By The White House

In a broad and comprehensive address at National Defense University, President Obama laid out the framework for U.S. counter-terrorism strategy as we wind down the war in Afghanistan. The President provided the American people with an update on how the threat of terrorism has changed substantially since September 11, 2001, as Al Qaeda’s core in Afghanistan and Pakistan has been decimated, and new threats have emerged from al Qaeda affiliates, localized extremist groups, and homegrown terrorists. The President also discussed our comprehensive strategy to meet these threats, including waging the war against al Qaeda and our counter-terrorism efforts more broadly. The following are some of the policy highlights from the President’s speech:

Responding to the Threat: Targeting Terrorists and Leveraging Effective Partnerships

Our response to terrorism cannot depend on military or law enforcement alone. We need all elements of national power to win a battle of wills and ideas. First, we must finish the work of defeating al Qaeda and its associated forces. In Afghanistan, we will complete our transition to Afghan responsibility for security and work with the Afghan government to train security forces, and sustain a counter-terrorism force that ensures al Qaeda can never again establish a safe-haven to launch attacks against us or our allies.

Beyond Afghanistan, we must define our effort not as a boundless ‘global war on terror’ – but rather as a series of persistent, targeted efforts to dismantle specific networks of violent extremists that threaten America. In many cases, this will involve partnerships with other countries. Much of our best counter-terrorism cooperation results in the gathering and sharing of intelligence and the arrest and prosecution of terrorists.

Standards for Taking Lethal Action

Despite our strong preference for the detention and prosecution of terrorists, sometimes this approach is foreclosed. Al Qaeda and its affiliates try to gain a foothold in some of the most distant and unforgiving places on Earth. In this context, the United States has taken lethal, targeted action against al Qaeda and its associated forces, including with remotely piloted aircraft commonly referred to as drones. As was true in previous armed conflicts, this new technology raises profound questions – about who is targeted, and why; about civilian casualties, and the risk of creating new enemies; about the legality of such strikes under U.S. and international law; about accountability and morality. The President’s speech addressed many of those questions.

Our actions are effective. Dozens of highly skilled core al Qaeda commanders, trainers, bomb makers, and operatives have been taken off the battlefield. Plots have been disrupted that would have targeted international aviation, U.S. transit systems, European cities and our troops in Afghanistan. These strikes have saved lives.

America’s actions are legal. We were attacked on 9/11. Within a week, Congress overwhelmingly authorized the use of force. Under domestic law, and international law, the United States is at war with al Qaeda, the Taliban, and their associated forces. So this is a just war – a war waged proportionally, …read more

Source: White House Press Office

By The White House

National Defense University
Fort McNair
Washington, D.C.

2:01 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon, everybody. Please be seated.

It is a great honor to return to the National Defense University. Here, at Fort McNair, Americans have served in uniform since 1791 — standing guard in the earliest days of the Republic, and contemplating the future of warfare here in the 21st century.

For over two centuries, the United States has been bound together by founding documents that defined who we are as Americans, and served as our compass through every type of change. Matters of war and peace are no different. Americans are deeply ambivalent about war, but having fought for our independence, we know a price must be paid for freedom. From the Civil War to our struggle against fascism, on through the long twilight struggle of the Cold War, battlefields have changed and technology has evolved. But our commitment to constitutional principles has weathered every war, and every war has come to an end.

With the collapse of the Berlin Wall, a new dawn of democracy took hold abroad, and a decade of peace and prosperity arrived here at home. And for a moment, it seemed the 21st century would be a tranquil time. And then, on September 11, 2001, we were shaken out of complacency. Thousands were taken from us, as clouds of fire and metal and ash descended upon a sun-filled morning. This was a different kind of war. No armies came to our shores, and our military was not the principal target. Instead, a group of terrorists came to kill as many civilians as they could.

And so our nation went to war. We have now been at war for well over a decade. I won’t review the full history. What is clear is that we quickly drove al Qaeda out of Afghanistan, but then shifted our focus and began a new war in Iraq. And this carried significant consequences for our fight against al Qaeda, our standing in the world, and — to this day — our interests in a vital region.

