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Military

Daily Press Briefing

John Kirby
Spokesperson
Daily Press Briefing
Washington, DC
March 18, 2016

Index for Today's Briefing

PHILIPPINES
GERMANY
PHILIPPINES/REGION
NORTH KOREA
PHILIPPINES/REGION
MIDDLE EAST PEACE
IRAN
NORTH KOREA/REGION
YEMEN/REGION
DEPARTMENT/IRAQ/REGION
UAE
COLOMBIA
DJIBOUTI/ERITREA/REGION
BELGIUM/REGION
UKRAINE/REGION
BAHRAIN
HONDURAS
MOROCCO/REGION

 

TRANSCRIPT:

2:08 p.m. EDT

MR KIRBY: How are you guys?

QUESTION: That book's getting heavy, isn't it?

MR KIRBY: We were just having that conversation about how heavy it is. A couple of things at the top and then we'll get right at it.

This morning, the State Department hosted here in D.C. the Sixth Annual U.S.-Philippines Strategic Dialogue led by Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Danny Russel and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Amy Searight on the United States side, and on the Philippines side Under Secretary of Foreign Affairs Evan Garcia and Under Secretary for Defense Policy Pio Lorenzo Batino for the Government of the Philippines. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the U.S.-Philippines alliance in terms of ensuring both countries – our mutual defense and security as well as jointly contributing to regional peace, stability, and economic prosperity.

Both sides also noted agreement on five Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement agreed locations encompassing portions of the following facilities and areas: Antonio Bautista Air Base, Basa Air Base, Fort Magsaysay, Lumbia Air Base, and Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base.

They also discussed next steps for implementation of the EDCA and how it will support the United States efforts to help modernize the armed forces of the Philippines, develop capacity and capability for maritime security and domain awareness, and provide rapid humanitarian assistance to the people of the Philippines.

On Germany, we are saddened today to learn of the death of former German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle. We send our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and, of course, the German people. The United States worked closely with him throughout his four years as foreign minister on historic global issues. We'll have more to say about this later today, but we wanted to note at the top of the briefing, again, our sadness at his passing and our deep regard for the German people today.

With that, Matt.

QUESTION: Just very briefly, you mean the Secretary's going to have a statement in his name?

MR KIRBY: Yeah. I think the Secretary will have something out later today.

QUESTION: Okay. And then briefly just on the Philippines, the – does it – the five places that they've agreed on, could there be more or is that it? Does this complete the whole thing or at least in terms of location?

MR KIRBY: I'm not aware of any additional --

QUESTION: Is there stuff that's still under discussion?

MR KIRBY: Well, there's --

QUESTION: In terms of location?

MR KIRBY: I'm not aware of any other additional locations. And again, these are rotational areas.

QUESTION: Right.

MR KIRBY: There's no U.S. basing in the Philippines, and that's not a part of the EDCA.

QUESTION: And what was the Fort McSay? What was that? I'm just – I just want to make sure that I understand this right. I mean, Subic is not included in this, right, or what was Subic Bay.

MR KIRBY: No. Fort Magsaysay. I think --

QUESTION: Magsaysay?

MR KIRBY: Magsaysay. Magsaysay.

QUESTION: All right. Okay. Moving on from that, unless someone else – no?

MR KIRBY: No.

QUESTION: Fort Magsaysay – no, actually.

QUESTION: Well, I meant on the Philippines in general but --

MR KIRBY: Nope. I'm fine if you're fine.

QUESTION: Okay. Well, wait, I – and just – something just occurs to me. So this clearly – when the agreement was signed several years ago but now the – today, the finalization of these locations – what kind of signal is this intended to send?

MR KIRBY: The signal it's intended to --

QUESTION: Not to the Philippines but to other countries, perhaps larger ones to the west.

MR KIRBY: What it signals is our commitment to our alliance with the Philippines and only our alliance to the Philippines. That's what this is intended to signal, that that alliance is still strong and vibrant. We want to see it continue to be stronger and more vibrant in the future. No other nation in the region should take any other message away from this new agreement. It's very much in keeping with, again, our security commitments there to the Philippines.

