Secretary Clinton's Press Availability With Korean Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan After their Meeting **UPDATED w/ VIDEO**

Press Availability With Korean Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan After their Meeting

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Seoul, South Korea

May 26, 2010

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MODERATOR: (Via translator) Following the ROK-U.S. foreign ministers meeting, first we will be hearing remarks from Mr. Yu Myung-hwan of the Republic of Korea.
FOREIGN MINISTER YU: (Via translator) Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I wish to once again welcome Secretary Clinton on her visit to Seoul. During our meeting today, the Secretary and I reaffirmed the Korea-U.S. alliance is a cornerstone of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in northeast Asia. And building on common values and mutual trust, our countries are developing an alliance relationship that now stands stronger and better than ever. And, furthermore, we had extensive discussions on ways to respond to the Cheonan incident, based on this robust alliance.
We also talked about the Korea-U.S. summit meeting scheduled for late June, and the 2+2 foreign and defense ministerial in late July.
With regards to the Cheonan incidence, Secretary Clinton conveyed her solid confidence in and support for the outcome of the joint investigation team's scientific and objective investigation, and expressed her regards for the calm and measured manner in which the Korean Government is dealing with the incident.
Moreover, we concurred that North Korea's attack constitutes a clear violation of the armistice agreement, the South-North Korea basic agreement of 1991, and the UN charter, and that North Korea should, accordingly, be held to full account. We and in-depth consultations on what concrete measures should be taken.
We also agreed that this -- it is when the international community criticizes North Korea's wrongful actions and furnishes a stern response, that we can help North Korea go down the right path. And in this regard we decided to cooperate closely together to ensure that the incident is taken up internationally in such forum as the UN, and that appropriate response is made.
Meanwhile, the Secretary and I agreed to work closely together so that the summit meeting in June and the 2+2 ministerial in late July can lead to productive discussions on appraising the successful development of our strategic alliance, strengthening our security posture, based on our combined defense capabilities, and enhancing cooperation at the regional and global levels by faithfully implementing the joint vision.
In addition, Secretary Clinton and I agreed to cooperate actively to ensure the success of the November G20 summit meeting and the 2012 nuclear security summit, both of which will be held in Korea, and we concurred that the (inaudible) FTA will serve to take our broader relationship to a higher level, and agreed to work together to bring about its early ratification.
Lastly, we affirmed that Secretary Clinton's visit underscores our common determination in dealing with the Cheonan incident, and will serve as an occasion for further strengthening the strategic alliance. Thank you.
MODERATOR: (Via translator) Now we will be hearing from Secretary Clinton.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you very much, Minister Yu. And it is wonderful to be back here in Seoul today on such a beautiful day to express our strong solidarity and support for the people of Korea.
South Korea is a staunch ally, a friend, and a partner. And I want to thank President Lee for his hospitality and the very important discussions that we had today. The fortunes of our two nations have been bound together for many decades. We have stood watchful guard together for 60 years, vigilant in the cause of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the wider region. And for the United States, the security and sovereignty of South Korea is a solemn responsibility and a rock solid commitment. Our alliance is a source of strength and confidence, confidence that our two peoples will continue to enjoy security, prosperity, and shared progress in the days and years ahead.
But this relationship extends far beyond our security guarantees. The United States has been a partner to the people of South Korea as they embrace democracy, and embark on a historic economic transformation. Our people trade and study together. Generations of American service members have come to know and respect the Korean culture. And Korean Americans have contributed significantly to the economic, social, and cultural life of the United States.
Under President Lee's vision of global Korea, the ROK has accelerated its progress as a confident and respected player on the world stage. South Korea is a valued partner on regional and global challenges, including its contributions in Afghanistan, and its efforts to combat piracy, among many others. And we are very pleased that Seoul will host the G20 later this year, and the second nuclear security summit in 2012.
When President Obama and President Lee first met last year, they committed to a joint vision statement for our alliance in the 21st century. That speaks to our desire to turn our bilateral relationship into a truly global partnership. And in our meetings today we discussed how we can continue building upon this vision, and further strengthen the ties between our peoples and our nation.
But to seize the opportunities of tomorrow, we must first meet the challenges of today. As President Lee said in his strong and dignified speech to the nation, we cannot turn a blind eye to belligerence and provocation. Let me repeat publicly what I expressed privately to President Lee and Minister Yu. The United States offers our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the 46 sailors killed in the sinking of the Cheonan, and to all the peoples of South Korea. We will stand with you in this difficult hour, and we stand with you always.
I applaud President Lee and his government for the firm, patient, and deliberate way that they have pursued the truth, and then formulated a response. The international independent investigation was objective, the evidence overwhelming, the conclusion inescapable. This was an unacceptable provocation by North Korea. And the international community has a responsibility and a duty to respond. The measures that President Lee announced in his speech are prudent. They are absolutely appropriate. And they have the full support of the United States.
