World markets turned positive in Asia and Europe Tuesday,convinced there won't be military clashes anytime soon over the Ukraine crisis.The Nikkei went up 0.47 and the Hong Seng rose 0.70,optimistic that a standoff in Crimea will not escalate today as Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian troops to halt their exercises in Western Russia and return to base,although there is no sign of an end to the crisis,either.
US Secretary of State John Kerry departed for Kiev talks with Ukraine's interim government Monday night,raising hopes of diplomatic progress.
US stock futures followed suit,recovering most of Monday's losses,as did European indexes.The FTSE was up 1.05 as of time of publication,and the CAC rose 1.15,while the DAX climbed 0.75.The underlying sentiment in markets is bullish,and they are not going to let Ukraine end the trend unless there are further developments.
At the same time,gold and oil prices declined as traders' fears of a shooting war eased-at least momentarily.Gold was near a four month high at close of trading Monday.
Showing posts with label John Kerry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label John Kerry. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
In Depth:US-Pakistan Relations,part 1
Last Wednesday,President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan had a wide-ranging discussion on matters of mutual interest to the two countries.They acknowledged the substantial progress in the bilateral relationship over the past year and noted its resiliency,the White House said.President Obama conveyed appreciation for Pakistan's internal and regional security challenges and affirmed that a peaceful,prosperous and democratic Pakistan was an essential partner for the United States in the advancement of shared goals of peace,security and socioeconomic development in South Asia.
Both Leaders welcomed the resumption of the US-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue and reaffirmed its importance as the suitable framework for guiding the bilateral relationship.Secretary Kerry will host the forthcoming Ministerial-level Strategic Dialogue by March 2014.They also decided the strategic priorities for the working groups,including:1.Law Enforcement and Counterterrorism 2.Economics and Finance 3.Energy 4.Security,Strategic Stability,and Non-Proliferation;and 5.the Defense Consultation Group.
Taking note of the robust bilateral defense cooperation between the two countries-including recent miltary engagements,exercises and consultations on regional security-President Obama and Prime Minister Sharif expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum achieved in defense realtions and reaffirmed that this partnership should continue to grow and endure.
The two Leaders noted with satisfaction that the Ground Lines of Communication(GLOCs) are facilitating the movement of US and ISAF cargo through Pakistan.The US plans to continue providing assistance and support,including training and equipment to Pakistan's military and security services.The two Leaders decided to strengthen their cooperation,including in regional maritime security.President Obama noted Pakistan's positive efforts to counter IED's and both leaders resolved to continue working together to disrupt the threat posed by these devices.
Both Leaders welcomed the resumption of the US-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue and reaffirmed its importance as the suitable framework for guiding the bilateral relationship.Secretary Kerry will host the forthcoming Ministerial-level Strategic Dialogue by March 2014.They also decided the strategic priorities for the working groups,including:1.Law Enforcement and Counterterrorism 2.Economics and Finance 3.Energy 4.Security,Strategic Stability,and Non-Proliferation;and 5.the Defense Consultation Group.
Taking note of the robust bilateral defense cooperation between the two countries-including recent miltary engagements,exercises and consultations on regional security-President Obama and Prime Minister Sharif expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum achieved in defense realtions and reaffirmed that this partnership should continue to grow and endure.
