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Military

Daily Press Briefing

Mark C. Toner
Deputy Spokesperson
Daily Press Briefing
Washington, DC
February 11, 2016

Index for Today's Briefing

NIGERIA
RUSSIA/SYRIA/TURKEY/REGION
TURKEY
DEPARTMENT
BURMA
NORTH KOREA/SOUTH KOREA
NORTH KOREA/REGION
DEPARTMENT
MIDDLE EAST PEACE
AFGHANISTAN/PAKISTAN
NATO/REGION
INDIA/PAKISTAN

 

TRANSCRIPT:

2:12 p.m. EST

MR TONER: Welcome, everyone. I'm not as late today. I apologize again. Welcome to the State Department. Good to see Lucas here. Welcome.

Just one thing at the top, and then I'll turn to your questions. The United States strongly condemns the suicide attacks on internally displaced persons in Dikwa town, Borno on February 9th. According to Nigerian authorities, the attacks killed 58 people, and we extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. The United States remains committed to assisting those affected by this conflict in northeastern Nigeria and elsewhere in the Lake Chad Basin region through humanitarian relief efforts. The United States supports efforts to provide greater protection for civilians across the region and we continue to support Nigeria and other countries in the region in their fight against terrorism.

In FY 2015 – Fiscal Year 2015 – and so far in Fiscal Year 2016, our humanitarian assistance to the region totals more than $195 million. For additional information, I believe we've just posted a fact sheet on U.S. support to counter Boko Haram, and that's posed at our website, state.gov.

So with that, I'll turn it over to your questions. Brad.

QUESTION: I don't imagine you'll talk too much about what the Secretary's going to say in the next 45 minutes or so.

MR TONER: Right.

QUESTION: But since we've heard so much over the last few days about how this Munich meeting would be a defining test or a telling moment – or however it was put – are you ready, at this point, to give grades to the major players, such as Russia?

MR TONER: What I can say – and you're absolutely right – the Secretary's had a series of meetings, including bilats with Foreign Minister Lavrov today. And he's still in the meeting with the ISSG members. That meeting's ongoing. I just checked in before I came out here.

As you said, I'm not going to get out in front of what the Secretary's likely to say when he comes out of that meeting. He is, I think, scheduled to address the press there in Munich. But it's been a productive day, good meetings. You know what we're continuing to seek, which is a immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access. So we're continuing to pursue those goals in the meetings now. But I don't have anything to announce yet.

QUESTION: Well, what – why was it productive? If the goal is an immediate ceasefire and you still don't have it, what did you --

MR TONER: Well, I mean, Brad, I'm just saying that he's going to come out and address the press in about an hour or so, as you correctly said. I'm going to let him speak to what was accomplished in the meetings and what still remains to be accomplished after.

QUESTION: Okay. Since we know – we talked yesterday a little bit about it, but since then we've – there's been reporting about --

MR TONER: Yeah.

QUESTION: -- the March 1st ceasefire proposal from Russia, which apparently you're opposed to. Is that correct?

MR TONER: Again, I'd put it this way: We want to see an immediate ceasefire. I said that yesterday, and that's what we want to – we continue to want to see an immediate ceasefire and complete ceasefire.

QUESTION: Given that this immediate – you've wanted an immediate ceasefire since many days immediately ago, is there any leeway in kind of putting a date in the future on a ceasefire, as in the next several days or some point between now and March 1st?

MR TONER: I mean, there's an urgency here. We've talked about this for the last couple of days. Obviously, these are all things that are under discussion right now – all matters, all issues that are under discussion right now in Munich. But given that sense of urgency and the fighting in the last couple of days, or last week or so, we believe as soon as possible. I don't want to put a date certain on it, but --

QUESTION: I have other things on the YPG and such, but we'll get to that later.

MR TONER: Yeah. Okay. Okay, great. Yeah, Said.

QUESTION: Could I – on the ceasefire --

MR TONER: Yep.

QUESTION: -- how do you envision the ceasefire? Is it like countrywide ceasefire? Is it a number of ceasefires that take place at the same time? Do they have dates? Is it supposed to be permanent or a short duration? How do you envision it?

MR TONER: Well, I'm certainly not going to get into the modalities of something that hasn't been announced yet. There's --

QUESTION: I mean, it's something that you are in definitely in discussions.

MR TONER: Oh, clearly. I mean – and clearly there's – that's all to be discussed is how we would implement and enforce a ceasefire on the ground, if we get there. Obviously when we talk about a ceasefire we're talking about those parties – let me put it this way: We're not talking about Daesh or Nusrah and the couple of other groups that have clearly been identified by all members, stakeholder members of the ISSG, the International Syria Support Group, as not being part of any ceasefire negotiations. But other than that, it would apply to all other groups.

QUESTION: So it really would be something very difficult to enforce, considering that there is not going to be, like, any massive international force that can enforce the ceasefire?

MR TONER: Well, again, I'm not going to get ahead of any announcements to talk about how such a ceasefire would be enforced. Obviously, there's challenges – logistical challenges, security challenges to enforcing any ceasefire. I just don't want to get into those yet before we have one in place.

QUESTION: And a quick follow-up on the issue of what the Secretary said the other day, that in the event that this fails, there is always other alternative – alluding to perhaps military action and so on. I mean, other than, let's say, relying on the Saudis or the Emiratis and others or the Jordanians and so on, is there, like, a U.S. plan to do this? Is there a plan for you guys to become more involved?

MR TONER: I mean, I tried to address this yesterday --

QUESTION: I know.

MR TONER: -- and – right, talk of a Plan B or an Option B. We have Option A. That's what we have taking place right now in Munich. It's what we have with the proximity talks in Geneva. It's what we want to see move forward with a political process that leads to a peaceful political transition. That's what our focus is on. Do we look at other possibilities or other options? Always. I mean, that's part of the hard work of diplomacy and security and especially dealing with a complex problem like Syria.

But I don't want any – to leave the impression that we've somehow abandoned what is Option A right now, which is the ISSG – the International Syria Support Group – working in Munich. Let's see what comes out of today's meeting, let's see what happens moving forward, and let's see what happens in Geneva with the proximity talks.

