Road Closure Information
Location:
Calvington Dr from Sunray Cres to Keele St
Description: road closure due to gas leak
Location:
Calvington Dr from Sunray Cres to Keele St
Description: road closure due to gas leak
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Press Conference with Secretary Panetta and Prime Minister Al-Keeb in Tripoli, Libya
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Press Conference with Secretary Panetta and Prime Minister Al-Keeb in Tripoli, Libya PRIME MINISTER ABDUL RAHEEM AL-KEEB:(Translated.)In the name of God, welcome to all of you.I would like to welcome Mr. Secretary of Defense United States secretary of defense. He is well known for understanding our area.I would also like to salute his desire on behalf of the United States of America and to participate in [inaudible] people [inaudible] courageous and heroic efforts to build Libya. At first we had a very friendly meeting, and he had mentioned that United States of America respects the ability of the Libyan people to lead the following phase; however, he had also mentioned that the United States of America will stand by these people, and he did say this brave and courageous people to help him build his future without interfering with the ambitions and plans of this people to protect its future and to build it. So on behalf of the Libyan people, on behalf of the brave and courageous, heroic Libyan people, I would like to thank the United States through the minister secretary of defense.This interaction we look forward to this interaction which will result in a cooperation for the better future of Libya.Thank you. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LEON PANETTA:Thank you very much, Mr. Prime Minister, for [inaudible] service and for your commitment to the Libyan people during this very important time of transition and hope. I've been told that I am the first United States secretary of defense to visit Libya, and this is truly a special honor for me to be in Tripoli today.I've come to pay tribute to the courage and determination of the Libyan people.They bravely came together, they rose up against an oppressive regime, they fought, and many died to chart a better future for themselves and for their children. I'm particularly proud of the role that the United States played through the NATO alliance in helping protect and support the Libyan people during this dramatic and inspiring revolution.This was a very unique alliance against tyranny and for freedom. Even though Operation Unified Protector has ended, I want to stress that the United States, despite the fact that that program has ended, will continue will continue to stand by the Libyan people.To that end, we are looking forward to building a close partnership with the Libyan government, and we stand ready to provide whatever assistance they need in the spirit -- in the spirit of friendship and in the spirit of mutual respect. Just yesterday the United States rolled back most of the sanctions it had imposed on the government of Libya, and has released all government and central bank funds within the United States' jurisdiction. This measure will allow the Libyan government to access most of its worldwide holdings and assist the prime minister in his efforts to oversee the country's reconstruction and transition. In my conversation with the prime minister and with the minister of defense, I made clear that the United States stands ready to offer security assistance and whatever cooperation we can once the government identifies its needs. I believe that this new and free Libya can become an important security partner for the United States.Libya is now in the hands of the Libyan people. They will chart their future. They will determine what assistance they require from the United States and the international community. To the people of Libya, let me say this. The blood that you have spilled has earned you the right to determine your future, to work through the security issues that you are going to confront.And there is no doubt that you will confront some serious and difficult challenges bringing together all of the revolutionary forces that fought from west to east, securing weapons stockpiles, confronting terrorism, professionalizing the army and the police, and developing the institutions of a free and representative government.This will be a long and difficult transition, but I have every confidence that you will succeed in realizing the dream of a government of, by, and for all people and achieve a more secure and prosperous future. The history of my country is the history of revolution and the fight for equal justice and for human rights.Now we share the same legacy, and we are and will be your friend and your partner. Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister, for hosting me here today. Thank you for really a thank you to the entire Libyan people for being a source of inspiration and hope for this entire region and for the world.The torch of freedom that has passed throughout the centuries, and now passes from nation to nation in the Middle East and North Africa, burns brightly here in Libya.May it light your way to a future of peace, prosperity, and freedom. MODERATOR: First question. Thom Shanker from the New York Times. Q:Thank you very much. One of the most [inaudible] challenges facing the new government is bringing all of the militias under control. Mr. Secretary [inaudible] in Iraq and Afghanistan where the American military has both fought militias and worked with militias, is there any specific assistance that you can or will offer the Libyans [inaudible] bring all of the militias under control by yourself or will you seek assistance from the U.S. or