The two Leaders noted with satisfaction that the Ground Lines of Communication(GLOCs) are facilitating the movement of US and ISAF cargo through Pakistan.The US plans to continue providing assistance and support,including training and equipment to Pakistan's military and security services.The two Leaders decided to strengthen their cooperation,including in regional maritime security.President Obama noted Pakistan's positive efforts to counter IED's and both leaders resolved to continue working together to disrupt the threat posed by these devices.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Singh,Putin Focus On Terrorism;Pakistani PM in Washington
The focus of Monday's meeting between Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Russian President Vladimir Putin was on terrorism and those who are not vigilant enough about it on their territory,i.e.,Pakistan,even as Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is on a four day visit to Washington.Following their talks,the two leaders strongly condemned countries that tolerate terrorists within their borders.States that provide aid,abetment and shelter for such terrorist activities are themselves as guilty as the actual perpetrators of terrorism.They need to irreversibly shut down terrorist networks,organisations and infrastructure,and show tangible movement in investigating and bringing quickly to justice those responsible for acts of terrorism.*
Singh and Putin expressed opposition to Pakistan's attempts to rehabilitate Taliban militants,and concern about Afghanistan's future post-2014,when NATO and coalition forces will have largely departed the war-torn country.Anti-Taliban sanctions should be maintained,the Indian and Russian leaders agreed.The sides considered it necessary to extend the sanctions regime introduced by the UN Security Council against the Taliban as one of the most important tools of fighting terrorism.They also said the Mumbai attacks were acts of terror whose perpetrators must be brought to book-referring to Lashkar-e-Tayibba in Pakistan,whose efforts to arrest and try the militants are seen to be anemic by Russia and India.*
Agreement on the building of units 3 and 4 at the Kudankula nuclear power plant on India's southern coast was not ready for signing at the meeting between Singh and Putin.India has enacted tough new safety requirements in light of the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan in 2011.
Even as Putin and Singh were meeting,Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was in Washington for four days of high level talks with US officials,including President Barack Obama on Wednesday,as well as Secretary of State John Kerry and Members of Congress.It is the third meeting between Sharif and Kerry in the last three months;it continued the robust dialogue on our shared goal of a stable,secure and prosperous Pakistan,the State Department said.*
Mr.Sharif tried to draw the US into the Kashmir territorial dispute between Pakistan and India while he was in London,describing it as a nuclear flashpoint.The US rebuffed him,however,saying Kashmir was strictly a matter for the two South Asian nations to resolve among themselves.*
The US has quietly resumed military and economic aid to Pakistan in recent days,following a period of tension after the unauthorised US raid and killing of Osama bin Laden on Pakistani territory in May 2011,as well as a US drone strike that mistakenly killed two dozen Pakistani troops in November 2011.*
Singh and Putin expressed opposition to Pakistan's attempts to rehabilitate Taliban militants,and concern about Afghanistan's future post-2014,when NATO and coalition forces will have largely departed the war-torn country.Anti-Taliban sanctions should be maintained,the Indian and Russian leaders agreed.The sides considered it necessary to extend the sanctions regime introduced by the UN Security Council against the Taliban as one of the most important tools of fighting terrorism.They also said the Mumbai attacks were acts of terror whose perpetrators must be brought to book-referring to Lashkar-e-Tayibba in Pakistan,whose efforts to arrest and try the militants are seen to be anemic by Russia and India.*
Agreement on the building of units 3 and 4 at the Kudankula nuclear power plant on India's southern coast was not ready for signing at the meeting between Singh and Putin.India has enacted tough new safety requirements in light of the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan in 2011.
Even as Putin and Singh were meeting,Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was in Washington for four days of high level talks with US officials,including President Barack Obama on Wednesday,as well as Secretary of State John Kerry and Members of Congress.It is the third meeting between Sharif and Kerry in the last three months;it continued the robust dialogue on our shared goal of a stable,secure and prosperous Pakistan,the State Department said.*
Mr.Sharif tried to draw the US into the Kashmir territorial dispute between Pakistan and India while he was in London,describing it as a nuclear flashpoint.The US rebuffed him,however,saying Kashmir was strictly a matter for the two South Asian nations to resolve among themselves.*
The US has quietly resumed military and economic aid to Pakistan in recent days,following a period of tension after the unauthorised US raid and killing of Osama bin Laden on Pakistani territory in May 2011,as well as a US drone strike that mistakenly killed two dozen Pakistani troops in November 2011.*
Friday, September 13, 2013
UN Special Envoy to Join US-Russia Talks
Lakhdar Brahimi,the former Algerian foreign minister who is now UN and Arab League Special Envoy to Syria,will join the second day of talks between Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Geneva,Switzerland.Mr.Brahimi is an expert in mediation and peacekeeping operations and serves as a Special Adviser to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon.