QUESTION: Thank you.

MR TONER: Yeah. Please.

QUESTION: Change of subject (inaudible)?

MR TONER: Yeah. Go ahead.

QUESTION: You mentioned that the ceasefire wouldn't apply to Daesh, al-Nusrah, and a couple of others. Who are those other?

MR TONER: I don't have them in front of me. I know that we've talked about – this has been part of the ISSG, some of the working groups that have identified the different terrorist groups. I know Nusrah and obviously Daesh are the two obvious ones.

QUESTION: My understanding was that Nusrah and Daesh were the only two. I haven't heard anybody speak of even a third. Has that changed in any way over the last days?

MR TONER: I don't know, Brad.

QUESTION: Okay.

MR TONER: I'll – if it has, I'll let you know.

QUESTION: Mark, what about the list that Jordan's supposed to organize about who are the terrorist organizations. Is this out of question now?

MR TONER: No, I believe that process – and obviously, there'll be – that'll be on the – or has been on the agenda today to talk about their efforts. And we've talked about that that's a significant challenge too, because all the stakeholders obviously come together and many of them have their considerations of who they – or who they consider to be a terrorist organization, and who cannot be a part of any kind of political transition. As I said, the two obvious ones are Nusrah and Daesh, but there are other organizations out there that some of the stakeholders feel strongly about. So that's all in play.

QUESTION: And on the –sorry --

MR TONER: The process continues, I guess.

QUESTION: On the Kurdish PYD, that you don't consider them as a terrorist organization, how do you classify them? Do you consider them a part of the opposition to Assad regime or neutral? Because they are getting backing from the Russian airstrikes.

MR TONER: So it's a good question. I mean, what we've talked about them and continue to categorize them as one of the number of groups in northern Syria, mostly, who are fighting Daesh and focused on fighting Daesh on the ground, and have been effective forces. And that's where our support has come into play with airstrikes mostly, but other forms of support – intelligence and what-have-you.

But they have been one of several groups. As I talked about yesterday, some are Syrian Arabs, others are Turkmen, who have been effective at taking the fight to Daesh. My understanding is that they've not been involved in the direct – directly opposing the Assad regime, but they have been effective in taking territory back from ISIL.

QUESTION: But they have understandings with the Assad regime, so they don't fight each other.

MR TONER: Again, they're not – yeah, they're not part of the formal opposition, but they are, as I said, a group that is making progress in taking the fight to Daesh.

QUESTION: Mark, same question.

MR TONER: Yeah, sure. Go ahead.

QUESTION: Since the – this general process has been the opposition group and the Assad regime, and if PYD is not anti-Assad, don't you think the Turkish point of view that PYD should not be included within the Syrian opposition makes sense?

MR TONER: So again, I mean, you drew the distinction yourself in that – I mean, first off, when you look at the complex mix of entities on the ground – different groups, different interests on the ground in Syria – you've got to take into account the YPD among them. But they are not part of and were not included in the Geneva proximity talks. That said, our support for them has been directed at their fight against Daesh or ISIL in northern Syria. That continues to be the main reason we support them, is that they've been an effective fighting group.

QUESTION: Are they --

MR TONER: Yeah.

QUESTION: Do you know if they're also – there's a lot of different reporting on who they're actually fighting or who's fighting who, who's fighting who – that they're fighting the moderate opposition as well. Is that correct, to your knowledge?

MR TONER: I'm not sure what you're specifically referring to.

QUESTION: That YPG is fighting, shooting guns, and killing people who are part of the moderate opposition.

MR TONER: In the moderate opposition. I've not seen those specific reports saying that they're actually going after the moderate opposition, no.

QUESTION: You have not heard of any? I can --

MR TONER: I mean, I know there was a report yesterday, but --

QUESTION: There's plenty of reports.

MR TONER: -- but I haven't seen, since --

QUESTION: And then some that they're fighting Ahrar al-Sham. I think the commander of Ahrar al-Sham has talked about that and he's a – he's supported the HNC delegation, so I guess he's sort of a accepted moderate at this point.

MR TONER: Right.

QUESTION: So do you – he says that publicly, so do you know if that's the case? Since you are assisting these – the YPG.

MR TONER: Again, Brad, let me again try to --

QUESTION: Yeah, yeah.

MR TONER: -- qualify our assistance to the YPD, and we've been clear about this. We assist them in their fight against Daesh. We're very clear that as they take territory back from Daesh, we wanted to see the return to civilian control of that territory, re-establishment of local governance so people can return who have been displaced by ISIL's presence there, and we've also been very clear that we want them to focus on their fight against Daesh or ISIL, and not involve themselves in other fighting in Syria.

QUESTION: So is your assistance to YPG limited – military-wise, limited to the airstrikes? Or do you provide other assistance, lethal or nonlethal?

MR TONER: I'm not sure – I'm not sure about nonlethal, but airstrikes, I think, is – and another, information sharing.

QUESTION: And you don't know if there's other lethal assistance?

MR TONER: Well, I could speak to it, but I'd refer you to the Pentagon for that.

QUESTION: Mark, can you confirm that the YPG is only targeting ISIL?

MR TONER: I mean, we've said – sorry, Brad, just to go back to that --

QUESTION: Yeah, yeah.

MR TONER: -- we've been very clear – and there was some discussion about this the other day – very clear we've never provided them with weapons. And I know there was a back and forth with the Government of Turkey about that the other day. So just to clarify that.

QUESTION: No, I only ask because --

MR TONER: Yeah.

QUESTION: -- it's one thing to say you give – you helped them with – for this aim, but if they are doing other things, that your stated goal of the help doesn't mean a lot. Does that make sense? If you say, "We're going to help this group – these Mujahideen in Afghanistan to defeat Russia," and then --

MR TONER: Right.

QUESTION: -- they do other things, that doesn't let you off the hook, does it?

MR TONER: Right. I mean – and certainly. But we've seen to date that there's been – we have not seen evidence that that has – that has occurred.

Please, yeah.

QUESTION: Mark, can you confirm YPG is only targeting ISIL in Syria?