Over the last week I have consulted with leaders in Japan and China, and we have stayed in close contact with our friends here in Seoul about the best way forward. We will be working together to chart a course of action in the United Nations Security Council, and I want to acknowledge Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's strong statement on this issue.
The U.S. and South Korean militaries have announced plans for joint exercises, and we will explore further enhancements to our posture on the Peninsula, to ensure readiness, and to deter future attacks. The United States is also reviewing additional options and authorities to hold North Korea and its leaders accountable. We call on North Korea to halt its provocation and its policy of threats and belligerence toward its neighbors, and take steps now to fulfill its denuclearization commitments, and comply with international law.
North Korea can still choose another path. Instead of isolation, poverty, conflict, and condemnation, North Korea could enjoy integration, prosperity, peace, and respect. Its people could finally experience a better life. We know this is possible. Here in South Korea we see it every day, the talent and creativity of the Korean people flourishing in a vibrant democracy. North Korea's future depends on the choices that its leaders make today.
For our part, we remain resolute in our defense of South Korea, unyielding in our pursuit of justice, and determined to achieve security and stability across the Asia Pacific region. The alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea will continue to be a cornerstone of peace and prosperity for both our nations.
So, thank you again, Minister Yu, for your hospitality and your friendship. I look forward to continuing our consultations in the days and weeks to come. Thank you.
MODERATOR: (Via translator) Next we will be receiving questions from the floor. First there will be a question from Fong Ki Jong from KBS.
QUESTION: (Via translator) My question goes to Mr. Yu. I wonder if there were -- what details were discussed regarding the measures today in your meeting. And also, there can be some painful measures, such as cutting off financial channels through the BDA. If such measures were to be taken, when and how do you plan to execute such measures?
And also, there was a statement saying that -- and do you plan to take this to the UN Security Council after you persuade China, or are you going to take this to the UN Security Council first, before --
FOREIGN MINISTER YU: (Via translator) Well, first of all, our two countries, in response to the Cheonan incident, we are cooperating fully, and there is no difference in our position, whatsoever.
Regarding our measures, on May 13th President Lee has already given a statement to the people, and he has announced various measures, including restrictions in terms of trade. And the U.S. is also going through its various domestic laws and regulations to take measures against North Korea within its domestic framework. And the details that were discussed, I don't think it's appropriate for me to mention that here. We will, of course, take various measures in the future, depending on how North Korea reacts.
And regarding Mr. Wu Dawei, the head of the Six-Party Talks, he did mention China's position, and I also expressed our position, as well. We will continue to cooperate, the two countries, the U.S. and Korea, and we will -- especially when it comes to the issue of the UN Security Council, because Korea is not a standing member, and because the U.S. has the ability to communicate there, we will continue to make our communications with standing members, non-standing members, and I am sure that that will help us to achieve our goals.
The measures that we will take towards North Korea, the measures themselves are not an end. They are just a means to send a clear message to North Korea that it is in response to their actions, and it is also a means to lead North Korea down the right road. Thank you.
MODERATOR: (Via translator) Next, from Wall Street Journal, we have Mr. Jay Solomon.
QUESTION: Good afternoon. This question, I guess, is for both Secretary Clinton and Minister Yu. Is there -- initially it appeared that South Korea would possibly go this week, as early as this week, to the Security Council. Is there any sense of the timing of when this might happen?
And I am also interested in -- there have been past crises between North and South Korea, but that was before North Korea developed a nuclear capability. I am curious, particularly from Minister Yu, how North Korea's nuclear capability kind of constrains how the U.S. and South Korea respond. Thank you.
FOREIGN MINISTER YU: For the denuclearization of North Korea, for a long period of time -- over seven years -- we have made various efforts. However, unfortunately, North Korea has conducted nuclear tests twice.
Regarding North Korea's nuclear capabilities, we have not been able to verify those capabilities, so it is difficult for me to publicly make a statement on that. But with the Cheonan incident, I think the Cheonan incident will serve as an occasion to solve the nuclear issue, as well. The -- and it's not to bring North Korea back to the Six-Party Talks, per se, but to see progress in North Korea taking steps towards denuclearization. And we have once again affirmed that -- through this incident -- that it is very important for North Korea to denuclearize.
MODERATOR: (Via translator) Yes, we will receive a second question from the Korean journalists.
Now, let's first receive a response from --
SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you. Jay, with respect to your question about Security Council action, we are very confident in the South Korean leadership, and their decision about how and when to move forward is one that we respect and will support. I have to say that I found both Minister Yu and President Lee very confident, very relaxed, just very resolute. It was an opportunity for me to exchange views, but to clearly underscore the fact that the United States will be supporting South Korea as it makes the decision, moving forward, on matters such as timing, content, approach to the Security Council.
MODERATOR: (Via translator) Second question from the Korean journalists is Mr. Kinyung Shi from (inaudible).
QUESTION: (Via translator) My question goes to Secretary Clinton. You asked for -- you urged China for its cooperation on this incident. So how -- what do you expect China to do, and how did you persuade China?