QUESTION: Well, you may not want them to take any other message, but I don't – I'm not–but I'm not sure I – that I believe that that's the case. I think you're most certainly trying to send a message. But whether or not that is the case and whether or not you want them, other countries, to take a message, they are certainly going to take the message and say that this is provocative. And I guarantee you on Monday – come Monday, you'll be asked about one particular foreign ministry saying that this is provocative.

MR KIRBY: Which one?

QUESTION: One where there's a lot of smog.

MR KIRBY: Look, I mean, I --

QUESTION: And I guess in anticipation of that complaint, which is going to come, why should other governments, particularly ones with whom the Philippines has disagreements with over territorial issues, not see this as provocative, the fact that there's going to be rotational U.S. military in the Philippines?

MR KIRBY: Okay. A couple of thoughts there. First of all, there – we've made absolutely no bones about the fact that we take the rebalance to the Asia Pacific region very seriously. There are many components to the rebalance. The military component is just one of them. I am traditionally reticent to talk about military matters, but in this case, I think, given that I topped this off the dialogue, I'm going to speak a little bit about that. There has been – the rebalance has been realized in tangible ways across the Asia Pacific region, whether it's ballistic – Aegis capable ballistic missile defense destroyers that have been based in Japan or additional air defense systems in Alaska at Fort Greely, and the additional presence of rotational – expeditionary rotational forces, be they Navy, Marine, Air Force, or even Army in the region.

And as part of our – first of all, this agreement has been long – a long time in coming and in discussion, but it's very much in keeping with the efforts that the United States has put in to increasing our rotational and expeditionary capabilities there in the Asia Pacific region. It's very much in keeping with that. I can't speak for another nation and how they might react to this, but I can tell you that there's nothing offensive or provocative with respect to any of the military capabilities that are permanently based in the Asia Pacific region or are going to be rotationally based in the Pacific region.

QUESTION: Okay. Well, good luck selling that to the Chinese. But anyway --

MR KIRBY: Wait, wait, it's not about selling it to the Chinese or to anybody. It's about meeting our security commitments in a serious alliance with the Philippines. That's what this is about.

QUESTION: On North Korea, you guys have asked for a UN Security Council meeting on the latest missile launches. And I'm just – is it too soon to say that you're going to be seeking additional sanctions since you just got a new resolution that had some pretty significant sanctions in it?

MR KIRBY: Yeah, I just don't think we're ready now to say if another set of sanctions or another resolution is going to be pursued. But yes, we do want to have this discussed at the UNSC.

QUESTION: Can I --

QUESTION: Can we go back to the Philippines?

MR KIRBY: Yeah. Well, actually, because we – because I topped on the Philippines and Matt asked about it, I would like to go ahead and finish it out.

QUESTION: Right. Did the topic of a joint freedom of navigation operation come up in the discussion?

MR KIRBY: I'm not aware of any specific discussions about operations. And I would refer you to my colleagues at the Pentagon to talk about operational matters. If you're asking if they discussed current tensions in the South China Sea, absolutely they did. I think you would expect that that would come up, as it does routinely when we speak with our counterparts in the Philippines. But I'm not aware of any specific discussions with respect to operations.

QUESTION: Did they mention any discussion on a tribunal ruling – potential ruling on the (inaudible)?

MR KIRBY: I don't have additional detail to read out on the dialogue. But yes, in general, they certainly discussed South China Sea tensions.

Yeah.

QUESTION: Can we change topics?

MR KIRBY: Sure.

QUESTION: Okay. Can we go to the Palestinian-Israeli issue?

MR KIRBY: I was figuring you weren't going to ask me about the Philippines.

QUESTION: I could ask about the Philippines if you want me to.

MR KIRBY: Well, it's up to you.

QUESTION: Okay. I like the Philippines.

MR KIRBY: That would be great though, wouldn't it, if I could actually tell you what to ask --

QUESTION: I do. I'll do it.

MR KIRBY: -- all of you, instead of just letting you come up with the questions?

QUESTION: Isn't that the way it happens in other parts of the world where it's less democratic? (Laughter.) All right. Okay. Let me ask you about – 10 days ago, a Palestinian attacked an Israeli soldier, and he was shot and killed, and his body confiscated and taken and not yet returned. The Israelis ordered his mother, who was born in East Jerusalem, with nine kids – her parents were born in the Old City; her grandparents were born in the Old City – and deported them to Gaza. Do you have any comment on this?