MR TONER: Well, again, I think I just at least tried to speak to this, and I apologize if I didn't convey that. I said we've been very clear that our – and we've conveyed this to the YPG – that we want them to focus their attacks on ISIL and Daesh, where they've been effective, and we've expressed our concerns, frankly, when they come into conflict with opposition forces on the ground. And we continue to urge the YPD that it needs to, as I just said to Brad, administer inclusively on territory that they've liberated, protect local populations and property, and promote – and protect human rights. And that's been our clear message to them.

QUESTION: So they do clash with the opposition, right? Because you just said that you tell your concern --

MR TONER: I said we – I said we express our concerns when they do come into conflict, yes.

QUESTION: Mark, just to clarify Brad's questions, the clashes that he mentioned about the – between YPG and the moderate forces are in Azaz corridor. This is the 10 kilometers --

MR TONER: That's what I was --

QUESTION: Yeah.

MR TONER: Yeah. No, and that's what I was asking him about. So we've seen conflicting reports on that, and we're trying to gather more information. But we've seen those reports; that's what I was trying to clarify, whether he was referring to that.

QUESTION: Their point is to fight against ISIL, they have to close this gap. First they have to fight against the moderate group, and then they have to reach to the front taken by the ISIL – to fight with the ISIL starting from the Mari line --

MR TONER: You're talking about YPD right now?

QUESTION: Yeah, YPG. So is it acceptable for you to --

MR TONER: YPG, sorry.

QUESTION: -- YPG, yes – is it acceptable for U.S. for YPG to attack moderate groups in Azaz corridor to reach ISIS?

MR TONER: Again, you're pulling me way into the operational level here. And I'm not going to go there and talk about my assessment of the battlefield and which corridors or whatever they need. That said, pulling the lens back a little bit, we don't want to see them come into conflict with opposition forces. We feel that sets back the overall effort, what we're trying to achieve on the ground. We would ask that they focus their efforts on defeating ISIL.

QUESTION: Did you urge them recently on this?

MR TONER: I don't know when the last time we've urged them to do that, but we've been very clear in our communications with them.

Please.

QUESTION: This is not about YPG. (Laughter.)

MR TONER: Wow. Is there other stuff going on in the world?

QUESTION: This is about Russia and Syria.

MR TONER: Okay.

QUESTION: The Russian Prime Minister Medvedev has just given an interview to German newspaper warning that if – in the event of a ground offensive, there would be – that could lead to a world war. So do you take that as a direct warning to the U.S. and to Saudi Arabia or to Turkey?

MR TONER: I would – and I've seen the comments. I mean, on one level it is very concerning, and the Secretary has actually spoken to the fact that given the disparate groups on the ground in Syria, the different factions and the different elements on the ground fighting each other, that this could worsen and could become a broader conflict. So that's always a concern here. But I would question the source – and by the source, I mean Russia saying that they're concerned about this spinning out of control. Because let's be very clear that it has been Russian support for the Assad regime over the past months and most recently on the siege on Aleppo that has exacerbated, intensified the conflict and, frankly, put the political process in jeopardy.

And so I understand the concerns he expressed, but I would also say if that is Russia's concern, then they should look at what they're doing to support the Assad regime.

QUESTION: But officially they don't have troops on the ground. And I mean, their message seems to be directed to the Saudi plan to send thousands and thousands of ground troops, a plan which has been apparently approved by the U.S.

MR TONER: Well, again, there was no approval by the U.S. I know that Secretary of Defense Carter spoke to it earlier today in Brussels, I believe, where he met with his Saudi counterpart. But they talked about the range of Saudi Arabia's efforts to intensify its participation in the anti-Daesh or anti-ISIL coalition, and that's where their focus is. We're still assessing all of what they want to do. We welcome their intent to increase their efforts or – but we're still considering all the elements of that increase in effort.

QUESTION: On --

MR TONER: Yeah, please, Said.

QUESTION: -- the Brussels thing, really very quickly.

MR TONER: Yeah.

QUESTION: I mean, all reports indicate that you are having one heck of a time or a difficult time trying to garner support from the Arab countries. That's what they're saying, that you probably get the kind of commitments maybe from European counterparts, but Saudi Arabia, the Gulf states, and Jordan (inaudible). So basically the Secretary of Defense of the United States is having difficulty convincing its Arab allies that they should put their money and their efforts where their mouth is.

MR TONER: Sorry, Said, so – I'm sorry, the question there is – I apologize.

QUESTION: I'm saying that you are – are you – let me ask you this directly.

MR TONER: Yeah.

QUESTION: Are you having difficulty in garnering the support of the Arab countries, whether in terms of finance or in terms of equipment or soldiers?

MR TONER: Said – and we've talked about this in reference to many of the countries who are part of the – make up the coalition, the anti-ISIL coalition. There's lots of different roles within that coalition, lots of different lines of effort, lanes of effort – however you want to put it – and lots of different levels of contribution. We look to everybody to lift their game – however you want to put it – to amplify, to accelerate their efforts so we can accelerate our effort overall to destroy Daesh. That's something we're constantly in discussion with. Saudi Arabia today – there were discussions with Secretary of Defense Carter. We're going to keep consulting with them going forward and look at ways that they can augment their efforts.

QUESTION: I know that you don't speak for the Defense Secretary, but the statement does note the Saudi offer of greater military contribution, but the statement specifies more to the air campaign and not to the offer made in the past week to put in ground forces. Do you have any insight into why we're talking about a greater contribution to the air campaign and not to the ground troops question?

MR TONER: Well, I mean, they're both important elements. I know that, as you said, that that was noted today, their decision to increase their contribution to the air campaign. That's a vital piece of this effort overall. Airstrikes against Daesh can help those groups that are effectively fighting them on the ground, as we've said.

As to the offer of ground troops, we're still in discussion with that. I just don't have anything to – further to say about it.

QUESTION: So it's fair to assume that – it would be incorrect to assume, then, that the U.S. is rebuffing the notion of Saudi ground forces inside Syria.

MR TONER: Sorry, that was like a double negative. So it would be incorrect --

QUESTION: It would be incorrect to assume that the U.S. is rebuffing this offer of ground forces.

MR TONER: I would put it this way: I think we're still in discussion with how those ground forces would be deployed on the ground.