And also, I am sure that Korea and the U.S. is cooperating for joint measures, but how is the U.S. responding? And does the U.S. also -- do you also have a resolution in the UN Security Council in mind? And also, if North Korea is to retaliate militarily, how will the U.S. respond?
Another question is I am sure that you will also go -- look into the policies that you have towards North Korea. What do you have in mind, in terms of a vision to deter an attack and bring about stability? Any long-term visions? And what kind of a vision that you have personally.
Sorry for having so many questions, but it just reflects my interest.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you very much. With respect to China, I briefed both the minister and President Lee about our two-and-a-half days of meetings with our Chinese counterparts. And you know that Premier Wen will be coming to Seoul on Friday. So the South Korean Government will be able to engage the Chinese Government at the highest levels. And I believe that the Chinese understand the seriousness of this issue, and are willing to listen to the concerns expressed by both South Korea and the United States. We expect to be working with China as we move forward in fashioning a response to this provocation by North Korea.
We have also underscored our rock solid commitment to the defense of South Korea. There should be no mistaking that by anyone. As you know, the U.S. and South Korean militaries will be engaging in joint exercises, and the President has ordered that our military, working with the South Korean military, look at what additional enhancements can be made to ensure readiness and deter future attacks.
I think both the United States and South Korea share the vision that was articulated by President Lee, which I referred to in my opening remarks, that there is a different path for North Korea. And we believe it's in everyone's interests, including China, to make a persuasive case for North Korea to change direction.
We can't predict what the actual response of the North Korean leadership would be. But there is an opportunity here for the North Koreans to understand that their behavior is unacceptable. And, therefore, they need to look internally toward what they could do to improve the standing of their own people, and provide a different future. But we will be working very closely with our South Korean friends on all of these issues.
Really, there is the immediate crisis caused by the sinking of the naval vessel, which requires a strong but measured response. But there is the longer-term challenge of changing the direction of North Korea, making a convincing case to everyone in the region to work together to achieve that outcome, denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula, and offering the opportunities for a better life for the people of the north. So, we have to work on both of those tracks simultaneously, and that's what we are attempting to do.
MODERATOR: (Via translator) The last question is from BBC.
QUESTION: A question to you, Madam Secretary, first, and then one to both. You describe the investigation into the sinking of the Cheonan as objective. So the conclusions were inescapable. What will it take to convince the Chinese that this is indeed what really happened?
And a question to both. The situation doesn't seem to be settling. How concerned are you that this could get out of hand? And how does the fear of an escalation limit your actions and what you do, when it comes to dealing with North Korea?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, with respect to the report, I believe it was 400 pages long. It was very thorough, highly professional and, in the opinions of objective experts, very convincing. We have urged our Chinese counterparts to study that report. We have offered additional information and briefings about the underlying facts of the event, and I know that the South Koreans have done the same. So, we hope that China will take us up on our offer to really understand the details of what happened, and the objectivity of the investigation that led to the conclusions.
There are two objectives that President Lee has outlined. One is to unite the international community in an appropriate response to this provocation. And the other is to avoid escalation and greater conflict. I believe strongly that that is the right approach to take. So, as we work with South Korea and other partners internationally, we are keeping in mind President Lee's very strong, effective speech, a real act of statesmanship that laid out the problems, offered the measures that South Korea would take, but pointed toward a different future.
So, I think that South Korea has done this extraordinarily well under very difficult circumstances. And I really commend the government and the people of South Korea. Because when something like this happens, it is easy to respond very emotionally and viscerally. But what South Korea has done is to say, "No, first we will get the facts. We will turn that over to an independent group of five nations. And we will wait for those conclusions. And then we will determine what way to act." And I have the greatest admiration for how this has been handled.
FOREIGN MINISTER YU: Well, during the process of investigation going to the root of the Cheonan incident, we had a joint investigation team, including the U.S., Britain, Australia, Sweden, Canada, a total of 24 experts, foreign experts, were on board this joint investigation team. And they analyzed and they discussed the issue and made a lot of effort to get the results.
And also, China and Russia were also provided with the objective data and material beforehand. And, if they requested, we were willing to receive experts to discuss the issue. And we did actually make that proposal. And that shows -- and that is because we believe that objective data has to speak, and no political judgment should play a role in that kind of data. And that is based on fact. And I think that that kind of factual data is the basis for us taking this issue to the UN Security Council.
China and Russia, of course, will take time, I am sure. But they will not be able to deny the facts. And we have, up until now, exerted all of our efforts, and we will continue to do so in the future to bring about further cooperation. Thank you.
MODERATOR: With that we would like to conclude the joint press availability. Thank you very much.
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Video & Text: Secretary Clinton's Remarks With Korea FM Yu