other outside partners [inaudible].Thank you very much. SEC. PANETTA: That was, obviously, one of the issues that we discussed and clearly one of the challenges is the effort to bring together all of the revolutionary forces that were involved here in Libya. In talking with the defense minister and the prime minister, I am confident that they are taking the right steps to reach out to all of these groups and bring them together so that they will be part of one Libya and be part of one defense system. There are a lot of young people that worked hard in this revolution, and I think that the goal of the prime minister is to try to embrace that energy and try to direct it in a way that can help and be productive for Libya. I have a good sense that they understand the challenge that they're facing, but I also have a very good sense that they know how to deal with it. PRIME MINISTER AL-KEEB:(Translated.) Yes, the secretary has given a very good answer for your question, but if I may complement his answer by saying that we know how serious this issue is.We realize that it's not a matter of just simply saying, okay, put down your arms and go back to work or whatever you want to do.We realize that there are lots of things that we [inaudible] finalize and be able to [inaudible].We have programs solid programs that try [inaudible] we [inaudible] former freedom fighters back to they will be fighters for a better future of Libya, and we will give them opportunities that we [inaudible] matter of fine tuning some issues here for this program. So I am very optimistic.We know that these are not simple issues to deal with, but [audible] that we will take care of them over time. Just a side note, as you well know, the Libyan people did not [inaudible] simply demonstrating peacefully, but the mentality group mentality [inaudible], but [inaudible] here, made them act [inaudible]. The Libyan people are known to be peaceful and to work [inaudible] peaceful life and I am sure they will go back to that [inaudible].So I'm very optimistic. Q: (Translated.)[Inaudible] of cooperation for the future of Libya, especially with regards to lifting the embargo, or unfreezing Libyan assets? SEC. PANETTA: As I stated, the United States has taken steps to lift sanctions on Libyan assets and hopefully those will be made available as soon as possible to the Libyan government and the Libyan people.This was something that the United States always felt from the beginning, the reason that those funds were held was because we did not want to have the Gadhafi regime have access to those funds. Those funds belonged to the Libyan people and now they have [inaudible] released back to the Libyan people. MODERATOR: Next question is from Craig Whitlock with the Washington Post. Q: [Inaudible] Mr. Secretary.As you know, there's still a lot of turmoil in the Arab world: Syria and Yemen are in conflict, Egypt's transition has been volatile and violent. To what degree do you think the unfolding of the transition here in Libya will influence these popular uprisings elsewhere? Or do you see Libya as a special case, a unique case as the secretary mentioned, whose lessons may not necessarily apply to other countries in the region? PRIME MINISTER AL-KEEB : (Translated.)The fire of wanting to have freedom was burning here [inaudible] revolution followed by the Egyptian one [inaudible] so and if you look at the commonalities amongst the three of them, including also the one in Yemen, you will see that there is a [inaudible] and freedom and respect for human rights and freedom of speech that does not exist in many Arab places, so I am almost certain that the Syrian revolution has been influenced in a positive way by the three revolutions in Tunisia [inaudible]. So I think this is one [inaudible] of why democracy in the Middle East is something that everybody needs to support and I think that our [inaudible], we have in the past played in a small way before this past [inaudible] in a small way positive.[Inaudible] we want to do that. We want to show the good face of Libya.And I think this will also show [inaudible] quest for [inaudible]. SEC. PANETTA: I think it's pretty clear that this region is going through the most dramatic changes since the fall of the Ottoman Empire and we are seeing, in what has been termed the Arab Spring, changes that are taking place throughout this region. I think at the heart of each of these changes there is a commonality in the sense that it is the people in each of these countries that are seeking the benefits of freedom, human rights, and equal opportunity and justice. And that is at the heart of what we've seen take place, whether it's Tunisia or Egypt or here in Libya or the Syrians and elsewhere. It is truly the sovereignty of the people we talk about sovereignty of nations, but this is the sovereignty of the people that is taking hold in this region. It is going to involve different approaches in each of these countries, and different challenges in each of these countries. None of this is going to be easy and nobody ever said that it was going to be easy as each of these countries tries to confront the challenge of the developing institutions of government, developing the institutions of representative democracy.And there's going to be turmoil as they go through that process, as we've seen. But I think ultimately, at the heart of this is the effort to try to make sure that each of these countries in their own way respond to what the people want and try to develop those opportunities and freedoms that are so important. I don't think you can simply apply a rubber stamp here to each of these countries. They're going each of these countries has to do this on their