I'm sorry, Lucas. You – and I'll get back to you, I promise.

QUESTION: Mark, how much confidence do you have that Russia will live up to its word with regard to this ceasefire?

MR TONER: Well, let's get to the ceasefire first, Lucas. I don't want to get in front of the talks ongoing in Munich. I mean, it's a fair question, and I think the Secretary has alluded to this in his comments leading up to Munich, and that is they signed UNSCR – UN Security Council Resolution 2254 that spells out humanitarian access and an immediate ceasefire. So it's up to them to prove that they're committed to what they signed. And I get it that the proof is in the pudding – they need to stand up, they need to deliver on what they've promised or committed to. And so up 'til now we haven't honestly seen that, especially, as I said, with the fighting around Aleppo in the last week or so. I think we'll – they are a part of the Syria Support Group. We're going to continue to work with them and try to test their commitment.

QUESTION: How many times has Secretary Kerry spoken to his Russian counterpart and has been assured that a ceasefire will happen, yet we haven't seen it in weeks?

MR TONER: Well, I mean, they've consulted closely on this, and this is a really complex situation on the ground. And it's not just about Russia and the U.S., certainly; it's about a lot of different groups with a lot of different interests.

QUESTION: Is Lavrov lying when he says there will be a ceasefire, yet it doesn't happen?

MR TONER: I'm not going to characterize Foreign Minister Lavrov's intent. He has said he's committed; he has said Russia is committed to a ceasefire. So let's see how this pans out.

QUESTION: But there's no evidence to back that up, correct?

MR TONER: Again, let's let the meeting conclude and let's see what they have to show.

QUESTION: And just one more.

MR TONER: Yeah, go ahead.

QUESTION: Today, a U.S. military spokesman, Col. Steven Warren from Baghdad, got into a bit of a Twitter squabble. I dare to say the word "war," but a Twitter exchange with the Russian Ministry of Defense. Whose side are you on in that exchange? (Laughter.) And is there any evidence that Russia has not bombed hospitals in Aleppo that --

MR TONER: No, and sorry for the – solidly I can say we're on Steve Warren's side on this. But in all seriousness, we did due diligence on this, categorically can say there were no airstrikes in and around Aleppo yesterday or today.

QUESTION: So the Russians are lying when they say that --

MR TONER: That's your characterization, not mine. But we've seen this kind of disinformation circulate before, and not just on Syria.

QUESTION: I need a small clarification, Mark.

MR TONER: Yes, sir.

QUESTION: The basic problem in the – there is Shias and Sunnis. Are we pro-Shia? Are we pro-Sunni? Is the Secretary – how is he bringing them together? Names of the countries don't matter; if you go on the ground, it is the Shias and Sunnis and Wahabis of Saudi Arabia. So are we addressing and making a bridge to bring them together?

MR TONER: You're referring to members of the International Syria Support Group or actually parties --

QUESTION: Yes.

MR TONER: You could – because it could apply to either situation. Look, Tejinder, I think – and the Secretary has spoken multiple times about that dynamic, that very dynamic. It's why we need this group of, frankly, disparate governments, many who come with opposing views, but to bring them all to the table so that we can reach consensus, so that we can find a way forward that leads to a peaceful political transition. And again, I said this multiple times yesterday, it bears repeating: There is no military solution to this conflict. And so we've seen it wax and wane over the course of many years now. Certainly, the regime bolstered by Russia has had some success on the battlefield the past week. It's up to Russia and others who have – who can provide honest and serious counsel to them to remind them that there's no military solution to this conflict.

QUESTION: May I change topics?

QUESTION: Can we stay in Syria?

QUESTION: Can I change topics?

MR TONER: A couple more questions. Yeah, Said, I'll get to you in a second.

QUESTION: Yeah. Yesterday you said that we would hope that Turkey would continue to offer the same level of hospitality and support for these refugees who are running away from Russian air bombing and Assad's ground operation. And yesterday – sorry, today President Erdogan said that Turkey spent nearly $10 billion on the Syrian refugees since the conflict started, and they so far received about $400 million help. I was wondering if U.S. is willing to put more support to the table.

MR TONER: So we have – we just recently announced last week – last week, I believe, in London a significant increase in our humanitarian assistance for the refugees in many of those states, in Jordan and Lebanon most specifically. We have obviously given money to the Turks. We recognize the tremendous generosity and sacrifice on the part of the Turkish Government in hosting approximately 2.5 million Syrian refugees, and we would urge them to continue to show that generosity in the face of even a greater influx of refugees.

In terms of humanitarian assistance to them, we're going to continue to look at that, how we can continue to increase our efforts but also mindful of the fact that Turkey needs our support and the support of the international community in order to host these refugees in a way that is dignified and humane.

Yeah.

QUESTION: Mark, and regarding this PYD and PKK discussion

MR TONER: Yeah.

QUESTION: -- and I don't know if you have seen, but PYD recently opened an office in Moscow. Have you seen reports?

MR TONER: I have not seen reports, no.

QUESTION: Okay. Basically, PYD opened a representative office in Moscow. And since you have not seen, but in the office they had a big picture of PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, who you consider as a terrorist. I was wondering does this give you any feeling that PKK and PYD has any relation.

MR TONER: Look, we're – so we continue to believe the PKK is a terrorist organization. We don't feel that way about the PYD, or YPD rather – excuse me – who we believe are focused on fighting in northern Syria against Daesh.

Please. I'm sorry, who had it? Either one.

QUESTION: Just on the refugees.

MR TONER: Yes, sir.

QUESTION: I think he had a couple on it as well.

MR TONER: Okay.

QUESTION: Has the U.S. offered Turkey any extra help as a result of this influx, which I've seen reporting as high as 100,000?

MR TONER: Right.

QUESTION: I mean, I think up to now the U.S. has provided refuge for 0.06 percent, so that's about 60. So that could cut it down to Turkey to 99,940 if you kept it proportionally.

MR TONER: So my short answer is I believe we've been in consultation with them. Let me check though to see what --

QUESTION: About taking in more refugees?