Kerry and Lavrov had a dinner meeting Thursday evening to discuss technical details of the Russian proposal to turn over Syrian chemical weapons to international supervision.Syria itself submitted a letter that begins the process of its membership in the chemical weapons convention,which actually entails a series of legal obligations over a period of years,including the destruction of all of their chemical weapons within ten years.There are 189 other member countries of the treaty which has the force of international law.
Kerry told Lavrov we are serious,as you are,about engaging in substantive,meaningful negotiations even as our military maintains its current posture to keep up the pressure on the Assad regime.Expectations are high.They are high for the United States-perhaps even more so for Russia to deliver on the promise of this moment,Mr.Kerry continued.The talks could reportedly extend into Saturday.The two top diplomats had a cordial demeanor in public as the US insists on a definitive,verifiable plan that catalogs,collects and destroys Syrian chemical weapons based on a full accounting with exact locations.
Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said that the threat of military action must be maintained.Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel spoke to some of the US Navy ships in the Eastern Mediterranean,who assured him they remain ready to execute the president's orders.
Kerry and Lavrov had a dinner meeting Thursday evening to discuss technical details of the Russian proposal to turn over Syrian chemical weapons to international supervision.Syria itself submitted a letter that begins the process of its membership in the chemical weapons convention,which actually entails a series of legal obligations over a period of years,including the destruction of all of their chemical weapons within ten years.There are 189 other member countries of the treaty which has the force of international law.
Kerry told Lavrov we are serious,as you are,about engaging in substantive,meaningful negotiations even as our military maintains its current posture to keep up the pressure on the Assad regime.Expectations are high.They are high for the United States-perhaps even more so for Russia to deliver on the promise of this moment,Mr.Kerry continued.The talks could reportedly extend into Saturday.The two top diplomats had a cordial demeanor in public as the US insists on a definitive,verifiable plan that catalogs,collects and destroys Syrian chemical weapons based on a full accounting with exact locations.
Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said that the threat of military action must be maintained.Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel spoke to some of the US Navy ships in the Eastern Mediterranean,who assured him they remain ready to execute the president's orders.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Senators Give Obama Cautious Support;Critical Hearing Next
Two prominent Republican senators feel the president is moving in the right direction on Syria.We still have significant concerns,but we believe there is in formulation a strategy to upgrade the opposition,said Senator John McCain,R-Arizona,after he and Senator Lindsey Graham,R-South Carolina,met with President Obama on the Syria crisis in the White House Monday.Senator Graham described it as "a solid plan."If the president loses the vote in Congress,it would be catastrophic,McCain said,damaging the credibility of the United States of America and the President of the United States.The two national security experts agreed to help push the president's military action plan on Capitol Hill.*General Salim Idris,commander of the Free Syrian Army,the leading rebel group,said they supported President Obama's plan to get congressional approval for a limited military strike against the Assad regime.We understand it and are sure it will make the decision stronger and encourage other countries to participate.The regime in Damascus can use chemical weapons again.They have committed countless crimes against humanity.They will use them again if there are no strikes,General Idris warned.*The fighters in the FSA are civilians who left their jobs and took up arms.Other fighters left the Syrian army.Many of the Islamic groups are moderate.A few are al-Qaida,General Idris admitted,but promised to ensure that any military aid would go to the right hands.For more than two and a half years,our people are suffering from the crimes of the regime,the rebel commander said.*I would be more concerned about the clarity of the mission and what it is we're trying to achieve,said General George Joulwan,former Supreme Allied Commander Europe.The challenge is not just military,but political and economic.We need a comprehensive strategy.*The US is the leader of NATO.We have to make it united.That would be a very clear signal to Syria.Leadership is what is required here,the retired NATO commander observed.*A public hearing on the president's plan will be held Tuesday afternoon.Appearing before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations will be Secretary of State John Kerry and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel,as well as General Martin Dempsey,Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.*Classified briefings on Syria for Members of Congress will continue throughout the week.Congress will go back into session next Monday,at which time the debate and vote on the president's plan will occur.*On the previous occasions in history,Congress has never refused to give a president their support for military action.