Meanwhile, we strengthened our defenses — hardening targets, tightening transportation security, giving law enforcement new tools to prevent terror. Most of these changes were sound. Some caused inconvenience. But some, like expanded surveillance, raised difficult questions about the balance that we strike between our interests in security and our values of privacy. And in some cases, I believe we compromised our basic values — by using torture to interrogate our enemies, and detaining individuals in a way that ran counter to the rule of law.

So after I took office, we stepped up the war against al Qaeda but we also sought to change its course. We relentlessly targeted al Qaeda’s leadership. We ended the war in Iraq, and brought nearly 150,000 troops home. …read more

Source: White House Press Office

By The White House

I condemn in the strongest terms the appalling attack against a British service member in Woolwich on May 22. The United States stands resolute with the United Kingdom, our ally and friend, against violent extremism and terror. There can be absolutely no justification for such acts, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the victim, the police and security services responding to this horrific act and the communities they serve, and the British people. Our special relationship with the United Kingdom is especially important during times of trial, and I look forward to my trip to the United Kingdom to participate in the June G-8 Summit, hosted by Prime Minister Cameron, which will include discussions on the important global security challenges our countries face together.

…read more

Source: White House Press Office

By The White House

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate Katherine Archuleta as Director of the Office of Personnel Management. If confirmed, she will be the first Latina to head the agency.

President Obama said, “Katherine brings to the Office of Personnel Management broad experience and a deep commitment to recruiting and retaining a world-class workforce for the American people. I am grateful Katherine has agreed to serve, and I look forward to working with her in the coming years.”

President Obama announced his intent to nominate Katherine Archuleta as Director of the Office of Personnel Management:

Katherine Archuleta, Nominee for Director, Office of Personnel Management

Katherine Archuleta most recently served as National Political Director for Obama for America, a position she held from 2011 to 2012. Prior to this, Ms. Archuleta served as Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of Labor from 2009 to 2011. From October 2005 to May 2009, she served as a Senior Advisor on Policy and Initiatives for the City and County of Denver, Colorado. Previously, she served as the Executive Director of the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation from 2002 to 2005. Ms. Archuleta was the Director of Professional Services for Davis, Graham and Stubbs, LLP from 2000 to 2002 and Co-Founder and Principal of the Center for Regional and Neighborhood Action from 1997 to 2000. She served as Senior Policy Advisor at the U.S. Department of Energy in 1997. From 1993 to 1997, Ms. Archuleta served at the U.S. Department of Transportation, first as Deputy Chief of Staff and then as Chief of Staff. She served as an adjunct professor at the University of Denver from 1992 to 1993. Prior to that, she worked in a number of roles in the Office of the Mayor of Denver from 1983 to 1991, including Deputy Chief of Staff. Ms. Archuleta received a B.A. from Metropolitan State College and a M.Ed. from the University of Northern Colorado.

…read more

Source: White House Press Office

By The White House

East Room
Washington, D.C.

8:32 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. I have to say that as the podium came out, which meant that was my cue, my mother-in-law said, “Oh, shoot.” (Laughter.) True story — she was getting into the music. (Laughter.) Welcome to the White House, everybody.

I want to start by thanking all the incredible artists who have joined us to pay tribute to the one and only Carole King. (Applause.) I also want to thank Dr. James Billington and all the folks at the Library of Congress not just for making this event possible, but for the outstanding work that they do every day to preserve the very best of our culture for generations to come. (Applause.)

Of course, as we gather tonight to present this award, our thoughts and prayers remain with the wonderful people of Oklahoma. They have suffered mightily this week. And while the road ahead will be long, their country will be with them every single step of the way. That's who we are and that's how we treat our family and friends, and our neighbors wherever they are in the country. So we're going to help them recover. We're going to help them rebuild for as long as it takes. And eventually, life will go on and new memories will be made. New laughter will come. New songs will be sung.

And that's often why we turn to music during trying times — for comfort and for inspiration, and sometimes just for a good diversion. George Gershwin, it was said, was a “man who lives in music,” who “expresses everything, serious or not, sound or superficial, by means of music, because it is his native language.” And I can't think of a better description of tonight's Gershwin Prize recipient, singer-songwriter Carole King.

By the age of four, Carole was already mastering the piano. By 15, she had already conducted her first orchestra. By 17, she had already written her first number one hit, which you've already heard — “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” — with Gerry Goffin. So at this point, all of you are feeling like underachievers. I understand. (Laughter.) It was pretty clear by this time that this promising young musician from New York — who grew up not far from where George and Ira Gershwin were born — was destined for similar heights.