MR TONER: Also about any assistance we can provide. Obviously --

QUESTION: Well --

MR TONER: -- the facts on the ground – they're taking in – there's refugees headed for the Turkish border. We want to continue to see that border open to continue to see them --

QUESTION: Right.

MR TONER: -- admitting refugees who are seeking asylum from the fight. I don't know what – I just don't have a figure in front of me. I don't have – I don't know what we've offered in terms of immediate – you're talking – which is – I think is your question, right?

QUESTION: Not more about the money.

MR TONER: Oh, okay. I'm sorry, I apologize.

QUESTION: I'm – if you're talking about taking souls, people, to the United States to help them deal with this latest refugee influx.

MR TONER: Well, you know that we've increased our additional --

QUESTION: Additional to what's been previously announced --

MR TONER: -- right – refugees admissions.

QUESTION: -- because this was 100,000 new people.

MR TONER: Right, right. And we have – so quickly --

QUESTION: If you haven't yet, it's --

MR TONER: No, no, no. It's okay.

QUESTION: Yeah.

MR TONER: So we've got – we've increased the amount of refugees that we're admitting through the UNHCR process. That's been very clear, recognizing the enormous strain. That's, we recognize – is in the grand scheme of things a fairly small proportion of the refugees in Turkey, in Jordon, in Lebanon, and also now in parts of Europe. So that's where, again, our – we are the largest provider of humanitarian assistance to those refugees. We just announced a significant increase in that humanitarian assistance geared towards the bordering states along Syria, recognizing that they're bearing the brunt of this. And then, again, ultimately we're trying to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict so these people can come home.

QUESTION: So you would like Turkey to take in these refugees from Aleppo?

MR TONER: I think what we'd say, Lucas, is they've shown tremendous generosity up 'til now. We hope that continues and we understand that this is a sacrifice.

QUESTION: And what is your reaction to Erdogan's comments that the U.S. and the UN have created a bloodbath in Syria?

MR TONER: I'm aware of those comments, and I tried to address them yesterday. There's a lot of people responsible for creating the bloodbath in Syria. I would not say it was us or the Europeans. I would point the finger solidly at Daesh or ISIL and then also at the Assad regime.

QUESTION: Can we change topics?

QUESTION: Can I finish Turkey?

MR TONER: One more on Turkey. One more, one solid Turkey question.

QUESTION: One more Turkey question.

QUESTION: Can we change topics?

MR TONER: I would welcome that, Lesley.

QUESTION: First of all --

MR TONER: Yes, I'm sorry. Go ahead.

QUESTION: -- just to follow up from yesterday, have you had any more readout on Kurdish delegation meeting with Turkey?

MR TONER: I think I do somewhere in here. So let me – that's a good question, and I do have something in this book.

QUESTION: Should I (inaudible) --

MR TONER: No, no, no. I'll get to it. Just give me a second. You can see it's not very well organized for --

QUESTION: (Off-mike.)

MR TONER: Yeah, let me get – I know that they're here or they were here.

QUESTION: I was hoping to get a little more than provided to us.

MR TONER: Give me one moment – if I can find it. If not, I'll look at it and give it to you after the briefing.

QUESTION: So --

MR TONER: Got it, right in the front. See? So State Department officials – you're talking about the HDP delegation?

QUESTION: Yes.

MR TONER: All right. State Department officials from the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs and the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor met with the visiting delegation of members of parliament from Turkey's HDP party to discuss Turkish domestic and regional issues.

QUESTION: And what is your impression of this meeting? How is the situation – do you have anything more?

MR TONER: I don't. I don't have any more readout than that.

QUESTION: Okay.

MR TONER: I just can confirm that they did meet.

QUESTION: Okay. OSCE report on Turkey's election in November just came out. At the time, you avoided making any kind of comments regarding elections. Now that you have seen – this building has seen the report --

MR TONER: You're talking about the OSCE report?

QUESTION: OSCE report on Turkey's elections in November.

MR TONER: Yeah. Yep. So we note the OSCE's final report, obviously on the November 1st, 2015 elections, and it highlights that Turkey offered voters a variety of choices, but that the challenging security environment, violent attacks against party members and on party premises, and restrictions on media freedom had hindered campaigning and the free flow of information to the public.

So at the time of the elections, OSCE released a statement of preliminary findings highlighting that the elections offered voters a variety of choices, but that restrictions on media freedom remain a serious concern. We reiterated our own concerns that media outlets and individual freedoms – or individual, rather, journalists critical of the government were subject to pressure and intimidation during the campaign, seemingly in a manner calculated to weaken political opposition. And that view has not changed with the final OSCE report.

QUESTION: And the same report says that Turkey has not fulfilled its obligations as an OSCE member and it has not conducted this elections on fair and free basis and international standards. So can you now tell us that Turkey conducted these elections on not fair and free conditions according to this report?

MR TONER: Well, I think – I'll just put it this way: We've been very clear in our discussions with Turkish officials at all levels our concerns about freedom of the press and freedom of speech, freedom of assembly. We've urged the Turkish Government to ensure its actions uphold its democratic – universal democratic values, consistent with international law and commitments that are enshrined in Turkey's constitution.

QUESTION: (Inaudible.)

QUESTION: Clearly, you cannot define these elections as fair and free, so can you tell Turkish democracy is still strong and vibrant as you have mentioned recently if they cannot hold fair and free elections?

MR TONER: I'll just say we've been very clear, the OSCE final report was very clear where our concerns lie. I don't need to repeat them now, and I'll stop there.

QUESTION: Thank you.

QUESTION: Can you tell us when the next batch of emails from former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton plan to be released?

MR TONER: Sure. Are we okay to go there, guys?

QUESTION: Yes.

MR TONER: Good. So Brad – so last night's – there was a court filing last night, and we proposed to the court – we, the State Department – that we will be able to produce approximately 550 documents on Saturday – so February 13th. We've now received instructions from the court to produce documents on Saturday, as we said, as well as provide additional interim productions on February 19th and 26th before completing everything by February 29th.

QUESTION: Okay. Why did you choose the Saturday of a three-day weekend? It seems odd timing.

MR TONER: I believe that was the court that mandated that. They wanted to see interim productions.

