DOS did not post a public schedule today, unfortunately, so, although we did know in advance about Mme. Secretary's address at the Strategic Dialogue with Civil Society, we had no information about anything else. Nevertheless, today's press briefing gives us a peak into a bilateral she held today with the Prime Minister of Macedonia. This picture is not from that event. It is from the Civil Society Dialogue earlier in the day. She looks lovely.
Philip J. CrowleyAssistant Secretary
Daily Press BriefingWashington, DCFebruary 16, 2011MR. CROWLEY: Good afternoon and welcome to the Department of State for the primary press briefing. Two items before taking your questions. The Secretary met this morning with Prime Minister Gruevski of Macedonia, discussing a wide range of bilateral and regional issues. During the meeting, the Secretary expressed concerns about trends regarding rule of law, independent media, and civil society. She also reiterated our hope that Macedonia and Greece resolve together the longstanding name issue so that Macedonia can move forward on seeking NATO membership and fulfilling its Euro-Atlantic aspirations. At the same time, the Secretary also expressed appreciation for Macedonia’s contributions to ISAF in Afghanistan, recognizing Macedonia as one of the highest per capita troop contributors.
There are no photos, video, or text of remarks. Only this. Further on in the briefing, and evidently in reference to a journalist's tweet, there was this which I add because I wholeheartedly agree.
MR. CROWLEY: Layla is the greatest rock and roll song of all time, but we digress.
This exchange I post to refute accusations that Hillary Clinton waffled on anything regarding the level of popular dissatisfaction, the need to address it, and the subsequent fact of popular uprisings over the past month. She has been nothing if not consistent. Statements to the contrary are untrue.
QUESTION: On the protests that we’re seeing in different countries today, first, with respect to Libya, how do you characterize those protests? And is Muammar Qadhafi properly characterized as a dictator?
MR. CROWLEY: Look, there are events going on across many countries in the region today. As the President made clear yesterday, change is coming to the region and it’s important for governments – plural – to stay ahead of this trend. The Secretary made clear in her comments in Doha, reiterated them recently in Munich, countries across the region have the same kind of challenge in terms of the demographics, the aspirations of their people, the need for reform. And we encourage these countries to take specific actions that address the aspirations and the needs and hopes of their people. Libya certainly would be in that same category.
QUESTION: Is Qadhafi a dictator? You have no answer to that question?
QUESTION: He (inaudible) stumping --
QUESTION: Are you stumped?
MR. CROWLEY: I’m not stumped.
QUESTION: So what’s your answer to the question? Is he a dictator?
MR. CROWLEY: I don’t think he came to office through a democratic process.
Sorry the Hillary news was so skimpy today. Don't shoot the messenger, please. I can only give as good as I get.
