Daily Press Briefing
Elizabeth Trudeau
Director, Press Office
Daily Press Briefing
Washington, DC
August 15, 2016
Index for Today's Briefing
VENEZUELA
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
YEMEN
SYRIA/REGION
DEPARTMENT
SYRIA/REGION
AFGHANISTAN
ZAMBIA
DEPARTMENT
IRAQ
TAIWAN
SWEDEN/NORTH KOREA
PERU
INDIA
TURKEY
YEMEN
SOUTH SUDAN
JAPAN/REGION
SOUTH SUDAN
TRANSCRIPT:
2:04 p.m. EDT
MS TRUDEAU: Hey, guys, sorry I'm late. Welcome to the State Department. I have a few things at the top. First, on Venezuela. The United States is deeply concerned by the Venezuelan court of appeals decision to allow the miscarriage of justice to continue against political prisoner Leopoldo Lopez. Since Mr. Lopez's arrest and imprisonment in February of 2014 and his conviction and sentencing in September of 2015, we have underscored our concern with the unsubstantiated and politically motivated charges brought against Mr. Lopez. We have repeatedly called for his release and that of all others imprisoned for political reasons.
The United States calls on the Government of Venezuela to guarantee the rights of Mr. Lopez and all political prisoners to due process, freedom from arbitrary arrest, and a fair, public, and impartial trial consistent with the American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man, the Inter-American Democratic Charter, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and Venezuela's constitution. Rather than silencing peaceful democratic dissent, now is the time for Venezuela's leaders to listen to diverse voices and work together to find solutions to the political, social, and economic challenges facing the Venezuelan people.
Next, on the Democratic Republic of Congo. The United States offers our deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the reported massacres that occurred the night of August 13th outside of Beni, North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo by presumed elements of the Allied Democratic Forces armed group. Congolese authorities and the UN peacekeeping mission are working jointly to determine those responsible for the attack as well as the details of the what exactly happened.
We deplore in the strongest terms this horrific attack and will continue to support all efforts to end the ongoing violence in eastern Congo, to increase civilian protection, and to bring perpetrators to justice.
And with that, Matt, over to you.
QUESTION: Right. Let's start – I want to get to Syria very quickly, but I want to start just with Yemen --
MS TRUDEAU: Sure.
QUESTION: -- because I think it will be brief. You have seen the reports about an MSF hospital being bombed. What, if anything, do you have to say about that?
MS TRUDEAU: So we're deeply concerned by a reported strike on a hospital in northern Yemen. We're gathering more information. As we've said in the past, strikes on humanitarian facilities, including hospitals, are particularly concerning. We call on all parties to cease hostilities immediately. Continued military actions only prolong the suffering of the Yemeni people.
QUESTION: Yeah, but this was apparently done by Saudi – the Saudi coalition that you guys are big supporters of, though. Is there – have you raised this issue? This is not the first time that civilian and the hospitals have been targeted there.
MS TRUDEAU: So we remain in close contact with the Saudis on this. We would note that the Saudi committee that was designated to look into civilian casualties – the previous ones we've discussed from this podium – did share its findings with the UN. We believe that's a step forward in transparency. And as we previously underscored, we also call on them to public release those reports.
QUESTION: But does it have any – is there any consequence to this?
MS TRUDEAU: Well, what I'd say is I'm not going to get ahead of any decision, but U.S. officials have regularly engaged with Saudi officials as whether – as well as other coalition members on the importance of mitigating harm. As part of this, we've also encouraged them to do their utmost to avoid harm to entities protected by international law such as this hospital.
QUESTION: Do you know if there is any unease or angst about – in this building at least with the policy people about the fact that this is a U.S.-supported campaign that seems to keep hitting civilian --
MS TRUDEAU: I think that we continue to raise our concerns directly with Saudi and other coalition members.
QUESTION: So the answer is no, there isn't any?
MS TRUDEA: I think the answer is, is that harm against civilians is always a concern. We always raise that issue.
QUESTION: All right, I'm done with that.
QUESTION: Could I – just quickly on Yemen? There was also a school that was hit.
MS TRUDEAU: There was.
QUESTION: There was a school which the United Nations submitted some sort of a complaint or a condemnation. Do you have anything to say about that?
MS TRUDEAU: I do. And we've seen those remarks. We do share the United Nations' concern about the alleged strike on the school in Saada governorate on August 13th. We will continue to review information on that strike. Regardless of the cause – and this goes back to Matt's point – this incident reinforces concerns underscored in the secretary general's recent report detailing the horrific consequences that Yemen's conflict continues to have on children.
QUESTION: Can we go to Syria?
MS TRUDEAU: Of course.
QUESTION: You've seen these reports that Russia is saying it's close to a military – joint military action with the U.S. in Aleppo. Is there any truth to these?
MS TRUDEAU: So we've seen the press reports of the Russian defense minister's comments. We have nothing to announce at this time. We do speak regularly with Russian officials about ways to strengthen the cessation of hostility, improve humanitarian access, and bring about conditions necessary to find a political solution to the conflict.
QUESTION: So you say you're not ready to announce anything yet, which means that you're working on something?
MS TRUDEAU: We have remained in close touch, as we've been clear about, with the Russians on ways to, as I said, advance the cessation of hostilities, improve the access, and to bring about the conditions necessary for a political transition.
QUESTION: But is there a specific discussion with the Russians about – that's centered on Aleppo and possible --
MS TRUDEAU: I have nothing to read out on that. Absolutely --
QUESTION: So there's no – there are no discussions or --
MS TRUDEAU: I just – I have no information to share on that.
QUESTION: So as part of the broader dialogue that you say you have with the Russians on this, is there anything that you're aware of that involves joint military action around Aleppo?
MS TRUDEAU: There is nothing to announce at this time, Matt.
QUESTION: When do you expect this to be announced?
QUESTION: He was quite certain on --
MS TRUDEAU: Hold on one second. We'll go to Michel and then we'll come to you, Said. Okay.
QUESTION: When do you expect this to be announced on your part?
MS TRUDEAU: Again, I have nothing to announce. We've seen his comments. We're very focused on the three components that I mentioned: cessation of hostilities, humanitarian access, political transitions are political conditions necessary to bring a political solution to this conflict.
Said.
