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1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,500 Mr. Carney: Before I take your questions I just 2 00:00:02,500 --> 00:00:06,633 wanted to congratulate on behalf of the President 3 00:00:06,633 --> 00:00:08,834 and everyone here at the White House Meb 4 00:00:08,834 --> 00:00:11,966 Keflezighi, who just won the Boston Marathon -- 5 00:00:11,967 --> 00:00:17,467 first American to do so in 31 years, which is quite 6 00:00:17,467 --> 00:00:20,333 an accomplishment and a great year to do it. 7 00:00:20,333 --> 00:00:23,333 (applause) 8 00:00:23,333 --> 00:00:24,734 The Press: Pretty cool. 9 00:00:24,734 --> 00:00:25,100 The Press: Well done. 10 00:00:25,100 --> 00:00:26,000 Mr. Carney: That's absolutely true. 11 00:00:26,000 --> 00:00:27,100 And that's all I have at the top, 12 00:00:27,100 --> 00:00:28,767 so I'll go to Julie. 13 00:00:28,767 --> 00:00:29,266 The Press: Thanks, Jay. 14 00:00:29,266 --> 00:00:30,767 A couple of questions on Ukraine. 15 00:00:30,767 --> 00:00:34,133 Ukraine and Russia are trading blame over 16 00:00:34,133 --> 00:00:36,533 who's responsible for the shooting yesterday 17 00:00:36,533 --> 00:00:37,367 in eastern Ukraine. 18 00:00:37,367 --> 00:00:38,699 Can you just give us what 19 00:00:38,700 --> 00:00:40,500 the U.S. assessment is of what happened there? 20 00:00:40,500 --> 00:00:42,533 Mr. Carney: Julie, what I can tell you is that 21 00:00:42,533 --> 00:00:44,166 we continue to monitor events 22 00:00:44,166 --> 00:00:46,632 in eastern Ukraine closely. 23 00:00:46,633 --> 00:00:49,734 We've seen differing reports about what 24 00:00:49,734 --> 00:00:51,800 happened in Slovyansk yesterday 25 00:00:51,800 --> 00:00:54,166 but cannot independently confirm responsibility 26 00:00:54,166 --> 00:00:56,766 for these actions. 27 00:00:56,767 --> 00:00:59,333 Overall, we are concerned about the situation 28 00:00:59,333 --> 00:01:03,000 there, and we urge paramilitary groups throughout 29 00:01:03,000 --> 00:01:05,233 the eastern and southern parts of Ukraine to lay down 30 00:01:05,233 --> 00:01:07,000 their weapons and depart the buildings 31 00:01:07,000 --> 00:01:09,767 that they have occupied, as was called for 32 00:01:09,767 --> 00:01:13,232 in the accord signed in Geneva last week. 33 00:01:13,233 --> 00:01:14,734 We continue to call on Russia 34 00:01:14,734 --> 00:01:18,699 to use its influence over these groups to press them 35 00:01:18,700 --> 00:01:21,600 to disarm and to turn occupied buildings 36 00:01:21,600 --> 00:01:23,633 over to the authorities. 37 00:01:23,633 --> 00:01:25,667 We commend the government of Ukraine 38 00:01:25,667 --> 00:01:29,400 for continuing to demonstrate restraint, and are hopeful that 39 00:01:29,400 --> 00:01:32,734 all parties in the Rada will shortly be able to agree 40 00:01:32,734 --> 00:01:35,333 on an amnesty bill to help deescalate 41 00:01:35,333 --> 00:01:36,767 the situation in the east. 42 00:01:36,767 --> 00:01:38,934 As we have said, if there is not progress 43 00:01:38,934 --> 00:01:42,133 within days we remain prepared, along with our European 44 00:01:42,133 --> 00:01:46,265 and G7 partners, to impose additional costs on Russia 45 00:01:46,266 --> 00:01:47,967 for its destabilizing actions. 46 00:01:47,967 --> 00:01:49,500 So when it comes to that specific incident, we're 47 00:01:49,500 --> 00:01:55,066 still unable independently to confirm who's 48 00:01:55,066 --> 00:01:58,133 responsible for what happened there, 49 00:01:58,133 --> 00:02:00,567 but there's no question that there's been a great deal 50 00:02:00,567 --> 00:02:04,199 of destabilizing activity and that Russia 51 00:02:04,200 --> 00:02:06,800 has influence over the groups that have engaged 52 00:02:06,800 --> 00:02:09,767 in that activity, who have seized buildings. 53 00:02:09,767 --> 00:02:12,033 And we continue to call on Russia 54 00:02:12,033 --> 00:02:15,733 to use that influence to pressure those groups to disarm 55 00:02:15,734 --> 00:02:18,867 and to return the buildings to authorities. 56 00:02:18,867 --> 00:02:20,367 The Press: You mentioned a couple of steps 57 00:02:20,367 --> 00:02:22,433 that you commend Ukraine for taking in order to live 58 00:02:22,433 --> 00:02:23,900 up to the conditions of this accord. 59 00:02:23,900 --> 00:02:26,033 But do you have any indication that Russia 60 00:02:26,033 --> 00:02:28,666 is taking the steps that it agreed 61 00:02:28,667 --> 00:02:31,300 to under that agreement? 62 00:02:31,300 --> 00:02:32,867 Mr. Carney: Well, first of all, they signed the 63 00:02:32,867 --> 00:02:37,200 agreement and they have committed themselves 64 00:02:37,200 --> 00:02:42,733 by signing to use their influence to stabilize the 65 00:02:42,734 --> 00:02:47,367 situation in Ukraine or to urge those over whom they 66 00:02:47,367 --> 00:02:51,233 have influence to disarm and to return buildings 67 00:02:51,233 --> 00:02:53,967 that they have occupied back to the authorities. 68 00:02:53,967 --> 00:02:55,867 And we continue to press them to do that. 69 00:02:55,867 --> 00:02:59,299 As we have made clear, should Russia continue 70 00:02:59,300 --> 00:03:03,367 to engage in destabilizing actions in Ukraine, 71 00:03:03,367 --> 00:03:04,867 there will be costs. 72 00:03:04,867 --> 00:03:05,934 There has been already. 73 00:03:05,934 --> 00:03:09,700 And should they escalate their 74 00:03:09,700 --> 00:03:13,399 destabilizing activity the costs will escalate. 75 00:03:13,400 --> 00:03:18,633 So we're in a place now with the Vice President 76 00:03:18,633 --> 00:03:22,333 in Kyiv and meeting with Ukrainian government 77 00:03:22,333 --> 00:03:24,966 officials where we are demonstrating our support 78 00:03:24,967 --> 00:03:26,767 for that government, for the process that they have 79 00:03:26,767 --> 00:03:32,400 undertaken of both reform and near-term elections, 80 00:03:32,400 --> 00:03:35,567 and we are continuing to call on all parties 81 00:03:35,567 --> 00:03:38,400 to honor the agreements they made in Geneva. 82 00:03:38,400 --> 00:03:40,333 The Press: But at this point, do you see any 83 00:03:40,333 --> 00:03:42,400 sign that Russia is doing that, is honoring the agreement 84 00:03:42,400 --> 00:03:43,400 they made? 85 00:03:43,400 --> 00:03:47,033 Mr. Carney: What we continue to see is a 86 00:03:47,033 --> 00:03:50,833 situation in eastern Ukraine that remains very 87 00:03:50,834 --> 00:03:56,200 volatile and tense and that requires that steps 88 00:03:56,200 --> 00:04:01,367 be taken to stabilize it because of the potential 89 00:04:01,367 --> 00:04:05,367 for it to become worse and more chaotic. 90 00:04:05,367 --> 00:04:12,132 What we hope to see from Russia is the use of its 91 00:04:12,133 --> 00:04:15,867 influence on those groups that clearly respond to 92 00:04:15,867 --> 00:04:16,866 that influence. 93 00:04:16,867 --> 00:04:20,500 And we have been very clear that we firmly 94 00:04:20,500 --> 00:04:25,867 believe that Russia has supported the so-called 95 00:04:25,867 --> 00:04:30,700 separatists in eastern Ukraine that have popped 96 00:04:30,700 --> 00:04:36,166 up with arms to seize buildings, to stockpile 97 00:04:36,166 --> 00:04:37,633 weapons, to erect roadblocks. 98 00:04:37,633 --> 00:04:41,967 And Russia needs to abide by the agreement signed in 99 00:04:41,967 --> 00:04:44,900 Geneva and to take steps to help stabilize 100 00:04:44,900 --> 00:04:45,900 the situation. 101 00:04:45,900 --> 00:04:47,066 The Press: Can you just be any more specific about 102 00:04:47,066 --> 00:04:48,900 this coming days timeline? 103 00:04:48,900 --> 00:04:50,900 Officials have been using that since Thursday when 104 00:04:50,900 --> 00:04:53,599 this agreement was signed and we're now at Monday. 105 00:04:53,600 --> 00:04:56,734 How much longer do you let this play out without 106 00:04:56,734 --> 00:04:59,066 seeing some kind of concrete sign that it's 107 00:04:59,066 --> 00:05:00,933 holding and that progress is being made? 108 00:05:00,934 --> 00:05:05,800 Mr. Carney: I don't have an end date for you. 109 00:05:05,800 --> 00:05:10,633 We are in a situation where we have potential 110 00:05:10,633 --> 00:05:12,633 new sanctions that we could impose, 111 00:05:12,633 --> 00:05:17,099 as we mentioned last week, and we are closely monitoring 112 00:05:17,100 --> 00:05:21,700 events in eastern Ukraine and monitoring compliance 113 00:05:21,700 --> 00:05:24,767 with the agreement signed in Geneva, and we will 114 00:05:24,767 --> 00:05:27,700 be evaluating compliance in coming days. 115 00:05:27,700 --> 00:05:28,700 Roberta. 116 00:05:28,700 --> 00:05:32,332 The Press: What role did the White House play 117 00:05:32,333 --> 00:05:38,333 either in the timing or the substance of Friday's 118 00:05:38,333 --> 00:05:39,333 announcement on Keystone? 119 00:05:39,333 --> 00:05:40,333 Mr. Carney: The Keystone process is run out 120 00:05:40,333 --> 00:05:43,166 of the State Department, in keeping with past practice 121 00:05:43,166 --> 00:05:45,033 by administrations of both parties going back 122 00:05:45,033 --> 00:05:48,100 many decades -- or much time. 123 00:05:48,100 --> 00:05:50,900 As I understand it -- and for details you need 124 00:05:50,900 --> 00:05:54,933 to go to the State Department -- the issue here has 125 00:05:54,934 --> 00:05:59,433 to do with a court decision in Nebraska and its impact 126 00:05:59,433 --> 00:06:03,500 on the ability for the state process to continue, 127 00:06:03,500 --> 00:06:05,800 for agencies to be able to comment. 