Browse through our Interesting Nodes on Turkey Read the Convention Relating to the Regime of the Straits (24 July 1923) Read the Convention Relating to the Regime of the Straits (24 July 1923)
HR-Net - Hellenic Resources Network Compact version
Today's Suggestion
Read The "Macedonian Question" (by Maria Nystazopoulou-Pelekidou)
HomeAbout HR-NetNewsWeb SitesDocumentsOnline HelpUsage InformationContact us
Friday, 29 March 2024
 
News
  Latest News (All)
     From Greece
     From Cyprus
     From Europe
     From Balkans
     From Turkey
     From USA
  Announcements
  World Press
  News Archives
Web Sites
  Hosted
  Mirrored
  Interesting Nodes
Documents
  Special Topics
  Treaties, Conventions
  Constitutions
  U.S. Agencies
  Cyprus Problem
  Other
Services
  Personal NewsPaper
  Greek Fonts
  Tools
  F.A.Q.
 

U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing #185, 97-12-22

U.S. State Department: Daily Press Briefings Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Department of State Foreign Affairs Network (DOSFAN) at <http://www.state.gov>


467

U.S. Department of State
Daily Press Briefing

I N D E X

Monday, December 22, 1997

Briefer: James B. Foley

ANNOUNCEMENTS
1		Welcome to French Embassy visitors
1		Under Secretary for Global Affairs Tim Wirth briefing
		  12/23/97 11 a.m.

IRAQ 2-4 Impending UN Presidential statement condemning Iraq's denial of UNSCOM access to suspected weapons sites; Next steps 2 Assessment of Iraqi compliance with UNSC Resolutions 3-4 Maintaining international sanctions

LIBYA 4 USG reaction to Louis Farrakhan travel to Libya

MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS 4 Israeli reports of plans for Dennis Ross travel to the region 7 Netanyahu comments on Israeli sovereignty over West Bank territories

IMMIGRATION VISA 5 Alleged State Department directives to employees re cut-off of welfare benefits for legal immigrants

JAPAN 5-6 Okinawa referendum on relocation of helicopter facility 5-6 Terms of the Special Action Committee on Okinawa (SACO) agreement

LIBERIA 6 Liberian Charge d'Affaires allegedly hijacked in Washington, DC

IRAN 7 Actor Anthony Quinn travel to Tehran for film festival 7 State railway to purchase locomotives from France; no ILSA application


U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
OFF-CAMERA PRESS BRIEFING

DPB #185

MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1997 12:55 P.M.

(ON THE RECORD UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

MR. FOLEY: A big crowd today.

First I'd like to welcome some visitors from the French Embassy, whom I met in the hallway - welcome -- from the press section of the French Embassy.

Second, I'd like to announce that Under Secretary for Global Affairs, Timothy Wirth, will give sort of a farewell press briefing tomorrow morning at 11:00 a.m. here in the briefing room. He will be reviewing his tenure as Under Secretary - the first in that position - talking about the range of issues that he worked on here in the Department.

It's his last week in the job, and he'll be taking questions on the work that he's accomplished, and also his views on where we're going on some of the global issues that the United States will be facing in the years to come.

QUESTION: Is that on camera?

MR. FOLEY: I don't believe so.

QUESTION: Okay.

QUESTION: Why not?

MR. FOLEY: Well, we haven't fully addressed the --

QUESTION: No, but it's on the record --

MR. FOLEY: It's on the record, yes. I didn't know that was a concern, Barry, of AP.

QUESTION: Sure it is. Well, no, it's a concern of - AP has t.v., but besides that, if something's on the record, it should be available to all forms of reporting.

QUESTION: I agree.

QUESTION: No matter what tie he's wearing.

MR. FOLEY: We'll look into that.

QUESTION: Lots of things to ask you about, but let me start with Iraq. The obvious question - how well --or poorly, it may be -- is the US doing in getting its friends and would-be friends and so-called friends to support a condemnation of Iraq?

MR. FOLEY: As you know, we've been discussing the issue with our colleagues on the Security Council since Chairman Butler's report to the Security Council last week.

My understanding is that we expect to have a presidential statement agreed sometime today. I don't have the elements of the statement, but my understanding is that it will clearly reaffirm Security Council resolutions that call upon Iraq to comply fully with the requirements of UNSCOM; in particular, UNSCOM's requirement to have full, unfettered, unqualified access to all sites it deems necessary to inspect inside Iraq.

QUESTION: Well, I was wondering about condemning particularly because, as we both know, that establishes a legal threshold for taking military action.

MR. FOLEY: We'll have to see what comes out of it. As I said, I don't have the text or the draft as it's being worked in New York.