own. That's [inaudible] true in Egypt, it's true in Tunisia, and it's true here in Libya. The Libyan people and Libyan leaders are the ones that will determine the future of Libya.But we'll be there to provide whatever help they need.We'll be there to provide whatever assistance they need. But in the end it is Libya and the Libyan people that will decide the future [inaudible]. MODERATOR: Last question. Q: [Inaudible] you had mentioned that the United States and Libya [inaudible].Can you be more specific? Are we speaking of providing selling arms to the Libyan government or can you be more specific about the kind of cooperation between Libya and the United States? SEC. PANETTA: What I indicated to the minister of defense and what I indicated to the prime minister is that the United States is prepared to provide whatever assistance that Libya believes it needs.We discussed no specific assistance at this time. I believe that both the prime minister and the defense minister, obviously, as they may proceed in the days in the future here that they will assess what their needs are, and they will determine what kind of help we and, for that matter, the international community can help provide.But at this stage there certainly was no discussion involving arms or military equipment. What we indicated is that they have to determine what their needs are, what kind of assistance is required, and whatever they need the United States will be happy to respond. MODERATOR: Thank you, gentlemen. Thank you everybody. This concludes our press conference [inaudible]. | |
Roundtable with Secretary Panetta in Turkey
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Roundtable with Secretary Panetta in Turkey SECRETARY LEON PANETTA:Let me begin with some brief comments and then we'll open it up to questions. First I'd like to extend my very best wishes to Prime Minister Erdogan for a continued recovery from his recent surgery and extend the regards of the U.S. government, the American people and best wishes to him for a quick recovery. I'm truly delighted to be here in Turkey.Turkey is a key NATO ally and a very critical security partner for the United States. This is -- this is my first visit to the country as secretary of defense, but as many of you know, I've had the opportunity to visit here in my previous capacities.And every time I've had the opportunity to be here, I've always felt that we were working with a very close partner and ally on whatever issues that I was dealing with at the time. I've been able to engage in this trip in a very comprehensive set of discussions with Turkish leaders, including President Gul, Minister of Defense Yilmaz and the chief of national defense, just came from a meeting with the CHOD. We've reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.-Turkish alliance in confronting some of the most pressing security challenges in the region and across the world, including supporting the democratic changes that are sweeping this region, confronting the oppressive Assad regime and encouraging change there as well and in equipping and modernizing the NATO alliance in order to deal with emerging threats. I'd like to once again commend Turkey for its cooperation in hosting the NATO missile defense radar and for its significant contributions to ISAF in Afghanistan.I had the opportunity to be in Afghanistan, in Kabul.And actually, the Turkish troops are located there in the capital of Afghanistan, doing a great job in providing security at the capital.And we really thank Turkey for their participation in the ISAF effort in Afghanistan.My belief, as I mentioned, having just been to Afghanistan, is that the war effort there has reached an important turning point.And Turkey has been a leading force in helping to drive this success. Just as Turkey has shared in our determination to deny al-Qaida and its militant allies safe haven in Afghanistan, I'd also like to express the strong solidarity of the United States with Turkey in the fight against the terrorist PKK. In my discussions here in Ankara, I made very clear that the United States will continue to assist Turkey in confronting this threat.We talked about the efforts that we've made to confront terrorism, the successes we've had.And I indicated the solidarity we have with Turkey in confronting the terrorists that they have here in this country as well. And speaking of that, I also mentioned to them that, having just come from Iraq and the ceremonies that brought that war to an end, that I assured them that we would have a long-term relationship with Iraq and that we would continue to work with Iraq to make sure that that country takes steps to deal with the PKK on that side of the border as well. I also made clear that in this time of sweeping change in the region, it's important for Turkey to have strong relationships with those who share an interest in regional security and stability, including Israel.I believe that it is in Turkey's interest and in Israel's interest for the two to move forward to repair their leadership in order to deal with the many difficult issues that we confront in this region. Earlier today, as many of you know, I had the honor of laying a wreath at the tomb of Ataturk, which I've had the opportunity to visit as well on previous trips to Turkey. The modern and vibrant democracy that Turkey has become I think is a testament to the vision and to the strength of the Turkish people.This country has a very important role to play as a leader in this region and in the world, and Turkish people should know that they have a committed friend and a committed ally in the United States. Thank you. STAFF:The secretary will now take questions.The Associated Press. Q: Mr. Secretary