English subtitles for clip: File:Nuclear Security Summit- Presidential Press Conference.webm
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
1 00:00:00,333 --> 00:00:02,903 President Obama: Good afternoon, everybody. 2 00:00:02,900 --> 00:00:06,870 We have just concluded an enormously productive day. 3 00:00:06,867 --> 00:00:10,067 I said this morning that today would be an opportunity for our 4 00:00:10,066 --> 00:00:12,666 nations, both individually and collectively, 5 00:00:12,667 --> 00:00:15,937 to make concrete commitments and take tangible steps to secure 6 00:00:15,934 --> 00:00:18,934 nuclear materials so they never fall into the hands 7 00:00:18,934 --> 00:00:21,734 of terrorists who would surely use them. 8 00:00:21,734 --> 00:00:25,804 This evening, I can report that we have seized this opportunity, 9 00:00:25,800 --> 00:00:29,300 and because of the steps we've taken -- as individual nations 10 00:00:29,300 --> 00:00:32,700 and as an international community -- the American 11 00:00:32,700 --> 00:00:36,500 people will be safer and the world will be more secure. 12 00:00:36,500 --> 00:00:39,900 I want to thank all who participated in this historic 13 00:00:39,900 --> 00:00:44,570 summit -- 49 leaders from every region of the world. 14 00:00:44,567 --> 00:00:48,897 Today's progress was possible because these leaders came not 15 00:00:48,900 --> 00:00:51,700 simply to talk, but to take action; 16 00:00:51,700 --> 00:00:54,830 not simply to make vague pledges of future action, 17 00:00:54,834 --> 00:00:58,464 but to commit to meaningful steps that they are prepared 18 00:00:58,467 --> 00:01:00,497 to implement right now. 19 00:01:00,500 --> 00:01:03,330 I also want to thank my colleagues for the candor and 20 00:01:03,333 --> 00:01:06,533 cooperative spirit that they brought to the discussions. 21 00:01:06,533 --> 00:01:09,403 This was not a day of long speeches or lectures on what 22 00:01:09,400 --> 00:01:11,470 other nations must do. 23 00:01:11,467 --> 00:01:14,737 We listened to each other, with mutual respect. 24 00:01:14,734 --> 00:01:17,804 We recognized that while different countries face 25 00:01:17,800 --> 00:01:20,730 different challenges, we have a mutual interest in securing 26 00:01:20,734 --> 00:01:23,334 these dangerous materials. 27 00:01:23,333 --> 00:01:27,303 So today is a testament to what is possible when nations come 28 00:01:27,300 --> 00:01:29,900 together in a spirit of partnership to embrace our 29 00:01:29,900 --> 00:01:33,670 shared responsibility and confront a shared challenge. 30 00:01:33,667 --> 00:01:35,767 This is how we will solve problems and advance the 31 00:01:35,767 --> 00:01:38,567 security of our people in the 21st century. 32 00:01:38,567 --> 00:01:41,167 And this is reflected in the communiqué that we have 33 00:01:41,166 --> 00:01:43,366 unanimously agreed to today. 34 00:01:43,367 --> 00:01:47,897 First, we agreed on the urgency and seriousness of the threat. 35 00:01:47,900 --> 00:01:53,430 Coming into this summit, there were a range of views on this danger. 36 00:01:53,433 --> 00:01:55,763 But at our dinner last night, and throughout the day, 37 00:01:55,767 --> 00:01:59,367 we developed a shared understanding of the risk. 38 00:01:59,367 --> 00:02:02,367 Today, we are declaring that nuclear terrorism is one of 39 00:02:02,367 --> 00:02:06,097 the most challenging threats to international security. 40 00:02:06,100 --> 00:02:08,330 We also agreed that the most effective way to prevent 41 00:02:08,333 --> 00:02:11,603 terrorists and criminals from acquiring nuclear materials is 42 00:02:11,600 --> 00:02:15,930 through strong nuclear security -- protecting nuclear materials 43 00:02:15,934 --> 00:02:19,064 and preventing nuclear smuggling. 44 00:02:19,066 --> 00:02:22,666 Second, I am very pleased that all the nations represented here 45 00:02:22,667 --> 00:02:26,737 have endorsed the goal that I outlined in Prague one year ago 46 00:02:26,734 --> 00:02:29,564 -- to secure all vulnerable nuclear materials around the 47 00:02:29,567 --> 00:02:32,537 world in four years' time. 48 00:02:32,533 --> 00:02:35,933 This is an ambitious goal, and we are under no illusions that 49 00:02:35,934 --> 00:02:37,464 it will be easy. 50 00:02:37,467 --> 00:02:40,097 But the urgency of the threat, and the catastrophic 51 00:02:40,100 --> 00:02:43,570 consequences of even a single act of nuclear terrorism, 52 00:02:43,567 --> 00:02:48,097 demand an effort that is at once bold and pragmatic. 53 00:02:48,100 --> 00:02:51,030 And this is a goal that can be achieved. 54 00:02:51,033 --> 00:02:55,133 Third, we reaffirmed that it is the fundamental responsibility 55 00:02:55,133 --> 00:02:58,563 of nations, consistent with their international obligations, 56 00:02:58,567 --> 00:03:02,837 to maintain effective security of the nuclear materials and 57 00:03:02,834 --> 00:03:04,704 facilities under our control. 58 00:03:04,700 --> 00:03:07,730 This includes strengthening national laws and policies, 59 00:03:07,734 --> 00:03:11,304 and fully implementing the commitments we have agreed to. 60 00:03:11,300 --> 00:03:14,970 And fourth, we recognized that even as we fulfill our national 61 00:03:14,967 --> 00:03:18,197 responsibilities, this threat cannot be addressed by countries 62 00:03:18,200 --> 00:03:20,200 working in isolation. 63 00:03:20,200 --> 00:03:22,600 So we've committed ourselves to a sustained, 64 00:03:22,600 --> 00:03:26,130 effective program of international cooperation on 65 00:03:26,133 --> 00:03:30,803 national security, and we call on other nations to join us. 66 00:03:30,800 --> 00:03:33,400 It became clear in our discussions that we do not 67 00:03:33,400 --> 00:03:36,930 need lots of new institutions and layers of bureaucracy. 68 00:03:36,934 --> 00:03:39,134 We need to strengthen the institutions and partnerships 69 00:03:39,133 --> 00:03:42,863 that we already have -- and make them even more effective. 