Cohen Press Conference After NATO Informal Ministerial Oct. 10
OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
(PUBLIC AFFAIRS)
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20301
DoD News Briefing
October 10, 2000
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE WILLIAM S. COHEN (PRESS CONFERENCE FOLLOWING NATO
INFORMAL MINISTERIAL MEETING IN BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND)
Q: I want to ask you about the Middle East and I think a lot of other
people would like to as well. What are your thoughts are,
specifically, regarding on what the problem is or could spread beyond
the bounds of what is happening at the moment? And whether you are
going to get involved with diplomacy over the next few days trying to
find a resolution.
COHEN: I don't think I will be involved in diplomacy. We do have a
separation here between the State Department and Defense on this
specific issue. That while the secretary of State and I communicate
frequently and try to coordinate our activities, diplomacy is best
left to the president and to our diplomats, rather than to the Defense
Department. So, we will obviously stay in close touch with the State
Department, with the president, in terms of his communications with
Prime Minister Barak and Chairman Arafat, with President Mubarak, and
others. But, President Clinton has remained very much involved and
engaged in trying to cool the passions that are burning so high right
now; and, hopefully, get the parties to get back to a bargaining table
and off the streets with violent conduct. So, Secretary Albright and
the President will be actively engaged, and have been, and I will
expect to stay in communication with them, but I will not be
personally involved in any diplomacy.
Q: -- a lot of people are talking about now.
COHEN: The danger is it will spread. And we have seen that it can
erupt very quickly and spread rapidly across many borders. There is a
danger that if this goes unchecked, we can see wider conflict with
many more nations involved and that would be devastating for all
concerned. So, there is a real interest in getting the parties back to
the bargaining table, and to pursue peace, and to take the violence
off the streets.
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