128 00:06:05,800 --> 00:06:08,633 And absent a definite route through Nebraska, 129 00:06:08,633 --> 00:06:10,532 the decision, as I understand, 130 00:06:10,533 --> 00:06:14,633 by State is that that can't continue until the situation 131 00:06:14,633 --> 00:06:15,633 in Nebraska is resolved. 132 00:06:15,633 --> 00:06:18,633 The Press: And is the President frustrated 133 00:06:18,633 --> 00:06:22,400 at all at these delays, this indefiniteness 134 00:06:22,400 --> 00:06:24,066 in the process? 135 00:06:24,066 --> 00:06:27,833 Mr. Carney: The President wants the process 136 00:06:27,834 --> 00:06:31,700 to be conducted in a way that's consistent with 137 00:06:31,700 --> 00:06:36,500 past practice and consistent with the interests 138 00:06:36,500 --> 00:06:38,567 that have to be examined when you're talking about 139 00:06:38,567 --> 00:06:41,233 an international border being crossed by a pipeline. 140 00:06:41,233 --> 00:06:45,433 There have been a series of moments along 141 00:06:45,433 --> 00:06:50,500 the path here where politics has played a role in delaying 142 00:06:50,500 --> 00:06:52,300 the process, as you know -- 143 00:06:52,300 --> 00:06:55,367 actions that Congress took, for example. 144 00:06:55,367 --> 00:06:58,800 And then there have been other instances where 145 00:06:58,800 --> 00:07:04,500 either local or state concerns slow 146 00:07:04,500 --> 00:07:10,200 down the process, or, in this case, action by a state court 147 00:07:10,200 --> 00:07:14,066 had an impact on the process itself. 148 00:07:14,066 --> 00:07:16,032 What the President has insisted on all along 149 00:07:16,033 --> 00:07:19,567 is that this process be run out of the State 150 00:07:19,567 --> 00:07:25,500 Department in accordance with established tradition 151 00:07:25,500 --> 00:07:27,233 for matters like these, and that's 152 00:07:27,233 --> 00:07:28,233 been the case here. 153 00:07:28,233 --> 00:07:30,200 The Press: So politics is not playing a role 154 00:07:30,200 --> 00:07:31,734 in this current delay? 155 00:07:31,734 --> 00:07:33,734 Mr. Carney: Again, this is a State Department 156 00:07:33,734 --> 00:07:35,166 process, it's a State Department decision, 157 00:07:35,166 --> 00:07:37,433 so I would refer you to the State Department. 158 00:07:37,433 --> 00:07:44,933 The Press: On Ukraine, you talked earlier about 159 00:07:44,934 --> 00:07:46,633 Russian support for these separatists 160 00:07:46,633 --> 00:07:50,532 who are occupying buildings and then these towns. 161 00:07:50,533 --> 00:07:52,100 What about evidence that they might 162 00:07:52,100 --> 00:07:53,367 actually be Russian? 163 00:07:53,367 --> 00:07:57,166 We've heard that Ukraine gave the OSCE photographs 164 00:07:57,166 --> 00:07:58,600 -- photographic evidence, they say, 165 00:07:58,600 --> 00:08:02,333 of actual Russians who participated in earlier events 166 00:08:02,333 --> 00:08:04,133 in Crimea or even Chechnya. 167 00:08:04,133 --> 00:08:05,133 Has the U.S. 168 00:08:05,133 --> 00:08:06,900 seen these pictures, validated them? 169 00:08:06,900 --> 00:08:08,834 What's the response to these photos, 170 00:08:08,834 --> 00:08:10,734 which certainly suggest they're not just 171 00:08:10,734 --> 00:08:12,366 supporting the separatists but -- 172 00:08:12,367 --> 00:08:15,033 Mr. Carney: Sure. Well, there's been broad consensus 173 00:08:15,033 --> 00:08:18,333 in the international community about the connection 174 00:08:18,333 --> 00:08:21,867 between Russia and the armed 175 00:08:21,867 --> 00:08:24,934 militants in Ukraine. 176 00:08:24,934 --> 00:08:27,767 And the photographs that you referred 177 00:08:27,767 --> 00:08:31,933 to that Ukraine has submitted to the OSCE 178 00:08:31,934 --> 00:08:35,433 I think reaffirm that connection. 179 00:08:35,433 --> 00:08:39,467 We have noted in the past reporting that -- 180 00:08:39,467 --> 00:08:45,633 public reporting that indicates Russian personnel 181 00:08:45,633 --> 00:08:49,300 being involved in some of the activity. 182 00:08:49,300 --> 00:08:55,433 The actions of the militants bear striking 183 00:08:55,433 --> 00:08:59,300 similarities to actions taken in Crimea. 184 00:08:59,300 --> 00:09:02,300 And I think President Putin himself noted 185 00:09:02,300 --> 00:09:05,733 the other day that Russia -- not just to separatists -- 186 00:09:05,734 --> 00:09:09,000 but Russia itself participated in that. 187 00:09:09,000 --> 00:09:12,667 So we don't have any doubt about the connection 188 00:09:12,667 --> 00:09:15,433 there, and I think that the photographs that 189 00:09:15,433 --> 00:09:18,066 are reported on today simply reaffirm that. 190 00:09:18,066 --> 00:09:19,834 The Press: So Russia then becomes -- 191 00:09:19,834 --> 00:09:22,266 if the separatists are still occupying these buildings 192 00:09:22,266 --> 00:09:26,000 and there's no marked change since this truce, 193 00:09:26,000 --> 00:09:28,734 this accord, are the Russians -- 194 00:09:28,734 --> 00:09:31,500 do you guys believe that the Russians are negotiating 195 00:09:31,500 --> 00:09:32,500 in good faith? 196 00:09:32,500 --> 00:09:33,667 It has to be about negotiations and 197 00:09:33,667 --> 00:09:36,000 not a military solution, so if the Russians 198 00:09:36,000 --> 00:09:38,734 are not just supporting separatists but separatists may 199 00:09:38,734 --> 00:09:40,300 be Russian, how are you approaching 200 00:09:40,300 --> 00:09:41,766 the Russians on it? 201 00:09:41,767 --> 00:09:43,533 Mr. Carney: We've been very direct 202 00:09:43,533 --> 00:09:48,734 with Russia and that was the case in Geneva. 203 00:09:48,734 --> 00:09:51,333 Russia understands that the international 204 00:09:51,333 --> 00:09:54,934 community holds one view about the actions 205 00:09:54,934 --> 00:09:56,834 that Russia has taken and supported in Ukraine, 206 00:09:56,834 --> 00:10:01,699 and that we stand prepared, together with 207 00:10:01,700 --> 00:10:05,433 our partners, to impose further costs 208 00:10:05,433 --> 00:10:08,800 on Russia if Russia does not take action 209 00:10:08,800 --> 00:10:10,900 to help stabilize the situation in Ukraine and 210 00:10:10,900 --> 00:10:18,033 to cease promoting destabilizing activity. 211 00:10:18,033 --> 00:10:21,533 And in the coming days, if Russia doesn't abide 212 00:10:21,533 --> 00:10:26,333 by the commitments it's made and we don't see steps 213 00:10:26,333 --> 00:10:31,333 taken to reduce the instability in the region, 214 00:10:31,333 --> 00:10:36,033 steps taken to use the influence that Russia 215 00:10:36,033 --> 00:10:38,867 has on the militants to get them to disarm and 216 00:10:38,867 --> 00:10:43,233 to turn back over the buildings that they've seized, 217 00:10:43,233 --> 00:10:45,566 then we're prepared to impose further costs. 218 00:10:45,567 --> 00:10:47,867 The Press: And also on Yemen, do you know a sense 219 00:10:47,867 --> 00:10:49,632 of timing on how long it will take before 220 00:10:49,633 --> 00:10:51,533 you'll know if the bomb-maker, al Asiri, 221 00:10:51,533 --> 00:10:54,967 was killed in these strikes? 222 00:10:54,967 --> 00:10:58,333 Mr. Carney: Well, we're aware of the reports 223 00:10:58,333 --> 00:11:01,834 and I'd point you to the Yemeni government 224 00:11:01,834 --> 00:11:04,599 and what the government itself has said. 225 00:11:04,600 --> 00:11:06,033 In statements to the press, the Yemeni 226 00:11:06,033 --> 00:11:07,600 government has confirmed that air strikes 227 00:11:07,600 --> 00:11:10,400 were carried out these weekend against al Qaeda militants 228 00:11:10,400 --> 00:11:13,132 in remote training camps and in a convoy. 229 00:11:13,133 --> 00:11:15,166 According to the Yemenis, these individuals 230 00:11:15,166 --> 00:11:17,600 were planning to target civilian and military 231 00:11:17,600 --> 00:11:20,900 facilities in al-Bayda and elsewhere. 232 00:11:20,900 --> 00:11:22,632 Now, I can't speak to specific operations, 233 00:11:22,633 --> 00:11:23,900 but we have a strong, collaborative 234 00:11:23,900 --> 00:11:25,834 relationship, as you know, with the Yemeni government 235 00:11:25,834 --> 00:11:28,000 and work together on various initiatives 236 00:11:28,000 --> 00:11:31,133 to counter the shared threat we face from AQAP. 237 00:11:31,133 --> 00:11:34,433 So in terms of more details about the strikes 238 00:11:34,433 --> 00:11:35,800 that the Yemeni government has discussed, 239 00:11:35,800 --> 00:11:38,699 I would refer you to the Yemeni government. 240 00:11:38,700 --> 00:11:39,700 Chuck. 241 00:11:39,700 --> 00:11:42,400 The Press: Just to follow up, you keep saying that 242 00:11:42,400 --> 00:11:46,567 you need to see evidence of Russia not fulfilling 243 00:11:46,567 --> 00:11:51,033 its promises and what was agreed to. 244 00:11:51,033 --> 00:11:52,467 All there has been rhetorically 245 00:11:52,467 --> 00:11:54,066 is just the opposite. 246 00:11:54,066 --> 00:11:56,567 It's been Putin saying he doesn't even understand 247 00:11:56,567 --> 00:11:58,300 why parts of Ukraine were even handed over in the 248 00:11:58,300 --> 00:11:58,934 first place. 