70 00:03:42,867 --> 00:03:44,897 This includes the United Nations, 71 00:03:44,900 --> 00:03:49,500 the International Atomic Energy Agency, 72 00:03:49,500 --> 00:03:54,170 the multilateral partnership that strengthens nuclear 73 00:03:54,166 --> 00:03:56,436 security, prevent nuclear trafficking and assist nations 74 00:03:56,433 --> 00:04:00,233 in building their capacity to secure their nuclear materials. 75 00:04:00,233 --> 00:04:03,963 But as I said, today was about taking tangible steps 76 00:04:03,967 --> 00:04:05,597 to protect our people. 77 00:04:05,600 --> 00:04:08,500 So we've also agreed to a detailed work plan to guide our 78 00:04:08,500 --> 00:04:12,430 efforts going forward -- the specific actions we will take. 79 00:04:12,433 --> 00:04:14,963 I want to commend my partners for the very important 80 00:04:14,967 --> 00:04:19,367 commitments that they made in conjunction with this summit. 81 00:04:19,367 --> 00:04:21,697 Let me give some examples. 82 00:04:21,700 --> 00:04:24,270 Canada agreed to give up a significant quantity of 83 00:04:24,266 --> 00:04:26,536 highly enriched uranium. 84 00:04:26,533 --> 00:04:30,263 Chile has given up its entire stockpile. 85 00:04:30,266 --> 00:04:34,866 Ukraine and Mexico announced that they will do the same. 86 00:04:34,867 --> 00:04:38,067 Other nations -- such as Argentina and Pakistan -- 87 00:04:38,066 --> 00:04:40,766 announced new steps to strengthen port security 88 00:04:40,767 --> 00:04:44,337 and prevent nuclear smuggling. 89 00:04:44,333 --> 00:04:47,133 More nations -- including Argentina, the Philippines, 90 00:04:47,133 --> 00:04:51,503 Thailand and Vietnam -- agreed to join, and thus strengthen, 91 00:04:51,500 --> 00:04:55,170 the treaties and international partnerships that are at the 92 00:04:55,166 --> 00:04:57,266 core of our global efforts. 93 00:04:57,266 --> 00:05:00,636 A number of countries -- including Italy, Japan, 94 00:05:00,633 --> 00:05:04,503 India and China -- will create new centers to promote nuclear 95 00:05:04,500 --> 00:05:08,230 security technologies and training. 96 00:05:08,233 --> 00:05:12,233 Nations pledged new resources to help the IAEA meet its 97 00:05:12,233 --> 00:05:14,103 responsibilities. 98 00:05:14,100 --> 00:05:16,700 In a major and welcomed development, 99 00:05:16,700 --> 00:05:19,370 Russia announced that it will close its last weapons-grade 100 00:05:19,367 --> 00:05:22,437 plutonium production reactor. 101 00:05:22,433 --> 00:05:25,503 After many years of effort, I'm pleased that the United States 102 00:05:25,500 --> 00:05:30,530 and Russia agreed today to eliminate 68 tons of plutonium 103 00:05:30,533 --> 00:05:33,803 for our weapons programs -- plutonium that would have 104 00:05:33,800 --> 00:05:37,730 been enough for about 17,000 nuclear weapons. 105 00:05:37,734 --> 00:05:40,134 Instead, we will use this material to help generate 106 00:05:40,133 --> 00:05:43,133 electricity for our people. 107 00:05:43,133 --> 00:05:46,003 These are exactly the kind of commitments called for in the 108 00:05:46,000 --> 00:05:49,530 work plan that we adopted today, so we've made real progress in 109 00:05:49,533 --> 00:05:52,403 building a safer world. 110 00:05:52,400 --> 00:05:56,100 I would also note that the United States has made its own commitments. 111 00:05:56,100 --> 00:05:58,870 We are strengthening security at our own nuclear facilities, 112 00:05:58,867 --> 00:06:02,367 and will invite the IAEA to review the security at our 113 00:06:02,367 --> 00:06:04,497 neutron research center. 114 00:06:04,500 --> 00:06:07,570 This reflects our commitment to sharing the best practices that 115 00:06:07,567 --> 00:06:10,167 are needed in our global efforts. 116 00:06:10,166 --> 00:06:12,966 We're seeking significant funding increases for programs 117 00:06:12,967 --> 00:06:15,997 to prevent nuclear proliferation and trafficking. 118 00:06:16,000 --> 00:06:19,130 And today, the United States is joining with our Canadian 119 00:06:19,133 --> 00:06:23,033 partners and calling on nations to commit $10 billion to 120 00:06:23,033 --> 00:06:27,033 extending our highly successful Global Partnership to strengthen 121 00:06:27,033 --> 00:06:29,163 nuclear security around the world. 122 00:06:29,166 --> 00:06:33,566 So this has been a day of great progress. 123 00:06:33,567 --> 00:06:37,567 But as I said this morning, this can't be a fleeting moment. 124 00:06:37,567 --> 00:06:39,667 Securing nuclear materials must be a serious and 125 00:06:39,667 --> 00:06:42,367 sustained global effort. 126 00:06:42,367 --> 00:06:45,937 We agreed to have our experts meet on a regular basis -- to 127 00:06:45,934 --> 00:06:49,264 measure progress, to ensure that we're meeting our commitments 128 00:06:49,266 --> 00:06:51,336 and to plan our next steps. 129 00:06:51,333 --> 00:06:53,733 And I again want to thank President Lee and the Republic 130 00:06:53,734 --> 00:06:57,804 of Korea for agreeing to host the next Nuclear Security 131 00:06:57,800 --> 00:07:00,200 Summit in two years. 132 00:07:00,200 --> 00:07:03,530 Finally, let me say while this summit is focused on securing 133 00:07:03,533 --> 00:07:07,533 nuclear materials, this is part of a larger effort -- the 134 00:07:07,533 --> 00:07:12,103 comprehensive agenda that I outlined in Prague last year to 135 00:07:12,100 --> 00:07:16,170 pursue the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons. 136 00:07:16,166 --> 00:07:19,036 Indeed, in recent days we've made progress on every element 137 00:07:19,033 --> 00:07:20,363 of this agenda. 138 00:07:20,367 --> 00:07:25,297 To reduce nuclear arsenals, President Medvedev and I signed 139 00:07:25,300 --> 00:07:28,970 the historic new START treaty -- not only committing our two 140 00:07:28,967 --> 00:07:31,897 nations to significant reductions in deployed nuclear 141 00:07:31,900 --> 00:07:35,130 weapons, but also setting the stage for further cuts and 142 00:07:35,133 --> 00:07:37,903 cooperation between our countries. 