QUESTION: I just want to understand. So are you – you are denying that what he said about joint military action against militias? Is --
MS TRUDEAU: Well, I'd also look very closely to what the Russian defense minister said himself on that. But in terms of our position, we have nothing to announce.
Okay.
QUESTION: And the --
QUESTION: But you are not denying that it could happen?
MS TRUDEAU: I'm not going to get ahead of anything on that, Michel. Matt, you had more Syria, or was that it?
QUESTION: No.
MS TRUDEAU: Okay. Lesley.
QUESTION: On Syria.
QUESTION: Since you are – because I'm completely confused. So there are ongoing discussions that Secretary Kerry is talking about on – but that is not just Aleppo. That is a broader Syria --
MS TRUDEAU: These are the conversations that we have been having with Russian officials on the three components that we've been very transparent about. Yes.
QUESTION: Okay, but he seems to be narrowing it to Aleppo, just Aleppo, which sounds like --
MS TRUDEAU: Yeah, and I would refer you to the Russians to speak to what their defense minister said.
QUESTION: I understand that.
MS TRUDEAU: For the United States, we have nothing to announce.
QUESTION: Okay.
QUESTION: Syria still.
MS TRUDEAU: Are we going to stay on Syria? Of course, Tejinder.
QUESTION: Yeah. The Indian External Affairs Minister M.J. Akbar is visiting Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon this week. Do you have any comments on that? What is the --
MS TRUDEAU: No, I think we would say it's for a sovereign country to decide who they speak to. We've been very clear with our position on Syria. We've shared that with our partners around the world. I'd let the Indian Government speak particularly to their meetings.
QUESTION: No, but that – we are not supporting Assad, then – so what --
MS TRUDEAU: Again, that would be for the Indian Government to speak to their visits and the purpose of those visits.
Let's stay on Syria.
QUESTION: Yeah, yeah, very quickly. The king of Jordan just gave an interview, I think this morning, to a semi-government newspaper in Jordan and he said that Jordan is at its capacity; they cannot absorb any more refugees. Do you have any comment on that? Do you have any --
MS TRUDEAU: Well, I think we've been also very clear and deeply appreciative of the work that Jordan has done in welcoming refugees. We appreciate the generosity of Jordan and the Jordanian people. They're hosting hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees. The United States continue to stand with Jordan. We'll work with the international community on an expedited basis to identify alternative mechanism, especially to address that very vulnerable Syrian population right along the Jordanian-Syrian border.
In terms of what the king said himself, I would refer you back to the Jordanian Government.
QUESTION: Thank you.
MS TRUDEAU: Thank you. Are we still staying on Syria?
QUESTION: Syria.
QUESTION: Afghanistan.
MS TRUDEAU: Let's stay on Syria and then we'll get there, okay?
QUESTION: All right. Turkish foreign minister said that U.S. promised Turkey that once the Manbij is cleared from Daesh, PYD forces will leave west side of Euphrates River. And I was wondering if you set any timeline for PYD on this regard, and can you confirm that you are in touch with PYD forces regarding this issue?
MS TRUDEAU: So what I would say is we'll back up a step and let's talk about Manbij and the situation on the ground there. Liberating Manbij City will cut a key route that ISIL has used to move fighters, finances, weapons, supplies in and out of the remaining territory under ISIL control in Iraq and Syria. Liberating the city will also facilitate the isolation of Raqqa, which is a critical step towards removing ISIL in Syria. The operation complements ongoing operations that the coalition are conducting to reduce the ISIL threat to Turkey by supporting vetted Syrian opposition forces fighting ISIL near the Mara line and along Turkey's border since mid-April. Expelling Manbij City will also liberate between, we understand, 35,000 to 40,000 citizens from ISIL control.
The Arabs fighting for Manbij are from Manbij, and they're fighting to take back their homes. The Kurdish forces are a critical component of the SDF. That said, we do have commitments from Kurdish leadership that the local Arabs liberating their own lands will be the ones to rebuild the area and restore local control when the terrorists are finally evicted. I think that answers some.
QUESTION: Okay. And one more question.
MS TRUDEAU: Sure.
QUESTION: The leader of Kurdish National Council, Ibrahim Biro, was kidnapped by PYD, I think on Saturday. And later he was freed on Iraqi border, and he was forced to leave Syria. I was wondering if you have anything on that.
MS TRUDEAU: I have – I've not heard of that report. I'm happy to look into it.
QUESTION: Actually, I was emailed that question on Saturday, but --
MS TRUDEAU: Okay, let me look into that.
QUESTION: All right. Thank you.
MS TRUDEAU: Are we staying on Syria?
QUESTION: One more, just quick follow-up on Syria. Would you endorse or encourage SDF forces to go westward and go after Al-Bab, a near – another city? Is there some coordination between U.S. --
MS TRUDEAU: So ask this again?
QUESTION: Would you encourage SDF forces to go westward from Manbij area to Al-Bab and other cities?
MS TRUDEAU: Okay. In terms of sort of operational components and what the SDF is doing and where they're taking the fight to ISIL, I'm just not qualified to speak to that, I'll be honest.
Do we have more on Syria?
QUESTION: Related to Syria.
MS TRUDEAU: We'll do related to Syria. That was close, Abigail.
QUESTION: Right. I know you guys love talking about politics. Donald Trump --
MS TRUDEAU: Which I won't.
QUESTION: -- is speaking right now. He's speaking about his new immigration policy. And some of the things that he's speaking about are adding the government using questionnaires, social media, interview with friends and family. It sounds like things that are already being done in the screening process. Do you have any – do you think any of these things are missing right now from the current process?
MS TRUDEAU: I wouldn't speak to political rhetoric from any campaign. What I would say is, as we've spoken from many times on here, is we stand by the integrity of our visa process. And I'll just leave that there.
Are we – any more on Syria?
QUESTION: He's basically talking about some sort of an ideological litmus test for people who are coming.
MS TRUDEAU: Yeah. Again, I'm not going to speak to what political candidates may or may not reflect.
QUESTION: Okay, but is that really any different than in the very old days when they said – they used to say, "Are you now or have you ever been a member of the Communist Party?" Is that similar?
MS TRUDEAU: I'm not going to speak to that, Said.
QUESTION: Thank you.
MS TRUDEAU: Any more on Syria?