Lita Baldor with the Associated Press.You're going to be traveling to Libya tomorrow.I was wondering if I could ask you what your assessment is of the situation there, particularly considering so far their inability to coalesce the militias and particularly the recent violence and -- (off mic) -- assassination attempts against the --[off mic] -- army can you tell us, are there concerns that they haven't been able to really take hold of -- (off mic)? SEC. PANETTA: Well, obviously, the purpose of my trip to Libya is to have an opportunity of looking at that situation up close, but to also pay tribute to the Libyan people for what they did in bringing Gadhafi down and trying to establish a democratic government for the future. Obviously, I'll have a better chance to get a sense of what progress and what difficulties they're confronting.But kind of standing back, it seems to me that they are working through some very difficult issues to try to bring that country together. It's not going to be easy. This is not -- this is not -- this is not a country that has a tradition of democratic institutions and representative government.This is going -- this is going to take some work. But the indications I have are that they are making progress, trying to bring tribes together, trying to bring the country together in order to establish the institutions that must be put in place so that the Libyan people will have the opportunity to have elections, to have representative government, to have institution of democracy put in place.That certainly is their goal.That's our goal.And working with them, I think it's the goal of other countries in the international community in working with them as well. So, yes, -- there are going to be challenges here.There are going to be difficulties.But I think any country like Libya that was able to do what they did and show the courage that they did in making the changes that took place there, I'm confident that ultimately they're going to be able to succeed in putting a democracy together in Libya. STAFF (?):(Off mic.) Q:(Inaudible) you already mentioned Israel, how much of a complicated factor -- (inaudible)?And if I may add to that, you were recently quoted in the Turkish media extensively saying that a strike against Iran -- whatever -- would not be very helpful at this stage.Do you still stand by that? SEC. PANETTA: First -- first, with regards to the relationship between Turkey and Israel, I think -- I think it's important for both countries to try to do what they can to establish that, that relationship is -- they've had a strong relationship in the past, and I think it's helped both countries in dealing with the issues in this region.And at a time when there are great changes going on, at a time when there are great challenges, I think it behooves both countries to try to re-establish that relationship.I urge both to do that, and I'm confident that both Israel and Turkey recognize the importance of, hopefully, re-establishing those relations. I think that, you know, it's important to recognize what the consequences would be of any country's military action. As the secretary of defense,I have a responsibility, if the president directs me, to take military action, but I also have a responsibility to point out the consequences of what military action involves.That doesn't represent a weakness I think that represents a strength. Q: Mr. Panetta, Turkey wants armed drones.The Pentagon has supported that, but the Congress has some skepticism about members of Congress.Did you discuss this issue with Turkish officials today?And what's your message to Congress about the sale of armed drones to Turkey ? SEC. PANETTA: You know, we are in discussions with Turkey. As you know, we do provide some technology to assist them in their efforts against the PKK.And we're prepared to discuss further efforts to try to improve the technology and those capabilities.And as always, obviously, in whatever discussions we have, we try to also share that information with Congress, so that they understand why it's important to take those steps. So the answer to your question is that we continue to explore other steps that can be taken to assist Turkey in the effort to deal with the PKK. MR.: Mr. Secretary -- (off mic). Q: Mr. Secretary, there has been quite differences with regard to a push to Iran, between Turkey and United States in the past.And recently, we've seen some convergence of the -- (off mic) -- when we saw the report from Iran threatening Turkey because the Turkish government decided to hold the part of the radar installation in the eastern part of the country.Not only that, but also with regard to position that this government should -- on Syria, coming very hard on the Syrian government and pushing for the change, and the Iranians weren't happy with that.And how is your assessment of the current -- (off mic) -- of the United States government, Turkish government, with regard to Iran issues, including the Iraq, Syria, and nuclear arms program -- Iran's program ? SEC. PANETTA: I -- as I indicated to the leaders that I met with, I have tremendous respect for the leadership of Turkey on these issues. I think they've exercised very responsible leadership in dealing with the issues that are taking place in the Middle East and in dealing with issues related to Iran and to -- and to Syria as well as other areas.And for that reason, I think it is important for the United States and Turkey to continue to work together in a cooperative relationship in order to deal with these issues. We're in a period of tremendous change going out -- going on throughout obviously the Middle East, and we've seen a number of changes.I think Turkey and the United States share the goal that hopefully, these changes can produce positive results in the future for the people and the nations that have gone through this turmoil. This is -- I think this represents a time of tremendous opportunity to be able to move that region forward in terms of the rights of people and the opportunities for people in that region, and I think Turkey recognizes that opportunity. Iran -- I think we have urged Iran to join the family of nations, not to isolate itself from the rest of the world.And I think Turkey agrees that we should do everything possible to urge Iran to be a member of the family of nations as opposed to trying to undermine the progress that is -- that is being made in this region. STAFF: Next question. Q: Sir, what concrete measures, if any, did U.S.