Whether it was Little Eva telling us to do the “Loco-Motion” or Aretha Franklin belting out the anthem of “A Natural Woman” or James Taylor reminding us that even here in Washington, “You’ve got a friend” — (laughter) — for an entire decade, behind so many of the songs that touched our hearts, behind so many of the lyrics that stirred our soul there was Carole — ever joyful, ever uplifting.

And then, in 1971, came the …read more

Source: White House Press Office

By The White House

President Obama joined National Security Advisor Tom Donilon’s meeting today with Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolay Patrushev. The President expressed appreciation for President Putin’s condolences and offer of assistance in the wake of the Oklahoma tornado. The President reaffirmed his desire to strengthen the bilateral relationship, including U.S.-Russian economic ties. They also discussed the importance of deepening counterterrorism cooperation and the need for a negotiated political settlement in Syria. The President noted he looked forward to seeing President Putin in June at the G-8 Summit.

…read more

Source: White House Press Office

By The White House

The President today made additional disaster assistance available to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians by authorizing an increase in the level of federal funding for Public Assistance projects undertaken by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians as a result of severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides during the period of January 14-17, 2013.

Under the President’s major disaster declaration issued for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians on March 1, 2013, federal funding was made available for Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation at 75 percent federal funding of total eligible costs.

Under the President's order today, the federal share for Public Assistance has been increased to 90 percent of the total eligible costs.

…read more

Source: White House Press Office

By The White House

Via Teleconference

3:37 P.M. EDT

MS. TROTTER: Thanks, everyone, for joining today’s call. Our hope is to provide you with a more detailed sense of the Vice President and Dr. Biden’s schedule and goals during their trip next week to Colombia, Trinidad and Tobago and Brazil.

This call will be on background and our speakers are happy to take questions after they give some brief opening statements at the top. We’d like to keep this call as focused on the trip as much as possible and just remind everyone it’s one question per person.

With that I will turn it over to our first official who you can quote as a senior administration official.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thanks, everyone, for joining the call. As you all know as this point, Vice President Biden will be making his fourth trip to the region next week since he became Vice President. And it follows on President Obama’s recent visit to Mexico and Costa Rica as our latest demonstration of the United States’ commitment to reinforcing our partnerships in the Americas.

It will also be our latest demonstration of an approach to engagement from the beginning that has been based on mutual respect and shared responsibility.

President Obama and Vice President Biden right from the outset of their time in office have made clear their view that the Americas represent a region of opportunity for the United States, and they're looking at the period that we’ve entered now as a time to really ramp up our engagement in the hemisphere in every part of the hemisphere, in Mexico, in Central America, the Caribbean and South America. And you will see a number of visits in the coming months, most immediately President Piñera of Chile and President Humala of Peru, and further travel by the Vice President to the region later in the year as well.

When we look to the Americas, we see a region that has reduced poverty by over 50 percent in the last decade and has seen tens of millions of people join the middle class. And I said earlier that we look at this as a region of opportunity, and it’s in no small part because the countries of the region are among our most important trading partners, and that's only becoming more true as time goes on. Our economies, our societies, our people are becoming more and more connected.

The Vice President gave remarks on May 8th to the Conference of the Americas at the State Department where he laid out the vision and the agenda for the administration’s approach to the hemisphere in the second term. And his sort of fundamental, underlying point was that our objective is to work with our partners across the hemisphere to promote a hemisphere that's middle class, secure and democratic. And that's the message that he’s going to be carrying with him when he goes on this trip next week.

Now, the countries that the Vice …read more

Source: White House Press Office

By The White House

NATIONAL MARITIME DAY, 2013

– – – – – – –

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Through every chapter of the American story, ordinary men and women have accomplished extraordinary things as members of the United States Merchant Marine. When the idea of America depended on the success of a revolution, mariners took on the world's most powerful navy and helped secure our future as a sovereign Nation. In the decades since, they have sustained critical supply lines for our troops abroad — at times enduring profound losses to keep our sea lanes open. And through war and peace alike, the Merchant Marine has driven our economic growth by shipping our products all around the world. On National Maritime Day, we honor the generations of mariners who have served and sacrificed to make our country what it is today.