249 00:11:58,934 --> 00:12:00,699 I mean, he's been very provocative. 250 00:12:00,700 --> 00:12:01,734 If anything, it's been 251 00:12:01,734 --> 00:12:03,166 reescalating not deescalating. 252 00:12:03,166 --> 00:12:07,100 So I guess what is the "okay, enough" as of now? 253 00:12:07,100 --> 00:12:07,700 The Press: What are you waiting for? 254 00:12:07,700 --> 00:12:10,333 The Press: What is the cutoff line here? 255 00:12:10,333 --> 00:12:11,967 Mr. Carney: Again, I don't have a specific 256 00:12:11,967 --> 00:12:13,967 deadline for you except to say that the agreement 257 00:12:13,967 --> 00:12:17,834 was signed in Geneva; we are closely monitoring events 258 00:12:17,834 --> 00:12:18,834 in eastern Ukraine. 259 00:12:18,834 --> 00:12:19,967 The Press: Is this days? 260 00:12:19,967 --> 00:12:22,900 Mr. Carney: The situation in coming days, 261 00:12:22,900 --> 00:12:27,934 you can expect that we will move forward with 262 00:12:27,934 --> 00:12:30,367 the imposition of further costs on Russia 263 00:12:30,367 --> 00:12:34,165 if Russia does not take action to comply with its 264 00:12:34,166 --> 00:12:35,000 commitments in Geneva. 265 00:12:35,000 --> 00:12:36,533 The Press: What is the action that 266 00:12:36,533 --> 00:12:37,633 you guys are waiting for -- pulling troops back? 267 00:12:37,633 --> 00:12:42,333 Mr. Carney: To see that there are actions taken 268 00:12:42,333 --> 00:12:44,699 that help stabilize the situation. 269 00:12:44,700 --> 00:12:50,567 And that would mean militias -- armed militias 270 00:12:50,567 --> 00:12:54,533 disarming, removing themselves from buildings 271 00:12:54,533 --> 00:12:56,333 that they have seized and occupied. 272 00:12:56,333 --> 00:12:59,967 The other side of the story, which is very 273 00:12:59,967 --> 00:13:02,300 important, the Ukrainian government, again, showing 274 00:13:02,300 --> 00:13:13,233 great restraint and professionalism, is taking 275 00:13:13,233 --> 00:13:16,967 steps that it can to help reduce tensions 276 00:13:16,967 --> 00:13:18,734 and deescalate, and that includes actions 277 00:13:18,734 --> 00:13:20,166 in the Rada to offer amnesty to those who have 278 00:13:20,166 --> 00:13:23,667 participated in these actions. 279 00:13:23,667 --> 00:13:25,467 The Press: By saying what you just said, 280 00:13:25,467 --> 00:13:31,766 this means that Lavrov's claim that somehow this was -- 281 00:13:31,767 --> 00:13:33,300 that the Ukrainian government was behind 282 00:13:33,300 --> 00:13:34,300 this recent incident is -- 283 00:13:34,300 --> 00:13:35,300 Mr. Carney: Again, we don't have -- 284 00:13:35,300 --> 00:13:38,500 as I said regarding the incident in Slovyansk, 285 00:13:38,500 --> 00:13:41,834 we don't have independent confirmation of exactly 286 00:13:41,834 --> 00:13:43,699 what transpired there. 287 00:13:43,700 --> 00:13:47,266 But broadly speaking, we have seen obviously 288 00:13:47,266 --> 00:13:51,065 a great deal of activity seemingly coordinated -- 289 00:13:51,066 --> 00:13:52,734 almost indisputably coordinated 290 00:13:52,734 --> 00:13:57,500 in eastern Ukraine when it comes to armed groups seizing 291 00:13:57,500 --> 00:13:59,900 buildings, occupying them, declaring themselves 292 00:13:59,900 --> 00:14:01,600 autonomous or independent and then absolutely 293 00:14:01,600 --> 00:14:02,600 in violation of Ukrainian law and constitution. 294 00:14:02,600 --> 00:14:08,934 The Press: Can you give us some -- 295 00:14:08,934 --> 00:14:11,433 moving to the announcement today at the Justice Department about 296 00:14:11,433 --> 00:14:14,367 the expanded potential executive -- 297 00:14:14,367 --> 00:14:18,834 of what applications for clemency to the President -- 298 00:14:18,834 --> 00:14:19,666 that make it to the President's desk -- 299 00:14:19,667 --> 00:14:21,867 can you fill in some of the gaps of some of the criteria 300 00:14:21,867 --> 00:14:23,766 that is going to be included in that? 301 00:14:23,767 --> 00:14:25,734 Mr. Carney: Well, probably the gaps would best 302 00:14:25,734 --> 00:14:27,066 be filled over at the Department of Justice. 303 00:14:27,066 --> 00:14:29,433 What I can tell you, as we've said before, 304 00:14:29,433 --> 00:14:31,433 the President wants to make sure that everyone 305 00:14:31,433 --> 00:14:33,967 has a fair shot under the clemency system, 306 00:14:33,967 --> 00:14:35,633 and he has asked the Department of Justice 307 00:14:35,633 --> 00:14:38,767 to set up a process aimed at ensuring that anyone who has 308 00:14:38,767 --> 00:14:42,000 a good case for commutation has their application 309 00:14:42,000 --> 00:14:45,066 seen and evaluated thoroughly. 310 00:14:45,066 --> 00:14:47,000 The number of commutations that are granted 311 00:14:47,000 --> 00:14:49,166 will depend entirely on the number 312 00:14:49,166 --> 00:14:50,700 of worthy candidates. 313 00:14:50,700 --> 00:14:53,133 And in terms of how many deserving candidates 314 00:14:53,133 --> 00:14:55,767 are out there, I couldn't begin to speculate. 315 00:14:55,767 --> 00:14:59,500 But there's a process in place that reflects 316 00:14:59,500 --> 00:15:00,967 the President's belief that everyone should have 317 00:15:00,967 --> 00:15:02,934 a fair shot under the system for consideration. 318 00:15:02,934 --> 00:15:06,033 The Press: Under this same thing, is there any -- 319 00:15:06,033 --> 00:15:08,300 does the President want a process to reconsider 320 00:15:08,300 --> 00:15:10,333 the classification of marijuana? 321 00:15:10,333 --> 00:15:13,533 Mr. Carney: Our views on that have not changed 322 00:15:13,533 --> 00:15:15,233 and I don't think this is a related -- 323 00:15:15,233 --> 00:15:17,967 The Press: There's no ongoing effort to change it from being 324 00:15:17,967 --> 00:15:19,500 a Schedule 1 controlled substance? 325 00:15:19,500 --> 00:15:20,867 Mr. Carney: Not that I'm aware of. 326 00:15:20,867 --> 00:15:21,666 I'd refer -- 327 00:15:21,667 --> 00:15:22,300 The Press: That would have an impact 328 00:15:22,300 --> 00:15:23,467 on how many -- this does have some impact on -- 329 00:15:23,467 --> 00:15:27,066 Mr. Carney: For details you should go to DOJ. 330 00:15:27,066 --> 00:15:29,934 And I don't want to venture too far out here 331 00:15:29,934 --> 00:15:31,467 because I'm not a lawyer or an expert in this, 332 00:15:31,467 --> 00:15:35,300 but this has to do with the Fair Sentencing Act 333 00:15:35,300 --> 00:15:38,400 the President signed into law in 2010 and 334 00:15:38,400 --> 00:15:40,834 the observation that the President has made, 335 00:15:40,834 --> 00:15:42,367 and others of both parties have made, 336 00:15:42,367 --> 00:15:49,699 about the inconsistency between current law and sentences 337 00:15:49,700 --> 00:15:53,200 that many are serving now. 338 00:15:53,200 --> 00:15:56,500 And the President simply wants a process 339 00:15:56,500 --> 00:16:02,567 by which everyone who might potentially have 340 00:16:06,500 --> 00:16:09,867 clemency available to him or her get the consideration 341 00:16:09,867 --> 00:16:10,867 that they deserve. 342 00:16:10,867 --> 00:16:11,867 The Press: Is there any interest in -- 343 00:16:11,867 --> 00:16:14,533 does the administration want the Justice Department 344 00:16:14,533 --> 00:16:16,767 to look into reclassifying marijuana? 345 00:16:16,767 --> 00:16:17,867 Mr. Carney: I don't have anything 346 00:16:17,867 --> 00:16:21,766 new on that issue since the last time we talked about it. 347 00:16:21,767 --> 00:16:22,600 Jon. 348 00:16:22,600 --> 00:16:24,767 The Press: Back to the Keystone decision. 349 00:16:24,767 --> 00:16:26,800 It's obviously a decision that 350 00:16:26,800 --> 00:16:29,567 has big political ramifications. 351 00:16:29,567 --> 00:16:31,934 Was there any communication between 352 00:16:31,934 --> 00:16:33,199 the White House and the State 353 00:16:33,200 --> 00:16:36,066 Department before the State Department moved forward and 354 00:16:36,066 --> 00:16:37,734 decided to delay the decision? 355 00:16:37,734 --> 00:16:39,500 Mr. Carney: Again, this is a process 356 00:16:39,500 --> 00:16:41,367 run out of State. 357 00:16:41,367 --> 00:16:44,099 State has made an announcement related to 358 00:16:44,100 --> 00:16:45,500 -- The Press: I'm just asking if they talked 359 00:16:45,500 --> 00:16:45,934 to State before -- 360 00:16:45,934 --> 00:16:46,567 Mr. Carney: -- the Nebraska court 361 00:16:46,567 --> 00:16:47,166 decision. 362 00:16:47,166 --> 00:16:49,233 I don't have any conversations 363 00:16:49,233 --> 00:16:50,233 that I'm aware of. 364 00:16:50,233 --> 00:16:51,967 This process is run out of State and this 365 00:16:51,967 --> 00:16:53,800 is in reaction to, as I understand it, 366 00:16:53,800 --> 00:16:57,065 a Nebraska Supreme Court decision which could ultimately 367 00:16:57,066 --> 00:17:00,300 affect the pipeline in that state -- 368 00:17:00,300 --> 00:17:01,300 the pipeline route. 