-Turkish leadership agree to in terms of ending the Assad regime? SEC. PANETTA: We didn't -- we did not talk about specific steps other than to indicate that it's important that we continue to bring pressure on the Assad regime so that Assad steps down and the people of Syria are given the opportunity to be able to establish the institutions of government that will give them greater rights and opportunities. We've seen what happened -- what's happened elsewhere, and I believe that, you know, at some point it's going to happen in Syria as well.But in order for that to happen, I think it's important not only for Turkey and the United States but the international community to continue to bring pressure on Syria, on the Assad regime to do the right thing. And Turkey has exercised great leadership in making clear what steps should be taken, and we've encouraged that, and we will continue to work with Turkey and the international community to try to get Assad to do the right thing. Q: Mr. Secretary, I would like to ask a follow-up -- (inaudible) -- Turkey is -- hearing the Russians,... to press Iranians, -- (inaudible) with regard to forward-base trainers--- (inaudible) -- next year -- (inaudible) -- includes -- (inaudible). SEC. PANETTA: Yeah.No, I -- Turkey is a longtime member of NATO. And Turkey, I believe, has been a very effective partner in NATO, in all of the missions that have been involved with NATO. And the purpose of this defense system is to protect the NATO countries from attack.That's the main mission here.That's the main purpose here.And I think Turkey recognizes that it is important for this country to be a part of that defense shield.And you know, there are going to be countries that may or may not object to those steps that are being taken.But these steps are being taken in defense of NATO.And it is for that reason that I think they're taking the right steps, and it's for that reason that I think that ultimately, other countries, whether they like it or don't like it, are going to have to ultimately accept it. STAFF:Next question. Washington Post Q: Mr. Secretary, you referenced earlier that the U.S. recently began flying Predator drones out of Incirlik.First of all, does the U.S. have permission from the Iraqi government to fly them over Iraqi airspace? SEC. PANETTA: Yes. Q:And part B is the little broader question.The U.S. military has also acknowledged that recently it's been flying drones -- (inaudible) -- surveillance missions, the Seychelles -- (inaudible) -- and these are places that the United States is not at war.Is this the way of the future for operations -- (inaudible)? SEC. PANETTA: Well, I'm not going to discuss the operations that we're conducting with regards to a number of areas around the world that deal with the defense of the United States. I think it's fair to say that, you know, it's -- these are technologies that are extremely important in developing the kind of intelligence and information that we need in order to be able to defend the security of our country.It also, I think, is extremely helpful in terms of our -- of our abilities to defend ourselves against those that have tried to ultimately attack the United States. So, it -- bottom line here is that these are important technologies.They are important assets.They're extremely important to our ability to defend the country.And we're going to go continue to use them in the defense of United States security. STAFF: (Off mic.) Q: (Off mic) Mr. Secretary (inaudible) withdrawing from Iraq, what were your feelings?There's the nature of the debate going on what the United States has gained or lost, Which side did the U.S. gain or lose -- (inaudible). SEC. PANETTA: When you -- when you participate in a historic ceremony that marks the end of a war, that kind of ceremony has a huge impact in terms of making you think about what's involved in war, of what wars are about and the price that's paid in war, and what are the gains and what are the losses as a result of that.So it makes you think about all of those things. In this case, there's no question that, you know, the United States was divided going into that war, but I think the United States is united coming out of that war.We all recognize the tremendous price that has been paid in lives and blood.And yet, I think we also recognize that those lives were not lost in vain; that the end result of that has been to establish a sovereign and independent Iraq that can govern and secure itself; and that it's moving forward with establishing the kind of democratic government that I think will be an important stabilizing factor in that region of the world. So, as difficult as it was, as difficult as the price was that was involved here, not only in the lives of Americans but in the lives of Iraqis, I think the price has been worth it, to establish a stable government in a very important region of the world, that hopefully can