To keep America moving forward in the 21st century, we need to expand trade and commerce that creates good jobs for our people. Businesses in every corner of our country are stepping up to meet that challenge, ramping up manufacturing and selling more goods and services overseas. As they do, our Merchant Marine is making sure our products get wherever they need to go — from ports here at home to new markets halfway across the globe. Their work is essential to growing our economy, and my Administration remains committed to getting our mariners the support they need to carry out their mission.

Whether equipping our service members in the theater of war or guiding our maritime industry in the calm of peace, the United States Merchant Marine has helped keep America strong for more than two centuries. Let us mark this day by reflecting on that legacy of service, honoring the men and women who forged it, and saluting the proud mariners who carry it forward today.

The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as “National Maritime Day,” and has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate observance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2013, as National Maritime Day. I call upon the people of the United States to mark this observance and to display the flag of the United States at their homes and in their communities. I also request that all ships sailing under the American flag dress ship on that day.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

BARACK OBAMA

…read more

Source: White House Press Office

By The White House

James S. Brady Press Briefing Room

1:08 P.M. EDT

MR. CARNEY: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for being here. Before I take your questions I just wanted to say a couple of things.

As you heard from the President, his thoughts and prayers are with the people of Oklahoma as they continue to respond and recover from devastating tornadoes and severe weather. Last night the President approved a major disaster declaration for Oklahoma, making federal funding available to support affected individuals, as well as additional federal assistance to support immediate response and recovery efforts.

Since yesterday afternoon, the President has spoke with Governor Fallin, Representative Tom Cole, and the Mayor of Moore, Oklahoma, Glenn Lewis. Earlier today, the President received a briefing in the Oval Office from his team on the latest response efforts underway. Participants included Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, Lisa Monaco; Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano; Chief of Staff Denis McDonough; Deputy Chief of Staff Alyssa Mastromonaco; and FEMA Deputy Administrator Richard Serino. The President will continue to receive updates from his team as well as from officials in the region.

At the President’s direction, FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate is now on the ground in Oklahoma to make sure that federal resources are available and fully supporting the efforts of the Governor’s team. Additionally, tomorrow Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano will travel to Oklahoma to meet with state and local officials and ensure that first responders are receiving the assistance they need in ongoing response and recovery efforts to the severe weather that has affected the region.

FEMA has been providing resources since Sunday to support Oklahoma as they respond to deadly storms. As of this morning, more than 150 FEMA personnel were on the ground to assist in the response, with more on the way. Briefly, I'll say this includes a national incident management assistance team and two regional IMATs are deployed to the State Emergency Operations Center in Oklahoma City to coordinate with state and local officials in support of recovery operations. Three national urban search and rescue teams, one from Texas, one from Nebraska, and one from Tennessee, and an additional incident support team — together they have all been deployed to support the immediate response efforts.

Two mobile emergency response support teams — MERS — are in Oklahoma to provide self-sustaining telecommunications, logistics, and operations support elements to assist in the immediate response needs, and additional teams are being deployed. Finally, three disaster survivor assistance teams are scheduled to arrive later today into communities to help address immediate and emerging needs of disaster survivors, including onsite registration, applicant status checks, on-the-spot needs assessments, and access to partners offering survivor services.

With that, I'll go to your questions. Julie.

Q Thank you. …read more

Source: White House Press Office

By The White House

University of Maryland
College Park, Maryland

11:54 A.M. EDT

MRS. OBAMA: Well, thank you. (Applause.) Oh, my goodness. Thank you so much. (Applause.) Oh, my goodness. It is such a — you all, rest yourselves. You’ve got a long day ahead. It is beyond a pleasure and an honor for me to be here with all of you today.

Of course, I want to start by thanking President Bernim for that very kind introduction, for this wonderful degree, and for his outstanding leadership here at Bowie State University. I also want to recognize Chancellor Kirwan, Provost Jackson, Executive Vice President and General Counsel Karen Johnson Shaheed, Vice Chair Barry Gossett. And of course, I want to thank the BSU Madrigal Singers — they did a great job — the university choir, and DeMarcus Franklin for their wonderful performances here today. You all are amazing. I just wish I could sing. Can’t sing a lick.