QUESTION: And they specifically said it had to President Day weekend, Saturday?

QUESTION: They did, Brad. They did.

MR TONER: I think so, yeah.

QUESTION: Okay.

QUESTION: Did you dispute that at all, push back on the judge? (Laughter.)

MR TONER: Look, I mean, we certainly don't want to ruin anyone's long weekend, but our hardy and indefatigable group that's working on this FOIA request is going to continue plugging away until we get it across the finish line. I realize this puts a burden on all of you, in all seriousness.

QUESTION: In a separate but somewhat related issue --

MR TONER: Yeah.

QUESTION: -- since we're talking about the past secretary --

MR TONER: Sure.

QUESTION: -- there was a story about a subpoena by the IG's office into the Clinton Foundation.

MR TONER: Yes. I'm aware of that story.

QUESTION: What can you tell us about that?

MR TONER: Not much, Brad. That's – as you said, that's a inspector general inquiry. And so I'd have to refer you to them. As you know, they are an autonomous part of the State Department. And so we can't speak to what their investigations or inquiries are about.

QUESTION: They have subpoena power for nongovernment foundations? Is that something they've always had?

MR TONER: I don't know the answer to that, Brad. I'm sorry, I just don't. I mean, we can look into it, but --

QUESTION: So you --

MR TONER: -- you might ask them. I would ask them directly.

QUESTION: I have. They don't know.

MR TONER: Well, they would know more than we would know – or than I would know.

QUESTION: Well, their spokesman didn't.

QUESTION: Can we change the subject?

QUESTION: Change of subject?

MR TONER: Sure.

QUESTION: Myanmar's government has said that President Thein Sein is not attending the U.S.-ASEAN summit. Do you know what the change of mind – what the change of – why the cancellation?

MR TONER: No, I – no --

QUESTION: And who will be attending in his place?

MR TONER: I mean, I – so obviously we're looking forward to welcoming ASEAN leaders to Sunnylands next week. President Obama obviously will host the summit. Secretary Kerry will be there. As to the final delegation lists, while they're still being finalized, I'd have to refer you to the Government of Burma to explain or to comment on their participation at the event.

QUESTION: But he's – do you – have they informed you that he's not coming?

MR TONER: I'll refer you to them.

QUESTION: You don't know? Okay.

QUESTION: Can we change topics, please – go to the Palestinian-Israeli issue?

QUESTION: On Burma (inaudible)?

MR TONER: Yeah, Burma. Let's stay Burma and then I'll go to you, just to finish the --

QUESTION: What is your assessment of various report indicating that Aung San Suu Kyi may be the – may be elected as the first female president if – although there is a constitution a hurdle to prevent her from being elected as president? What is your assessment on that?

MR TONER: What's our assessment? I mean, obviously, that's the political process within Burma. I'm aware of the fact that, as you said, that she's – she faces that challenge, I think, in the constitution. Obviously, you know how we feel about Aung San Suu Kyi as a great leader among her people, but I'm not going to weigh in on the political process in Burma.

QUESTION: Will you welcome her becoming the president if the process go through?

MR TONER: If the process – we would welcome and want to engage with the next leadership of Burma, obviously, if it is Aung San Suu Kyi or whoever, and continue to strengthen our bilateral relationship with Burma.

QUESTION: Can I stay on Asia? Can I stay on Asia?

MR TONER: Stay on Asia.

QUESTION: Yeah. I don't think you got – went over this yesterday, but do you have anything on the reported purge of North Korean General Ri Yong-gil?

MR TONER: No, I didn't get it yesterday. Not much, to be honest. We're aware of the reports, but it's frankly – it exemplifies, I guess, the brutality of the political climate in North Korea, but beyond that I don't have anything particular to say about the event.

QUESTION: Well, I mean, but given the fact that you've – we've talked about other similar purges by the North Korean regime, I mean, do you have any reason to believe that this isn't true?

MR TONER: No. I mean – and I – if I wasn't clear about that, I mean, as you said, there – it's par for the course, this kind of brutality. But it's a very opaque political regime and country writ large, and so I don't have any insight as to what's going on in terms of what this means for the broader political environment there.

QUESTION: But just to be clear, you have no information about whether this is true or not? Or do you have any indications that it's true, or are you taking the reports at their word? Where are you on --

MR TONER: Sure. I don't think we have any indication to doubt that those reports are true, I'll put it that way --

QUESTION: (Inaudible.)

MR TONER: Or, sorry, are not true. Sorry.

QUESTION: Yeah.

QUESTION: One more on the subpoena --

QUESTION: So wait, I mean, just to pin you down --

MR TONER: Yeah.

QUESTION: -- are you – when you say that you don't have any indication to doubt that those reports are true --

MR TONER: Sorry, are untrue.

QUESTION: -- are untrue, do you say that based on what you've seen from the regime so far or any information that you have that leads you to believe it's true? I'm just trying to --

MR TONER: Yeah, sure, sure, sure. I'd say both, but obviously, we --

QUESTION: Could you flesh that out a little bit?

MR TONER: Well, I mean, we've seen – I mean, you fleshed it out yourself, Elise. I mean, in a sense --

QUESTION: I know, but I don't – I'm not quoting myself.

MR TONER: That's okay. But we've seen – I mean, this is, again, par for the course in North Korea, that you've got a leader who carries out purges of his cabinet or of his administration periodically. We've seen it, as you said, before, so we have no reason to doubt that this is the case this time, that this individual was killed – executed. As to what the broader implications of that are, we don't have much visibility on what it means.

QUESTION: So just to be clear, you're operating under the assumption that it's true?

MR TONER: Yes.

QUESTION: But you don't have any specific knowledge to confirm either way?

MR TONER: Right.

QUESTION: Mark, back to the subject of the subpoena of the Clinton Foundation --

QUESTION: Follow-up (inaudible) issue?

QUESTION: Follow-up? Okay.

QUESTION: Yes, on South Korea. South Korean Government made the decisions on shutdown of Kaesong industrial complex. Do you think it will help UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea for this decision?

MR TONER: Do I – I missed the last part of your question. I'm sorry.

QUESTION: Do you think this South Koreans' decision may help UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea?