Friday, June 28, 2013
US-Saudi Talks Focus on Syria
US Secretary of State John Kerry continues his journey to the Middle East and Asia this weekend.The trip began June 21 and extends through July 2.On Tuesday 25 June,Mr.Kerry held talks with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister,Prince Saud al-Faisal,in Jeddah,Saudi Arabia.
In remarks following their meeting,His Royal Highness described the talks with John Kerry as having been a fruitful,constructive discussion,transparent and open-minded.At the top of their agenda was the crisis in Syria.
Perhaps the most ominous development is the involvement of foreign forces,Prince Saud noted,foremost of which is the motions of Hezbollah with support from Iran's national guard in the mass murder of Syrians,with unlimited military support from Russia.This critical turn of events cannot be overlooked.
Over and above the regime's genocide against its own people,this adds an even deadlier element in the form of an all-out foreign invasion that breaks every international law,protocol and principle.This violates the Syrian land and turns it into a battleground for global and regional conflicts and puts it under the mercy of sectarian struggles.
Syria can only be considered an occupied land.This requires a firm stand and speedy action from the international community.
I would like to commend the US decision to send military aid to the Free Syrian Army,and express my relief for what I heard today from the US Secretary of State concerning both changing the balance of forces on the ground and maintaining the legitimacy of the Syrian National Coalition as the sole representative of the Syrian people,Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud said.
Mr.Kerry is currently meeting in Amman,Jordan and Jerusalem with Jordanian,Israeli and Palestinian officials on advancing the Middle East peace process.From there,he will travel to Brunei for ASEAN meetings.
In remarks following their meeting,His Royal Highness described the talks with John Kerry as having been a fruitful,constructive discussion,transparent and open-minded.At the top of their agenda was the crisis in Syria.
Perhaps the most ominous development is the involvement of foreign forces,Prince Saud noted,foremost of which is the motions of Hezbollah with support from Iran's national guard in the mass murder of Syrians,with unlimited military support from Russia.This critical turn of events cannot be overlooked.
Over and above the regime's genocide against its own people,this adds an even deadlier element in the form of an all-out foreign invasion that breaks every international law,protocol and principle.This violates the Syrian land and turns it into a battleground for global and regional conflicts and puts it under the mercy of sectarian struggles.
Syria can only be considered an occupied land.This requires a firm stand and speedy action from the international community.
I would like to commend the US decision to send military aid to the Free Syrian Army,and express my relief for what I heard today from the US Secretary of State concerning both changing the balance of forces on the ground and maintaining the legitimacy of the Syrian National Coalition as the sole representative of the Syrian people,Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud said.
Mr.Kerry is currently meeting in Amman,Jordan and Jerusalem with Jordanian,Israeli and Palestinian officials on advancing the Middle East peace process.From there,he will travel to Brunei for ASEAN meetings.
Friday, June 21, 2013
John Kerry Departs for Middle East,Asia
Secretary of State John Kerry is departing for an eleven day trip to the Middle East and Asia later today,June 21.He will visit Doha,New Delhi,Jeddah,Kuwait City,Amman,Jerusalem and Bandar Seri Begawan,according to Spokesperson Jen Psaki.
In Doha,Qatar,Kerry will meet with senior Qatari officials to discuss bilateral and regional matters.He will also meet with the London 11 foreign ministers to discuss the Syrian conflict,including support for the opposition and the search for a political settlement.
While in New Delhi,the Secretary will chair the interagency delegation to the fourth annual US-India Strategic Dialogue.It will cover the full spectrum of bilateral and regional concerns,from economic engagement to security and defence,as well as climate change and space cooperation.