I also want to recognize today’s Presidential Medal of Excellence recipient, Professor Freeman Hrabowski, who’s a for-real brother as well. (Applause.) And I want to thank him for his tremendous work as the Chair of the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans. He has done some magnificent work, but we have so much more work to do.

And let’s take another moment to thank all of the beautiful people sitting all around us today — the folks who have loved you and pushed you and put up with you every step of the way. (Applause.) Give another round of applause to all the family members who are here today. (Applause.) Yes, indeed. This is your day, too.

But most of all, to the Bowie State University class of 2013, congratulations. (Applause.) Oh, congratulations. You don’t know how proud we all are of you. Just look at you. We’re so proud of how hard you worked, all those long hours in the classroom, in the library. Oh, yeah. Amen. (Laughter.) All those jobs you worked to help pay your tuition. Many of you are the first in your families to get a college degree. (Applause.) Some of you are balancing school with raising families of your own. (Applause.) So I know this journey hasn’t been easy. I know you’ve had plenty of moments of doubt and frustration and just plain exhaustion.

But listen, you dug deep and you kept pushing forward to make it to this magnificent day. (Applause.) And in doing so, you didn’t just complete an important chapter in your own story, you also became part of the story of this great university — a story that began nearly 150 years ago, not far from where we all sit today. As you all know, this school first opened its doors in January of 1865, in

Source: White House Press Office

By The White House

Crownpoint, New Mexico
May 17, 2013

Good morning, everyone!

Ya'aa'tey shi Din'e

It’s wonderful to be here in New Mexico to celebrate such an important day with all of you!

Thank you, Roselyn, for that very kind introduction. Dr. Guy, thank you for hosting me here today.

Last night, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet President Shelly and his wife, Martha, and see the students from Dine Bi Olta Elementary School and Miyamura High School perform the basket and ribbon dances. The dances were beautiful.

Thank you, President Shelly and Council Delegate Simpson for having me today.

All of you graduating today stand on the shoulders of those who came before you – your parents, your grandparents, and all of your ancestors. It is their vision, and their determination that created this community and built this college.

So as we celebrate your accomplishments here today, we also remember and acknowledge their sacrifices to make this all possible.

Navajo Technical College is a special place. For the second year in a row I know you were recognized by the Aspen Institute as being one of the top 120 community colleges in the United States – in part because of your graduation rate near 80 percent. That’s amazing!

I know you are also celebrating your first student to graduate with a Baccalaureate Degree this year – congratulations to Dody Begay– who is graduating with his degree in Information Technology!

Some of you know my story. I’ve been a teacher for more than 30 years, and I continue to teach full-time at a community college in Northern Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C.

This time of year is always a little bittersweet for me. I’m happy to have finished up another semester and look forward to a little summer break. But I know I’ll be missing my students.

And those feelings – which I’m sure many of your teachers share – are only amplified for those who are graduating.

We are so proud of you. We hope we have given you every bit of advice to help you succeed. And we are excited to see what you’ll do next.

College is a place that changes lives, for the better. And tribal colleges are especially unique places … particularly for students who might otherwise not have the opportunity to attain a higher education.

Tribal colleges, like community colleges, meet students exactly where they are.

As a community college teacher, I see every day that my students have all made a choice to be there, to be better, to continue their education.

They have made a choice to be in the classroom, even though they might be working one or two other jobs, juggling child care, and raising families.

My students have made the choice because they believe in themselves.

And we believe in them, too. We stand behind them.

Today, I would like to share a few stories of your fellow graduates and how they embody three important lessons about community and as you move forward in your lives, about your sense of place

Source: White House Press Office

By The White House

WASHINGTON – President Obama today announced the appointment of Daniel Werfel as Acting Commissioner of Internal Revenue, effective Wednesday, May 22. As Acting Commissioner, Mr. Werfel will lead efforts to ensure the IRS implements new safeguards to restore public trust and administers the tax code with fairness and integrity. Mr. Werfel has agreed to serve through the end of the fiscal year.

President Obama said, “Throughout his career working in both Democratic and Republican administrations, Danny has proven an effective leader who serves with professionalism, integrity and skill. The American people deserve to have the utmost confidence and trust in their government, and as we work to get to the bottom of what happened and restore confidence in the IRS, Danny has the experience and management ability necessary to lead the agency at this important time.”