Remarks With South Korean Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan After Their Meeting

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Treaty Room
Washington, DC
February 26, 2010

FOREIGN MINISTER YU: Should we say a few words?



SECRETARY CLINTON: Yes, I will. I’m very pleased to welcome the minister from the Republic of Korea, especially the day after that magnificent Olympic Gold Medal-winning performance. And I think, although it was one young woman who did so magnificently, I believe the whole country is celebrating.

FOREIGN MINISTER YU: It was exciting.

SECRETARY CLINTON: I could see why. She was extraordinary. And we just finished a very in-depth, comprehensive discussion of a number of critical issues. Our bilateral relationship is strong and durable, and we are so appreciative of the leadership shown by Korea on a range of important matters, both regional and global.

As you might guess, we covered the usual topics of North Korea, the larger regional Pacific-Asia area’s concerns, Iran, and many other matters. But I am very pleased that Minister Yu could be here today.

FOREIGN MINISTER YU: Thank you. Well, I had a very good, (inaudible) consultation with Madam Secretary. And just let me say that this year marks the 60th anniversary of (inaudible) Korean War. And I want to say that our alliance (inaudible) has been the (inaudible) for the peace and prosperity and other (inaudible) in the region as a whole, and we appreciate (inaudible).

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you so much. Thank you.

QUESTION: Madam Secretary, if I may ask, did Sung Kim come back with a very pessimistic report that talks would not resume anytime soon on North Korea? And two, did you raise with Minister Barak the Haaretz report about 600 new homes in East Jerusalem and how that might affect efforts to restart the peace negotiation?

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, Ambassador Sung Kim and Ambassador Stephen Bosworth are quite heartened by the movement that we see in our joint efforts. Obviously, we are closely cooperating with our allies – Korea and Japan – in anything we do toward North Korea. And we are working with the Chinese to bring about the resumption of the Six-Party Talks. Ultimately, it’s up to the North Koreans. But we are encouraged by signs of progress to return to the talks that we are seeing.

And on the other matter that you asked, we discussed all of the challenges to the resumption of peace negotiations, but the imperative of beginning to so do so as soon as possible.

QUESTION: Can you talk (inaudible) Foreign Minister (inaudible) Defense Minister Barak give you any reason to believe that the Israelis would take more steps on Gaza to try to improve the humanitarian situation there?