In Jeddah and Kuwait City,Mr.Kerry will discuss a number of bilateral and regional issues with Saudi and Kuwaiti officials.
In Amman and Jerusalem,he will meet with Jordanian,Israeli and Palestinian officials on advancing the Middle East peace process.
Finally,the Secretary will participate in ASEAN regional meetings and the 3rd East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers Meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan,Brunei,as well as hold bilateral talks with the Sultan of Brunei and other Brunei officials.
In Doha,Qatar,Kerry will meet with senior Qatari officials to discuss bilateral and regional matters.He will also meet with the London 11 foreign ministers to discuss the Syrian conflict,including support for the opposition and the search for a political settlement.
While in New Delhi,the Secretary will chair the interagency delegation to the fourth annual US-India Strategic Dialogue.It will cover the full spectrum of bilateral and regional concerns,from economic engagement to security and defence,as well as climate change and space cooperation.
In Jeddah and Kuwait City,Mr.Kerry will discuss a number of bilateral and regional issues with Saudi and Kuwaiti officials.
In Amman and Jerusalem,he will meet with Jordanian,Israeli and Palestinian officials on advancing the Middle East peace process.
Finally,the Secretary will participate in ASEAN regional meetings and the 3rd East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers Meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan,Brunei,as well as hold bilateral talks with the Sultan of Brunei and other Brunei officials.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Turkey Investigates Plot To Kill Patriarch Bartholomew
Turkish authorities are investigating an alleged plot to assassinate Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople,spiritual leader of the world's 300 million Orthodox Christians.An anonymous letter sent to the state prosecutor's office in Kayseri reportedly tipped authorities off about the scheme.
Turkish media said one arrest was made and two other people were being sought in connection with the plot.Once the media broke the story,Turkish police contacted the Patriarch about it and dispatched more officers to the Phanar,the patriarchal compound in Istanbul that has been the target of extremist protestors in the past.
New US Secretary of State John Kerry met the Patriarch in late April during a swing through the region.He conferred with the patriarch,who then gave Kerry a tour of the premises,including an historic cathedral.
The Patriarch's life has been threatened in Turkey at least once before.As well,in 2006 a Catholic bishop was stabbed to death in Southern Turkey by his driver,and in 2006 a Catholic priest was killed by a teenager with suspected extremist ties in Trabzon,Turkey.There are about 100,000 Christians in the Muslim nation of 76,000,000 people.
The Patriarch's representative in America,Archbishop Demetrios,wrote a letter to President Barack Obama about the situation,pleading with the President to use his good offices to ensure the Patriarch's security.Turkey is a close military ally of the United States,which operates Incerlik Air Base there.
Turkish media said one arrest was made and two other people were being sought in connection with the plot.Once the media broke the story,Turkish police contacted the Patriarch about it and dispatched more officers to the Phanar,the patriarchal compound in Istanbul that has been the target of extremist protestors in the past.
New US Secretary of State John Kerry met the Patriarch in late April during a swing through the region.He conferred with the patriarch,who then gave Kerry a tour of the premises,including an historic cathedral.
The Patriarch's life has been threatened in Turkey at least once before.As well,in 2006 a Catholic bishop was stabbed to death in Southern Turkey by his driver,and in 2006 a Catholic priest was killed by a teenager with suspected extremist ties in Trabzon,Turkey.There are about 100,000 Christians in the Muslim nation of 76,000,000 people.
The Patriarch's representative in America,Archbishop Demetrios,wrote a letter to President Barack Obama about the situation,pleading with the President to use his good offices to ensure the Patriarch's security.Turkey is a close military ally of the United States,which operates Incerlik Air Base there.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Kerry Gathers His Thoughts Before First Overseas Trip
Our lives as Americans are more entwined than ever before with the lives of those in other countries we may never have visited.My friends,no politicians can put this genie back in the bottle,said new Secretary of State John Kerry at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville on the eve of his first overseas trip,to Europe and the Middle East.Our citizens deserve a strong foreign policy to protect our place in the world.