369 00:17:01,300 --> 00:17:04,666 And again, they have the details and 370 00:17:04,666 --> 00:17:07,233 the expertise over at State in the running of this process, 371 00:17:07,233 --> 00:17:08,934 but it stands to reason that if you're 372 00:17:08,934 --> 00:17:10,633 in the middle of a process by which agencies -- 373 00:17:10,633 --> 00:17:12,066 and you're at the stage where agencies are supposed 374 00:17:12,066 --> 00:17:15,500 to comment on a pipeline route and that 375 00:17:15,500 --> 00:17:18,032 route itself may be in doubt because of a state 376 00:17:18,032 --> 00:17:21,934 Supreme Court decision, it stands to reason that 377 00:17:21,934 --> 00:17:24,633 more time is needed for that to be resolved 378 00:17:24,633 --> 00:17:27,567 before the process at State can be concluded. 379 00:17:27,567 --> 00:17:29,900 The Press: So the President is happy 380 00:17:29,900 --> 00:17:30,900 with the decision the State Department took? 381 00:17:30,900 --> 00:17:32,800 Mr. Carney: Again, I know there's a great urge, 382 00:17:32,800 --> 00:17:37,433 and has always been, to make this about politics, 383 00:17:37,433 --> 00:17:41,066 but we've seen along this process -- along the way 384 00:17:41,066 --> 00:17:44,934 here, along the route, a series of actions taken 385 00:17:44,934 --> 00:17:46,899 in keeping with past practice where the reviews 386 00:17:46,900 --> 00:17:48,967 are done out of the State Department. 387 00:17:48,967 --> 00:17:52,033 We are at a process where agencies were able 388 00:17:52,033 --> 00:17:54,966 to weigh in and then we have a state 389 00:17:54,967 --> 00:17:57,667 Supreme Court decision. 390 00:17:57,667 --> 00:18:01,033 The State Department has more details or can brief 391 00:18:01,033 --> 00:18:04,265 you more fully on it, but that obviously 392 00:18:04,266 --> 00:18:07,667 has a potential impact on the pipeline route, 393 00:18:07,667 --> 00:18:10,265 and therefore, the decision that 394 00:18:10,266 --> 00:18:11,467 the State Department made was made. 395 00:18:11,467 --> 00:18:14,000 The Press: Does the President have any power 396 00:18:14,000 --> 00:18:15,000 in this area? 397 00:18:15,000 --> 00:18:16,500 Could he overrule the State Department? 398 00:18:16,500 --> 00:18:18,400 Could he tell them to speed this up? 399 00:18:18,400 --> 00:18:19,834 Does he have any personal views on this? 400 00:18:19,834 --> 00:18:22,033 Is he glad to see it pushed until after the 401 00:18:22,033 --> 00:18:23,734 elections, or would he like to see this thing 402 00:18:23,734 --> 00:18:25,000 finally resolved? 403 00:18:25,000 --> 00:18:26,100 I mean, he's had the answer I think -- the 404 00:18:26,100 --> 00:18:27,100 questions on this for years now. 405 00:18:27,100 --> 00:18:28,600 Mr. Carney: The President has been consistent in 406 00:18:28,600 --> 00:18:31,934 always wanting the process to be conducted on the 407 00:18:31,934 --> 00:18:36,266 merits and in keeping with past practices of 408 00:18:36,266 --> 00:18:38,300 administrations of both parties. 409 00:18:38,300 --> 00:18:41,200 And we have seen attempts to inject politics into 410 00:18:41,200 --> 00:18:44,967 this, actions by Congress, for example, that have 411 00:18:44,967 --> 00:18:50,367 actually served to delay the normal process that 412 00:18:50,367 --> 00:18:52,600 the State Department runs, again, in administrations 413 00:18:52,600 --> 00:18:53,600 of both parties. 414 00:18:53,600 --> 00:18:59,600 So obviously nobody, as I understand it, at the 415 00:19:04,433 --> 00:19:05,433 State Department or here could anticipate the 416 00:19:05,433 --> 00:19:06,433 Nebraska Supreme Court decision. 417 00:19:06,433 --> 00:19:07,433 That decision was made; there's an assessment made 418 00:19:07,433 --> 00:19:08,433 by those who are running the process that it could 419 00:19:08,433 --> 00:19:09,667 have an impact on the pipeline route, 420 00:19:09,667 --> 00:19:11,233 so State Department made the decision that it made. 421 00:19:11,233 --> 00:19:12,265 The Press: But does he have the power -- 422 00:19:12,266 --> 00:19:13,266 Mr. Carney: I don't have -- 423 00:19:13,266 --> 00:19:15,333 I haven't talked to him about it. 424 00:19:15,333 --> 00:19:17,066 The Press: But does he have the power? 425 00:19:17,066 --> 00:19:19,266 I mean, could he call the State Department and say 426 00:19:19,266 --> 00:19:21,233 -- Mr. Carney: I'd refer you to State for how the 427 00:19:21,233 --> 00:19:22,233 process works. 428 00:19:22,233 --> 00:19:23,233 It's obviously his administration, but his 429 00:19:23,233 --> 00:19:24,834 interest is not in ruling by fiat, but for letting 430 00:19:24,834 --> 00:19:26,233 the process be properly managed and completed. 431 00:19:26,233 --> 00:19:29,000 The Press: And then can I get you just to respond -- 432 00:19:29,000 --> 00:19:31,934 obviously there have been some Democrats who are 433 00:19:31,934 --> 00:19:34,200 I guess furious about this delay. 434 00:19:34,200 --> 00:19:39,166 Senator Begich of Alaska said, "I am, frankly, 435 00:19:39,166 --> 00:19:40,166 appalled at the continued foot-dragging." 436 00:19:40,166 --> 00:19:42,633 Mary Landrieu said, "This decision 437 00:19:42,633 --> 00:19:45,133 is irresponsible, unnecessary, and unacceptable." 438 00:19:45,133 --> 00:19:47,500 Heidi Heitkamp, Democrat of North Dakota, 439 00:19:47,500 --> 00:19:50,533 said it is absolutely ridiculous that it has 440 00:19:50,533 --> 00:19:51,567 been delayed yet again. 441 00:19:51,567 --> 00:19:54,266 Your response to these Democratic senators? 442 00:19:54,266 --> 00:19:58,100 Mr. Carney: My response to any questions about 443 00:19:58,100 --> 00:20:01,233 this or statements about this is that it is a process 444 00:20:01,233 --> 00:20:03,500 run by the State Department, as has been 445 00:20:03,500 --> 00:20:05,200 the case in previous administrations 446 00:20:05,200 --> 00:20:06,633 of both parties. 447 00:20:06,633 --> 00:20:09,800 There was a decision by the Nebraska Supreme Court 448 00:20:09,800 --> 00:20:11,500 -- not here in Washington, but by the Nebraska 449 00:20:11,500 --> 00:20:14,100 Supreme Court -- that affects potentially 450 00:20:14,100 --> 00:20:16,033 the pipeline route, and the State Department 451 00:20:16,033 --> 00:20:19,667 that's running the process has made a decision about 452 00:20:19,667 --> 00:20:22,466 the impact of that decision on the process itself. 453 00:20:22,467 --> 00:20:26,166 So I would refer you to the State Department. 454 00:20:26,166 --> 00:20:27,000 The Press: You'd refer these senators 455 00:20:27,000 --> 00:20:27,600 to the State Department? 456 00:20:27,600 --> 00:20:29,065 Mr. Carney: I mean, those are just the facts, Jon. 457 00:20:29,066 --> 00:20:32,900 The process has to be compliant 458 00:20:32,900 --> 00:20:34,734 with past practice. 459 00:20:34,734 --> 00:20:36,833 Major. 460 00:20:36,834 --> 00:20:40,533 The Press: I know you said earlier that we haven't 461 00:20:40,533 --> 00:20:42,332 been able to -- this administration hasn't been 462 00:20:42,333 --> 00:20:44,600 able to independently verify all the facts 463 00:20:44,600 --> 00:20:45,667 of what happened this weekend, 464 00:20:45,667 --> 00:20:48,699 but do you know enough to say that there is nothing that you 465 00:20:48,700 --> 00:20:52,300 know so far that would justify Russian forces coming 466 00:20:52,300 --> 00:20:55,200 in to protect Russians in Ukraine, as some 467 00:20:55,200 --> 00:20:58,300 in the areas where this violence occurred have asked for? 468 00:20:58,300 --> 00:21:03,200 Mr. Carney: That would be, as a general matter, 469 00:21:03,200 --> 00:21:05,967 significant and dangerous escalation of the 470 00:21:05,967 --> 00:21:06,967 situation. 471 00:21:06,967 --> 00:21:10,800 We have made clear that that kind of action, 472 00:21:10,800 --> 00:21:14,033 direct military intervention by Russia 473 00:21:14,033 --> 00:21:18,533 in Ukraine, in eastern Ukraine, 474 00:21:18,533 --> 00:21:21,667 would be a serious escalation of the situation there 475 00:21:21,667 --> 00:21:24,966 and would be met with a serious escalation 476 00:21:24,967 --> 00:21:26,767 of the cost to Russia. 477 00:21:26,767 --> 00:21:30,100 So that's our view on that as a general matter 478 00:21:30,100 --> 00:21:31,833 and a specific matter. 479 00:21:31,834 --> 00:21:35,967 We're still assessing the events of the weekend, 480 00:21:35,967 --> 00:21:40,266 but there's no question that the overall situation 481 00:21:40,266 --> 00:21:48,000 has been greatly worsened by the intervention 482 00:21:48,000 --> 00:21:50,834 of armed militants who have seized buildings, 483 00:21:50,834 --> 00:21:57,967 stockpiled weapons, blockaded roads, and done so in the name 484 00:21:57,967 --> 00:22:02,367 of either joining Russia or being independent 485 00:22:02,367 --> 00:22:04,233 and being generally pro-Russia. 486 00:22:04,233 --> 00:22:07,033 And our whole position has always been 487 00:22:07,033 --> 00:22:10,000 that Ukraine's future has to be for Ukraine to decide 488 00:22:10,000 --> 00:22:15,433 and it should not be dictated to by outside states -- 489 00:22:15,433 --> 00:22:16,433 in this case, Russia. 490 00:22:16,433 --> 00:22:19,567 The Ukrainian parliament and government -- 491 00:22:19,567 --> 00:22:22,066 The Press: -- use it as a pretext to expand Russian 492 00:22:22,066 --> 00:22:23,300 action inside Ukraine? 