SECRETARY CLINTON: We discussed it at length. And Senator Mitchell and I made clear some of the concerns that we had and some of the ideas about what more could and should be done, and we hope to see progress there as well.

Thank you all.

Hillary Clinton's Bilaterals Today

Remarks With Korean Foreign Minister Yu Myung-Hwan

Remarks

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State, Secretary of State

Treaty Room

Washington, DC

June 5, 2009

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SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, Minister, you and I just concluded a very productive meeting. We’ve obviously had the opportunity to meet before and speak on a regular basis concerning the many issues that we’re working on together, and I am very grateful to him and to his government for our close cooperation.
FOREIGN MINISTER YU: Thank you very much.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you. Thank you all very much.

Remarks With Portuguese Foreign Minister Luis Amado

Remarks

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State, Secretary of State

Treaty Room

Washington, DC

June 5, 2009

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SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, good – I guess it’s good afternoon now. Well, I am very pleased to be here with someone who has a long and very important list of contributions not only in his own country, but with respect to the very strong Euro-Atlantic partnership that we both support so vividly.
The foreign minister and I discussed a wide range of issues. Today, we are going to be signing an agreement that takes another crucial step toward putting into effect our treaties on extradition and mutual legal assistance. These treaties give police and prosecutors in both nations the tools that they need to bring criminals to justice. They form part of an important network of similar agreements that the United States has reached with countries of the European Union.
The United States values our friendship with Portugal. We see the people and Government of Portugal as strong partners on an array of vital issues. And we will continue to look for ways that we can cooperate together. We welcome Portugal’s contribution to supporting the people of Afghanistan by helping to build the Afghan Government’s capacity to provide for security and other basic needs. We share the objective of helping people everywhere in places like Afghanistan, but beyond to ensure that violent extremists do not hold sway.
And we will continue to work together to achieve peace in another region, particularly the Middle East. We are pressing forward to turn rhetoric into results and to establish a comprehensive and durable peace between Israel and its neighbors, focused on creating two states for two people.
Having said that, we know we have a lot of work ahead of us. We have to cooperate on economic matters, particularly during this global economic crisis. And there are just so many important issues that the foreign minister and I discussed that we will continue to work on. But I particularly welcome him here today and thank him for the strong partnership that he and his government have provided.
FOREIGN MINISTER AMADO: Thank you very much. I want to thank you for the opportunity you gave me to discuss with you some of the most important issues that we have in our agendas, and the opportunity also to express my strong commitment and the strong commitment of the Portuguese Government to strengthen our bilateral relations with the United States. We are old and very loyal allies on the bilateral. We will have the opportunity to get another step forward in our deep cooperation. And in the context of the European Union and NATO, we have been trying to contribute to the strengthening of our transatlantic relations.
In the new face of the world politics, so demanding with so many challenges, and I strongly believe, as you do, that if the United States and Europeans are able to reinvent this relationship in the perspective of the challenges that we face together, we will be able to give peace and stability to the world. If we are not able and if we fail, it will be the beginning of the failure of the international system; such a responsibility we have in the stability of the world today.
So we have an important discussion, and I have the possibility at the European Union level to continue some of the issues that we discussed together, trying to create conditions so that the European Union can become a much more important interlocutor of the U.S. policies. Thank you very much.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you, Minister Amado.
FOREIGN MINISTER AMADO: Madame Secretary, thank you.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you very much.
FOREIGN MINISTER AMADO: My pleasure.
(The document was signed.)
SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you so much. I look forward to meeting with you again soon. Thank you. Thank you all.
QUESTION: Secretary Clinton, on North Korea, can we ask you a quick question? An update, if you would, on the situation with the journalists? And also, is the U.S. open to using a special representatives? And then finally, if this all ends positively, how will this affect the overall tense relationship?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Jill, we’re going to have a press avail later, and I promise you that you will be able to ask and I will answer those three questions. Thank you.