MR KIRBY: I don't have specifics on this incident.

QUESTION: All right. You don't have any specifics, but let me ask you in principle, would that sort of be considered collective punishment?

MR KIRBY: Well, look, I – we've seen reports of this. And I think, Said, where I'd prefer to stay today is what you've heard me say before, which is, look, we want to see affirmative steps on all sides here to --

QUESTION: Okay.

MR KIRBY: -- reduce the violence and the tensions and to try to move this forward for a two-state solution. I don't have specific comment on these particular reports.

QUESTION: If this happened on another planet, if someone commits a crime, whatever it is, and the authorities come and collect their family members and deport them to another planet, would that be collective punishment?

MR KIRBY: I mean, as – it's a--

QUESTION: What is your position on the fact that members of the family are held responsible for the activities of one individual?

MR KIRBY: Said, again, I've seen these reports. We want to see the tensions reduced. I don't – I can't engage in the hypothetical about interplanetary travel here, or the collective punishment that you're talking about. And we – what – we think it's important for both sides to look for opportunities to ratchet down the tensions.

QUESTION: But you certainly have a position on collective punishment, John. I mean, the United States Government holds dear all these human rights values and so on, and rule of law, and being held accountable.

MR KIRBY: You're right, we do take human rights seriously.

QUESTION: So you don't have a position on such an activity that is conducted by an occupying army, in this case, and uprooted and exiled elsewhere?

MR KIRBY: I can appreciate the continued attempts to try to get me to dive into this specific incident. I'm going to refrain from doing that. But I think, again, we've been very clear what we want to see happen on all sides here.

QUESTION: Let me ask you something. You keep saying that you guys are committed to the two-state solution and that you want both sides to take the kind of steps that would help in that. Have you – in the past, let's say, five years, can you point to any actual, tangible steps that you have taken to ensure that this two-state solution will take place? Like, for instance, have you managed to discourage the Israelis or pressure the Israelis to withdraw from a, let's say, a decision to build more settlements or confiscate more land or to conduct a lot of punishment?

MR KIRBY: Well, you know yourself we've been nothing but candid and open about our views and policies on the settlements issue. And every day we get up here and you and I talk about the violence, the continued violence, and how we want to see it stop. And I – I've only been here over a short 10 months, and I don't know how many trips I've made with the Secretary to that part of the world to talk to leaders on both sides about how we can try to move forward towards a two-state solution. And we're still committed to that.

QUESTION: And my last question is really pertaining to the Secretary's activities. Is he slated to speak before the AIPAC conference this weekend?

MR KIRBY: I don't have anything on his schedule.

QUESTION: He did last year; that's why I'm asking.

MR KIRBY: No, he's not. He's not.

QUESTION: He's going to be in Cuba.

QUESTION: He's just traveling?

MR KIRBY: He's not scheduled to speak.

QUESTION: I'd like to ask you about interplanetary travel.

MR KIRBY: Okay.

QUESTION: What is your position on it?

MR KIRBY: Well, I think as long as you've got a valid passport and – if you have a valid passport and --

QUESTION: Would you like to send certain people to – some people to (inaudible)?

MR KIRBY: -- a visa of the planet to which you're traveling, then I think we wouldn't want to discourage that, except if there's a travel warning that you need to read on our website, we would point you to that. I'm not aware of any specific planets that have travel warnings right now.

QUESTION: I'm sorry I --

QUESTION: Can I (inaudible) --

QUESTION: -- asked about it. Maybe if it (inaudible) --

MR KIRBY: No, it's okay. It's okay. I mean, I --

QUESTION: I was trying to spotlight the point.

MR KIRBY: I know you were, Said, and I'm not trying to make light of it. But I just don't want to engage in hypotheticals. And again, our positions on these issues have been clear, they've been concise. We've been – and we've been consistent about it.

Yeah.

QUESTION: Dave.

QUESTION: No, please.

QUESTION: No, please. Really.

QUESTION: I've noticed a lot of traffic on social media calling for the release of the U.S. NGO workers who are – well, the son and the father who have been arrested in Tehran. Has there been any – have you received consular access? I understand that the Iranians don't recognize their U.S. citizenship. But has your protective power been able to speak to them? Do you have a court date? Do you know what they're charged with?