143 00:07:37,900 --> 00:07:41,800 To move beyond outdated Cold War thinking and to focus on the 144 00:07:41,800 --> 00:07:44,070 nuclear dangers of the 21st century, 145 00:07:44,066 --> 00:07:48,066 our new Nuclear Posture Review reduces the role and number of 146 00:07:48,066 --> 00:07:51,336 nuclear weapons in our national security strategy. 147 00:07:51,333 --> 00:07:54,663 And for the first time, preventing nuclear proliferation 148 00:07:54,667 --> 00:07:59,067 and nuclear terrorism is at the top of America's nuclear agenda, 149 00:07:59,066 --> 00:08:01,596 which reaffirms the central importance of the Nuclear 150 00:08:01,600 --> 00:08:03,930 Non-Proliferation Treaty. 151 00:08:03,934 --> 00:08:06,604 And next month in New York, we will join with nations from 152 00:08:06,600 --> 00:08:09,800 around the world to strengthen the NPT as the cornerstone of 153 00:08:09,800 --> 00:08:13,200 our global efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons 154 00:08:13,200 --> 00:08:19,730 even as we pursue greater civil nuclear cooperation. 155 00:08:19,734 --> 00:08:23,734 Because for nations that uphold their responsibilities, 156 00:08:23,734 --> 00:08:26,834 peaceful nuclear energy can unlock new advances in medicine, 157 00:08:26,834 --> 00:08:30,504 in agriculture, and economic development. 158 00:08:30,500 --> 00:08:34,100 All of these efforts are connected. 159 00:08:34,100 --> 00:08:39,370 Leadership and progress in one area reinforces progress in another. 160 00:08:39,367 --> 00:08:42,567 When the United States improves our own nuclear security and 161 00:08:42,567 --> 00:08:45,897 transparency, it encourages others to do the same, 162 00:08:45,900 --> 00:08:47,130 as we've seen today. 163 00:08:47,133 --> 00:08:50,533 When the United States fulfills our responsibilities as a 164 00:08:50,533 --> 00:08:53,563 nuclear power committed to the NPT, 165 00:08:53,567 --> 00:08:56,737 we strengthen our global efforts to ensure that other nations 166 00:08:56,734 --> 00:08:59,004 fulfill their responsibilities. 167 00:08:59,000 --> 00:09:01,870 So again, I want to thank my colleagues for making this 168 00:09:01,867 --> 00:09:06,337 unprecedented gathering a day of unprecedented progress in 169 00:09:06,333 --> 00:09:10,103 confronting one of the greatest threats to our global security. 170 00:09:10,100 --> 00:09:13,070 Our work today not only advances the security of the United 171 00:09:13,066 --> 00:09:15,966 States, it advances the security of all mankind, 172 00:09:15,967 --> 00:09:18,037 and preventing nuclear proliferation and nuclear 173 00:09:18,033 --> 00:09:21,603 terrorism will remain one of my highest priorities as President 174 00:09:21,600 --> 00:09:23,700 of the United States. 175 00:09:23,700 --> 00:09:25,330 So with that, I'm going to take a few questions. 176 00:09:25,333 --> 00:09:32,233 I'm going to start with Bill Plante from CBS. 177 00:09:32,233 --> 00:09:36,703 The Press: Mr. President, thank you. 178 00:09:36,700 --> 00:09:39,370 The communiqué states in no uncertain terms that all of the 179 00:09:39,367 --> 00:09:42,637 unprecedented cooperation for which you're calling will be 180 00:09:42,633 --> 00:09:46,303 done on a voluntary basis, not a binding commitment. 181 00:09:46,300 --> 00:09:49,430 What's the likelihood that countries which have been at 182 00:09:49,433 --> 00:09:52,703 odds over these issues for a number of years are now going to cooperate? 183 00:09:52,700 --> 00:09:54,830 How can this be enforced? 184 00:09:54,834 --> 00:09:57,934 President Obama: Well, let's just take a specific example, Bill. 185 00:09:57,934 --> 00:10:04,664 For about 10 years, we had been encouraging Ukraine to either 186 00:10:04,667 --> 00:10:11,337 ship out its highly enriched uranium or transform it to a 187 00:10:11,333 --> 00:10:15,603 lower-grade -- a lower-enriched uranium. 188 00:10:15,600 --> 00:10:20,530 And in part because of this conference, 189 00:10:20,533 --> 00:10:23,263 Ukraine took that step, announced that it would 190 00:10:23,266 --> 00:10:27,296 complete this step over the next couple of years. 191 00:10:27,300 --> 00:10:33,100 So all the commitments that we talked about are ones that we've 192 00:10:33,100 --> 00:10:37,100 already booked, even before the communiqué and the work plan 193 00:10:37,100 --> 00:10:38,970 gets put into place. 194 00:10:38,967 --> 00:10:41,897 And that indicates the degree to which I think that there's 195 00:10:41,900 --> 00:10:46,100 actually strong unanimity about the importance of this issue as 196 00:10:46,100 --> 00:10:49,100 a threat to the global and international community. 197 00:10:49,100 --> 00:10:52,300 Now, keep in mind that we also have a number of international 198 00:10:52,300 --> 00:10:55,570 conventions that have been put in place. 199 00:10:55,567 --> 00:10:57,367 Not all of them have been ratified. 200 00:10:57,367 --> 00:11:01,537 In fact, the United States needs to work on a couple of these 201 00:11:01,533 --> 00:11:06,133 conventions dealing with the issues of nuclear terrorism and trafficking. 202 00:11:06,133 --> 00:11:10,133 But what this does is it sets out a bold plan. 203 00:11:10,133 --> 00:11:14,263 And what I'm encouraged about is the fact that we've already seen 204 00:11:14,266 --> 00:11:20,466 efforts that had been delayed for years, in some cases, 205 00:11:20,467 --> 00:11:23,967 since the end of the Cold War, actually finally coming to 206 00:11:23,967 --> 00:11:28,637 fruition here at this -- at this summit. 207 00:11:28,633 --> 00:11:31,403 The Press: It all depends on goodwill, sir? 208 00:11:31,400 --> 00:11:36,900 President Obama: Bill, the point is that we've got world leaders 209 00:11:36,900 --> 00:11:39,930 who have just announced that in fact this is a commitment 210 00:11:39,934 --> 00:11:41,164 that they're making. 