493 00:22:23,300 --> 00:22:24,767 Mr. Carney: Well, I can't speak to how it might 494 00:22:24,767 --> 00:22:26,633 be viewed in Moscow, but that is, of course, 495 00:22:26,633 --> 00:22:28,500 a very serious concern as a general matter, 496 00:22:28,500 --> 00:22:32,500 that pretext of the kind that we've seen, 497 00:22:32,500 --> 00:22:39,100 some of them fairly blatant and transparent, only serve 498 00:22:39,100 --> 00:22:41,265 to further destabilize the situation in Ukraine. 499 00:22:41,266 --> 00:22:43,233 The Press: You said a moment ago when asked what 500 00:22:43,233 --> 00:22:45,300 has Russia done to comply with the agreement, 501 00:22:45,300 --> 00:22:47,567 you said, well, they signed it. 502 00:22:47,567 --> 00:22:51,700 Is it possible that it was signed knowing full 503 00:22:51,700 --> 00:22:53,433 well that the separatists or the provocateurs 504 00:22:53,433 --> 00:22:55,667 or whatever you want to call them inside of Ukraine 505 00:22:55,667 --> 00:22:57,300 would say, well, we don't recognize the Ukrainian 506 00:22:57,300 --> 00:22:58,966 government in the first place, therefore, 507 00:22:58,967 --> 00:23:00,767 it's not binding, therefore, signing 508 00:23:00,767 --> 00:23:03,233 it had no practical effect for the very government 509 00:23:03,233 --> 00:23:05,633 you're hoping will help enforce it? 510 00:23:05,633 --> 00:23:09,233 Mr. Carney: I mean, people -- 511 00:23:09,233 --> 00:23:15,899 they might have rationales for why they act, but that's not 512 00:23:15,900 --> 00:23:19,133 -- such action wouldn't be lawful in Ukraine 513 00:23:19,133 --> 00:23:20,300 under the Ukrainian constitution, 514 00:23:20,300 --> 00:23:22,734 under Ukrainian law. 515 00:23:22,734 --> 00:23:26,833 Certainly, intervention by another state 516 00:23:26,834 --> 00:23:29,033 in violation of a sovereign state's territorial 517 00:23:29,033 --> 00:23:33,899 integrity would be a transgression of international 518 00:23:33,900 --> 00:23:35,967 law, as we saw in Crimea. 519 00:23:35,967 --> 00:23:37,667 So, I mean, I'm sure there are all sorts 520 00:23:37,667 --> 00:23:41,332 of unsustainable rationales for why these kinds 521 00:23:41,333 --> 00:23:43,433 of things are done and some of them 522 00:23:43,433 --> 00:23:45,667 are just pure propaganda. 523 00:23:45,667 --> 00:23:48,800 But what we've seen out of the Ukrainian government 524 00:23:48,800 --> 00:23:51,533 and Ukrainian parliament are steps that have been 525 00:23:51,533 --> 00:23:55,233 designed to demonstrate restraint and demonstrate 526 00:23:55,233 --> 00:24:01,100 a resolve to work with those regions 527 00:24:01,100 --> 00:24:07,233 of Ukraine that may want greater autonomy. 528 00:24:07,233 --> 00:24:09,533 And the Ukrainian government 529 00:24:09,533 --> 00:24:11,667 has committed itself to a process 530 00:24:11,667 --> 00:24:12,899 of constitutional reform. 531 00:24:12,900 --> 00:24:15,000 There are national elections scheduled for 532 00:24:15,000 --> 00:24:21,100 May 25th and the Rada itself has moved along 533 00:24:21,100 --> 00:24:25,199 in a process that could result in the passage 534 00:24:25,200 --> 00:24:27,400 of legislation that would allow for amnesty 535 00:24:27,400 --> 00:24:30,633 to participants in this activity. 536 00:24:30,633 --> 00:24:32,000 So I think, again, what you have seen 537 00:24:32,000 --> 00:24:39,233 on the Ukrainian side of this is a series of steps clearly 538 00:24:39,233 --> 00:24:42,000 designed to deescalate the situation, 539 00:24:42,000 --> 00:24:43,900 and we have not yet seen that from the other side. 540 00:24:43,900 --> 00:24:48,967 The Press: You said a moment ago, 541 00:24:48,967 --> 00:24:49,834 in the coming days the cost might 542 00:24:49,834 --> 00:24:50,367 go up for the Russian government. 543 00:24:50,367 --> 00:24:52,767 Would it be reasonable to interpret 544 00:24:52,767 --> 00:24:53,734 that as by Friday? 545 00:24:53,734 --> 00:24:56,367 Mr. Carney: I'm not going to put a timeline on it, 546 00:24:56,367 --> 00:24:57,332 Major. 547 00:24:57,333 --> 00:25:03,333 I will simply say that we will assess Russia's 548 00:25:03,333 --> 00:25:07,967 actions in keeping with the commitments 549 00:25:07,967 --> 00:25:09,900 it made in Geneva and then evaluate those actions, 550 00:25:09,900 --> 00:25:16,467 and in coming days make a decision about whether 551 00:25:16,467 --> 00:25:21,066 or not further costs will be imposed because of Russian 552 00:25:21,066 --> 00:25:22,800 actions that destabilize Ukraine. 553 00:25:22,800 --> 00:25:25,200 The Press: The State Department said they've 554 00:25:25,200 --> 00:25:27,266 been investigating a chemical weapons attack 555 00:25:27,266 --> 00:25:29,000 in Syria, a new one. 556 00:25:29,000 --> 00:25:31,767 How serious is this situation and how does 557 00:25:31,767 --> 00:25:32,800 it affect ongoing 558 00:25:32,800 --> 00:25:33,834 administration policy here? 559 00:25:33,834 --> 00:25:36,333 Mr. Carney: Well, we have indications 560 00:25:36,333 --> 00:25:39,200 of the use of a toxic industrial chemical, 561 00:25:39,200 --> 00:25:42,900 probably chlorine, in Syria this month 562 00:25:42,900 --> 00:25:46,734 in the opposition-dominated village of Kfar Zeita. 563 00:25:46,734 --> 00:25:48,265 We are examining allegations 564 00:25:48,266 --> 00:25:50,500 that the government was responsible. 565 00:25:50,500 --> 00:25:52,934 We take all allegations of the use of chemicals 566 00:25:52,934 --> 00:25:55,867 in combat very seriously and we are working 567 00:25:55,867 --> 00:25:56,899 to determine what happened. 568 00:25:56,900 --> 00:25:59,200 We will continue consulting and sharing 569 00:25:59,200 --> 00:26:01,633 information with key partners, including, 570 00:26:01,633 --> 00:26:04,266 of course, at the OPCW. 571 00:26:04,266 --> 00:26:06,800 So this is a matter that's being investigated 572 00:26:06,800 --> 00:26:09,800 and we're working to determine what happened. 573 00:26:09,800 --> 00:26:12,133 And once that has been established, 574 00:26:12,133 --> 00:26:15,266 we can talk about what reaction, if any, or response, 575 00:26:15,266 --> 00:26:18,000 if any, there would be from the international community. 576 00:26:18,000 --> 00:26:19,033 The Press: What does it tell you in the context 577 00:26:19,033 --> 00:26:21,332 of what the administration has touted 578 00:26:21,333 --> 00:26:24,900 has been general success of getting the Syrians to dismantle 579 00:26:24,900 --> 00:26:28,100 -- Mr. Carney: Indications of use -- we are still establishing 580 00:26:28,100 --> 00:26:30,199 what happened and who was responsible. 581 00:26:30,200 --> 00:26:31,467 We're examining allegations 582 00:26:31,467 --> 00:26:33,467 that the regime was responsible. 583 00:26:33,467 --> 00:26:39,500 We continue the process with our partners 584 00:26:39,500 --> 00:26:44,233 that Syria committed to -- the Assad regime as well 585 00:26:44,233 --> 00:26:47,767 as Russia committed to that has led now to more 586 00:26:47,767 --> 00:26:51,767 than 65 percent of the Syrian regime's stockpiles 587 00:26:51,767 --> 00:26:54,500 of chemical weapons being removed for destruction, 588 00:26:54,500 --> 00:26:56,200 and that process continues. 589 00:26:56,200 --> 00:26:59,600 The Press: Jay, a couple of minutes ago you said 590 00:26:59,600 --> 00:27:02,199 in the coming days you can expect we'll move forward 591 00:27:02,200 --> 00:27:03,900 to impose higher costs on the Russian economy. 592 00:27:03,900 --> 00:27:05,600 And then just to Major, you said we're going 593 00:27:05,600 --> 00:27:08,332 to evaluate whether or not -- Mr. Carney: Yes, sorry, 594 00:27:08,333 --> 00:27:10,533 the second -- I don't have a transcript 595 00:27:10,533 --> 00:27:11,533 of what I said. 596 00:27:11,533 --> 00:27:14,332 We will make a decision about -- 597 00:27:14,333 --> 00:27:16,266 The Press: Whether or not you're going to impose the costs? 598 00:27:16,266 --> 00:27:17,133 Mr. Carney: Again, depending 599 00:27:17,133 --> 00:27:17,934 on Russia's actions. 600 00:27:17,934 --> 00:27:18,466 The Press: I know, but 601 00:27:18,467 --> 00:27:20,100 -- okay, so you haven't decided. 602 00:27:20,100 --> 00:27:23,132 Mr. Carney: I think I was pretty clear about that. 603 00:27:23,133 --> 00:27:25,066 The Press: It sounded pretty definitive 604 00:27:25,066 --> 00:27:25,633 before that you were going to impose higher costs. 605 00:27:25,633 --> 00:27:26,433 Now you haven't decided yet whether 606 00:27:26,433 --> 00:27:27,667 you're going to? 607 00:27:27,667 --> 00:27:30,100 Mr. Carney: We have an agreement that 608 00:27:30,100 --> 00:27:33,466 was signed by Russia, that committed Russia to take steps 609 00:27:33,467 --> 00:27:37,133 to help stabilize the situation in Ukraine, 610 00:27:37,133 --> 00:27:40,033 and that includes using its influence 611 00:27:40,033 --> 00:27:44,199 on these armed militias -- militants, rather, to disarm and 612 00:27:44,200 --> 00:27:46,500 to return buildings that they've occupied 613 00:27:46,500 --> 00:27:48,433 back to the authorities in Ukraine. 614 00:27:48,433 --> 00:27:54,000 So we are evaluating the application -- 615 00:27:54,000 --> 00:27:56,533 or implementation of the commitments 616 00:27:56,533 --> 00:28:02,600 made in Geneva, and we'll take steps in coming days 617 00:28:04,867 --> 00:28:09,033 as dictated by compliance with those agreements. 