. We’ll have an opportunity to meet with other government officials with civil society with business counterparts. So this is very much an effort to showcase to strengthen and to deepen the relationship the important relationship between the United States and Columbia. And we’ll have an opportunity to speak to that in the coming days update on the kidnapped Americans and Canadians. Does the State Department know where they are, who’s taking the lead on trying to get them? Well, as you heard from us over the weekend, we can confirm that 17 individuals, 16 of whom are U. S. Citizens were kidnapped on October 16th on Saturday in the great and the greater part of Prince area. Uh We’ve made this point before. But the welfare, the safety of the security of US citizens abroad is one of our highest priorities. Our embassy team in Haiti has been in constant contact with the Haitian national police with the missionary group, Christian ministries. Uh and family members of the victims will continue to work with them will continue to work with the Canadian government. Given that one of the victims is a Canadian citizen. Uh and with our interagency partners uh in this ongoing investigation. The State Department has as part of a small team that is now on the ground that has been dispatched uh to Haiti to work closely with Haitian authorities on this matter. Uh This is something that we have treated as um with the utmost priority. Uh since uh Saturday, our teams across the building have been working closely with our interagency partners, as I said before with our partners on the ground uh in Haiti uh to do all we can to uh seek a quick resolution to this department, aware of their whereabouts. Are you in touch with this gang that has said they kidnapped them? Uh Well, we’re not going to go into specifics, but we have been in close touch with the families with uh the group to which this a group of missionaries belongs? Uh And um we’ll continue to coordinate closely with them. Thank you. You know, there were calls in the wake of the assassination for the US to become involved in Haiti to help provide security. Is that the kind of thing, you know, being reminded how dangerous it is there that the U. S. Is reevaluating. And then on the other hand, there is the question of whether migrants should be deported back to a country like Haiti that’s that’s just dangerous. Where, you know, gangs operate with impunity. Is the administration revaluing that policy or is it are we going to proceed forward with a not intervening in Haiti and you know, sending migrants back to the country? Well, let me, let me start with the first element of the question, The security conditions in Haiti. We have had a series of engagement engagements with Haitian authorities, with civil society, with other actors on the ground. Of course, before um the assassination of President Movies. Uh and in the weeks after. And one of the messages we’ve heard at every level uh is the real concern about security, about security conditions in Port au Prince and across the country. It is no secret that Haiti faces severe security challenges. Uh That is why our International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Bureau or I nl, has provided capacity building to the Haitian National Police to support the Haitian National Police is development as a professional and accountable institution, able to better equipped to take on some of these challenges. I nl provides technical assistance through embedded subject matter experts, training equipment and other security assistance to help improve uh citizen security uh in Haiti. Um We realize what a priority this is for the people of Haiti. And that’s why we have provided funding to the tune of $312 million dollars in assistance over the last decade alone, to strengthen law enforcement and capacity of the Haitian National Police and to maintain peace and stability throughout the country. In response to the increasingly perilous security situation on the ground. In recent weeks alone, we’ve allocated an additional $15 million $12 million dollars specifically to strengthen the police’s capacity to respond to gangs, including efforts with communities to resist gangs uh and additional anti gang subject matter experts in support the Haitian National Police to establish an anti gang task force among other measures that have been implemented as well. Uh to the second part of your question. Um We are a partner to uh the Haitian people uh into the Haitian government. We remain committed to supporting the Haitian people during this especially difficult time. We have been clear, we’ve been resolute on that both before the killing of President Movies and and of course in the week since um it is important to us that we’re doing all we can we continue to do all we can To provide assistance that supports and promotes stability, resilience, health and safety for Haitians at home. And in accord with that, we’ve provided $5.5 million dollars in assistance and support to support the reception of Haitian migrants returning to Haiti. Uh This is administered by U. S. A. I. D. Uh and it supports several aspects of the International Organization for migration, is ongoing efforts to provide immediate reception services for migrants return to Port au Prince uh Cap Haitian um when it comes to our immigration policy, U. S. Immigration law remains in effect migrants arriving by a regular means and without a legal basis to remain are subject to removal under U. S. Law. We are committed to supporting safe orderly and humane migration throughout our region. And we’re engaging with partners throughout the migratory migratory corridor uh in the region to underscore our shared responsibility for helping to manage migration. Knowing that what happens in central and South America, what happens uh in the Caribbean is of collective interest to all of us. It is part of the reason why Secretary Blinken um is uh eager to take part in a ministerial uh this week when we travel to South America precisely on the challenge of regional migration. Uh It is a follow on discussion in some ways to the ministerial that we attended in in Costa Rica earlier this year. And we’ve had any number of opportunities including recently in the General Assembly with some of our our regional partners to discuss how together as a hemisphere as partners and allies throughout the hemisphere, we can work together to manage migration and how the United