MR KIRBY: So yeah, there's a lot there. We're deeply concerned about the reports of the detention of U.S. citizens Siamak Namazi and Baquer Namazi in Iran. According to reports, Siamak Namazi has been detained in Iran since October 2015, and his father Baquer was detained at the end of February this year. We're not aware of any charges against either man, and we believe that both reported detentions are unjust. We call on Iran to allow consular access by Swiss authorities and to release both as soon as possible so that they can return to their families.

QUESTION: Americans overseas. What was your reaction to seeing that video that the North Koreans released of Otto Warmbier taking down that poster at the hotel, which is the crime that he's been sentenced for?

MR KIRBY: I have actually reacted earlier today to that. I mean, it's obviously not something we want to see, and we object to the public airing, the pushing that video out. More critically, we believe that the sentence that has been passed is unduly harsh given what he is alleged to have done, and we want him released.

QUESTION: Do you link this – these missile tests to his detention? Do – does having him give them the ability to sort of behave badly?

MR KIRBY: You'd have to ask Pyongyang to, the degree which they're linked. I don't think we know whether that's the case or not. And again, frankly, from our perspective, it doesn't matter if they're linked or not. We – I put a statement out last night about our concerns on the missile launches, and I've talked now again to you publicly here about our concerns over Mr. Warmbier. And we're certainly not linking them in our view. I couldn't tell you whether they're linking them in their view, but he needs to be released.

QUESTION: What happened --

MR KIRBY: He needs to be able to come home.

QUESTION: What can you say about the work the U.S. is doing to get – secure his release?

MR KIRBY: I can't provide a lot of detail. As we've said, I mean, we know that our protecting power – in this case, Sweden – has had – has had access to him at least on one occasion. We hope there'll be additional opportunities for that access to occur. And I can just tell you that we're very focused on him and his case and we're not going to – we're certainly not going to forget about it or stop doing what we can to see that he's released, but I can't go into the details.

QUESTION: Okay. I mean, you can't say if you've assigned any high-level delegation to lead up the negotiation process?

MR KIRBY: I think I'm just going to have to leave it where I did.

QUESTION: The last one on this, and I know – I probably know the answer already, but are the missile launches – do they affect the negotiation process in any way or do you view them as two entirely separate issues?

MR KIRBY: We're not linking the two. And again, as we've done in other places around the world, we believe that the sentence was unduly harsh in this case, and we want him released. We also, separately but just as emphatically, want the North to stop the provocative behavior, such as missile launches which just occurred yesterday. We've already seen how the international community can come together to put in place tougher sanctions – the toughest sanctions that we've had in a couple of decades. And again, I won't speculate, as I wouldn't with Matt, about what might arise out of these latest launches, but certainly I think it's fair to say we're taking it seriously and we want the rest of the international community to take it seriously. That's why we're going to bring it up at the UN.

But I – as in other cases, we are not looking to link the two. He needs to be released because he needs to be released.

QUESTION: And it wouldn't affect your decision about sanctions?

MR KIRBY: I won't speculate about future actions that we may or may not take with respect to this latest round of ballistic launch – ballistic missile launches. I just won't speculate one way or the other.

QUESTION: Can I have a follow-up on this very issue, on North Korea? Some years back, when an American journalist was imprisoned in Korea, former President Clinton negotiated her release. Would you – would that be okay with you if someone of that stature or that – goes in and --

MR KIRBY: I'm just not --

QUESTION: Or you're not going to speculate on that?

MR KIRBY: I just don't think we're at a stage right now where I can speak with any specificity about what --

QUESTION: (Inaudible.)

MR KIRBY: -- what we may or may not – what avenues we may or may not pursue. Rest assured that we are focused very keenly on this case. We're monitoring as best we can, understanding, of course, that we have a protecting power there because we don't have a diplomatic presence. And – but we're going to stay at it and we're going to monitor this very, very closely. And again, we're going to keep repeating our call that he needs to be released.

QUESTION: On the sanctions, DPRK sanctions, is there any good indication to the United States that China is doing its part to comply with or to implement the sanctions under the new resolution?