QUESTION: I have – can I come back to the issue of this --
QUESTION: Okay, but just one more thing. I think that I heard you say this, but I just want to make sure. Your response to the question is essentially there – you don't think that there's anything wrong with the visa system the way it is now and that you are --
MS TRUDEAU: What I would say is that we --
QUESTION: -- you're confident in its ability to screen out people that might be a threat as it exists?
MS TRUDEAU: I would say two things on that. And actually, thanks for the question. We've said from this podium – I've said from this podium many times – is that we're constantly looking to adapt the visa program, as well as our screening, as well as the information we have, as the world changes. That said – and this is what I said earlier – we stand by the integrity and the scrutiny of our visa program.
QUESTION: So Elizabeth --
MS TRUDEAU: Yeah?
QUESTION: -- I wanted to come back to this issue of the reports on the joint military action.
MS TRUDEAU: Yeah.
QUESTION: You're not denying that – you're not saying this is not going to take --
MS TRUDEAU: Well, no, but as I said, we talk to the Russians all the time, Lesley. We talk to them on those specific components. Speaking specifically to your question on what the Russian defense minister – I have nothing for you on that.
QUESTION: I've not seen the defense minister's comment. I've just seen Sergey Lavrov's comments.
MS TRUDEAU: Okay. I think it actually started with Defense Minister Shoigu, but I just --
QUESTION: Okay.
MS TRUDEAU: I just have nothing for you on that.
QUESTION: Okay. So, but you're not denying that – though, that there was --
MS TRUDEAU: I just have nothing for you on that.
QUESTION: Just – you just – nothing on the --
MS TRUDEAU: We remain in close contact with the Russians on the three components that are the main focus of our work right now.
Are we done with Syria?
QUESTION: India.
MS TRUDEAU: Okay. Well, hold on. Let's do this; let's go to Afghanistan first.
QUESTION: Thank you. As you know nowadays there's conflicts or rifts between Dr. al-Ghani and Dr. Abdullah Abdullah has become quite bad. Do you have any comment about it? And also, do you think that the U.S. need to send some delegation to Afghanistan to solve their problem in this sensitive time? It's a big problem.
MS TRUDEAU: So we've seen Chief Executive Abdullah's public remarks regarding President Ghani and the Government of National Unity. We remain supportive of a government of national unity, and we encourage both President Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah to work together to pursue these common goals.
Are we – any more on Afghanistan? Okay, let's go --
QUESTION: Hold on a second.
MS TRUDEAU: I'm sorry.
QUESTION: Hold on a second. Just on that. I mean, this was one of – what Secretary Kerry says was – points to as a big achievement, not just of his but for the Administration as a whole, engineering this kind of president and chief executive agreement. Is there a concern that – in this building that that is unraveling?
MS TRUDEAU: No. We – there's not. We still think that there's work to be done, but there has been concrete and significant progress in Afghanistan since the Government of National Unity. We do remain in touch with the Afghan Government and we will remain in touch as they move forward.
QUESTION: Yeah, I know. But you're – really, there's no concern at all that the progress is in danger?
MS TRUDEAU: I wouldn't say that at all, Matt. I would say we've seen the comments. We believe the Government of National Unity --
QUESTION: These are the --
MS TRUDEAU: -- has made significant progress in Afghanistan. We believe that that's the path forward and we continue to support it.
QUESTION: These are the comments where he basically threatens to pull out of the government?
MS TRUDEAU: Yeah. We've seen those.
QUESTION: Yeah. And you're not concerned about it?
MS TRUDEAU: We remain in close touch with them on these particular comments as well as the future of the government.
QUESTION: So you are concerned that there might be a problem?
MS TRUDEAU: I'm not going to characterize it as concern, Matt. What I'm going to say is we think that there's a lot of work to be done, but we believe a lot of progress has been made.
QUESTION: One more. One more.
MS TRUDEAU: Hold on. Are we on Afghanistan?
QUESTION: Afghanistan. One more quickly.
MS TRUDEAU: Okay. Go ahead, Goyal.
QUESTION: Madam, does Afghanistan supports U.S. drone attacks from their soil against Pakistan? It has started again, because they were stopped in the past but now they are again drone strikes are going on.
MS TRUDEAU: I wouldn't speak to that, Goyal.
QUESTION: Oh. Thank you.
MS TRUDEAU: Go ahead, Steve.
QUESTION: Okay. On Zambia.
MS TRUDEAU: Yeah.
QUESTION: The opposition is challenging the results of the presidential election, alleging vote rigging, riots are breaking out in the south today. Does the United States recognize the results of the re-election of President Lungu?
MS TRUDEAU: So the United States welcomes the Zambian citizens' democratic spirit which was characterized in voting on August 11th. We congratulate President-elect Edgar Lungu and call on all candidates to show leadership in respecting the official results as announced by the Electoral Commission of Zambia. We do encourage all Zambians to maintain the good conduct exhibited during the vote, and if they have objections to the results, to use the approved legal mechanisms for peaceful re-address.
We do note the statements by many of the international election observer missions which highlighted concerns with the pre-electoral environment, specifically increased violence and restrictions on freedom of press and assembly. We hope that the government will address these concerns in the context of future elections to strengthen Zambian democracy. We have a strong partnership with Zambia and with the Zambian people. We look forward to advancing our shared interests.
QUESTION: Iraq?
MS TRUDEAU: Okay. Are we – I think we're done with Zambia. Let's go here.
QUESTION: Elizabeth, so a question about these documents that Fox News has obtained, we've shared with you, showing that just weeks after Secretary Clinton left office the State Department expressed interest in acquiring a property owned by the brother of a major Clinton Foundation donor who we talked about last week, Gilbert Chagouri. The expression of interest also came within days of former President Clinton touring the property. What can you tell us about this?
MS TRUDEAU: Okay, so you're asking specifically about Lagos, about Nigeria, just for context.
QUESTION: Okay, sorry. Yeah.
MS TRUDEAU: No, it's okay. So a few points, okay, that I'd like to make of this. As of today, as of right now, we have not contracted or acquired property for a new consulate in Lagos. The site search for a new consulate in Lagos began in 2011, as prioritized by the Capital Security Construction Program. Many of the potential sites under consideration by the department, to include the Eko Atlantic development, were identified by an independent international real estate firm, as is typical in site searches around the world. The Eko Atlantic site was identified, as I said, by an independent international real estate firm in 2012.