Remarks With Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu

Remarks

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State, Secretary of State

Treaty Room

Washington, DC

June 5, 2009

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SECRETARY CLINTON: Good afternoon. Minister Davutoglu and I just had a very productive, broad-ranging, comprehensive discussion. And it is a great privilege to welcome him here to the State Department within the very first weeks of his having been appointed foreign minister. Of course, I was very honored to have gone to Turkey very early in my term as Secretary of State, and President Obama had a wonderful visit to Turkey.
And all of that is to confirm the strength and importance of o ur partnership and alliance. We have a lot of work to do together. Turkey, the United States, and the entire global community certainly face a great number of challenges, but we also see opportunities. So our message coming out of the meeting today and our prior meetings is that we’re going to deepen and strengthen our cooperation on an ongoing basis, because we believe that both Turkey and the United States have unique roles to play.
Now, we obviously already collaborate. Not only are we both members of NATO, but we are working with the G-20 to respond to the global economic crisis, we’re exploring ways to enhance our trade and commerce between our two countries, we’re working to develop new energy sources, including resources from the Caucasus and Central Asia. We’re partners in the fight against global terrorism. We share the goal of a stable Pakistan and Afghanistan, and to deny al-Qaida safe haven that can threaten our countries and many others. We support Turkey in its fight against the terrorist activities of the PKK, which has been a very important cooperation.
And I underscored again today the United States’ strong support for Turkey’s bid to become a member of the European Union. Turkey has made significant progress toward membership. It’s been in a process of reform that is generated by its own internal decisions but which has certainly responded to many of the concerns regarding the strength of the bid that Turkey had. And so we applaud what Turkey has already done and pledge our efforts to continue working with Turkey.
And so we ranged across a broad number of issues, and I want to just make a special note. As President Obama said yesterday in Cairo, the United States is committed to broad engagement with Muslims everywhere across the globe based on mutual interests and mutual respect. We believe strongly in the freedom of religion and expression, in vibrant civil societies, and we know that those are values that Turkey shares.
And I want to thank the minister and his government for the role that Turkey plays as a force for peace and stability. This is important, and it’s already been demonstrated in the work that Turkey has done for a number of years and continues with respect to comprehensive peace in the Middle East. And we are strongly supportive of the Turkish efforts to normalize relations with Armenia, and we are also very strongly supportive of the efforts to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
We discussed Cyprus, which is an issue that the President also addressed when he was in Turkey in April. The two Cypriot leaders have an opportunity through their commitment to negotiations under the United Nations Good Offices Missions, and the United States is willing to help the parties. We want to work toward a settlement that reunifies Cyprus into a bi-zonal and bi-communal federation.
We discussed many, many concerns, and I’m just grateful for the commitment by the minister and by his government to play an active role in our dynamic world. Our relationship is not just about security; it is about seizing these opportunities, and I look forward to working with you.
FOREIGN MINISTER DAVUTOGLU: Thank you very much, Secretary Clinton. It’s a great honor and pleasure for me to meet with Secretary Clinton today in a very historic time after the speech of President Obama yesterday and the new commitment of United States for regional and global peace everywhere. We know of her wisdom, her approach, and we always appreciate and admire her approach to all the issues regarding to our bilateral, regional, and global issues.
Basically, the purpose of my visit was to follow up her historic visit to Turkey immediately after the new Administration in March and President Obama’s historic visit in April. So these historic visits showed the strength of our bilateral relations. So I came here in my first month of my duty in this – as minister to follow up all the contents, all the issues regarding our relations. We had a very constructive meeting. I am grateful for that. And we went through all the issues regarding the depth and scope of our agenda. We decided to have a much more broader comprehensive approach in our bilateral relations, not only security issues but economy, energy security, cultural issues. Also on the main regional issues like Middle East, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Caucasia, (inaudible) and all the relevant issues we have as common agenda we went through. And I am very happy to see that we have very identical, similar approaches to many of these issues.
On global affairs also, we agreed together that our cooperation should not be limited only by regional efforts, but there is a big potential between Turkey and the United States to work together on global issues like relations between civilizations, Alliance of Civilizations, like G-20 and economic – the situation after economic crisis, like our cooperation in United Nations Security Council. As you know, Turkey took over the presidency a few days ago. And I was in New York yesterday for the first formal meeting of UN Security Council.