Mr. Werfel, 42, currently serves as Controller of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), where he has led efforts across the federal government to improve Federal program integrity, including all areas of financial management, financial reporting, accounting standards, improper payments, and financial systems, among others. Prior to his current role, Mr. Werfel served in multiple career civil service capacities at OMB, including as Deputy Controller, Chief of the Financial Integrity and Analysis Branch, Budget Examiner in the Education Branch, and Policy Analyst in the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. Mr. Werfel has also served as a Trial Attorney in the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division.

Mr. Werfel is a recipient of both national and local awards from the Association of Government Accountants for his contributions to Federal financial management. During the Bush Administration, he was the recipient of the Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Service. Mr. Werfel also served as a member of the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board from 2006 to 2009.

Mr. Werfel holds a Masters Degree in Public Policy from Duke University, a Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Bachelors Degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University.

Source: White House Press Office

By The White House

Rose Garden

12:48 P.M. EDT

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Please be seated, everybody. Good afternoon.

It is a great pleasure to welcome my friend, Prime Minister Erdogan, back to the White House. This visit is also another opportunity for me to return the extraordinary hospitality that the Prime Minister and the Turkish people showed me on my visit to Turkey four years ago. And that included my visit to the Prime Minister’s beautiful hometown of Istanbul.

This visit reflects the importance that the United States places on our relationship with our ally, Turkey, and I value so much the partnership that I've been able to develop with Prime Minister Erdogan.

Today we discussed the many areas in which our countries cooperate, including Afghanistan, where our troops serve bravely together; the G20, where we promote our shared prosperity; and Iran, where we agree it is critical that we do not see that country acquire a nuclear weapon and potentially trigger an arms race throughout the region.
Given our shared interest in peace, I want to note the Prime Minister’s efforts to normalize relations with Israel. This will benefit both the Turkish and Israeli people and can also help us make progress on a two-state solution, including an independent Palestinian state.

Today, we focused on three areas that I want to highlight. First, we agreed to keep expanding trade and investment. Over the past four years, our trade has surged and U.S. exports to Turkey have more than doubled. As the United States pursues a new trade and investment partnership with the EU, I want to make sure that we also keep deepening our economic ties with Turkey. So we’re creating a new high-level committee that will focus on increasing trade and investment between our two countries and will help fuel Turkish innovation. And the progress that Turkey’s economy has made over the last several years I think has been remarkable and the Prime Minister deserves much credit for some of the reforms that are already taking place.

Second, as NATO allies we’re reaffirming our solemn commitment to our mutual security. Mr. Prime Minister, on behalf of the American people, I want to express our condolences to the Turkish people and the victims of the outrageous bombings that took place in Reyhanli. As always, the United States stands with you as you defend your nation against terrorism. We want to thank you for the cooperation that you provided us in threats against the United States.

And I want to take this opportunity to commend you and the Turkish people for your courage in seeking an historic and peaceful resolution of the PKK violence that has plagued Turkey for so long. And just as the United States has stood with you in your long search for security, we will support efforts in Turkey to uphold the rule of law and good governance and human rights for all.

Finally, we spent a great deal

Source: White House Press Office

By The White House

In April 2009, President Obama and Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan agreed to elevate U.S.-Turkish bilateral economic relations to a strategic level commensurate with our historically close political-military ties. In the last four years, U.S.-Turkish commercial relations have touched new highs; bilateral trade reached record levels of nearly $20 billion in 2011, with U.S. FDI in Turkey of over $5 billion and Turkish FDI in the United States of nearly $1 billion.

The Framework for Strategic Economic & Commercial Cooperation (FSECC)

President Obama and Prime Minister Erdogan launched the Framework for Strategic Economic & Commercial Cooperation (FSECC) in 2009 as part of our bilateral commitment to strengthen the economic component of the bilateral relationship. A Cabinet-level dialogue, chaired by the Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative for the United States and the Deputy Prime Minister for the Economy and Minister of Economy for Turkey, the FSECC has become a core institution for aligning bilateral economic priorities and advancing our mutual trade and investment policy objectives. Additionally, the United States’ proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP) with the European Union (EU) could have an impact on Turkey, given its Customs Union with the EU. With that in mind, the United States and Turkey decided today to establish a bilateral High Level Committee led by the Ministry of Economy of Turkey and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, associated with the Framework for Strategic Economic and Commercial Cooperation, with the ultimate objective of continuing to deepen our economic relations and liberalize trade.