begin to enjoy the freedoms, liberties and opportunities that all people ought to be able to enjoy. STAFF:New York Times, have a follow-up? Q: Are you optimistic that Iraq will stay -- (inaudible)? SEC. PANETTA: I -- you know, I am optimistic.I think that my sense is that they are very loyal to their country.They want -- they want a sovereign Iraq.They want a strong Iraq. Obviously, you know, there -- like any democracy, there are differences.There will be challenges.They will have tough issues they have to confront.And there will be those that will try to divide them.There are -- there are going to be those that will try to influence divisions within Iraq, both outside and inside Iraq.But I think the people of Iraq and the leadership of Iraq is committed to a strong and sovereign and independent Iraq.And I think, for that reason, I'm confident that they're going to be able to succeed. Q: (inaudible) When you look at the narrative arc travels from yesterday, tomorrow, Iraq was a major commissioning, very expensive, very costly.Libya -- (off mic) -- America -- (off mic) -- been able to be honest to put American troops on the ground.When you look at these lessons, Mr. Secretary how will they influence your strategic study, and the way you shape the budget for next year --(inaudible) --Thank you. SEC. PANETTA: I think, as I mentioned at the ceremony yesterday, that one of the important things for the experienced leadership -- for the experienced military leadership that has come out of these wars, both in Iraq and Afghanistan, is the importance of learning the lessons of war.And as we go through the process of having to achieve savings in the -- in the defense budget and reduce that budget by almost 450 billion (dollars) over the next 10 years, I think it's an opportunity for us to shape a defense system for the future based on learning the lessons of the past. There's no question that, you know, we are a country that will continue to have force projection in the world.We will have that force projection in the Pacific.We'll have it in the Middle East.We will continue to maintain a presence in other parts of the world as well.But the bottom line is that we are going to be smaller force that's going to have to be more agile, more flexible and more capable in dealing with threats in the world.That requires -- that requires not only that we develop the strongest and the best technology, but it also requires that we develop the strongest and best partnerships wherever we can in the world. So I think those are the lessons we're going to have to bring to bear as we shape the defense of the future. STAFF:We have time for a few more questions. Q: Mr. Secretary, how much influence can the U.S. have over the process that's unfolding in Libya now?And do you anticipate any assistance that you can give to that process in the near term, or are we essentially waiting for events to unfold? SEC. PANETTA: I think -- I think it has to unfold a little bit.I think they have to determine what are -- you know, what are their needs, what steps do they need to take.You know, the last thing you want to do is to try to impose something on a country that has just gone through what the Libyans have gone through.They have earned the right to try to determine their future.They have earned the right to try to work their way through the issues that they're going to have to confront.And as they do that, obviously, you know, we're prepared , if they want us to provide whatever assistance that they ask us to do.I know the NATO countries have indicated the same willingness to do that. But this is an issue for the Libyans to decide and work through.And we will do whatever we can to encourage them to move in the right direction. STAFF:And finally. Q: Secretary Panetta -- (off mic) this has to go on Jennifer's question on Syria.Russia has offered a new draft resolution at the U.N. singling out the Syrian government for greater criticism than it has in the past.How do you see this latest news that U.N., -- the international community and the United States particularly -- do vis-a-vis Syria at the U.N. who have been reluctant with Russia and China? SEC. PANETTA: Well, I think -- I think it was an important step for Russia to indicate that they were willing to work with an effort in the United Nations that would bring greater pressure on Syria.There's a lot to be worked through.I think the secretary of state will engage with Russia to indicate how best to bring them into that effort and to develop something that the United States and the international community can support. But I think it's clear from the steps that Russia took that more and more, the international community is coming together as one to say to Syria and to the Assad regime that we can no longer tolerate the kind of killings that have gone on, the kind of abuse of human rights that have gone on in Syria, and that Assad needs to step down, and the Syrian people need to be able to move forward to establish the institutions of government that will protect their rights. The best thing going right now is the unity of the international community in delivering that message.Not only is it happening in the United Nations, but it's also happening with the Arab nations as well in the Arab League.That kind of unified effort, that kind of unified pressure, I think, is ultimately going to pay off. STAFF:Thank you very much.Appreciate it. |
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Transfers TV KINGS POINTER to Texas A&M University
The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and the U.S. Department of Transportation today announced that the TV KINGS POINTER will be transferred to Texas A&M University in Galveston.