MR KIRBY: I would just point you to what the Chinese have said themselves. I mean, first of all, they signed up to the sanctions and they have since publicly talked about or affirmed their commitment to those. I don't have – I'm not aware of any specific interchange on enforcement right now by the Chinese, but again, it's only been just a little while. So, I mean, we'll obviously have to see where it goes, but this most recent set of – this most recent resolution has in place – the last part of it – much tougher enforcement mechanisms, and that's our expectation, that everybody will uniformly implement those enforcement mechanisms.

QUESTION: Earlier, after the sanctions were – after the resolution was passed, Philippines was reported the first one to intercept a cargo that was bound to DPRK. Do you have other tangible examples of implementation of the sanctions besides the Philippines case?

MR KIRBY: I don't know of any other interdictions, if – such as what the Philippines did. I'm not aware. I'm not aware of any.

Yeah.

QUESTION: Sure. I wanted to ask about Yemen again and the United – and something about the UN. Just on – I see that you answered yesterday and you said you didn't have the details yet about this airstrike in Hajjah province, but now the UN's human rights commissioner has said that his team got there on Wednesday. They put the death count at 106. UNICEF Yemen puts it at 118. So I'm just wondering, do you accept that as kind of – as – is that enough information to – for the U.S. to say this did happen and that's the death count?

MR KIRBY: We're aware and deeply concerned by reports that a significant number of civilians may have been killed or injured during a strike near a market in northern Yemen. I'm unable today to verify any of the specifics of what happened. I would note, though, that the coalition has stated that it will conduct an investigation of the incident, and we encourage them to conduct a prompt, transparent investigation and publicly release the results. It's vital that the investigation provide a thorough and objective accounting of the facts and circumstances of the incident and, if appropriate, to address any factors that led to it so that we can prevent reoccurrence, of course.

As we've said previously, we're deeply concerned by the effects of the crisis in Yemen, both in terms of civilian casualties and the dire humanitarian situation which still exists. Okay?

QUESTION: Thanks. Could I – this is a UN question.

QUESTION: Follow-up on that?

QUESTION: Can I ask just – I just – if you don't mind. I wanted to ask because earlier in the week I'd asked about this ongoing corruption case about the UN, and there's been a new development, in fact, where another person has been indicted of another group. And the reason I'm asking you is that the answer I got said – was on background from a State Department official saying that the audit being conducted by the UN of two other groups – Sun Kian IP and Global Sustainability Foundation – was acceptable to the U.S. as a response. Now a third group has been implicated or indicted. You also didn't respond to my knowledge to the Government Accountability Project letter to the U.S. mission saying that the UN has retaliated against the press for reporting on this. So I wanted to just know: What do you think? Is this case getting larger? Is it – I mean, it seems to be getting larger, but what do you think of that?

MR KIRBY: I'm going to have to take the question. I don't have additional details for you now. I'm also happy to refer you to our mission up in New York City as well to – they might have additional information. I just don't have anything more for you today. Okay?

QUESTION: Can I follow up on the Yemen thing?

MR KIRBY: Yeah, sure.

QUESTION: You said that the coalition is investigating its own involvement in the alleged incident. Obviously, the coalition receives U.S. logistics, mid-air refueling, intelligence reports. Is there a U.S. investigation as to whether any of your forces were involved in this incident?

MR KIRBY: I'm not aware of any U.S.-specific investigation into this. You might want to talk to my colleagues at the Pentagon, but I'm not aware of one.

QUESTION: Do you expect Saudi Arabia to stop bombing Yemen anytime soon? Because there are some reports that you guys are either in discussions and – or they gave you some sort of a signal that they will probably cease – or the coalition that Saudi Arabia is leading --

MR KIRBY: Well, the Saudis themselves have talked about being in a dialogue with the Houthis, and there were – there was certainly efforts early on in the week to reach a cessation of hostilities. I talked about that here from the podium, that we certainly welcomed those reports. And as I said, we're deeply concerned by the reports that we've just seen about this particular airstrike. I'd point you to Saudi authorities to speak to the manner in which they are conducting coalition operations, and again, I would just point to what we've said so many times: We also want to see a political process move forward in Yemen. That's why we're supporting UN efforts on that front. And again, we welcome any reduction in the violence and any increase that could occur in the humanitarian assistance to the people of Yemen. But again, I think I'd let the Saudi authorities speak to the specifics of coalition air operations.