Our site search process, speaking specifically about this but also generally on how we operate, is managed by career real estate professionals in the Bureau of Overseas Building Operations with input from independent real estate firms and other department stakeholders, to include Diplomatic Security and overseas post. Career professionals evaluate and score potential properties under consideration before any property is put under contract. This robust process was followed in Lagos, as it is around the world.
Over the last several years as we have identified and evaluated multiple properties, the department has had conversations with multiple property owners and their representatives about the possibility of acquiring property for a new consulate in Lagos. The department does not comment, however, on the specifics of ongoing real estate negotiations, which this is.
QUESTION: Thank you for that. Just quickly, so if the process started as early as 2011 when Secretary Clinton was still in office, was she aware that Eko Atlantic was among one of the sites being pursued?
MS TRUDEAU: I'm not aware she was.
QUESTION: Okay. And then lastly, was this a decision that Patrick Kennedy would have been involved in?
MS TRUDEAU: At this stage when it is a site search, I specifically mentioned who has – that's the career professionals and OBO. It's Diplomatic Security. It's independent real estate. In terms of who in leadership would be aware, this is a very preliminary thing. We do this with all of our sites around the world.
QUESTION: Okay, thank you.
MS TRUDEAU: Sure.
QUESTION: Can I just --
MS TRUDEAU: Of course, Matt.
QUESTION: Well, you still don't have any property but the process started in 2011? That's five years.
MS TRUDEAU: And --
QUESTION: Is this --
MS TRUDEAU: That it is. I would say that in some of our posts around the world, acquiring property that's appropriate for the type of facility that a U.S. consulate or, in some cases, a U.S. mission, a U.S. embassy requires, is a long progress. But I do note it was 2011.
QUESTION: Yeah. But, so they've been in negotiations over this specific property for five years?
MS TRUDEAU: No, not negotiations. What they've been is they've been looking for a property, identifying – taking a look at properties since 2011.
QUESTION: Not just this property?
MS TRUDEAU: No, multiple properties.
QUESTION: So when did this property become involved? When did it get into the mix?
MS TRUDEAU: So it was identified as a potential in 2012.
QUESTION: So it went on for a year before – and now it is the preferred property?
MS TRUDEAU: I – actually, I can't tell you it's the preferred because of so many of our – we don't comment on specifics of ongoing real estate negotiations on that.
QUESTION: I don't think anybody --
MS TRUDEAU: But I would say we looked at multiple. This one was identified in 2012.
QUESTION: But so in other words, then, negotiations for the sale of this property has been going for four years, not five.
MS TRUDEAU: I can't say that this is the preferred site.
QUESTION: I know, but as in --
MS TRUDEAU: As a --
QUESTION: As a property that is in the mix or it – to be --
MS TRUDEAU: Or I would say assessment. I would say taking a look at the requirements. I'm not sure if any of you guys have been to our consulate in Lagos. This obviously is a priority, but I do note it has been since 2011.
QUESTION: It can't be that much of a priority if it's taken five years --
MS TRUDEAU: Well, there's a lot of very specific, as you well --
QUESTION: I know.
MS TRUDEAU: Okay.
QUESTION: I know, but it just seems like a long time.
MS TRUDEAU: Are we good on this one?
QUESTION: Just one more, please.
MS TRUDEAU: Of course.
QUESTION: What you are saying is that you can't talk about the inclusions. Can you talk about the – is this property --
MS TRUDEAU: I can't actually talk inclusion or exclusion. What I can do is say that yes, this was part of the galaxy of options that we're considering.
QUESTION: So it's still there or not – that you can't say?
MS TRUDEAU: We can't speak about specifics. What I would say is that it was brought to our attention as a possibility by an international independent real estate forum in 2012.
QUESTION: We go Iraq – back to Iraq?
QUESTION: More --
MS TRUDEAU: Okay, wait. More on this?
QUESTION: Yeah, more on Clinton.
MS TRUDEAU: Okay. So, you guys. Let's wrap this up and then we'll move to foreign policy.
QUESTION: More on Clinton. So congressional members will soon be receiving notes from former Secretary Clinton's interview with the FBI. Was the State Department in consultation with the FBI about the release of this – these notes or of the transcript to congressional members? Did the State Department express any concerns or do they have any concerns now about the release of these notes?
MS TRUDEAU: I'd say the State Department respects the FBI's desire to accommodate the request of its committees of oversight in Congress, just as we do with our oversight committees. We have cooperated and we will continue to cooperate with the FBI every step of the way.
QUESTION: Is it --
MS TRUDEAU: Anything more on this?
QUESTION: Yeah. Is it true that the State Department --
MS TRUDEAU: You are the king of follow-ups today, Tejinder.
QUESTION: Is it true that the State Department is not happy with the FBI for not sharing these notes with the State Department and instead sharing --
MS TRUDEAU: I'd characterize it this way: The State Department has asked the FBI that we be kept apprised of information provided to Congress that contains sensitive information related to State Department equities and for an opportunity to review it. Such an opportunity for review is in keeping with standard interagency review process when dealing with another agency's documents or equities. For example, we routinely provide the FBI with the opportunity for such a review when we're considering providing to Congress information relevant to their equities.
Additionally, just to that point, the State Department honored the standard practice during the 10 months we worked collaboratively with the – within the interagency to process the nearly 55,000 pages of former Secretary Clinton's emails for public release. The State Department has already cooperated and continues to cooperate extensively with Congress directly on matters related to former Secretary Clinton's emails. We have provided Congress with copies of upgraded emails from the Clinton email set; numerous State Department officials have conducted voluntary interviews with various committees; and, obviously, we've been in frequent contact with Congress on these matters.
QUESTION: But the question was, is the State Department not happy with the FBI going ahead and sharing and not sharing with the State Department those notes?
MS TRUDEAU: I would say what I said again, is we respect the FBI's desire to accommodate the requests of its committees of oversight in Congress. We have cooperated. We will continue to cooperate with the FBI every step of the way, and any suggestion to the contrary is false.
QUESTION: So one more follow-up on that. So the State Department has not had the opportunity to review these notes before they would be released to Congress?