The transfer facilitates the upcoming reconstruction of Mallory Pier, the Academy’s main ship docking facility. The Mallory Pier project has been in the planning stages for several years, and work is now scheduled to begin in early 2012. The project will take 12 to 18 months, during which time there will be no docking facilities available to tie up vessels as large as the TV KINGS POINTER.
In addition, Academy leadership has determined that the TV KINGS POINTER no longer meets its training needs in a cost effective manner. Currently, USMMA midshipmen obtain the sea time needed for their U.S. Coast Guard license aboard commercial merchant ships, and only use Academy training craft, like the KINGS POINTER, for basic familiarization, ship handling and seamanship instruction. The TV KINGS POINTER can be more cost effectively used in the maritime training curriculum at Texas A&M University, which is dependent upon a dedicated school ship. The Academy will use other vessels, such as the TV LIBERATOR, for midshipman training until a new vessel is acquired.
In her 19 years at the Academy, the TV KINGS POINTER has traveled over 100,000 miles along the inland and offshore waters of the East Coast and provided over 75,000 sea days of midshipman training. She gained worldwide attention on October 31, 1999, when she was the first vessel to arrive at the crash site of Egypt Air Flight 990, which crashed in the waters off Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, killing 217 passengers and crew. The ship was on a routine training cruise from Kings Point, New York to Boston, when she responded to a marine distress call.
In addition to training Academy midshipmen, the TV KINGS POINTER has been used for Merchant Marine safety and maritime security training and for officer and enlisted training by every branch of the Armed Forces. In addition, it has been used for training new recruits of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Officer Corps. The ship has hosted Secretaries of Transportation, Senators and Congressmen, military personnel, and thousands of Merchant Marine veterans, Academy alumni, parents and other visitors. She also served as the Department of Transportation’s official platform for the 2000 Tall Ships Parade in New York Harbor, and has represented the Academy and the American Merchant Marine at countless maritime festivals and port calls from Maine to Florida.
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Final March Out of Iraq (White House Notice)
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Good afternoon, After nearly nine years, our war in Iraq is ending. In recent days, many of our troops have come home and been reunited with their families for the holidays. Over the next few days, a small group of American soldiers will begin the final march out of Iraq. This moment of success is because of their sacrifice. More than 1.5 million Americans have served in Iraq. More than 30,000 of these brave men and women were wounded. Nearly 4,500 gave their lives. America’s military families have borne a heavy burden. As we mark the end of this war, we need to show our veterans and their families that they have the thanks of a grateful nation. Take a minute to look back at the moments that brought us to this point, then share a personal message of gratitude with those who have served.  Part of ending a war responsibly is standing by those who have fought it. It's not enough to honor our heroes with words; we must do so with deeds. That's why we've worked to send 600,000 veterans and family members back to school on the Post-9/11 GI Bill. That's why one of Michelle's top priorities as First Lady has been to support military families and why she's worked with the private sector to get commitments to create 100,000 jobs for those who've served and their spouses. That's why we worked with Congress to pass a tax credit so that companies have an incentive to hire vets and have taken steps to help veterans translate military experience to the private sector job market. In America, our commitment to those who fight for our freedom and our ideals doesn't end when our troops take off the uniform. You can be a part of this effort to honor our heroes. Help mark this moment. Write a quick note that troops and veterans all over the world will be able to see: Thank you, President Barack Obama | ||
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