211 00:11:41,166 --> 00:11:43,636 I believe they take their commitments very seriously. 212 00:11:43,633 --> 00:11:47,903 If what you're asking is, is do we have a international 213 00:11:47,900 --> 00:11:53,500 "one world" law enforcement mechanism -- we don't. 214 00:11:53,500 --> 00:11:55,800 We never have. 215 00:11:55,800 --> 00:11:59,570 So in all of our efforts internationally, 216 00:11:59,567 --> 00:12:03,167 in every treaty that we sign, we're relying on goodwill on 217 00:12:03,166 --> 00:12:06,636 the part of those who are signatories to those efforts. 218 00:12:06,633 --> 00:12:10,203 That's the nature of international relations. 219 00:12:10,200 --> 00:12:14,530 Jake Tapper, ABC. 220 00:12:14,533 --> 00:12:15,863 The Press: Thank you, Mr. President. 221 00:12:15,867 --> 00:12:19,337 The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said today that 222 00:12:19,333 --> 00:12:22,603 pressure and sanctions -- speaking of Iran's nuclear 223 00:12:22,600 --> 00:12:25,130 program -- pressure and sanctions cannot fundamentally 224 00:12:25,133 --> 00:12:26,603 solve the problem. 225 00:12:26,600 --> 00:12:30,730 I was wondering if you could clarify exactly what you believe 226 00:12:30,734 --> 00:12:33,534 President Hu Jintao has agreed to, 227 00:12:33,533 --> 00:12:37,363 whether you think there actually will be economic sanctions with 228 00:12:37,367 --> 00:12:39,937 teeth that the Chinese will sign off on; 229 00:12:39,934 --> 00:12:44,504 and what you have told the Chinese in terms of their 230 00:12:44,500 --> 00:12:49,170 concern about how much fuel they get from Iran, what the U.S. 231 00:12:49,166 --> 00:12:50,696 can help them with in that regard. 232 00:12:50,700 --> 00:12:51,970 Thank you, sir. 233 00:12:51,967 --> 00:12:55,667 President Obama: Here's what I know. 234 00:12:55,667 --> 00:13:00,467 The Chinese have sent official representatives to negotiations 235 00:13:00,467 --> 00:13:09,097 in New York to begin the process of drafting a sanctions resolution. 236 00:13:09,100 --> 00:13:13,070 That is part of the P5-plus-1 effort. 237 00:13:13,066 --> 00:13:18,196 And the United States is not moving this process alone; 238 00:13:18,200 --> 00:13:22,800 we've got the participation of the Russians as well as the 239 00:13:22,800 --> 00:13:27,070 other members of the P5-plus-1, all of whom believe that it is 240 00:13:27,066 --> 00:13:31,066 important for us to send a strong signal to Iran that their 241 00:13:31,066 --> 00:13:34,796 consistent violation of United Nations Security Council 242 00:13:34,800 --> 00:13:39,100 resolutions as well as their obligations under the NPT have 243 00:13:39,100 --> 00:13:43,870 consequences, and that they've got a better path to take. 244 00:13:43,867 --> 00:13:49,637 Now, you're exactly right, Jake, that the Chinese are obviously 245 00:13:49,633 --> 00:13:52,163 concerned about what ramifications this might 246 00:13:52,166 --> 00:13:58,566 have on the economy generally. 247 00:13:58,567 --> 00:14:01,297 Iran is an oil-producing state. 248 00:14:01,300 --> 00:14:07,500 I think that a lot of countries around the world have trade 249 00:14:07,500 --> 00:14:09,370 relationships with Iran. 250 00:14:09,367 --> 00:14:11,697 And we're mindful of that. 251 00:14:11,700 --> 00:14:15,500 But what I said to President Hu and what I've said to every 252 00:14:15,500 --> 00:14:20,430 world leader that I talked to is that words have to mean 253 00:14:20,433 --> 00:14:22,603 something, there have to be some consequences. 254 00:14:22,600 --> 00:14:25,530 And if we are saying that the NPT is important, 255 00:14:25,533 --> 00:14:30,263 if we're saying that non-proliferation is important, 256 00:14:30,266 --> 00:14:35,796 then when those obligations are repeatedly flouted, 257 00:14:35,800 --> 00:14:39,470 then it's important for the international community to come together. 258 00:14:39,467 --> 00:14:46,797 And what I would say is that if you consider where we were, say, 259 00:14:46,800 --> 00:14:51,800 a year ago, with respect to the prospect of sanctions, 260 00:14:51,800 --> 00:14:54,200 the fact that we've got Russia and China, 261 00:14:54,200 --> 00:14:59,130 as well as the other P5-plus-1 members having a serious 262 00:14:59,133 --> 00:15:03,833 discussion around a sanctions regime, 263 00:15:03,834 --> 00:15:09,564 following up on a serious sanctions regime that was passed 264 00:15:09,567 --> 00:15:14,037 when North Korea flouted its obligations towards the NPT, 265 00:15:14,033 --> 00:15:21,763 it's a sign of the degree to which international diplomacy is 266 00:15:21,767 --> 00:15:26,397 making it more possible for us to isolate those countries that 267 00:15:26,400 --> 00:15:28,470 are breaking their international obligations. 268 00:15:28,467 --> 00:15:32,337 And as I said I think several weeks ago, 269 00:15:32,333 --> 00:15:36,263 my interest is not having a long, 270 00:15:36,266 --> 00:15:38,536 drawn-out process for months. 271 00:15:38,533 --> 00:15:42,603 I want to see us move forward boldly and quickly to send the 272 00:15:42,600 --> 00:15:46,600 kind of message that will allow Iran to make a different calculation. 273 00:15:46,600 --> 00:15:52,800 And keep in mind, I have said repeatedly that under the NPT 274 00:15:52,800 --> 00:15:59,070 Iran has the right to develop peaceful civilian nuclear energy 275 00:15:59,066 --> 00:16:01,966 -- as do all signatories to the NPT. 276 00:16:01,967 --> 00:16:08,367 But given the repeated violations that we've seen 277 00:16:08,367 --> 00:16:11,637 on the part of Iran, I think understandably the world 278 00:16:11,633 --> 00:16:15,303 community questions their commitment towards a peaceful 279 00:16:15,300 --> 00:16:17,570 civilian energy program. 280 00:16:17,567 --> 00:16:21,267 They have a way of restoring that trust. 