As Turkey – as minister of foreign affairs of Turkey, and as the Government of Turkey, we are ready to cooperate with the United States in all these significant issues for achieving regional and global peace. That is our contribution to the (inaudible). Thank you very much.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Very well said, Minister.
MR. WOOD: The first question will be from Jill Dougherty of CNN.
QUESTION: Thank you. Madame Secretary, what is the U.S. doing to free the journalists being held in North Korea? And how open are you to using a special negotiator/envoy, perhaps former Vice President Gore?
And also, if I could, just one very quick question. Any update on the situation of the Goldman boy in Brazil?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, Jill, the concern that we feel for these two young women who are in prison in North Korea has been driving our efforts. We want to strike the right balance between expressing our deep concerns, our belief that these two young women should be released immediately. The trial which is going on right now we consider to be a step toward the release and the return home of these two young women.
I personally have spoken with a number of foreign officials who have influence through various channels with the North Koreans. The State Department has had direct contact with the North Koreans through the channel by which we communicate. The Swedish ambassador has been extremely helpful. He has actually met with the two young women on three occasions. He’s helped to facilitate the delivery of materials and the passing of messages. So we are incredibly concerned on both a diplomatic and, on my behalf, a personal basis. I have met with their families, and I share the grave anxiety that they feel about the safety and security of these two young women.
We call again on the North Korean Government to release them and enable them to come home as soon as possible. We have explored other approaches, including the use of special representatives strictly for this humanitarian mission. But as things stand now, we know that they’re in the middle of a trial in Pyongyang, and we hope that the trial is resolved quickly and that the young women are released.
With respect to Sean Goldman, we were very pleased when the Brazilian courts reached the conclusion they reached earlier this week. And we were very disappointed when a hold was placed on the release of this young boy and his return with his father to the United States. We will continue to support Mr. Goldman in his efforts to speak out on behalf of the family relations that is at the core of this legal case, and to urge the Brazilian Government and judiciary to release Sean and enable him to return to his father now that the legal decision has been rendered.
QUESTION: This is Umit Enginsoy with Turkish NTV television. Madame Secretary, since the release in April of Turkish, Armenian, and Swiss statements about joint intention for normalization of ties, have you observed any progress toward that end, and also toward resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh problem? And are you hopeful that these could be resolved in the not-too-distant future? Thank you.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, I have been very encouraged by the progress that has been made and by the commitment of the governments involved. Certainly, Turkey and Armenia, with the assistance of the Swiss Government, have committed themselves to a process of normalization. We’re well aware that this is difficult. It requires patience and perseverance. But we have seen no flagging of commitment.
The minister and I discussed this at length. He brought me up to date on developments. And we are continuing to encourage the parties to proceed on the path which they themselves have set. We are supportive, but it is up to the Turkish and Armenian governments and people to realize the great opportunity this poses. The normalization of relations not only continues what I have seen from the Turkish Government, which is a desire to actually solve problems, and I applaud that, but we think it will bring great benefits to the region.
Similarly, with the ongoing negotiations over Nagorno-Karabakh, the Government of Azerbaijan and of Armenia are proceeding and working together. They were just in a recent meeting in St. Petersburg. So we believe that a lot of progress has been made in a relatively short period of time to resolve issues that are of long standing.
What’s important is the commitment to get to a point of resolution of these conflicts, and I see that commitment. Now are there problems along the way? Of course. There is in any difficult undertaking. But I do not doubt the commitment, and I certainly appreciate the very strong position that the Turkish Government has taken. And perhaps, Minister, you would like to add to that?
FOREIGN MINISTER DAVUTOGLU: I would like to express also my thanks to Secretary Clinton because of her personal and American Government’s support for these two processes. We are very optimistic. We want to achieve a prosperous, peaceful Caucasia. And in that sense, we are fully committed to our normalization process with Armenia, and also, we are fully committed and we are ready to work together with United States and other co-chairs of Minsk Group for the resolution of Armenian-Azeri issues.
And I was very impressed and I want to repeat my thanks for the commitment of Madame Secretary Clinton in this sense, and we will be working together. There is a strong will politically by Turkish side to continue all the efforts to achieve our common goal of creating a prosperous, peaceful Caucasia together.
MR. WOOD: Next question will be from Arshad Mohammed of Reuters.
QUESTION: Secretary Clinton, how seriously is the United States considering imposing either multilateral or unilateral financial sanctions on North Korea and its banks? And what makes you confident that such a step wouldn’t be counterproductive? When the sanctions were imposed on BDA, it essentially froze the process for months on end until the United States effectively removed them and returned the money.