618 00:28:09,033 --> 00:28:10,033 The Press: Okay. 619 00:28:10,033 --> 00:28:12,399 So it sounds like higher costs or further 620 00:28:12,400 --> 00:28:14,367 sanctions are ready to go if you decide 621 00:28:14,367 --> 00:28:15,367 the Russians haven't complied. 622 00:28:15,367 --> 00:28:16,367 Is that what you're saying? 623 00:28:16,367 --> 00:28:18,700 Mr. Carney: If progress is not made in coming days, 624 00:28:18,700 --> 00:28:20,867 we will impose further costs. 625 00:28:20,867 --> 00:28:23,600 The Press: And are these further costs 626 00:28:23,600 --> 00:28:24,833 by economic sector or are they more individuals? 627 00:28:24,834 --> 00:28:28,266 Or could you describe what they would be? 628 00:28:28,266 --> 00:28:30,500 Mr. Carney: Well, I'm not going to foreshadow -- 629 00:28:30,500 --> 00:28:33,567 as I think Ambassador Rice said on Friday, 630 00:28:33,567 --> 00:28:35,433 I'm not going to foreshadow specific sanctions 631 00:28:35,433 --> 00:28:37,567 that are under consideration, or individuals 632 00:28:37,567 --> 00:28:40,100 or entities that might be under consideration. 633 00:28:40,100 --> 00:28:42,500 We have said all along that the three executive 634 00:28:42,500 --> 00:28:44,700 orders that the President signed give him 635 00:28:44,700 --> 00:28:48,166 and the administration broad flexibility 636 00:28:48,166 --> 00:28:51,066 in the imposition of sanctions and the ability 637 00:28:51,066 --> 00:28:57,633 to escalate costs in response to escalation by Russia 638 00:28:57,633 --> 00:28:59,166 or other individuals and entities 639 00:28:59,166 --> 00:29:01,633 that violate Ukraine's sovereignty 640 00:29:01,633 --> 00:29:02,867 and territorial integrity. 641 00:29:02,867 --> 00:29:07,100 So I think the way to look at this is that 642 00:29:07,100 --> 00:29:08,533 the response by the United States and 643 00:29:08,533 --> 00:29:13,199 our partners will depend upon the degree of escalation 644 00:29:13,200 --> 00:29:16,500 by those violating Ukraine's sovereignty 645 00:29:16,500 --> 00:29:17,500 and territorial integrity. 646 00:29:17,500 --> 00:29:21,700 So if there is no progress made 647 00:29:21,700 --> 00:29:25,967 on the commitments reached in Geneva in coming days, 648 00:29:25,967 --> 00:29:27,500 we will impose further costs. 649 00:29:27,500 --> 00:29:28,500 The Press: Okay. 650 00:29:28,500 --> 00:29:31,166 But one of the -- part of the things to factor 651 00:29:31,166 --> 00:29:33,466 is how willing Europe, in particular, 652 00:29:33,467 --> 00:29:35,633 even more than the U.S., is willing to pay a price of its 653 00:29:35,633 --> 00:29:37,867 own, because these sanctions are not without 654 00:29:37,867 --> 00:29:39,667 some kind of a blowback. 655 00:29:39,667 --> 00:29:43,899 How confident are you that European allies 656 00:29:43,900 --> 00:29:48,600 are willing to shoulder the burden of the effect 657 00:29:48,600 --> 00:29:51,000 of further sanctions? 658 00:29:51,000 --> 00:29:51,834 Mr. Carney: I think what you've seen, Mara, 659 00:29:51,834 --> 00:29:55,633 is a great deal of consensus and unanimity 660 00:29:55,633 --> 00:30:00,900 among European nations and the United States and others 661 00:30:00,900 --> 00:30:04,700 in how we view the action that Russia has taken 662 00:30:04,700 --> 00:30:08,133 in Ukraine, in condemning it and in calling 663 00:30:08,133 --> 00:30:14,533 for steps to deescalate the situation there, 664 00:30:14,533 --> 00:30:18,199 and also to impose cost, as as the EU and separate European 665 00:30:18,200 --> 00:30:20,300 nations have done, as has the United States. 666 00:30:22,467 --> 00:30:25,967 Leaders of various partners in Europe 667 00:30:25,967 --> 00:30:27,734 have spoken to the very question that 668 00:30:27,734 --> 00:30:32,567 you've asked and made clear that there have to be costs 669 00:30:32,567 --> 00:30:35,667 that will be imposed on Russia should Russia 670 00:30:35,667 --> 00:30:37,265 choose to escalate. 671 00:30:37,266 --> 00:30:38,867 And we will work in concert with our 672 00:30:38,867 --> 00:30:42,233 European partners and allies and our G7 partners 673 00:30:42,233 --> 00:30:47,332 to do just that, as appropriate, depending on the 674 00:30:47,333 --> 00:30:48,567 degree to which progress is made 675 00:30:48,567 --> 00:30:51,133 or not made in the coming days. 676 00:30:51,133 --> 00:30:53,767 Wendell. 677 00:30:53,767 --> 00:30:58,834 The Press: The decision to offer expanded clemency 678 00:30:58,834 --> 00:31:02,734 criteria for non-violent drug users, was this 679 00:31:02,734 --> 00:31:05,934 discussed between Justice and the White House? 680 00:31:05,934 --> 00:31:10,133 Mr. Carney: Wendell, the President wants 681 00:31:10,133 --> 00:31:11,867 to make sure that everyone has a fair shot under 682 00:31:11,867 --> 00:31:13,000 the clemency system. 683 00:31:13,000 --> 00:31:14,367 He has asked the Department of Justice 684 00:31:14,367 --> 00:31:17,265 to set up a process aimed at ensuring that anyone 685 00:31:17,266 --> 00:31:19,266 who has a good case for commutation has their 686 00:31:19,266 --> 00:31:22,133 application seen and evaluated thoroughly. 687 00:31:22,133 --> 00:31:24,500 In terms of how many deserving applications 688 00:31:24,500 --> 00:31:26,400 are out there, I couldn't begin to speculate, 689 00:31:26,400 --> 00:31:28,266 but there is a process in place that ensures -- 690 00:31:28,266 --> 00:31:30,867 or that hopefully will ensure that everyone 691 00:31:30,867 --> 00:31:33,899 has a fair shot under the system. 692 00:31:33,900 --> 00:31:35,934 The President continues to believe that a resolution 693 00:31:35,934 --> 00:31:38,667 is needed for the many offenders who are serving 694 00:31:38,667 --> 00:31:42,433 unfairly long sentences under outdated guidelines, 695 00:31:42,433 --> 00:31:44,066 and that the clemency process 696 00:31:44,066 --> 00:31:46,900 is not an appropriate vehicle to address that injustice 697 00:31:46,900 --> 00:31:48,533 in a comprehensive way. 698 00:31:48,533 --> 00:31:50,600 That should be done through bipartisan 699 00:31:50,600 --> 00:31:53,734 legislation like the measures currently 700 00:31:53,734 --> 00:31:55,000 working their way through Congress. 701 00:31:55,000 --> 00:31:57,500 And as you know, this is an issue on which 702 00:31:57,500 --> 00:32:04,633 there is a bipartisan coalition that believes action 703 00:32:04,633 --> 00:32:05,967 needs to be taken and there are measures 704 00:32:05,967 --> 00:32:07,200 in Congress that reflect that. 705 00:32:07,200 --> 00:32:10,166 The Press: The use of chemical weapons 706 00:32:10,166 --> 00:32:13,767 apparent, possible use of chemical weapons in Syria -- 707 00:32:13,767 --> 00:32:21,633 is this an indication that the President 708 00:32:21,633 --> 00:32:27,834 has been unable, basically, to get the Assad regime 709 00:32:27,834 --> 00:32:31,433 to keep from going over this red line he drew? 710 00:32:31,433 --> 00:32:33,333 Mr. Carney: Again, Wendell, we have 711 00:32:33,333 --> 00:32:36,700 indications of the use of a toxic 712 00:32:36,700 --> 00:32:39,467 industrial chemical, probably chlorine, 713 00:32:39,467 --> 00:32:41,200 in Syria this month 714 00:32:41,200 --> 00:32:43,467 in an opposition-dominated village. 715 00:32:43,467 --> 00:32:45,000 We're examining allegations that 716 00:32:45,000 --> 00:32:47,800 the government was responsible and we're working 717 00:32:47,800 --> 00:32:51,200 to determine what exactly happened. 718 00:32:51,200 --> 00:32:53,900 As you know, the United States 719 00:32:53,900 --> 00:32:57,166 and other nations are participants 720 00:32:57,166 --> 00:33:00,567 in an agreement that commits the Assad 721 00:33:00,567 --> 00:33:05,200 regime to relinquishing its stockpiles of chemical 722 00:33:05,200 --> 00:33:09,166 weapons and relinquishing them for destruction. 723 00:33:09,166 --> 00:33:11,767 And that process continues, 724 00:33:11,767 --> 00:33:16,000 and we're now, I believe, at roughly 65, 67 percent of those 725 00:33:16,000 --> 00:33:18,767 weapons being turned over for destruction. 726 00:33:18,767 --> 00:33:23,033 But this specific incident is obviously, as a general 727 00:33:23,033 --> 00:33:26,100 matter, something that is of concern and that's 728 00:33:26,100 --> 00:33:29,065 why we're investigating what happened and allegations 729 00:33:29,066 --> 00:33:30,033 of who is responsible. 730 00:33:30,033 --> 00:33:34,300 The Press: And the action in Yemen -- 731 00:33:34,300 --> 00:33:36,265 what does this say to the President's stated desire 732 00:33:36,266 --> 00:33:38,000 to actually reduce the use of drones? 733 00:33:38,000 --> 00:33:43,867 And can we presume that this group pose 734 00:33:43,867 --> 00:33:48,466 a new threat to the U.S. 735 00:33:48,467 --> 00:33:49,800 and its allies? 736 00:33:49,800 --> 00:33:53,867 Mr. Carney: Well, let me answer that 737 00:33:53,867 --> 00:33:54,867 in a couple of ways. 738 00:33:54,867 --> 00:33:56,399 First of all, I can't speak to specific 739 00:33:56,400 --> 00:33:58,367 operations, as you know. 740 00:33:58,367 --> 00:34:00,367 But we have a strong collaborative relationship 741 00:34:00,367 --> 00:34:02,265 with the Yemeni government and work together 742 00:34:02,266 --> 00:34:04,433 on various initiatives to counter the shared 743 00:34:04,433 --> 00:34:07,767 threat we face from AQAP. 744 00:34:07,767 --> 00:34:10,066 We support the Yemeni government's efforts 745 00:34:10,065 --> 00:34:13,000 to tackle terrorism within their own borders; 746 00:34:13,000 --> 00:34:15,734 and beyond that, for details of these reported 747 00:34:15,734 --> 00:34:18,000 incidents, I would refer you 748 00:34:18,000 --> 00:34:19,867 to the Yemeni government. 