Cooperation to Promote Clean Energy

Developing the market sector for clean energy technologies is critical to meeting Turkey’s energy demand and is ripe for U.S.-Turkish cooperation. As Turkey seeks to accommodate rapidly growing energy demand, it recognizes the need to identify new energy sources and to further improve its energy efficiency. To meet Turkey’s plans to achieve 30 percent renewable energy production by 2023, and $40 billion in investment in clean energy sector by 2020, the United States and Turkey have accelerated their cooperation on clean energy issues. These activities include partnering to implement a pilot project of the “Near Zero Zone.” This project has helped industrial companies operating in the Izmir Ataturk Organized Industrial Zone reduce their energy usage through a series of cost-effective efficiency upgrades. The United States is seeking to support the Turkish replication of the Near Zero Zone in other industrial zones across Turkey, including the Kayseri and Dudullu Industrial Zones, by providing technical training to Turkish industrial zone managers to target specific industrial zone technical issues and to Turkish Energy Service Companies to share U.S. technical skills and experience, and new efficiency technologies.

Leading the Innovation Economy

The United States and Turkey recognize that the innovation economy is critical to creating good jobs and robust economic growth in both of our countries. So we are working together in priority sectors for our economies – including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and information and

Source: White House Press Office

By The White House

The United States and Turkey share a strong partnership and friendship, rooted in common values and strategic interests, and reinforced by the enduring links between the people of both countries. The United States is firmly committed to broadening and deepening this partnership, and together we have taken great strides in recent years. A shared vision for how to advance bilateral, regional, and global issues continues to drive the United States and Turkey ever closer. The vital people-to-people connections that thrive across an extensive range of sectors and topics ensure this relationship continues to modernize and advance. Following are key areas of this important partnership.

Global Partners: The United States welcomes Turkey’s leadership on the world stage to address a range of challenges that we are stronger confronting together. Our leaders meet often and work as partners on topics such as encouraging a political transition in Syria, promoting Middle East Peace, supporting economic reform and growth throughout the Middle East/North Africa region, advancing a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus, normalizing relations with Armenia, and encouraging the highest standards for human rights, democracy, and governance at home and abroad.

Economic and Trade Partners: We have a strong and growing trade and investment relationship, and we remain committed to strengthening it even further. Over the last four years, our bilateral trade has grown 75 percent to nearly $20 billion, and U.S. exports have more than doubled. Prospects for the future are even brighter, as American and Turkish companies are collaborating across a range of sectors, including technology, pharmaceuticals, energy, and infrastructure. Our aerospace companies are moving ahead with a $3.5 billion deal to jointly build our most advanced helicopter. The Cabinet-level Framework for Strategic Economic & Commercial Cooperation (FSECC) that the United States and Turkey launched in 2009 is the focal point for efforts to improve the trade and investment climate in both countries by working through obstacles to increased market access, and identifying new areas of collaboration. The United States’ proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP) with the European Union (EU) could have an impact on Turkey, given its Customs Union with the EU. With that in mind, the United States and Turkey decided today to establish a bilateral High Level Committee led by the Ministry of Economy of Turkey and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, associated with the Framework for Strategic Economic and Commercial Cooperation, with the ultimate objective of continuing to deepen our economic relations and liberalize trade.

Partners in Countering Terrorism: Our countries are stronger when we work together on common challenges, such as safeguarding our citizens. Recent terrorist attacks in both the United States and Turkey remind us of the continuing threat of terrorism and the risks we take to maintain an open, democratic, and free society. As co-chairs of the Global Counterterrorism Forum, Turkey and the United States are working together to build the international cooperation and capacities that are

Source: White House Press Office

By The White House

Vice President Biden met with Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic this afternoon in Washington. The Vice President reiterated the United States’ commitment to a strong and growing bilateral partnership with Serbia. The Vice President congratulated Prime Minister Dacic on reaching an initial agreement in the EU-facilitated Dialogue to normalize Serbia’s relationship with Kosovo. This agreement holds the promise of advancing the European aspirations of both countries and securing a peaceful and prosperous future for their citizens. Prime Minister Dacic and his government showed leadership and conviction in taking this important step. The Vice President underscored the importance of Serbia and Kosovo moving forward expeditiously to meet their Dialogue commitments and to implement the agreement in full. The Vice President encourages both Serbia and Kosovo to take this historic opportunity to move their countries forward.