States can continue to um develop a partnership including in the Northern Triangle to provide opportunities for individuals in their home countries. Uh the the right to remain is what one of the participants at the Sikh a ministerial uh called it. Um making sure that those throughout the region, whether that’s in Haiti whether that’s in the Northern Triangle, whether that is in uh any other country in our hemisphere. Beyond that individuals who might seek or aspire to seek a better life somewhere. Actually feel the promise and the hope and the potential within their own countries. And that’s precisely what our partnership with the region is all about. Yes, power is being remembered for many significant achievements today, but do you think that his reputation on the world stage, is it all diminished by him garnering support for the Iraq war from allies like Australia based on poor intelligence. Secretary Powell is remembered um in this building uh in this country. Uh, and I think around the world as someone who exemplified the utmost integrity um character and decency, uh, and all that he did. Secretary Blinken uh made the point today that he was a man of ideas, but he wasn’t ideological. Um and in that same vein, he was someone who could admit um when he was wrong and I think he is someone who’s example, um really exudes leadership. When you think about a leader. Uh and you think about the qualities, whether that’s in a military leader and a leader within this institution, a leader within our our body politic, I think we would all do well, uh if we were able to emulate what General Powell, what Secretary Powell exemplified in this country and on the world stage, please. Um, so on Turkey, President Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday said The United States had proposed the sale of F- 16 fighter jet to Turkey. Um there was a recent request that was sent up that you guys did not comment on, but it was sent up Um in return for Turkey’s investment in the F- 35 program. So can you confirm the president’s comments that it was indeed? Um this this was a proposal that was coming from the U. S. That uh let me say as a matter of general policy and you you know this you might have the department does not confirm or comment on proposed defense sales or transfers until and unless they have been formally notified to Congress when it comes to Turkey. Uh we strongly value our partnership with our NATO ally. Turkey. It’s an important NATO ally. Um We have longstanding and deep bilateral ties and Turkey’s continued uh NATO interrupt interoperability remains a priority Now, when it comes to um the issue you raised, I will say that we remain the department of Fence, I should say Remains in consultation with Turkey on an F 35 dispute resolutions, dispute resolution, Turkish officials have publicly acknowledged their interest in purchasing F 16 aircraft. We would refer you to Turkish government to the Turkish government to speak to its defense procurement plans. What I can say is the United States has not made any financing offers on Turkey’s F 16 request. Let me elaborate just a little bit or not. Um has the United States encouraged Turkey at any of its consultations to Submit that request for F 16. As I said, the Department of Defense does remain in consultations with Turkey on the F- 35 program. How that dispute may be resolved? Not in a position to speak to that dialogue. What? Uh but to to be clear, we have not made any financing offers on Turkey’s F 16 requests. That means that the argument that President Erdogan is making like we have paid this amount of money for the F 35 program and we would like that to be accounted for our potential F 16 request. You’re basically saying us never told Turkey that that is possible. What I’m saying is that the Department of Defense continues to be engaged in a dispute resolution mechanism with Turkey on the on the F 35 but I’m not going to prejudge the outcome of that. Is that technically possible? What President Erdogan is referring to saying something like a store credit. We have paid this much amount of money and now we want that. Is that technically this is all part of a dispute resolution mechanism. Again, I don’t want to prejudge it. I don’t want to go into uh private conversations between the Turkish government and this administration. So, I will leave it at that on given the Congress, given the bipartisan opposition, uh would the administration be looking at perhaps lobbying for F16 sales to Turkey in Congress? Uh Again, this I think this goes back to my first answer. Uh And that is we don’t speak to any defense sales or transfers until and unless they’re notified to Congress? Sure, yeah. All right. So, you’re confirming the request if you’re saying, well, the Turkish government has made public, um has that been formally submitted to you? I I would have to refer you to the Turkish government. They’ve spoken publicly uh to their interest. But in terms of a process there need to refer you to them and then also in the S- 400. And indeed, would you be comfortable with the situation where they had the S 400 up and running with the F 16 not talking about the F 35 separate from that dispute? Would would you be concerned about a situation where they had the S 400 operating in a system where they are in an in a theater where they were also flying the F 16. This is I think perhaps a more convoluted way of asking the same question Humira is asking. So I’m gonna give you the same answer that the Department of Defense is engaged in dispute resolution discussions with Turkey on the F 35 The F- 35. But well, this question is coming up in the context of discussions regarding the F- 35. So, I don’t want to prejudge those don’t want to go into private discussions when you say dispute resolution Turkey has been removed from the F 35. So, what are these talks about? Is it about trying to find a way to get their money back? Or is it about finding a way to allocate that money to what is the dispute resolution for? As you know, we’ve been very public about The lack of interoperability. The fact that the F- 35 program is not consistent with the S 400. Uh We have been very clear about that. We have also been clear that the imposition of sanctions under section 2 31 of cats to um uh in response to that s for 400 acquisition, it signaled the seriousness with which we approach this. But again when it comes to private discussions between the U. S. Government