749 00:34:19,867 --> 00:34:22,200 Again, without speaking about specific operations, 750 00:34:22,199 --> 00:34:24,100 I can tell you that in May 2013, 751 00:34:24,100 --> 00:34:26,132 President Obama spoke at length about the policy 752 00:34:26,132 --> 00:34:29,632 and legal rationale for how the United States takes 753 00:34:29,632 --> 00:34:34,232 direct action against al Qaeda and its associated forces 754 00:34:34,233 --> 00:34:36,567 outside of areas of active hostilities, 755 00:34:36,567 --> 00:34:38,300 including with drone strikes. 756 00:34:38,300 --> 00:34:40,100 And as the President made clear, 757 00:34:40,100 --> 00:34:42,065 we take extraordinary care to make sure that 758 00:34:42,065 --> 00:34:44,065 our counterterrorism actions are in accordance 759 00:34:44,065 --> 00:34:46,399 with all applicable domestic and international laws, 760 00:34:46,400 --> 00:34:48,000 and that they are consistent 761 00:34:48,000 --> 00:34:50,000 with U.S. values and policy. 762 00:34:51,433 --> 00:34:52,433 Mr. Knoller. 763 00:34:52,433 --> 00:34:54,333 The Press: Jay, is there something that 764 00:34:54,333 --> 00:34:58,400 prompted President Obama to think that the applications 765 00:34:58,400 --> 00:34:59,934 for commutation of sentence were 766 00:34:59,934 --> 00:35:02,767 not getting due consideration? 767 00:35:02,767 --> 00:35:05,933 Mr. Carney: Well, these are issues that 768 00:35:05,934 --> 00:35:07,767 the President and his administration 769 00:35:07,767 --> 00:35:09,834 have been working on for a long time. 770 00:35:09,834 --> 00:35:11,734 In 2010, Mark, as you know, the President 771 00:35:11,734 --> 00:35:15,100 pushed for and signed the Fair Sentencing Act 772 00:35:15,100 --> 00:35:18,734 to reduce disparities that punished crack cocaine offenses 773 00:35:18,734 --> 00:35:21,299 far more harshly than powder cocaine offenses. 774 00:35:21,300 --> 00:35:23,000 And since taking office, the administration 775 00:35:23,000 --> 00:35:25,133 has supported criminal justice reform 776 00:35:25,133 --> 00:35:26,700 at the state and local level. 777 00:35:26,700 --> 00:35:28,500 Last summer, the Attorney General announced 778 00:35:28,500 --> 00:35:31,767 a series of changes to enforce our drug laws more fairly, 779 00:35:31,767 --> 00:35:33,734 effectively, and efficiently. 780 00:35:33,734 --> 00:35:36,333 And last December, President Obama commuted 781 00:35:36,333 --> 00:35:38,166 the sentences of eight individuals 782 00:35:38,166 --> 00:35:40,967 who are serving unduly harsh sentences issued 783 00:35:40,967 --> 00:35:44,033 under an outdated sentencing regime. 784 00:35:44,033 --> 00:35:46,633 So that's basically a chronology that answers 785 00:35:46,633 --> 00:35:48,133 your question -- that this is a process 786 00:35:48,133 --> 00:35:50,165 that's been in place and of interest to the administration 787 00:35:50,166 --> 00:35:53,834 and the President since the beginning, 788 00:35:53,834 --> 00:35:57,567 and reflected in the signing of the law in 2010 and the actions 789 00:35:57,567 --> 00:35:58,567 that he has taken since. 790 00:35:58,567 --> 00:36:02,500 So making sure that everyone has a fair shot 791 00:36:02,500 --> 00:36:07,433 under the clemency system is what's behind 792 00:36:07,433 --> 00:36:09,567 his request to the Justice Department that 793 00:36:09,567 --> 00:36:12,533 they set up a process aimed at making sure that anyone 794 00:36:12,533 --> 00:36:14,567 who has a good case gets consideration. 795 00:36:14,567 --> 00:36:17,934 The Press: Is he satisfied with the recommendations 796 00:36:17,934 --> 00:36:20,900 he gets from the pardon attorney on both 797 00:36:20,900 --> 00:36:22,433 commutation and pardons? 798 00:36:22,433 --> 00:36:24,900 Mr. Carney: I haven't had that discussion with him, 799 00:36:24,900 --> 00:36:29,200 but the process works in the way that 800 00:36:29,200 --> 00:36:33,265 it has and I've certainly not heard a suggestion 801 00:36:33,266 --> 00:36:35,266 that the process doesn't work appropriately. 802 00:36:35,266 --> 00:36:36,266 Roger. 803 00:36:36,266 --> 00:36:38,600 The Press: Thank you. 804 00:36:38,600 --> 00:36:41,200 Mr. Biden is over in Ukraine. 805 00:36:41,200 --> 00:36:44,133 He's going to be offering a package 806 00:36:44,133 --> 00:36:45,332 of technical assistance. 807 00:36:45,333 --> 00:36:48,934 Can you describe a little bit what that's about, 808 00:36:48,934 --> 00:36:52,133 what that means, and would it include people 809 00:36:52,133 --> 00:36:53,734 from the Defense Department? 810 00:36:53,734 --> 00:36:57,734 Mr. Carney: Roger, what I can tell you is that 811 00:36:57,734 --> 00:37:01,000 the Vice President is in Ukraine to demonstrate 812 00:37:01,000 --> 00:37:03,467 our solidarity with the Ukrainian people 813 00:37:03,467 --> 00:37:05,200 and to discuss how the U.S. 814 00:37:05,200 --> 00:37:06,433 can support the international 815 00:37:06,433 --> 00:37:09,500 community's efforts to stabilize and strengthen Ukraine's 816 00:37:09,500 --> 00:37:11,800 economy and assist Ukraine in moving forward 817 00:37:11,800 --> 00:37:15,166 on constitutional reform, decentralization, 818 00:37:15,166 --> 00:37:17,166 anticorruption efforts, and free and 819 00:37:17,166 --> 00:37:20,400 fair Presidential elections on May 25th. 820 00:37:20,400 --> 00:37:22,400 He'll also be consulting on the latest developments 821 00:37:22,400 --> 00:37:25,133 in eastern Ukraine and on steps to enhance 822 00:37:25,133 --> 00:37:28,600 Ukraine's short- and long-term energy security. 823 00:37:28,600 --> 00:37:32,500 I don't have anything to announce ahead of the 824 00:37:32,500 --> 00:37:36,633 Vice President in terms of specific assistance 825 00:37:36,633 --> 00:37:39,700 that we'll be seeking to provide Ukraine. 826 00:37:39,700 --> 00:37:41,667 As you know, we have taken steps already 827 00:37:41,667 --> 00:37:47,567 to assist Ukraine through a package of loan guarantees 828 00:37:47,567 --> 00:37:49,133 passed by Congress. 829 00:37:49,133 --> 00:37:51,433 We're working very closely with our partners 830 00:37:51,433 --> 00:37:55,367 on the IMF to ensure that assistance is provided 831 00:37:55,367 --> 00:37:58,133 to Ukraine as they seek to stabilize their economy 832 00:37:58,133 --> 00:38:00,533 in this very difficult time. 833 00:38:00,533 --> 00:38:02,900 And that kind of coordination 834 00:38:02,900 --> 00:38:03,900 will continue. 835 00:38:03,900 --> 00:38:07,233 The Press: Can you say how many people it might be? 836 00:38:07,233 --> 00:38:09,834 Mr. Carney: No, again, I think I would wait 837 00:38:09,834 --> 00:38:12,899 for the Vice President to speak about his meetings 838 00:38:12,900 --> 00:38:16,767 and any assistance he might be offering. 839 00:38:16,767 --> 00:38:17,767 Jon-Christopher. 840 00:38:17,767 --> 00:38:20,232 The Press: Does the Vice President have any special 841 00:38:20,233 --> 00:38:23,500 message to deliver to the people from Belarus 842 00:38:23,500 --> 00:38:27,266 or Moldova as well as the Baltic countries 843 00:38:27,266 --> 00:38:29,166 while he is there? 844 00:38:29,166 --> 00:38:31,300 Mr. Carney: Well, he's there, principally, 845 00:38:31,300 --> 00:38:33,133 Jon-Christopher, to demonstrate 846 00:38:33,133 --> 00:38:39,000 the United States' support for Ukraine in all the ways 847 00:38:39,000 --> 00:38:41,467 that I just described. 848 00:38:41,467 --> 00:38:46,467 We have also made clear because of the events 849 00:38:46,467 --> 00:38:50,767 in Ukraine that we strongly support the sovereignty 850 00:38:50,767 --> 00:38:53,000 and territorial integrity of independent nations. 851 00:38:55,967 --> 00:38:58,900 In addition to that, we have taken steps 852 00:38:58,900 --> 00:39:02,400 with our NATO partners to reassure NATO allies, 853 00:39:02,400 --> 00:39:05,433 like Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia, 854 00:39:05,433 --> 00:39:08,467 who are NATO allies. 855 00:39:08,467 --> 00:39:13,333 And I'm sure you're aware of the actions that 856 00:39:13,333 --> 00:39:15,734 we have taken as an alliance to demonstrate 857 00:39:15,734 --> 00:39:19,967 that reassurance both in Lithuania, 858 00:39:19,967 --> 00:39:23,600 Latvia and Estonia, as we well as in Poland. 859 00:39:23,600 --> 00:39:25,734 And that process continues. 860 00:39:25,734 --> 00:39:30,633 So I think that there are slightly different 861 00:39:30,633 --> 00:39:32,466 answers to the questions that you asked. 862 00:39:32,467 --> 00:39:33,500 But as a general principle, 863 00:39:33,500 --> 00:39:36,900 I think that this whole situation in 864 00:39:36,900 --> 00:39:44,266 Ukraine has demonstrated the world's commitment to sovereign 865 00:39:44,266 --> 00:39:49,567 nations' territorial integrity, and that there are costs 866 00:39:49,567 --> 00:39:53,533 that will be imposed on nations that violate 867 00:39:53,533 --> 00:39:56,333 the territorial integrity of another nation, 868 00:39:56,333 --> 00:39:58,233 another sovereign nation. 