281 00:16:21,266 --> 00:16:25,496 For example, we put before them -- I'm saying the P5-plus-1, 282 00:16:25,500 --> 00:16:32,300 now, as well as the IAEA -- put before them a very reasonable 283 00:16:32,300 --> 00:16:38,130 approach that would have allowed them to continue their civilian 284 00:16:38,133 --> 00:16:43,003 peaceful nuclear energy needs, but would have allayed many of 285 00:16:43,000 --> 00:16:45,800 the concerns around their nuclear weapons program. 286 00:16:45,800 --> 00:16:48,730 They have rejected that so far. 287 00:16:48,734 --> 00:16:51,334 And that's why it's important -- and I said from the start that 288 00:16:51,333 --> 00:16:53,103 we're going to move on a dual track, 289 00:16:53,100 --> 00:16:57,770 and part of that dual track is making sure that a sanctions 290 00:16:57,767 --> 00:16:59,537 regime is in place. 291 00:16:59,533 --> 00:17:01,803 Last point I'll make about sanctions. 292 00:17:01,800 --> 00:17:05,930 Sometimes I hear the argument that, well, 293 00:17:05,934 --> 00:17:10,564 sanctions aren't really going to necessarily work. 294 00:17:10,567 --> 00:17:13,297 Sanctions aren't a magic wand. 295 00:17:13,300 --> 00:17:18,630 What sanctions do accomplish is hopefully to change the calculus 296 00:17:18,633 --> 00:17:21,933 of a country like Iran so that they see that there are more 297 00:17:21,934 --> 00:17:28,904 costs and fewer benefits to pursuing a nuclear weapons program. 298 00:17:28,900 --> 00:17:33,770 And in that process what we hope is, 299 00:17:33,767 --> 00:17:39,667 is that if those costs get high enough and the benefits are low 300 00:17:39,667 --> 00:17:44,537 enough, that in time they make the right decision not just for 301 00:17:44,533 --> 00:17:49,803 the security and prosperity of the world but also for their own people. 302 00:17:49,800 --> 00:17:51,930 Scott Wilson, Washington Post. 303 00:17:51,934 --> 00:17:57,664 Where's Scott? There we go. 304 00:17:57,667 --> 00:17:59,167 The Press: Thank you, Mr. President. 305 00:17:59,166 --> 00:18:02,136 You have spoken often about the need to bring U.S. 306 00:18:02,133 --> 00:18:07,503 policy in line with its treaty obligations internationally to 307 00:18:07,500 --> 00:18:10,470 eliminate the perception of hypocrisy that some of the world 308 00:18:10,467 --> 00:18:12,767 sees toward the United States and its allies. 309 00:18:12,767 --> 00:18:14,397 In that spirit and in that venue, 310 00:18:14,400 --> 00:18:16,470 will you call on Israel to declare its nuclear 311 00:18:16,467 --> 00:18:19,267 program and sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty? 312 00:18:19,266 --> 00:18:22,896 And if not, why wouldn't other countries see that as an 313 00:18:22,900 --> 00:18:24,800 incentive not to sign on to the treaty that you say is 314 00:18:24,800 --> 00:18:26,400 important to strengthen? 315 00:18:26,400 --> 00:18:31,070 President Obama: Well, Scott, initially you were talking about U.S. 316 00:18:31,066 --> 00:18:34,036 behavior and then suddenly we're talking about Israel. 317 00:18:34,033 --> 00:18:36,503 Let me talk about the United States. 318 00:18:36,500 --> 00:18:40,970 I do think that as part of the NPT our obligation as the 319 00:18:40,967 --> 00:18:46,137 largest nuclear power in the world is to take steps to 320 00:18:46,133 --> 00:18:48,463 reducing our nuclear stockpile. 321 00:18:48,467 --> 00:18:51,397 And that's what the START treaty was about -- sending a message 322 00:18:51,400 --> 00:18:54,800 that we are going to meet our obligations. 323 00:18:54,800 --> 00:19:02,770 And as far as Israel goes, I'm not going to comment on their program. 324 00:19:02,767 --> 00:19:06,197 What I'm going to point to is the fact that consistently we 325 00:19:06,200 --> 00:19:11,400 have urged all countries to become members of the NPT. 326 00:19:11,400 --> 00:19:13,800 So there's no contradiction there. 327 00:19:13,800 --> 00:19:21,030 We think it is important that we have a international approach 328 00:19:21,033 --> 00:19:25,103 that is universal and that rests on three pillars: that those of 329 00:19:25,100 --> 00:19:31,700 us who have nuclear weapons are making serious efforts to reduce 330 00:19:31,700 --> 00:19:39,330 those stockpiles; that we all are working against the 331 00:19:39,333 --> 00:19:42,233 proliferation of nuclear weapons and those countries that don't 332 00:19:42,233 --> 00:19:46,203 currently have nuclear weapons make the decision not to pursue 333 00:19:46,200 --> 00:19:49,370 nuclear weapons; and that all countries have access to 334 00:19:49,367 --> 00:19:51,767 peaceful nuclear energy. 335 00:19:51,767 --> 00:19:55,537 And so whether we're talking about Israel or any other 336 00:19:55,533 --> 00:20:02,263 country, we think that becoming part of the NPT is important. 337 00:20:02,266 --> 00:20:04,266 And that, by the way, is not a new position. 338 00:20:04,266 --> 00:20:06,136 That's been a consistent position of the United States 339 00:20:06,133 --> 00:20:10,363 government even prior to my administration. 340 00:20:10,367 --> 00:20:16,197 Let me call on Stephen Collinson of AFP. 341 00:20:16,200 --> 00:20:17,730 The Press: Thank you, Mr. President. 342 00:20:17,734 --> 00:20:19,704 In your meeting with President Hu, 343 00:20:19,700 --> 00:20:23,000 did he give you any indication he would heed your call for a 344 00:20:23,000 --> 00:20:26,530 more market-oriented exchange rate for the yuan? 345 00:20:26,533 --> 00:20:31,003 If there's going to be a change, when would you envisage that taking place? 346 00:20:31,000 --> 00:20:36,170 And what happened in the last few weeks to help you move on 347 00:20:36,166 --> 00:20:40,296 from a period of -- quite a stormy period of public 348 00:20:40,300 --> 00:20:43,630 disagreements with China? 349 00:20:43,633 --> 00:20:46,233 President Obama: The fact is, actually, 350 00:20:46,233 --> 00:20:51,563 that the relationship between my administration and the Chinese 351 00:20:51,567 --> 00:20:56,137 government has been very productive during the course 352 00:20:56,133 --> 00:20:59,103 of the last year and a half. 353 00:20:59,100 --> 00:21:07,000 We started off working together at various multilateral fora -- 354 00:21:07,000 --> 00:21:12,600 the first one in London with the G20. 