MS TRUDEAU: At this stage, it's my understanding we're still in direct touch with the FBI on it. I just don't have an update for you on that. Okay?
QUESTION: Iraq?
MS TRUDEAU: Are we done on this?
QUESTION: Different subject?
MS TRUDEAU: Okay, we're done on this. Hold on. Let me go to Laurie, because I already got you, Steve.
QUESTION: Okay. Over the weekend, Kurdish Peshmerga forces crossed the Greater Zab River and liberated a dozen villages from ISIS control, so it looks like the liberation of Mosul is really approaching. And both President Masoud Barzani, the Kurdish president, and General David Petraeus have spoken of the need to plan Mosul's post-ISIS governance. After meeting with Special Envoy Brett McGurk over the weekend, President Barzani said that the people of Mosul will not accept the old order and that drastic changes are necessary. General Petraeus has called specifically for establishing a provincial council to represent the diverse peoples of Mosul. Can you give us some idea, some concept of how you see the governance of post-ISIS Mosul now?
MS TRUDEAU: Okay. Well, one – a few things on this. For both President Barzani as well as General Petraeus, they would speak to their own comments on that. I'm not going to characterize their comments either way. I would also say that it's our understanding, while huge progress has been made, the situation in Mosul still does remain fluid in some ways. We can say, however, that we have confidence in Prime Minister Abadi in his efforts to promote accountability and transparency, combat official corruption, and to build more inclusive institutions. As we've said in the past, long-term stability in Iraq will require the government in Baghdad to be responsive to the needs of all Iraqis. We've worked hard for many years to support that effort.
You mentioned Special Presidential Envoy McGurk's visit – recent trip to both Baghdad and Erbil. He reaffirmed the coalition and the United States commitment to provide assistance to the Iraqi campaign to defeat on the battlefield but also after the battles are won with essential stabilization and humanitarian support.
QUESTION: But the exact dimensions of that stabilization hasn't been worked out yet. Is that what you're --
MS TRUDEAU: Yeah, it's – he did note the recent pledging conference, as you noted, that would go through the UN. We had that conversation on that. In terms of the exact mechanics on that, no, I don't have – I don't have a readout.
Are we on Mosul?
QUESTION: Elizabeth, yeah, on the very same point.
MS TRUDEAU: Sure.
QUESTION: Because also, McGurk said that the future governance of Mosul is – should be decentralized somehow – I mean, those were his words – because that's what the government wants. It wants decentralization. Does one – is one to understand that you are sort of encouraging some sort of a confederacy within Iraq, that it would be --
MS TRUDEAU: No, I wouldn't get ahead of that at all. What --
QUESTION: -- it would be divided into regions and governorates and so on (inaudible)?
MS TRUDEAU: No, I wouldn't characterize it as that at all. That's for the Government of Iraq to say.
QUESTION: Right.
MS TRUDEAU: What I will say, though, is that we need a well-coordinated, well-meshed-up political, economic, and stabilization plan that, as I mentioned to Laurie, accounts for the needs of all Iraqis.
QUESTION: But he did mention the word "decentralize" (inaudible).
MS TRUDEAU: Yeah. I would – I haven't seen his exact remarks, but thanks for that, Said.
QUESTION: (Inaudible) Iraq?
MS TRUDEAU: Are we doing Iraq? Sure.
QUESTION: Yes. On Brett McGurk's visit to Erbil, he met with – I think this is the first time he does this – he met with every single major party leader in the Kurdish region, including the opposition leaders. Can you explain why he did that?
MS TRUDEAU: I've got a brief readout on that. So he – I'll start at the top because we'll start with Baghdad and then we'll move down.
Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL Brett McGurk and his deputy, Lieutenant General Terry Wolff, visited Iraq for meetings with senior Iraqi Government and security officials. He commended the Iraqi Security Forces as well as the Kurdish Peshmerga for their achievements on the battlefield. He welcomed the recent advance, as we were just talking about, with the Kurdish Peshmerga east of Mosul and Iraqi forces south of Mosul which are helping to shape the conditions for Mosul's ultimate liberation and stabilization. He also outlined the recent increases in U.S. and coalition support, including support for stabilization in those liberated areas.
In meetings with the governor of Nineveh province, the Nineveh operations commander, and other leaders involved in the planning for the liberation of Mosul, he emphasized the importance, as I just mentioned, of a well-coordinated military, political, economic campaign plan. The United States and our coalition partners are committed to working with all Iraqi leaders, to your question, to ensure this plan is well-developed.
So I think this is a – this is one of those instances where, when you see the opportunity to go into a recently liberated area, you see the need for that well-coordinated, well-mashed-up – meshed-up plan that requires the support of all those local leaders. That's the sort of communication that we continue to have.
QUESTION: There's some political crisis in the Kurdistan region and some people, some commentators from the region, have explained the meetings between Brett McGurk and the opposition figures in Kurdistan – not just the people in power – as some sort of interference on the part of the United States to bring those parties together --
MS TRUDEAU: Yeah.
QUESTION: -- to solve this political crisis. Do you --
MS TRUDEAU: I would actually take it as a different way. I would interpret that as the view that the United States stands behind the people of Iraq – all Iraqis – as they continue to take a look at stabilizing and rebuilding the city of Mosul.
QUESTION: Okay, thank you.
MS TRUDEAU: Okay. Are we more on Iraq?
QUESTION: Yes.
MS TRUDEAU: Yes, sir.
QUESTION: On Saturday, August 13, Widad Hussain, reporter for Roj News Agency, was found dead in Duhok, Iraq. And according to some news reports, Widad was kidnapped by some unidentified persons in Duhok, and a few hours later he was found dead. And according to some primary investigations, he was tortured to death. And this is not the first time for a journalist to be killed in the Kurdish region of Iraq. I am wondering to see if you have raised this with the Kurdish security officials, and particularly for this – for the killing of this journalist and also the previous ones who were killed and the perpetrators were never found or tried. What's your – what is your stance on that, please?
MS TRUDEAU: Okay. Well, first, we would offer our condolences, obviously, to his family and friends. The United States anywhere in the world, but particularly in areas where transparency matters – the importance of journalists and brave journalists on the front lines can't be overstated. In terms of the investigation on this, I'd refer you to local authorities. I just don't have any insight into that.