uh and our Turkish counterparts about um follow on to our very clear uh decision on the uh lack of interoperability between the F 35 the S 400. Uh I’m gonna let those discussions take place behind closed doors. They have been, yes. Financial Times reported this weekend that they tested a nuclear capable hypersonic missile in august was the State Department aware of this test. And did it catch you by surprise? Is characterizing that art? Well, we’re not going to comment of course on matters that may pertain to intelligence or the specific reference in the article you mentioned. But what we have said for some time now is that we are deeply concerned about the rapid expansion of the P. R. C. S. Nuclear capabilities including its development of novel delivery systems. Uh These developments underscore that the PRC as we said before is deviating from its decades long Nuclear strategy based on minimum deterrence. As of the end of last month. September of 2021. The PRC had launched at least 250 ballistic missiles this year. All of this is concerning especially concerning I should say given the PRC’s lack of lack of transparency into its evolving nuclear posture. And this nuclear build up just in our view reinforces the importance of pursuing practical measures with the PRC. To reduce nuclear risks. We have reached out to the PRC we’ve made very clear our interest in engaging with the P. R. C. As responsible? Uh uh countries would and do uh in the context of uh these um powerful weapons and weapons uh systems uh in the meantime we will continue to maintain the capabilities to defend and to deter against a range of threats from the PRC um uh threats to the United States, threats to our allies, threats to our partners as well. Yes in Afghanistan last week this department said the latest figures for US citizens and lawful permanent residents leaving um Afghanistan with American assistance. 129 U. S. Citizens. 115 L. P. R. S. Do you have a figure or an approximate figure of those Americans who are leaving without us assistance um on these occasional charter flights. And also do you have an update on a figure, an approximate figure on the number of Americans who remain in the country and want to leave. Sure. Well you cited the numbers as of last week, it was 129 U. S. Citizens. 115 Lawful permanent residents the U. S. Government had directly facilitated since august 31st. I can confirm that yesterday October 17 another Qatar Airways Charter Flight uh with both U. S. Citizens and lawful permanent residents departed Kabul uh and landed in Doha. We haven’t been able to update our tally just yet because we’re still processing those passengers as they deplane uh in Doha. But when we do have an updated uh figure, we’ll be happy to pass that along In terms of a broader figure of individuals who have departed Afghanistan via a variety of means. Since August 31, our estimate of that is probably a couple 1000 a couple 1000 individuals have departed Afghanistan of course. Um Our efforts, we are focused and prioritized American citizens, Lawful permanent residents afghans to whom we have a special commitment. We will continue to do that. We will continue to do that through charter flights which as we discussed last week, we aim to make more routine and to add a degree of automaticity uh to uh their occurrence. We are continuing to work with our partners to see to it that the commercial airport in Kabul Kabul International Airport can resume normal commercial activity as quickly as possible. We want to provide additional options including in the form of a fully functioning commercial airport to see to it that those who wished to depart the country have another option to do so. In the meantime we will support these charter flights. We will continue to support overland transfers as well in terms of a number of American citizens. Uh This is a figure that as you know, is not static, it is not immutable precisely because as Americans in the country, some of whom may be identifying themselves to us for the first time, see that we are able to affect the safe departure of Americans and NPR’s and others from Afghanistan. Uh that their calculus has changed. They have determined that they do wish to depart the country. Uh that range has been anywhere from below 100 right now. It is somewhere in between 100 and 200. Given that uh some Americans have additional Americans have raised their hands uh seeing our ability to affect their safe departure. Um but again, we are constantly in touch with them uh to determine their status, to determine their plans to determine what kind of documentation they have and importantly, we are uh in regular contact with our partners and allies. Um and additionally with with the Taliban uh to make clear the political side of that equation, just as we um are focused on operations and logistics to put Americans on planes. Uh, those Americans who wish to leave, we are focused on ensuring that the Taliban lives up to its commitment to allow safe passage to allow freedom of movement. Again, for those who wish to leave the country from the U. S. Will participate in the Moscow talks or won’t we will not participate in the Moscow talks. The Troika Plus has uh been a an effective constructive forum. We look forward to engaging in that forum going forward, but we’re not in a position to take part this week. I’m sorry, it has been effective in the past. It’s just logistically difficult for us to take part this week. You support the process in the future, you might take part. That’s right, that’s right, Right, Moscow, How is it logistically difficult there? It is, it is just not a meeting were able to take part in this week, but again, it is a forum that has been constructive in the past. And so presumably if you thought it was worth going to, you could find a way to get someone, you could find someone to go and get them there. Right. So I am non logistics is not as long as there are flights, that’s not a so what’s the, so what is it? We’re just, we’re in the real reason we are not in a position to take part uh this week, but again, we look forward if it was next week, you could take part, I wouldn’t want to entertain that hypothetical. But again, the troika plus, including the troika plus that the Russian federation has has host in the past, has has proven to be a constructive for him, and so will engage with our partners going forward in that form. Alright, seeing no hands. Thank you.