355 00:21:12,600 --> 00:21:17,970 I then, out of the bilateral meetings that we had, 356 00:21:17,967 --> 00:21:20,667 worked with President Hu to set up a strategic and economic 357 00:21:20,667 --> 00:21:26,097 dialogue that looks at a whole range of areas in which the 358 00:21:26,100 --> 00:21:29,000 United States and China can cooperate. 359 00:21:29,000 --> 00:21:33,400 I made a visit to China that both of us considered very successful. 360 00:21:33,400 --> 00:21:36,970 Now, there are some areas where we've got disagreement. 361 00:21:36,967 --> 00:21:41,767 And those disagreements are not new, 362 00:21:41,767 --> 00:21:44,437 and I have to say that the amount of turbulence, 363 00:21:44,433 --> 00:21:53,833 as you put it, that occurred was actually relatively modest when 364 00:21:53,834 --> 00:21:59,964 you look at the overall trajectory of U.S.-China relations. 365 00:21:59,967 --> 00:22:04,497 I mean, at no point was there ever a suggestion that it's not 366 00:22:04,500 --> 00:22:06,270 in the interest of both our countries to cooperate, 367 00:22:06,266 --> 00:22:10,366 and that we have not only important bilateral business 368 00:22:10,367 --> 00:22:14,197 to do but also we are two very important countries in 369 00:22:14,200 --> 00:22:16,400 multilateral settings that have to deal with issues like climate 370 00:22:16,400 --> 00:22:20,400 change and the world economy in concert. 371 00:22:20,400 --> 00:22:26,200 With respect to the currency issue, 372 00:22:26,200 --> 00:22:33,130 President Hu and I have had a number of frank conversations. 373 00:22:33,133 --> 00:22:40,263 As part of the G20 process we all signed on to the notion that 374 00:22:40,266 --> 00:22:43,536 a rebalancing of the world economy would be important for 375 00:22:43,533 --> 00:22:49,433 sustained economic growth and the prevention of future crises. 376 00:22:49,433 --> 00:22:52,733 And China, like the United States, 377 00:22:52,734 --> 00:22:55,304 agreed to that framework. 378 00:22:55,300 --> 00:23:00,970 We believe that part of that rebalancing involves making sure 379 00:23:00,967 --> 00:23:06,037 that currencies are tracking roughly the market and not 380 00:23:06,033 --> 00:23:09,903 giving any one country an advantage over the other. 381 00:23:09,900 --> 00:23:12,270 And I've been very clear of the fact that it is my estimation 382 00:23:12,266 --> 00:23:21,636 that the RMB is under-valued and that China's own decision in 383 00:23:21,633 --> 00:23:25,803 previous years to begin to move towards a more market-oriented 384 00:23:25,800 --> 00:23:28,130 approach is the right one. 385 00:23:28,133 --> 00:23:32,203 And I communicated that once again to President Hu. 386 00:23:32,200 --> 00:23:39,200 I think China, rightly, sees the issue of currency as a sovereign issue. 387 00:23:39,200 --> 00:23:45,230 I think they are resistant to international pressure when it 388 00:23:45,233 --> 00:23:47,933 comes to them making decisions about their currency policy and 389 00:23:47,934 --> 00:23:49,634 monetary policy. 390 00:23:49,633 --> 00:23:55,563 But it is my belief that it is actually in China's interest to 391 00:23:55,567 --> 00:24:02,037 achieve this rebalancing, because over time China is going 392 00:24:02,033 --> 00:24:05,833 to have to shift away from an economy that is solely oriented 393 00:24:05,834 --> 00:24:10,734 on exports and is going to have to start shifting towards an 394 00:24:10,734 --> 00:24:15,564 economy that is emphasizing domestic consumption and 395 00:24:15,567 --> 00:24:21,837 production, and is preventing bubbles from building up 396 00:24:21,834 --> 00:24:24,004 within the economy. 397 00:24:24,000 --> 00:24:27,470 And all of that will be facilitated with a more 398 00:24:27,467 --> 00:24:29,337 market-oriented currency approach. 399 00:24:29,333 --> 00:24:35,863 So I don't have a timetable, but it is my hope that China will 400 00:24:35,867 --> 00:24:41,797 make a decision that ultimately will be in their best interest. 401 00:24:41,800 --> 00:24:46,930 Bob Burns of AP. 402 00:24:46,934 --> 00:24:49,464 The Press: Mr. President, a few minutes ago when you were 403 00:24:49,467 --> 00:24:52,567 explaining the purpose of sanctions against Iran you said 404 00:24:52,567 --> 00:24:55,797 the point is to change Iranian government calculations, 405 00:24:55,800 --> 00:24:57,930 leading to altered behavior. 406 00:24:57,934 --> 00:25:00,704 Why hasn't that happened in the case of North Korea, which, 407 00:25:00,700 --> 00:25:04,070 unlike Iran, actually does have nuclear weapons? 408 00:25:04,066 --> 00:25:11,436 President Obama: Well, I'm not going to give you a full dissertation on 409 00:25:11,433 --> 00:25:15,633 North Korean behavior. 410 00:25:15,633 --> 00:25:21,233 I think it's fair to say that North Korea has chosen a path of 411 00:25:21,233 --> 00:25:26,763 severe isolation that has been extraordinarily damaging to its 412 00:25:26,767 --> 00:25:36,197 people, and that it is our hope that as pressure builds for 413 00:25:36,200 --> 00:25:39,530 North Korea to improve its economic performance, 414 00:25:39,533 --> 00:25:45,003 for example, to break out of that isolation that we'll see a 415 00:25:45,000 --> 00:25:49,200 return to the six-party talks and that we will see 416 00:25:49,200 --> 00:25:51,900 a change in behavior. 417 00:25:51,900 --> 00:25:55,600 As I said, sanctions are not a magic wand. 418 00:25:55,600 --> 00:25:59,670 Unfortunately, nothing in international relations is. 419 00:25:59,667 --> 00:26:06,297 But I do think that the approach that we've taken with respect to 420 00:26:06,300 --> 00:26:11,900 North Korea makes it more likely for them to alter their behavior 421 00:26:11,900 --> 00:26:16,170 than had there been no consequences whatsoever 422 00:26:16,166 --> 00:26:19,196 to them testing a nuclear weapon. 