869 00:39:58,233 --> 00:40:01,734 The Press: Jay, South Korea's media 870 00:40:01,734 --> 00:40:04,133 are counting reports of increased activity 871 00:40:04,133 --> 00:40:06,700 at the North's nuclear test site. 872 00:40:06,700 --> 00:40:07,633 Have we seen that? 873 00:40:07,633 --> 00:40:08,966 Is there a concern here perhaps 874 00:40:08,967 --> 00:40:11,934 that North Korea is maybe doing something -- planning something 875 00:40:11,934 --> 00:40:13,033 and maybe even while the President 876 00:40:13,033 --> 00:40:14,467 is in the South later this week? 877 00:40:14,467 --> 00:40:16,300 Mr. Carney: I don't have anything on those reports. 878 00:40:16,300 --> 00:40:22,300 Obviously, we monitor that kind of activity very 879 00:40:22,300 --> 00:40:25,767 closely, and we note a pattern of provocative 880 00:40:25,767 --> 00:40:32,767 actions from the regime in the DPRK that has been 881 00:40:32,767 --> 00:40:35,799 consistent unfortunately for many years. 882 00:40:35,800 --> 00:40:38,834 But I don't have anything specific on those reports. 883 00:40:38,834 --> 00:40:41,000 We obviously look forward to -- the President does 884 00:40:41,000 --> 00:40:42,800 -- his visit to Seoul, where the alliance that we 885 00:40:42,800 --> 00:40:49,700 share will be reaffirmed once again. 886 00:40:49,700 --> 00:40:51,567 And the importance of that relationship will be 887 00:40:51,567 --> 00:40:54,900 reaffirmed while the President is there. 888 00:40:54,900 --> 00:40:58,567 The Press: Over the weekend, a very senior 889 00:40:58,567 --> 00:41:02,300 Pakistani journalist was shot at while he was 890 00:41:02,300 --> 00:41:04,533 coming from the airport. 891 00:41:04,533 --> 00:41:07,400 Of late, there have been increasing attacks 892 00:41:07,400 --> 00:41:09,200 on journalists inside of Pakistan. 893 00:41:09,200 --> 00:41:12,834 Is the President worried or concerned about 894 00:41:12,834 --> 00:41:14,667 increasing attacks on journalists 895 00:41:14,667 --> 00:41:16,033 inside the country? 896 00:41:16,033 --> 00:41:19,232 Mr. Carney: Well, we condemn Saturday's vicious 897 00:41:19,233 --> 00:41:22,066 attack in Karachi on television journalist, 898 00:41:22,066 --> 00:41:24,567 Hamid Mir -- the latest in a series of worrisome 899 00:41:24,567 --> 00:41:27,633 attacks on journalists in Pakistan. 900 00:41:27,633 --> 00:41:29,933 Freedom of the press, including ensuring that 901 00:41:29,934 --> 00:41:32,033 journalists can safely carry out their vital 902 00:41:32,033 --> 00:41:35,033 mission, is of paramount importance to freedom 903 00:41:35,033 --> 00:41:37,165 of expression and to the healthy functioning 904 00:41:37,166 --> 00:41:38,834 of any democracy. 905 00:41:38,834 --> 00:41:42,000 We wish Hamid Mir a speedy recovery, and we urge 906 00:41:42,000 --> 00:41:44,633 the government of Pakistan to bring all those 907 00:41:44,633 --> 00:41:46,767 responsible for these attacks to justice. 908 00:41:46,767 --> 00:41:51,633 The Press: Jay, ever since the Syrian crisis started, 909 00:41:51,633 --> 00:41:54,000 President Obama has called on President Assad to step 910 00:41:54,000 --> 00:41:57,333 down; very often he said he lost his legitimacy. 911 00:41:57,333 --> 00:41:58,900 He obviously hasn't done that. 912 00:41:58,900 --> 00:42:00,767 And on top of that, they announced elections 913 00:42:00,767 --> 00:42:01,734 on June 3rd. 914 00:42:01,734 --> 00:42:03,900 Is he making a mockery of the President's statement? 915 00:42:03,900 --> 00:42:05,133 Mr. Carney: No, he's making a mockery 916 00:42:05,133 --> 00:42:09,799 of his own pretensions to being 917 00:42:09,800 --> 00:42:11,767 a democratically elected leader. 918 00:42:11,767 --> 00:42:14,033 A Presidential referendum, which is what this would 919 00:42:14,033 --> 00:42:17,600 be, is a parody of democracy and would have 920 00:42:17,600 --> 00:42:20,834 no credibility or legitimacy within Syria 921 00:42:20,834 --> 00:42:22,834 or outside of Syria. 922 00:42:24,133 --> 00:42:26,332 The Press: And does this show any chance 923 00:42:26,333 --> 00:42:27,767 of reconciliation in terms of any peace talks 924 00:42:27,767 --> 00:42:28,299 with the opposition? 925 00:42:28,300 --> 00:42:29,633 Mr. Carney: I'm sorry, would this -- 926 00:42:29,633 --> 00:42:29,834 The Press: Yes, would this announcement 927 00:42:29,834 --> 00:42:31,799 of elections -- because he seems adamant that -- 928 00:42:31,800 --> 00:42:32,433 Mr. Carney: This announcement 929 00:42:32,433 --> 00:42:36,633 that has no credibility and would be a parody of democracy? 930 00:42:36,633 --> 00:42:40,899 I don't think that's the way for the process 931 00:42:40,900 --> 00:42:41,900 to move forward. 932 00:42:41,900 --> 00:42:44,066 The Press: No, but my point is the U.N. 933 00:42:44,066 --> 00:42:46,433 says that the only way to end the Syrian 934 00:42:46,433 --> 00:42:49,533 crisis is through a political transition. 935 00:42:49,533 --> 00:42:52,100 So now that you don't have this opportunity 936 00:42:52,100 --> 00:42:55,333 by him announcing the election, so what's the outcome 937 00:42:55,333 --> 00:42:56,367 for the Syrian crisis? 938 00:42:56,367 --> 00:42:57,734 Mr. Carney: Well, the process that can lead to 939 00:42:57,734 --> 00:42:59,866 the political transition has to be a negotiated 940 00:42:59,867 --> 00:43:07,333 process and resolution through or with the 941 00:43:07,333 --> 00:43:14,900 opposition, and it would not include a referendum 942 00:43:14,900 --> 00:43:19,533 of the nature that has been announced that bears 943 00:43:19,533 --> 00:43:21,533 no hallmarks to true democracy, 944 00:43:21,533 --> 00:43:23,633 but is a sham, really. 945 00:43:23,633 --> 00:43:27,734 So the need for 946 00:43:29,900 --> 00:43:33,033 a political resolution remains. 947 00:43:33,033 --> 00:43:40,866 It's the only way that the Syrian people can achieve 948 00:43:40,867 --> 00:43:46,800 a future where they have more freedom and are 949 00:43:46,800 --> 00:43:48,800 subjected to less tyranny. 950 00:43:50,734 --> 00:43:52,333 And we continue to support the opposition; 951 00:43:52,333 --> 00:43:55,433 we continue to support the Syrian people through 952 00:43:55,433 --> 00:43:58,367 the substantial humanitarian aid that we provide; 953 00:43:58,367 --> 00:44:02,767 and we continue to push for a process whereby 954 00:44:02,767 --> 00:44:05,366 a negotiated settlement that leads to a political 955 00:44:05,367 --> 00:44:06,867 transition can be reached. 956 00:44:06,867 --> 00:44:12,000 The Press: Before the break, Speaker Boehner was 957 00:44:12,000 --> 00:44:14,700 asked about the unemployment extension 958 00:44:14,700 --> 00:44:17,066 that passed the Senate and said that it's up to the 959 00:44:17,066 --> 00:44:19,332 White House essentially to come up with a new 960 00:44:19,333 --> 00:44:22,066 proposal on jobs before he'll consider 961 00:44:22,066 --> 00:44:23,466 an unemployment extension. 962 00:44:23,467 --> 00:44:25,867 He said he told the President that in December 963 00:44:25,867 --> 00:44:29,200 and he's been waiting and hasn't heard a real jobs 964 00:44:29,200 --> 00:44:30,165 proposal since then. 965 00:44:30,166 --> 00:44:33,967 What's the outcome here for those 2 million people 966 00:44:33,967 --> 00:44:35,266 who aren't getting their checks? 967 00:44:35,266 --> 00:44:41,600 Mr. Carney: Well, I think you've noted that more 968 00:44:41,600 --> 00:44:43,700 Republicans have made clear their support 969 00:44:43,700 --> 00:44:48,165 for extension of vital unemployment insurance 970 00:44:48,166 --> 00:44:51,567 emergency benefits since the last time we discussed 971 00:44:51,567 --> 00:44:52,800 this in this room. 972 00:44:52,800 --> 00:44:56,066 And we continue to press Congress to take action to 973 00:44:56,066 --> 00:44:58,734 restore those benefits. 974 00:44:58,734 --> 00:45:05,133 I don't have the latest on how that effort is 975 00:45:05,133 --> 00:45:07,899 progressing on Capitol Hill, but our position 976 00:45:07,900 --> 00:45:11,000 remains very clear, which is that these are benefits 977 00:45:11,000 --> 00:45:14,433 that should be extended. 978 00:45:14,433 --> 00:45:20,633 Extending them would be, of course, hugely 979 00:45:20,633 --> 00:45:24,767 impactful to the families who receive them directly, 980 00:45:24,767 --> 00:45:27,567 but also of great benefit to the economy. 981 00:45:27,567 --> 00:45:28,867 And Congress ought to take action. 982 00:45:28,867 --> 00:45:30,433 The Press: Is the White House willing to consider 983 00:45:30,433 --> 00:45:33,100 offering some kind of a deal with Speaker Boehner 984 00:45:33,100 --> 00:45:35,165 on some of his priorities for those -- 985 00:45:35,166 --> 00:45:36,800 Mr. Carney: I just don't have an update. 986 00:45:36,800 --> 00:45:38,166 What we've seen in the past in these kinds 987 00:45:38,166 --> 00:45:40,667 of situations generally are an attempt to throw 988 00:45:40,667 --> 00:45:42,700 spaghetti against the wall on sort of ideological 989 00:45:42,700 --> 00:45:44,466 things that have nothing to do with making sure 990 00:45:44,467 --> 00:45:47,633 that these benefits get to the people who need them. 991 00:45:47,633 --> 00:45:49,633 Thanks very much, everybody.