Source: White House Press Office

By The White House

President Obama will welcome His Excellency President Thein Sein to the White House on Monday, May 20, 2013. Since President Obama’s historic trip to Rangoon last November, the United States has continued to advocate for continued progress on reform by President Thein Sein’s government, in close cooperation with Aung San Suu Kyi, civil society leaders, and the international community. The President looks forward to discussing with President Thein Sein the many remaining challenges to efforts to develop democracy, address communal and ethnic tensions, and bring economic opportunity to the people of his country, and to exploring how the United States can help.

President Thein Sein’s visit underscores President Obama’s commitment to supporting and assisting those governments that make the important decision to embrace reform, and highlights the dedication of the United States to helping the Burmese people realize the full potential of their extraordinary country.

Source: White House Press Office

By The White House

On Friday, May 17^th, at 10:00 AM MT/ 12:00 PM ET, Dr. Jill Biden will deliver the commencement address at Navajo Technical College in Crownpoint, New Mexico. Dr. Biden will address the 33^rd graduating class of Navajo Technical College (NTC), one of two tribal colleges serving the Navajo Nation. NTC was recently recognized for the second consecutive year by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program as being one of the top 120 community colleges in the United States, in part because of its graduation rate near 80 percent.

NTC offers 20 certificate programs, 15 associate degrees, and six baccalaureate degrees to a student population of nearly 1,800 students. Many of the programs at NTC are designed to help create new jobs and economic opportunities on or near the Navajo Nation, while equipping their students with the skills they need to succeed in those jobs. Through this approach, NTC has developed partnerships and collaborations with other universities, including Arizona State University, the private sector, and federal agencies.

The commencement, including Dr. Biden’s remarks, will be live streamed at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/navajo-tech-crownpoint-nm.

Source: White House Press Office

By The White House

James S. Brady Press Briefing Room

1:09 P.M. EDT

MR. CARNEY: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for being here. I appreciate your attendance. And I have no announcements to make at the top, so I'll go straight to the Associated Press.

Q Thanks, Jay. For fear of stating the obvious, the White House right now is confronting a confluence of issues — Benghazi talking points, IRS reviews of political groups, Justice Department review of journalists’ phone records. And in every instance, either the President or you have placed the burden of responsibility someplace else. On the Benghazi talking points, it’s been political motivations on the Hill. On the IRS, it’s been the bureaucrats at the IRS. And on the Justice Department issue, yesterday in your statement you said those matters are handled independently by the Justice Department. But it is the President’s administration, so I wonder, doesn’t responsibility for setting tone and setting direction ultimately rest with the President on these matters?

MR. CARNEY: Well, the responsibility to set tone and to focus on the priorities of the American people is absolutely the responsibility of the President. And you see and hear him do that every day as he fulfills his duties as President.

I think you have to separate these issues, and I think if you look at the answers the President gave yesterday in response to questions, on one hand, about the clear political circus that Benghazi has become and his response to questions about the reports of activity by the IRS, I think you see something different. He made clear that if the reports about the activity of IRS personnel proved to be true, he would find them outrageous, and he would expect appropriate action be taken and that people be held responsible. He has no tolerance for targeting of specific groups, conservative groups, if the reporting is true on this, and he would expect action to be taken.

But this is a matter, when it comes to the IRS, that is under review by the independent Inspector General. We have not seen that report. It is our understanding that its release is fairly imminent, and once we have that report we'll be able to assess next steps. So at this point, we have to wait for the action of an independent investigator, if you will, the Inspector General, before we can jump to conclusions about what happened, whether there was a deliberate targeting of groups inappropriately, and if that's the case, what action should be taken. But you can be sure, and I would point you to the President’s response yesterday, what his feelings are about this kind of action if it, in fact, took place.

On the issue of what is a Department of Justice investigation, as I understand it, the President is a strong defender of the First Amendment and a firm believer in the need

Source: White House Press Office