423 00:26:19,200 --> 00:26:23,700 Chuck Todd. 424 00:26:23,700 --> 00:26:25,230 The Press: Thank you, Mr. President. 425 00:26:25,233 --> 00:26:26,963 Given the goals of this conference and the goals 426 00:26:26,967 --> 00:26:28,797 of your administration on nuclear policy, 427 00:26:28,800 --> 00:26:31,800 why does it appear as if Pakistan is playing by a 428 00:26:31,800 --> 00:26:32,970 different set of rules? 429 00:26:32,967 --> 00:26:35,297 I know they have not signed on to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation 430 00:26:35,300 --> 00:26:39,700 Treaty, but it appears they're expanding their nuclear program 431 00:26:39,700 --> 00:26:42,070 and the proximity to al Qaeda. 432 00:26:42,066 --> 00:26:46,536 Should there be more pressure internationally on Pakistan, 433 00:26:46,533 --> 00:26:49,133 not just coming from the United States, but the world? 434 00:26:49,133 --> 00:26:51,003 President Obama: I don't think Pakistan is playing by a different 435 00:26:51,000 --> 00:26:51,870 set of rules. 436 00:26:51,867 --> 00:26:53,867 I think we've been very clear to Pakistan, 437 00:26:53,867 --> 00:26:55,937 as we have been to every country, 438 00:26:55,934 --> 00:27:01,464 that we think they should join the NPT. 439 00:27:01,467 --> 00:27:04,597 I have actually seen progress over the last several years with 440 00:27:04,600 --> 00:27:11,100 respect to Pakistan's nuclear security issues. 441 00:27:11,100 --> 00:27:14,100 I want to lower tensions throughout South Asia when 442 00:27:14,100 --> 00:27:16,170 it comes to nuclear programs. 443 00:27:16,166 --> 00:27:18,896 And I think that the fact that President (sic) Gilani came 444 00:27:18,900 --> 00:27:23,170 here, signed on to a communiqué, and made a range of commitments 445 00:27:23,166 --> 00:27:30,436 that will make it more likely that we don't see proliferation 446 00:27:30,433 --> 00:27:33,063 activities or trafficking occurring out of Pakistan 447 00:27:33,066 --> 00:27:34,636 is a positive thing. 448 00:27:34,633 --> 00:27:36,733 Do we have a lot more work to do? 449 00:27:36,734 --> 00:27:38,104 Absolutely. 450 00:27:38,100 --> 00:27:43,670 But I think that President -- Prime Minister Gilani's presence 451 00:27:43,667 --> 00:27:51,467 here was an important step in assuring that we do not see a 452 00:27:51,467 --> 00:27:54,137 nuclear crisis anywhere in South Asia. 453 00:27:54,133 --> 00:27:59,603 Okay? All right, Jeff Mason. 454 00:27:59,600 --> 00:28:01,330 The Press: Thank you, Mr. President. 455 00:28:01,333 --> 00:28:03,533 A follow-up question on two that have been asked. 456 00:28:03,533 --> 00:28:07,533 First, how realistic do you believe it is that countries 457 00:28:07,533 --> 00:28:10,103 will agree on sanctions in the coming weeks, 458 00:28:10,100 --> 00:28:11,900 which is the deadline that you're looking for? 459 00:28:11,900 --> 00:28:15,130 And a second, a follow-up on Pakistan -- is the United States 460 00:28:15,133 --> 00:28:19,163 confident that Pakistan's nuclear materials are protected 461 00:28:19,166 --> 00:28:23,366 and will not be vulnerable to terrorists like al Qaeda? 462 00:28:23,367 --> 00:28:25,837 President Obama: To take the second question first, 463 00:28:25,834 --> 00:28:30,234 just as a part of a follow-up on Chuck's question, 464 00:28:30,233 --> 00:28:33,833 I feel confident about Pakistan's security around 465 00:28:33,834 --> 00:28:37,364 its nuclear weapons programs. 466 00:28:37,367 --> 00:28:41,797 But that doesn't mean that there isn't improvement to make in all 467 00:28:41,800 --> 00:28:44,400 of our nuclear security programs. 468 00:28:44,400 --> 00:28:48,430 You'll recall that we had a little incident a while back 469 00:28:48,433 --> 00:28:53,863 where we had nuclear-tipped missiles on a bomber flying 470 00:28:53,867 --> 00:28:57,397 across the United States and nobody knew about it. 471 00:28:57,400 --> 00:29:00,470 And Secretary Gates took exactly the right step, 472 00:29:00,467 --> 00:29:07,037 which was to hold those in charge accountable and to 473 00:29:07,033 --> 00:29:11,233 significantly alter our practices to make sure something 474 00:29:11,233 --> 00:29:13,003 like that didn't happen again. 475 00:29:13,000 --> 00:29:16,770 So I think it's important to note that every nuclear power, 476 00:29:16,767 --> 00:29:21,297 every country that has a civilian nuclear energy program, 477 00:29:21,300 --> 00:29:26,070 has to take better steps to secure these materials. 478 00:29:26,066 --> 00:29:29,596 And Pakistan is not exempt from that, but we aren't, either. 479 00:29:29,600 --> 00:29:32,370 And that's I think the goal of this summit, 480 00:29:32,367 --> 00:29:35,067 and that was the goal of the communiqué and the work plan 481 00:29:35,066 --> 00:29:38,036 that we put forward. 482 00:29:38,033 --> 00:29:44,403 With respect to sanctions, I think that we have a strong 483 00:29:44,400 --> 00:29:48,370 number of countries on the Security Council who believe 484 00:29:48,367 --> 00:29:50,367 this is the right thing to do. 485 00:29:50,367 --> 00:29:53,837 But I think these negotiations can be difficult. 486 00:29:53,834 --> 00:30:01,204 And I am going to push as hard as I can to make sure that we 487 00:30:01,200 --> 00:30:08,730 get strong sanctions that have consequences for Iran as it's 488 00:30:08,734 --> 00:30:11,864 making calculations about its nuclear program and that those 489 00:30:11,867 --> 00:30:14,467 are done on a timely basis. 490 00:30:14,467 --> 00:30:18,337 I'm not going to speculate beyond that in terms of where we are. 491 00:30:18,333 --> 00:30:23,703 Last question, Ed Chen of Bloomberg. 492 00:30:23,700 --> 00:30:26,470 The Press: Thank you, Mr. President. Good afternoon. 