Yeah.

QUESTION: My question is about President Obama's Nowruz statement. As well, I want to know if the President will address the Kurdistani or the Kurdish people and the Peshmerga celebrating at the front line. Nowruz for the Kurds – significant as the struggle and the overcoming of tyranny, and being addressed by the President would allude to and reaffirm the existent relationship between the Kurdish people and the American people.

MR KIRBY: I'm afraid I'm not at liberty to discuss the presidential remarks or schedule. I'd refer you to my colleagues at the White House. It's just beyond me to speak to issues the President plans to address or doesn't plan to address.

QUESTION: And today Ambassador Brett McGurk meets President Barzani. He said the U.S. able help Kurdistan, and yesterday at the Sulaimani Forum, held in Sulaimani, a Kurdistan region, U.S. Ambassador Jones stated that the U.S. and allies are looking at providing anywhere between $10-50 billions in aid to Iraq. My question is: Can you elaborate if Kurdistan region gets any of this money?

MR KIRBY: Can I what?

QUESTION: Elaborate.

MR KIRBY: Elaborate --

QUESTION: -- if Kurdistan will get any of that money.

MR KIRBY: What I would just tell you is that we recognize that Iraq, including the Kurdistan region, is suffering under a heavy economic burden as they continue to fight Daesh during a time of low oil prices. And we're going to continue to assess, as we have in the past, how best to help Iraq shore up its economy. And we're committed to assisting Iraq in its mission to defeat Daesh, but I just don't have anything to announce at this time – anything specific.

Yeah.

QUESTION: John, the families of U.S. citizens Kamal Eldarat and Mohamed Eldarat allege that they've been tortured in Emirati custody, and this is why they have – this is why they've confessed to terrorist crimes. Have you any update on that case?

MR KIRBY: I don't think so. Now, as you know, they were detained on the 26th and 28th of [August] 2014 respectively. We're concerned about several aspects of their case – the allegations of mistreatment, their health issues, the lack of access to legal representation, and the lack of consular access at the start of their detention. We've raised all of these issues with senior leaders in the UAE Government and continue to call for an expeditious resolution to this case and a fair and transparent legal process in accordance with local law and international norms. But I don't have anything more specific.

QUESTION: Now, on the health issues, is that a result of human activity or (inaudible)?

MR KIRBY: I mean, I think I addressed just a few minutes ago we certainly are concerned by reports of mistreatment, and we are aware of health issues more generally. I don't have anything more specific than that.

QUESTION: Is that the guidance that was prepared before and that you've given before?

MR KIRBY: It is – it is very --

QUESTION: Or has it been updated like – to take it – to take into account recent – potential recent developments?

MR KIRBY: It's very similar to what I've said before. Again, we don't have any specific information that I'm aware of. But their health has and remains a concern for us, and again --

QUESTION: Do you --

MR KIRBY: -- reports of mistreatment are still deeply troubling.

QUESTION: Do you take issue with the charges themselves? They're – said they're being charged with supporting groups during the revolution that were not considered terrorists at the time but have since been declared terror groups by the UAE because they support the Muslim Brotherhood. Are you concerned with the charges themselves?

MR KIRBY: I – as I think I've said before, I mean, they were formally charged with three counts of cooperating with and providing material support to terrorist organizations. Our – what our main concern here is that there's an expeditious resolution to the case and that there's a fair and transparent legal process that ensues, I think, in accordance with local law, and as I said, international norms. That's our main concern as well as, of course, reports about – of allegations of mistreatment and their health. But I don't have anything additional to say.

QUESTION: Do you think they will get a fair trial?

MR KIRBY: We have continued to make that case and we will, going forward, make that case to authorities in the UAE. That's what we want to see.

QUESTION: Colombia?

MR KIRBY: Colombia.

QUESTION: Yeah. I wanted to ask you – there's kind of a controversy. They've reached – or they've – a deal has been – the outlines have been released showing – and on transitional justice, the idea would be the people that – even if they confess to war crimes, wouldn't actually be detained or have any jail time. They might be put in a certain part of the country for eight years. And so a lot of human rights groups, including Amnesty International, are saying this is a bad precedent. Does the U.S. have any position on that – on the non-jailing of war criminals?