And a small – well, a separate thing, maybe not small. Dov Weissglas, the former Israeli chief of staff to former Prime Minister Sharon, argues publicly this week that Israel had understandings with the Bush Administration, under which it was permitted to continue so-called natural growth under the Roadmap, that it could continue building within the construction line. Do you believe that there were such understandings or agreements between Israel and the Bush Administration? Do you feel bound by them?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, Arshad, let me start with North Korea. As you know, the United States is working very hard in the Security Council, now chaired by Turkey, to come up with a resolution that would represent the will of the international community with respect to North Korea’s actions that are viewed with considerable concern on the part of not just the United States or South Korea or Japan, but also China, Russia, and many other countries internationally.
We’ve made considerable progress in devising the kinds of actions that would represent consequences imposed upon the North Koreans by the international community. I have personally spoken with a number of the foreign ministers, our ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice and her team are involved on a hour-by-hour basis, because we want to come up with the strongest possible resolution.
And I think we’ve learned a lesson. One of the lessons we’ve learned is that with the North Koreans, it’s never over till it’s over, that if there are effective sanctions that we believe can be imposed, an arms embargo and other steps to be taken, we need to see real results. We, along with other neighbors in Northeast Asia as well as the international community, stand ready to resume negotiations with the North Koreans over their nuclear program. Our goal remains to have a denuclearized Korean Peninsula. So I am quite heartened by the progress that we’re seeing in the United Nation Security Council. And when we believe we’ve gotten the strongest possible resolution we can get, we will table it and then proceed.
With respect to the conditions regarding understandings between the United States and the former Israeli government and the former government of the United States, we have the negotiating record. That is the official record that was turned over to the Obama Administration by the outgoing Bush Administration. There is no memorialization of any informal and oral agreements. If they did occur, which, of course, people say they did, they did not become part of the official position of the United States Government. And there are contrary documents that suggest that they were not to be viewed as in any way contradicting the obligations that Israel undertook pursuant to the Roadmap. And those obligations are very clear.
QUESTION: Foreign Minister Davutoglu, how do you evaluate President Obama’s speech to the Muslim world in Cairo? And Secretary Clinton, after President Obama’s visit to Turkey, what is the state of Turkish-American relations?
FOREIGN MINISTER DAVUTOGLU: Thank you very much. President Obama’s speech yesterday in Cairo is a speech of wisdom, a speech of vision, and a speech of peace. And we share the insight with Secretary Clinton as well. We share this vision and we are ready to cooperate. I am sure you remember President Obama’s visit and his speech in Turkish parliament. And when you look at the substance of two speeches, you can see an integrated approach, the continuation and follow-up of many issues that are very important principles for regional issues as well as global order in general. And it is a good message, clear message to the Muslim world that the future relations between the United States and the Muslim world, as well as between different cultures will be bright, based on a mutual understanding of coexistence, living together, sharing all human values in all fronts. And therefore, we share that vision and we will continue to work to realize this vision as a program and project together.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, I appreciate the minister’s perceptive remarks about President Obama’s speech yesterday. Clearly, the President is laying out a vision, and it is a vision that invites all people of good faith to come together, to work together, to recognize that we may have differences of experience, differences of background, of religion and race, but that we are all part of common humanity. And we have an opportunity in the 21^st century to work toward realizing that vision. And I applaud the Turkish Government for taking a practical, hands-on approach to solving problems, to clear away the obstacles that prevent people from living up to their own God-given potential, of countries breaking the bounds of the past so that they can have a better future.
And I think the relationship between Turkey and the United States is extremely strong. We have a durable bond that goes back many decades, but we’re exploring new ways of expanding and deepening that strong relationship. And that was the purpose of our meeting today is to begin to look at how we can take our shared vision of what Turkey and the United States can do to further humanity’s quest for peace and prosperity and progress, recognizing and respecting our legitimate differences of culture and religion, but making it clear that we’re going to share this increasingly interdependent world. And we can either have positive or negative interdependence. And Turkey and the United States believe in a positive future.
So I could not be happier and more optimistic about the relationships and what we together can do for the future.
Thank you all very much.
FOREIGN MINISTER DAVUTOGLU: Thank you.