QUESTION: This has been said before. Whenever incidents like this happen, they commit a committee for it, for the investigation, but it seems like there's no result or the perpetrators were never brought to trial. I'm really curious about what is your stance on freedom of press and targeting journalists specifically --
MS TRUDEAU: Well, of course, I think you know our stance on freedom of press --
QUESTION: Anything in particular?
MS TRUDEAU: -- and you also know our stance on accountability. This is something we raise around the world, not only in Iraq.
Okay, are we done with Iraq?
QUESTION: Asia, please?
QUESTION: Go back to Yemen?
MS TRUDEAU: Okay, let's do Asia. Go ahead.
QUESTION: Okay. So it's a question about Taiwan. The interior minister is going to inspect Itu Aba Island, the Taiping Island, tomorrow. Does the State Department have a comment on it, and did you receive any notice from President Tsai or her administration about it?
MS TRUDEAU: Okay. So I'm not going to speak specifically to that visit, but I would note our full position, which we've said repeatedly from this podium, is we call on all South China Sea claimants to avoid actions that raise tension; to take practical steps that build confidence; and to intensify efforts to find peaceful, diplomatic solutions to disputes.
Okay. More on Asia?
QUESTION: More on Yemen. Sorry.
MS TRUDEAU: Okay, wait. Let's do Asia. Let's wrap up Asia. Steve.
QUESTION: Have you had any indications that Pyongyang is no longer recognizing Sweden as the protecting power for the United States?
MS TRUDEAU: Sweden remains our protecting power in the DPRK. It is important to realize, though, that the United States Government has no diplomatic relations with North Korea. We have no means to provide normal consular services to U.S. citizens there. The embassy of Sweden in the North Korean capital is the protecting power, as I mentioned, for U.S. citizens, providing limited emergency consular services to U.S. citizens traveling in North Korea. However, even when requested by the Swedish embassy, the DPRK still routinely delays or denies consular access to U.S. citizens.
QUESTION: Have you noticed any sort of change as far as their attitude towards the Swedes from what you just said?
MS TRUDEAU: As I would say, it's routine that they do deny consular access.
Are we – wait, Asia? Go ahead.
QUESTION: Earlier today, 10 South Korean congressional members landed on the disputed Takeshima Islands in the Sea of Japan. Do you have a response and are you concerned that this might set back reconciliation efforts of Japan and Korea?
MS TRUDEAU: Okay. You know what, I haven't seen that report. Let me see if I can get a response for you on that.
QUESTION: Okay.
QUESTION: I just want to follow up.
MS TRUDEAU: Sure.
QUESTION: So does the State Department see the action – the interior --
MS TRUDEAU: We call on all claimants to reduce tensions. I'll leave my comment where it stood.
QUESTION: Okay.
MS TRUDEAU: Okay.
QUESTION: So did you get any notice from Tsai, though?
MS TRUDEAU: I have no conversations to read out on that.
Anything more on Asia?
QUESTION: India.
MS TRUDEAU: Okay. Hold on, Goyal. We'll get there.
QUESTION: Peru?
MS TRUDEAU: Abigail.
QUESTION: India is in Asia.
MS TRUDEAU: Thank you. (Laughter.) Abigail.
QUESTION: Can you confirm reports that a U.S. tourist was killed during an earthquake in Peru?
MS TRUDEAU: We are aware that a U.S. citizen was killed during the earthquake. Our condolences do go out to his family and friends. Out of respect for the family during this difficult time, we have no further comment, other than to express our deepest condolences to all those impacted by the earthquake. We're monitoring the situation and we remain in close contact with Peruvian authorities.
Okay, now we're going to Asia. It's all you, Goyal.
QUESTION: India. Okay, thank you, madam. Very simple question.
MS TRUDEAU: Yes.
QUESTION: Today India celebrates 70th independence day.
MS TRUDEAU: And I think you saw the Secretary's statements marking their independence day.
QUESTION: Yes, ma'am, I did. My question is: President of India, Mr. Mukherjee, talks about development and moving forward, including India-U.S. relations and also rule of law, human rights, and 1.2 billion people – world's largest democracy – still standing tall. But on the other hand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said – first time this is something like happened – that the Kashmir in Pakistan – or they call occupied Pakistan in Kashmir – is part of India and they're all Indians, and time has come now to speak out for those who are depressed or suppressed by the military there. And now thousands have been demonstrating inside Pakistan, but what they are saying is that they are not allowed to speak out by the military government and so forth. So what – have any comments about this Prime Minister Narendra Modi's comments that now he's – has directed the Indian foreign ministry to look into this?
MS TRUDEAU: Okay. Well, I wouldn't speak to Mr. Modi's comments. That would be for him to speak to. Our position, as you well know, on Kashmir has not changed. The pace, the scope, the character of any discussions in Kashmir is for the two sides to determine. We support any and all positive steps that India and Pakistan can take to forge closer relations. We're aware of the clashes. We remain concerned about the violence, and we encourage to – all sides to make efforts to finding a peaceful resolution.
QUESTION: Finally, because so far any demonstrations or demonstrators were only against India or against the Kashmir in India, but never, ever in the occupied Kashmir in Pakistan, even those people were standing here demonstrating against the Pakistan at the Pakistan embassy. So what do you think? Is this the time now for State Department to look into that part of Kashmir also? Whose people are – want to speak out what they are --
MS TRUDEAU: I would leave our comments on Kashmir where I left them. We do remain concerned about the violence.
QUESTION: Thank you, ma'am.
QUESTION: Turkey?
MS TRUDEAU: Of course.
QUESTION: Two questions – quick question on Turkey. First one is: Today, Washington think tank talk about nuclear weapons in Incirlik Base in Turkey, and it states that terrorists or other hostile forces may capture these weapons. Also, there is a briefing at the U.S. Congress about the same subject. Are you concerned about the nuclear weapons?
MS TRUDEAU: I would refer you to the Department of Defense to speak to that.
QUESTION: Okay. Second question is: Today, Committee to Protect Journalists stated – declared Turkey as a top journalist-jailing country. About 42 journalists right now implicated as the coup – involvement with the coup and jailed, and about 100 also on the detainment list, and total journalists are 78 in Turkey. I was wondering if you have any comment on this.