This is a time to continue to engage for the sake of our safety and economy-95% of the world's customers live outside our own country.These investments in foreign engagement are paying for themselves.Indonesia is placing the largest order for aircraft that Boeing has ever filled.China is out second largest trading partner.Eleven of our fifteen largest trading partners used to be beneficiaries of US foreign assistance.
We are a country without any permanent enemies.Senator John McCain and I worked for 10 years to bring about relations with Vietnam.Our trade with Vietnam has increased more than 700% since then.
Our foreign service personnel screen for potential security threats on far shores before they can reach the homeland.A transatlantic partnership will match the scope and ambition of our transpacific partnership talks.
Jobs and trade are not the whole story;nor should they be.Failed states are among our greatest security threats.Deploying diplomats today is much cheaper than deploying troops tomorrow.It's national security insurance that we're buying,as Senator Lindsey Graham said.Diplomats fight corruption overseas and support the rule of law.All of that danger and risk that they take makes us more secure.
Countries are more secure and prosperous when women and girls are afforded more opportunities.Today more than a quarter of the Afghan parliament is women.
Foreign assistance is an investment in a stronger America.For the first time in history,young people around the world act as a global cohort.We need to help them and us use this remarkable network in a positive way.There is no pause button on the future.Responding is the American thing to do.
The greatest challenge is not in the hands of diplomats,but of Congress.We can't be strong in the world if we are not strong at home.My credibility as a diplomat is strongest when America puts its own fiscal house in order-and that has to be now.Let's not lose this opportunity because of politics.
After World War II,we didn't spike the football;we created a more level playing field,and we are stronger for it today.Now we face a similar crossroads as new markets bloom in every part of the world.Our sense of responsibility has to be exercised.What happens over there matters right here,and it matters that we get this right,Secretary of State John Kerry concluded before departing for the UK,Germany,France,Italy,Turkey,Egypt,the UAE,Saudi Arabia and Qatar this weekend.
This is a time to continue to engage for the sake of our safety and economy-95% of the world's customers live outside our own country.These investments in foreign engagement are paying for themselves.Indonesia is placing the largest order for aircraft that Boeing has ever filled.China is out second largest trading partner.Eleven of our fifteen largest trading partners used to be beneficiaries of US foreign assistance.
We are a country without any permanent enemies.Senator John McCain and I worked for 10 years to bring about relations with Vietnam.Our trade with Vietnam has increased more than 700% since then.
Our foreign service personnel screen for potential security threats on far shores before they can reach the homeland.A transatlantic partnership will match the scope and ambition of our transpacific partnership talks.
Jobs and trade are not the whole story;nor should they be.Failed states are among our greatest security threats.Deploying diplomats today is much cheaper than deploying troops tomorrow.It's national security insurance that we're buying,as Senator Lindsey Graham said.Diplomats fight corruption overseas and support the rule of law.All of that danger and risk that they take makes us more secure.
Countries are more secure and prosperous when women and girls are afforded more opportunities.Today more than a quarter of the Afghan parliament is women.
Foreign assistance is an investment in a stronger America.For the first time in history,young people around the world act as a global cohort.We need to help them and us use this remarkable network in a positive way.There is no pause button on the future.Responding is the American thing to do.
The greatest challenge is not in the hands of diplomats,but of Congress.We can't be strong in the world if we are not strong at home.My credibility as a diplomat is strongest when America puts its own fiscal house in order-and that has to be now.Let's not lose this opportunity because of politics.
After World War II,we didn't spike the football;we created a more level playing field,and we are stronger for it today.Now we face a similar crossroads as new markets bloom in every part of the world.Our sense of responsibility has to be exercised.What happens over there matters right here,and it matters that we get this right,Secretary of State John Kerry concluded before departing for the UK,Germany,France,Italy,Turkey,Egypt,the UAE,Saudi Arabia and Qatar this weekend.
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