MR TONER: Well, I don't know that the two are related. I just would say that we support President Park's approach toward North Korea and respect her resolve in shutting down the Kaesong complex in the face of DPRK's recent destabilizing actions on the peninsula. We think that her decision reflects growing concern in the region about North Korea's flagrant disregard for multiple UN Security Council resolutions.

QUESTION: Mark --

QUESTION: Back on the subpoena real quick?

MR TONER: Yeah.

QUESTION: Who in this building would have to approve a subpoena of the Clinton Foundation?

MR TONER: So my understanding, Lucas – and I could be off here, granted, because I'm not a legal expert by any stretch of the imagination – is that the IG, the inspector general, operates somewhat independently from the – it's part of their mandate. So they carry on investigations and what-have-you, studies, periodic but also focused, all the time, as you know. And so I assume or believe that they can, as part of their mandate, carry out subpoenas, but I don't know. That would be for them to answer to. But it wouldn't be, I don't think, our legal office's – our being the State Department's legal office --

QUESTION: Does that make you a little nervous that the IG can just subpoena anyone? And don't you think somebody probably tipped off the IG to go in a certain direction?

MR TONER: Well, in answer to your second question, I just don't know. That's for them to answer and speak to, although I doubt they would. Again, let me get clarity on whether they can, in fact, carry out subpoenas. I believe that's the case, but I'll – let me confirm that. That is part of what – but the ability, I guess, to pursue a line of questioning or an investigation, whether it's the State Department IG or the – whoever's IG, that's part of their mandate.

Yeah, please, Nike.

QUESTION: Mark, can we change topics, please?

QUESTION: A question on Korea. May I follow up?

MR TONER: Let's go to Korea and then I'll get to you. I'm here. I'm not leaving.

QUESTION: Yeah. Now that the Senate has passed a vote --

QUESTION: (Off-mike.)

MR TONER: Although I – what's that?

QUESTION: You skipped India in between --

MR TONER: We skipped India between – I meant no disregard to India. Please, Nike --

QUESTION: Now that the Senate has passed the vote to toughen up the sanction against DPRK, do you have any comment or response to the legislation?

MR TONER: Well, as we said prior to the passage of the new legislation, we have been working constructively with Congress on ways that we can increase pressure on North Korea. And obviously, these are unilateral sanctions, and obviously, we're also working within the UN Security Council to look at ways that we can collectively apply more pressure on North Korea given its recent actions.

QUESTION: Can I follow up, please? What is the secondary boycott sanctions against North Korea that the senator – strong sanctions against North Korea? They added the secondary boycott (inaudible). Do you have any detail of what is the secondary boycott?

MR TONER: Secondary boycott?

QUESTION: Yes.

MR TONER: I'll have to look into that. I'm not sure.

QUESTION: Secondary sanctions is what she's --

MR TONER: Oh, secondary sanctions.

QUESTION: Yeah.

QUESTION: -- referring to.

QUESTION: (Inaudible) secondary boycott. (Inaudible) is different but --

MR TONER: Yeah, so – I'm sorry, you're saying that that's part of --

QUESTION: Yes, part of sanctions, but more strong sanction. They called secondary boycott with Koreans --

MR TONER: Yeah. I mean, it's a way to, in fact, increase the impact of the overall sanctions regime.

QUESTION: It's more a strong financial steps?

MR TONER: Yeah. I mean, I literally don't have the Senate legislation in front of me, but that's a common – as Brad notes, a common way to strengthen an overall sanctions package.

QUESTION: India?

QUESTION: Mark, can I ask a couple of --

MR TONER: We'll do India, then I'm going to get --

QUESTION: -- question on the Palestinian issue?

MR TONER: Yeah, yep.

QUESTION: Okay. Very quickly, I wonder if you're aware of Mr. Netanyahu's latest statement – the prime minister of Israel – in which he basically dismissed any – or at least in the foreseeable future any kind of prospect for a two-state solution.

MR TONER: Sure.

QUESTION: Do you have any comment on that?

MR TONER: Aware of his remarks. Our position remains the same and it's been very clear. We believe a two-state solution is absolutely vital not only for peace between Israelis and Palestinians, but for the long-term security of Israel as a democratic and Jewish state. We continue to believe that the status quo is not sustainable and that current trends on the ground are imperiling – sorry, imperiling – it's a hard word – the viability of that two-state solution.

So that's why we're going to continue to engage with both sides to encourage both of them to demonstrate with their policies and actions their commitment to a two-state solution.

QUESTION: So when the prime minister of Israel makes such a statement, how do you reach out to them – to him? You say it from this podium or you have Ambassador Shapiro talk to him?

MR TONER: Well, we obviously continue – I mean, the --

QUESTION: I mean, how do you --

MR TONER: Sure.

QUESTION: -- connect with him on this issue?

MR TONER: I mean, the Secretary talks to the prime minister frequently.

QUESTION: (Inaudible.)

MR TONER: Our engagement on the ground – I mean, it's something we continue to work at, not just the broader goal of pursuing a two-state solution but frankly just lessening the tensions between Palestinians and Israelis, de-escalating some of the violence that's taken place over the past several months. So those conversations continue all the time.

QUESTION: I also wanted to ask about a Palestinian journalist who is on a hunger strike. This is his 77th day; he's very close to death. He's under administrative detention. I asked about this last week. I wonder if you guys have anything to say about this or you can reach out to the Israelis on this issue.

MR TONER: Yeah. You're talking about Mohammed al-Qeeq.

QUESTION: Mohammed al-Qeeq.

MR TONER: Right. So we would hope that – for a resolution of the hunger strike that does not, obviously, result in Mohammed al-Qeeq's loss of life. We believe all individuals, including prisoners, should be treated humanely and have their human rights, including the right to due process, upheld and respected.

QUESTION: Now, the United Nations, the Special Rapporteur for Human Rights Makarim Wibisono in Bethlehem today and so on, and in fact, there's been calls by all kinds of international organizations to do away with administrative detention in Israel. Do you also call on the Israelis to end this practice? I mean, they hold people sometimes endlessly under the – without any charges and so on, including children.