MS TRUDEAU: Okay. I don't have a comment on that specific report. What I would do is reiterate what we've said many times from this podium as Turkey's friend, as NATO ally, as partner. We urge Turkey to abide by its constitutional commitment to fundamental principles such as freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, due process, judicial independence. These are key parts of any healthy democracy and a key part of Turkey's own constitution.
Okay. Turkey?
QUESTION: Yeah.
MS TRUDEAU: Yeah.
QUESTION: In Turkey particularly, anti-American rhetoric was discussed here last week.
MS TRUDEAU: I'm sorry, one more time.
QUESTION: Yeah, anti-American rhetoric in Turkey --
MS TRUDEAU: Yeah, mm-hmm.
QUESTION: -- was discussed here last week, which sparked after the coup attempt in Turkey, and particularly on Gulen's extradition, whom Turkey thinks was behind the coup attempt. And I was wondering how the State Department sees this anti-American rhetoric in Turkey can be solved. And do you have any idea what U.S. can do regarding this?
MS TRUDEAU: I mean, we spoke about this at length last week. I'd direct you to that transcript. Of course we're concerned about it, but we remain in close touch with our Turkish allies as part of this dialogue. I just don't have anything to add to that.
One more.
QUESTION: Yeah, so I wanted to go back to Yemen.
MS TRUDEAU: Okay, hold on one second. Can we wrap up Turkey?
QUESTION: Sure, sure.
QUESTION: Yes, related to that. The foreign minister of Turkey said that he got some positive signals or positive feedback about the extradition process. Given the fact that on Thursday you said in general that extradition processes could be years, I mean, what are these positive signals?
MS TRUDEAU: I couldn't – yeah, I couldn't speak to his specific comments, Nicolas. What I would say is what we've said before, is the extradition process, it's very formal, it's legal, it's governed by a treaty. We will abide by that treaty. I just don't have updates for you on that.
QUESTION: And Fethullah Gulen wrote an opinion piece in the French newspaper Le Monde where he said that he is – he would like to have a kind of international investigation set up by an international committee to investigate about the coup d'etat, and he said that he would be ready to take part to this investigation. Does it change your position regarding his stay in the United States?
MS TRUDEAU: No. Our extradition is governed by the treaty, and we will follow that treaty.
Are we done on Turkey?
QUESTION: Well, how about --
MS TRUDEAU: I'm sorry.
QUESTION: -- just the general point of him wanting an international investigation? Is that something you think is a wise idea, or are you confident that the Turks can --
MS TRUDEAU: We're confident in our extradition process, that any information --
QUESTION: No, no, this has --
MS TRUDEAU: I'm sorry, go ahead.
QUESTION: -- nothing to do with extradition.
MS TRUDEAU: Okay.
QUESTION: Has the – I mean, it has to do with Gulen in that he is calling for an international investigation into the coup. Is that something that you think is wise? Is it necessary? Or do you have full confidence that the Turks can do their own investigation and prosecute those responsible without any kind of violations of due process or rule of law?
MS TRUDEAU: What I would say is that as the Turks continue to work through this, we understand that they will continue to prioritize their own security as they seek to hold accountable to those who were responsible for this failed coup. We have raised our concerns on issues of due process and transparency. In terms of in international investigation, I would refer you to the Turks. We wouldn't take a position on that, Matt.
Turkey? Are we all done? Okay. Then I'm going to go to Yemen and then I'll go to you, Abigail.
QUESTION: All right. So just to clarify earlier what you said about Yemen in regards --
MS TRUDEAU: Yeah.
QUESTION: -- to the hospital bombing this morning, you are – is it fair to say that you're not coming out and condemning the attack; you're saying we're raising concerns with the coalition?
MS TRUDEAU: No, of course we would condemn any attack that hit civilians. We're gravely concerned by any reports of civilian casualties. What we're saying is we've seen these reports. Of course we would condemn any strike against a hospital.
QUESTION: Okay. Because, I mean, I've been hearing you all say for months now that we're raising these concerns with the Saudi-led coalition, but this is the fourth attack on an MSF medical facility in Yemen in the past year, let alone countless others on clinics and hospitals. Are you concerned that these sort of stern conversations aren't having the desired effect?
MS TRUDEAU: Well, what we would say – and we'd point you back to what we talked about earlier – is the Saudi-led coalition themselves have taken a look at these, they have done reports. One of those reports – I think one or two has been turned over to the UN. We've also called on them to make those reports public. And so there is more transparency in that accountability. We remain gravely concerned about civilian casualties anywhere in the world where they occur, and Yemen is no exception.
QUESTION: And just one more.
MS TRUDEAU: Sure.
QUESTION: You all have called on all parties in that conflict to help facilitate the free flow of humanitarian aid, correct?
MS TRUDEAU: We have.
QUESTION: So on Friday, the Saudi-led coalition bombed a bridge leading to Sana'a that Oxfam says is used to convey 90 percent of humanitarian aid to that city. What do you have to say about that attack? Do you condemn that attack?
MS TRUDEAU: We have seen those reports, and if the bridge was deliberately struck by coalition forces, we would find this completely unacceptable. The bridge was critical for the delivery, as you note, for humanitarian assistance. Destruction will further complicate efforts to provide assistance to the people of Yemen.
QUESTION: Okay, thank you.
MS TRUDEAU: Great. Abigail?
QUESTION: How do you determine whether it was deliberately or not deliberately attacked?
MS TRUDEAU: I think that this is one of the ongoing investigations that we'll take a look. We continue to get reports from the ground. We'll also be in touch with the coalition partners, and we'll continue to gather information, Said.
QUESTION: I'm asking whether you, the United States, has an effort on its own to determine whether something --
MS TRUDEAU: We would have an effort in --
QUESTION: That is --
MS TRUDEAU: -- cooperation with our international partners there.
QUESTION: Including the Saudi --
MS TRUDEAU: But yes, we also do have our own sources.
QUESTION: Including the Saudi-led coalition?
MS TRUDEAU: Yes, that would be one of the sources we get information from.
Abigail.
QUESTION: South Sudan.
MS TRUDEAU: Yes. And I'm glad for this. Please.