493 00:30:26,467 --> 00:30:30,667 Given the progress you have cited in recent days on your 494 00:30:30,667 --> 00:30:35,697 foreign policy agenda, to what extent do you feel like you have 495 00:30:35,700 --> 00:30:39,930 gained political capital with which to take further to the 496 00:30:39,934 --> 00:30:43,034 international stage for the rest of this year, 497 00:30:43,033 --> 00:30:48,263 to perhaps rejuvenate some initiatives in trouble spots 498 00:30:48,266 --> 00:30:52,036 such as the Middle East and elsewhere? 499 00:30:52,033 --> 00:30:59,303 President Obama: Well, I think the work that we've done in recent 500 00:30:59,300 --> 00:31:04,470 days around nuclear security and nuclear disarmament are 501 00:31:04,467 --> 00:31:06,997 intrinsically good. 502 00:31:07,000 --> 00:31:09,800 They're good just in and of themselves. 503 00:31:09,800 --> 00:31:12,670 And so we're very pleased with the progress that we've made. 504 00:31:12,667 --> 00:31:16,467 And we could not have done this without extraordinary 505 00:31:16,467 --> 00:31:19,397 cooperation first from President Medvedev when it came to the 506 00:31:19,400 --> 00:31:22,000 START treaty, and then from my colleagues who were here today 507 00:31:22,000 --> 00:31:25,270 when it came to this Nuclear Security Summit. 508 00:31:25,266 --> 00:31:30,666 What I think it signifies is the fact that so many of the 509 00:31:30,667 --> 00:31:33,297 challenges that we face internationally can't be 510 00:31:33,300 --> 00:31:35,400 solved by one nation alone. 511 00:31:35,400 --> 00:31:40,630 But I do think that America's leadership is important in 512 00:31:40,633 --> 00:31:47,763 order to get issues on the international agenda and to move 513 00:31:47,767 --> 00:31:54,497 in concert with other countries to have an effective response. 514 00:31:54,500 --> 00:31:56,230 There are a host of other issues, obviously, 515 00:31:56,233 --> 00:31:59,633 that have to be addressed and one of the points that was made 516 00:31:59,633 --> 00:32:03,703 actually during the communiqué is we're talking here about the 517 00:32:03,700 --> 00:32:06,970 instruments of potential war or terrorism, 518 00:32:06,967 --> 00:32:11,567 but obviously there are also the reasons, the rationales, 519 00:32:11,567 --> 00:32:16,467 the excuses for conflict, that have to be addressed as well. 520 00:32:16,467 --> 00:32:23,397 And I remain committed to being a partner with countries around 521 00:32:23,400 --> 00:32:26,270 the world, and in particular hot spots around the world, 522 00:32:26,266 --> 00:32:30,266 to see if we can reduce those tensions and ultimately resolve 523 00:32:30,266 --> 00:32:31,496 those conflicts. 524 00:32:31,500 --> 00:32:34,600 And the Middle East would be a prime example. 525 00:32:34,600 --> 00:32:40,400 I think that the need for peace between Israelis and 526 00:32:40,400 --> 00:32:44,300 Palestinians and the Arab states remains as critical as ever. 527 00:32:44,300 --> 00:32:46,700 It is a very hard thing to do. 528 00:32:46,700 --> 00:32:52,630 And I know that even if we are applying all of our political 529 00:32:52,633 --> 00:32:57,533 capital to that issue, the Israeli people through their 530 00:32:57,533 --> 00:33:00,763 government, and the Palestinian people through the Palestinian 531 00:33:00,767 --> 00:33:06,367 Authority, as well as other Arab states, may say to themselves, 532 00:33:06,367 --> 00:33:09,767 we are not prepared to resolve this -- these issues -- no 533 00:33:09,767 --> 00:33:12,667 matter how much pressure the United States brings to bear. 534 00:33:12,667 --> 00:33:16,097 And the truth is, in some of these conflicts the United 535 00:33:16,100 --> 00:33:24,200 States can't impose solutions unless the participants in these 536 00:33:24,200 --> 00:33:31,670 conflicts are willing to break out of old patterns of antagonism. 537 00:33:31,667 --> 00:33:35,567 I think it was former Secretary of State Jim Baker who said, 538 00:33:35,567 --> 00:33:38,567 in the context of Middle East peace, 539 00:33:38,567 --> 00:33:41,097 we can't want it more than they do. 540 00:33:41,100 --> 00:33:44,570 But what we can make sure of is, is that we are constantly 541 00:33:44,567 --> 00:33:50,567 present, constantly engaged, and setting out very clearly to both 542 00:33:50,567 --> 00:33:56,967 sides our belief that not only is it in the interests of each 543 00:33:56,967 --> 00:34:00,437 party to resolve these conflicts but it's also in the interest of 544 00:34:00,433 --> 00:34:01,633 the United States. 545 00:34:01,633 --> 00:34:05,233 It is a vital national security interest of the United States to 546 00:34:05,233 --> 00:34:11,063 reduce these conflicts because whether we like it or not, 547 00:34:11,066 --> 00:34:17,996 we remain a dominant military superpower, 548 00:34:18,000 --> 00:34:21,030 and when conflicts break out, one way or another we get 549 00:34:21,033 --> 00:34:22,933 pulled into them. 550 00:34:22,934 --> 00:34:28,004 And that ends up costing us significantly in terms of both 551 00:34:28,000 --> 00:34:29,570 blood and treasure. 552 00:34:29,567 --> 00:34:32,497 So I'm going to keep on at it. 553 00:34:32,500 --> 00:34:38,800 But I think on all these issues -- nuclear disarmament, 554 00:34:38,800 --> 00:34:45,800 nuclear proliferation, Middle East peace -- progress is going 555 00:34:45,800 --> 00:34:49,200 to be measured not in days, not in weeks. 556 00:34:49,200 --> 00:34:51,370 It's going to take time. 557 00:34:51,367 --> 00:34:54,467 And progress will be halting. 558 00:34:54,467 --> 00:34:59,897 And sometimes we'll take one step forward and two steps back 559 00:34:59,900 --> 00:35:01,570 and there will be frustrations. 560 00:35:01,567 --> 00:35:09,967 And so it's not going to run on the typical cable news 24/7 news cycle. 561 00:35:09,967 --> 00:35:16,367 But if we're persistent, and we've got the right approach, 562 00:35:16,367 --> 00:35:19,297 then over time, I think that we can make progress. 563 00:35:19,300 --> 00:35:20,170 All right? 564 00:35:20,166 --> 00:35:21,166 Thank you very much, everybody.