MR TONER: I mean, so a couple of thoughts on that. One is we understand Israel's right to defend itself, to protect its citizens. But bearing that in mind, we've also expressed our concerns, whether it's about this particular case or the larger issues involved, about our concerns about – as I said, about respecting human rights, including the right to due process, and that those rights be respected and upheld.

Please. India, I know.

QUESTION: Okay, it's not India in this case. Afghanistan and Pakistan. Okay.

Senator Bob Corker has written a letter to Secretary Kerry day before yesterday on saying that the situation in Afghanistan is not good and the safe havens inside Pakistan, terrorist groups from there, in particular Haqqani Network, are using the safe havens inside Pakistan to attack U.S. forces in Afghanistan. Therefore, he says he will stop or block the sale of F-16 to Pakistan, eight F-16s to Pakistan.

Number one, has the Secretary received the letter? And number two, what are his thoughts on F-16 to Pakistan?

MR TONER: Can't confirm we've received the letter. As a matter of policy, though, we don't comment on proposed arms sales or transfers or even our preliminary consultations with the Hill, with Capitol Hill, prior to any formal congressional notification. But to your broader issue, we are committed to working with Congress to deliver security assistance to our partners and our allies that we believe furthers U.S. foreign policy interests by building the capacity to meet shared security challenges. So I'll leave it there.

QUESTION: But about the larger issue that he has raised that terrorist networks are using the safe havens inside Pakistan to attack U.S. forces and kill them inside Afghanistan, what are your thoughts on that?

MR TONER: Well, so we believe U.S. security assistance to Pakistan actually contributes to their counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations. These operations reduce the ability of militants to use Pakistani territory to carry out – as a safe haven to carry out terrorist attacks and as a base of support for the insurgency in Afghanistan. So we believe these operations are in the interests of both Pakistan and the United States and in the interests of the region more broadly.

QUESTION: But do you have any figures to back up what you said right now that because of U.S. assistance to Pakistani forces the number of U.S. personnel killed inside Afghanistan by terrorist groups from Pakistan have reduced?

MR TONER: I don't. I mean, not in front of me, no. I mean, but we've said this before. Pakistan – no country in the region has been more touched by terrorism than Pakistan. We believe it's in our vital national security interests to support Pakistan in carrying out its efforts to destroy these terrorist networks, and we believe it's an important partner in the region in achieving a stable and secure Afghanistan. So – and in that regard we would welcome Pakistan's efforts to support Afghan-led reconciliation talks, for example. They hosted the Heart of Asia ministerial recently and two of the first three meetings of the Quadrilateral Coordination Group. And they have carried out, as I said, multiple operations against some of these terrorist networks that are operating on their soil. We believe that destroying, eliminating those networks is in our national security interests, as well as the security interests of the region.

QUESTION: Thank you.

MR TONER: Please, Michael.

QUESTION: Staying in India --

QUESTION: Yes, Mark --

MR TONER: Let's do Michael. I'll go – I'm making the turn.

QUESTION: Mark, as you know, NATO decided to send ships in the Aegean and some forces to stop the Turkish smugglers from taking the refugees from Turkey to Greece, then to Europe. My question is this: How do you participate in this operation? As a member of NATO, or you are going to send your own ships and your own forces?

MR TONER: Sure. You're talking about, as NATO Secretary General announced earlier today, that NATO's going to carry out reconnaissance monitoring – yeah – and surveillance of illegal crossings in the Aegean Sea in cooperation with relevant authorities, obviously. I mean, I'd have to refer you to NATO and I'd have to refer you to our own military for the specific details of it. But normally, that's the idea behind NATO, is that all these various forces and allies are interoperable, and that's the goal in any operation like this. So I imagine that's all being hashed out now, is what level of contribution will we have to this operation. I don't have any details to share with you at this point.

QUESTION: Can you find out if --

MR TONER: Oh, of course. And I think that they're – that's all being sussed out, if you will, in Brussels.

QUESTION: Right.

MR TONER: Yes, sir.

QUESTION: India? Do you have any update on the David Headley Mumbai attack saga going on?

MR TONER: I don't think I do. Other than what I think John Kirby said the other day, I don't think I have anything to add. I think he gave some testimony in the case, but I don't have anything to add to what was said the other day.

QUESTION: What he has given in the testimony is again he's retreaded the nexus between Pakistani army and ISI and the handlers. Six Americans lost their lives. What are we doing about it?

MR TONER: Well, I mean, obviously we've been, over the years, working closely with and cooperating with the Indian Government in its investigation. We're committed to doing all we can to assist the Indian Government in pursuing every possible lead to bring the perpetrators of the Mumbai attack to justice. And I don't have anything – I mean, I know that he provided testimony via a video link to a court in Mumbai. And as you note, we – the victims of that attack included not only Americans, Indians, but also citizens of other natures – nations, rather. We're going to continue to work with India to make sure that those responsible are brought to justice.

QUESTION: But it's the ball is more in the Pakistan's court, because these people are roaming free out there, and what are we doing?

MR TONER: Well, we've worked and encouraged that kind of collaboration between Pakistan and India on this particular case, but I don't have anything to add to it.

In the back.

QUESTION: Can we stay on India for --

MR TONER: Sure, let's finish up with India. Guys, I know the – I don't know if he's up or – okay.

QUESTION: So there's important news story being broken by Reuters saying that India and U.S. are planning to have a joint patrol in the South China Sea.

MR TONER: Yes. You're asking me to confirm that or --

QUESTION: Yes.

MR TONER: Okay. So very quickly, the United States and India do have a shared vision of peace, stability, and prosperity in Asia. We're committed to work together with others in the region to achieve our shared goals in an open, balanced, and inclusive security structure. But at this time, I can say there's no plans for any joint naval patrols.

QUESTION: No plans for naval patrol on South China Sea or anywhere?

MR TONER: Any.

QUESTION: Even the Indian Ocean, there's no plan?

MR TONER: No.

QUESTION: Has there been any talks --

QUESTION: I was wondering if you have any readout for the two Turkish newspapers that are attacked today.

MR TONER: I don't. I'll look into it. Thanks, guys.

(The briefing was concluded at 3.12 p.m.)

DPB # 24



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