QUESTION: There was a fairly disturbing account put out today of the July 11th attack on the
Terrain hotel compound. And as part of it, survivors are saying that they waited for hours after calling for help from the U.S. embassy as well as other embassies in the area, with no one responding. Do you dispute that, and do you have any timeline that you can share with us about what occurred during the time of the assault?
MS TRUDEAU: Okay. So I think we've all seen those horrific reports. I want to say at the top that privacy considerations will prevent me from talking about any specific part of this in detail. But as I go through this, I do not in any way want to minimize in any way, shape, or form what people might have gone through during that crisis in South Sudan.
So in terms of the timeline: In the midst of the ongoing fighting throughout the city between government and opposition forces, Embassy Juba actively responded to the July 11 assault on a private compound hosting U.S. citizens, among others. Upon learning about the attacks at Terrain camp, Ambassador Phee immediately – herself – immediately contacted South Sudanese government officials, including officials in the presidential guard and National Security Service. National Security Service sent a response force to the site and put a stop to the attack. Presidential guard forces also went to the scene, but they arrived after the National Security Service.
Following the attack and in the midst of ongoing fighting and violence throughout Juba, including in the immediate vicinity of the embassy, the U.S. embassy ensured that U.S. citizens and foreign nationals affected by the attack were moved to safety and provided emergency medical assistance. The U.S. embassy also facilitated the rapid departure of those involved from South Sudan by air ambulance.
As part of its response to the crisis in South Sudan, the U.S. embassy provided emergency services for those in need and assisted in the departure of more than 80 U.S. citizens during last month's crisis.
We've stated we condemn these attacks. We have called for accountability for those who are involved in the violence.
Anything more on South Sudan?
QUESTION: So you can't confirm that Americans were singled out and were specifically assaulted due to the fact that they were American in the course of the assault?
MS TRUDEAU: I'm not in a position to say that any particular nationality was singled out.
QUESTION: And as part of the report, it suggests that it was South Sudanese soldiers who were in fact committing this assault. So how was the U.S. embassy – how could they be assured that the people that they were calling were the ones who were actually going to help rather than contributing to the ongoing --
MS TRUDEAU: So what I can say is that the attackers in this incident wore uniforms and they were armed. There were both opposition and government troops in Juba at that time. Armed clashes were occurring throughout the city. The area where Terrain is located was controlled by the SPLA on July 10th and 11th.
Matt.
QUESTION: Yeah, I just wanted – you said that the – in the midst of the ongoing attack at Terrain, you said Embassy Juba actively responded.
MS TRUDEAU: We did.
QUESTION: So the active response, though, as far as I can tell from what you said, was that the ambassador made a phone call. Is that --
MS TRUDEAU: The ambassador made several phone calls.
QUESTION: Several phone calls?
MS TRUDEAU: When we were assured that people would go out and bring people in, then we actively ensured that those people were safe. So yeah.
QUESTION: But in the midst of – while it was going – I understand what --
MS TRUDEAU: Yeah.
QUESTION: -- you're saying after it was over what you did, but during it, was there --
MS TRUDEAU: When we received reports, we called the people who are best poised to go out and make it stop, which was the National Security Services as well as the presidential guard.
QUESTION: But – yeah, I understand that, but I mean – but was it just the ambassador or did other people – did other staffers do anything? I mean, I'm just trying to get an idea of what the active response was.
MS TRUDEAU: Yeah, in terms of sequence, it was – it was reaching out to the government officials who were in a position at that place to intervene.
QUESTION: So I think that the point that at least the survivors of this or some of the survivors of the attack is, is there wasn't any kind – any attempt to intervene. Is that not appropriate or --
MS TRUDEAU: I – it's – again, there was an immediate response from the U.S. embassy to identify and dispatch the people who could intervene immediately in the attack.
QUESTION: Right. But the embassy itself was not in a position to do anything?
MS TRUDEAU: Was not in a position to do that.
One more. Sir.
QUESTION: May I quickly go back to Japan?
MS TRUDEAU: Of course.
QUESTION: Earlier today, several ministers of the Japanese Government as well as an envoy for Prime Minister Abe visited the Yasukuni Shrine, which enshrines all the soldiers who were lost in World War II, commemorating the fact that the 15th of August was when Japan surrendered to the Allies. The Chinese Government, the Korean Government were very unhappy about that, and I was wondering if you have a comment to that.
MS TRUDEAU: So we continue to emphasize the importance of approaching historical legacy issues in a manner that promotes healing and reconciliation for all parties. We believe, as we've said before, that strong and constructive relations between country* in the region promote peace and stability in their interests as well as in the national interests of the United States.
QUESTION: Just one short follow-up: Does it at all frustrate the U.S. Government that the tension between Japan and Korea or Japan and China are rising when the tensions between the United States and China is rising regarding the South China Sea?
MS TRUDEAU: Yeah, I wouldn't do sort of geopolitic Sudoku there. What I would say is that we continue to call for regional stability, regional dialogue. Certainly, that's of primary importance not only to the U.S., but the region.
Abigail, you had one more.
QUESTION: A quick one on South Sudan.
MS TRUDEAU: That's okay, of course.
QUESTION: So did the embassy, then, reach out to the UN peacekeeping force or try to get the UN peacekeeping force there quickly? Is there any follow-up to that, any concern on the part of the U.S. about their handling of the situation?
MS TRUDEAU: So we've raised the incident with senior officials in the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations as well as the Secretary General's staff. We will continue to seek clarification on the UN's response to the events on July 11th.
QUESTION: So did – but can you say whether the embassy, then, did try to reach out and get the UN peacekeeping force there on --
MS TRUDEAU: I have no information on that, Abigail.
QUESTION: Thank you.
MS TRUDEAU: Thanks, you guys. I'm sorry, one more, guys.
QUESTION: I just never heard that phrase before. Can you explain what geopolitical Sudoku is? (Laughter.)
MS TRUDEAU: It is. It's a great phrase, isn't it? That's fun.
QUESTION: But can you explain what it is exactly?
MS TRUDEAU: I think it's the complicated math of regional tensions.
QUESTION: I thought the whole point of Sudoku was it wasn't complicated math.
MS TRUDEAU: It depends on what version of Sudoku you do, Matt. (Laughter.)
Thanks, guys.
(The briefing was concluded at 2:58 p.m.)
DPB # 142
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