MR KIRBY: I think we're – continue to work through this. I don't have anything additional to say. We'll continue to work this process going forward.

QUESTION: Can I ask a very quick question on Djibouti being a close U.S. ally on – really on behalf of a colleague --

MR KIRBY: You guys are popping me all over this book here.

QUESTION: -- who just – just very quickly, if you have any comment.

QUESTION: (Off-mike.)

QUESTION: Yeah, if you have a comment on this. It's for a colleague. Eritrea today released four Djibouti soldiers that have been held in prison since 2008, due largely to Qatari efforts and so on. Do you have any comment on that? Are you aware of this?

MR KIRBY: Let me take that one for you, Said.

QUESTION: Okay, sure.

MR KIRBY: I have – you got me on that one. I haven't seen that report.

QUESTION: Okay, thank you. All right.

MR KIRBY: I think we're about good?

QUESTION: Oh, no. Almost.

QUESTION: How about Abdeslam? Is that what you wanted to ask about, Matt?

QUESTION: No.

QUESTION: No?

MR KIRBY: We've seen the reports coming out of Belgium. I would refer you to Belgian authorities.

QUESTION: Right.

MR KIRBY: I honestly don't have a lot of information on that.

QUESTION: I figured you didn't.

MR KIRBY: I mean, it's – these stories are breaking as we speak, so I just don't have any updates.

QUESTION: And could you speak at all to U.S. coordination with that effort or not?

MR KIRBY: We – I know that we made clear our ability and readiness to assist in their efforts. I honestly don't have any detail with respect to whatever assistance might have been – might have come from the United States. But I think it's best to let Belgian authorities speak to this right now.

QUESTION: Do you have any thoughts on the second anniversary of Crimea being annexed from Russia --

MR KIRBY: I think --

QUESTION: -- or has someone else spoken to that?

MR KIRBY: Well, we – yeah, I mean, we – I think we have spoken to that, but, I mean --

QUESTION: I'm just wondering – today is the anniversary, so that's – but if you don't have anything new to say about it, then that's fine.

MR KIRBY: I don't have anything new to say other than we continue to not recognize the annexation of Crimea.

QUESTION: Over the course of the past couple days, I've asked several times about two – the cases of two – or two different cases, one in Bahrain, one in Honduras. Are you at a point now where you're going to be – where you're able to call for the actual release, rather than due process and – for the rights advocate --

MR KIRBY: Nothing's changed.

QUESTION: -- who's been detained in Bahrain?

MR KIRBY: Nothing's changed --

QUESTION: So you're still – you still believe that she can get a fair trial?

MR KIRBY: We continue to call on Bahrain to follow due process in all cases --

QUESTION: All right.

MR KIRBY: -- and to abide by its commitment to transparent judicial proceedings.

QUESTION: The calls for the U.S. to call for an independent investigation into these murders in Honduras continue to grow. Why aren't you prepared to join or to agree to them, and do you know if the Secretary has responded to the letter that was sent by --

MR KIRBY: I'm not aware of a response. I'll check on that. Obviously we're in receipt of it, and our position is the same as it was yesterday.

QUESTION: And then, since you – since I last asked about Western Sahara and you couldn't find it in your book, the situation has --

MR KIRBY: Well, can you blame me?

QUESTION: No. The situation has changed a little bit in that Morocco has ordered almost 80 – or more than 70, at least – UN – members of the UN peacekeeping mission there to leave. Do you have any concerns or other thoughts about that?

MR KIRBY: We're aware of those reports that they've asked the UN mission for the referendum in Western Sahara to reduce the size of its mission – to leave, as you put it. We reiterate our support to that UN mission and to its important mission – to the important job that it's there to do. Yesterday the United States participated in a closed session of the UN Security Council, where members expressed concern about the situation. The United States encourages all of the parties to remain fully and actively engaged in seeking an effective resolution.

QUESTION: Morocco is one of your – if not the oldest U.S. friend in North Africa. Do you have any plans to raise it with the king or less senior Moroccan officials?

MR KIRBY: I know of no such specific bilateral plans, Matt.

QUESTION: Okay.

MR KIRBY: We're taking this up inside the UN.

Thanks, everybody. Have a great weekend.

(The briefing was concluded at 2:44 p.m.)



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