But what I can tell you is that we're looking for a united and extremely firm call upon Iraq to cease its obstruction and to cease delay in fully implementing UN Security Council resolutions.

So we expect that the result will be that the ball will be back in Iraq's court, having witnessed a demonstration of Security Council unanimity on the all-important question of 100 percent compliance with the inspection regime.

QUESTION: There's a story out this morning that Iraq's obstructionism is actually more verbal than actual; that they're doing a better job in complying, and that their deeds are better than their words, citing a senior US official. Do you have any comment on that?

MR. FOLEY: I'd have to refer you to UNSCOM in terms of their view, their assessment of how their work is proceeding.

I'm not aware to date that there has been blockage of UNSCOM activities thus far, since they returned to Iraq. But certainly Chairman Butler received a negative verbal message from the Iraqi Government when he was there in which, at least rhetorically, they reiterated their view that certain sites within Iraq were off-limits to inspection. So I don't believe that that story is over. That question will be answered on the ground at the appropriate moment.

QUESTION: Is the US disappointed that it's only a presidential statement rather than a full Council resolution, which obviously would carry more weight?

MR. FOLEY: I'm not sure that we were seeking anything different from that. We're looking for a presidential statement that utterly rejects Iraq's claim to selectively implement UN Security Council resolutions.

QUESTION: You know, we didn't bring up -- the thought of the virtue or the value of condemning didn't originate on this side of the podium; it originated on that side, in the midst of one of these tussles with Saddam Hussein where the State Department said it was considering asking the Council to condemn Iraq, becausethat in some way that I'm not fully aware of establishes some legal footing for taking military action.

I mean, for the president of the Security Council to say it would be a good idea if Iraq permitted unfettered inspection doesn't seem to carry the - we could wait for the statement, but I don't know how that advances your pressure tactics at all.

MR. FOLEY: Well, we have to cross each bridge as we come to them. And I say them because there could be many stages as this crisis continues to play itself out. Right now, we believe that it is appropriate to pursue this kind of a statement that very clearly emphasizes the unanimity of the Council on this all-important question of 100 percent access to sites.

I'm going to answer your question, though, Barry, if you'll bear with me.

QUESTION: Yes. Sorry.

MR. FOLEY: The reason is that, as has I think been made clear by different American spokesmen, for example, we believe that Saddam Hussein grossly miscalculated when he triggered this crisis, believing erroneously that he could drive a wedge through the international community, and through that wedge obtain some sort of early or partial or premature lifting of sanctions.

I think it must be coming crystal clear to Saddam, and it will be even more so following what we expect will be passage of the statement, that that idea was nothing but an illusion; and that for so long as he fails to cooperate 100 percent without restrictions or conditions with UNSCOM and its inspection regime, the hope of ever seeing a lifting of sanctions will be unrealistic and never fulfilled. So that's where we are now.

As I indicated, I think the ball will be kicked back into his camp. He will find that the prospect of sanctions relief has been further set back, further removed in time by his actions of the last two months.

Where we go after that - after that realization sinks in - we would hope for cooperation. But let's, as I said, cross each bridge as we come to them.

QUESTION: I mean, nobody's going to drive a wedge between the United States and Britain. But Russia, France and others have had different views -- I don't know about a wedge -- and the way to get unity is to take the least common denominator and everybody agrees to it. That sounds like what's going on.

MR. FOLEY: His strategy, we believe, was to obtain early, partial, premature sanctions relief. That is not going to happen.

We have unanimity on the Council in that regard, and we expect that to be reaffirmed today.

QUESTION: If he doesn't comply with the UN resolutions despite what our allies do or don't do, would the United States consider unilateral military action? Would it consider military action in concert with another ally?

MR. FOLEY: Well, that's not the first time, of course, that question has been posed to Administration spokesmen. I can only repeat what Administration spokesmen have consistently said, which is that we don't rule any options out; we have other options at our disposal. But we are endeavoring to resolve this challenge successfully and, at this stage, diplomatically. That process has not played itself out.

QUESTION: Libya, Farrakhan. Do you have any comment on the remarks that he made during his visit there, which I guess coincided with the anniversary of the shoot-down?

MR. FOLEY: I would have not seen his specific remarks.

Our view on his trip we've stated from the podium, including the visit to Iraq, but also the visit to Libya. Libya is an international pariah. It was really stupefying timing, if you will, the idea that he would be there actually on the very date of the anniversary of the downing of Pan Am 103. We think that in anyone's communication with the Libyan authorities there ought to be a single message, which is to comply with UN Security Council resolutions and make available the two suspects to the courts where they are wanted for trial.

QUESTION: This doesn't sound like Christmas week on t.v. - revivals. Let's revive the third old chestnut: Dennis Ross going to the Middle East. The Israeli Government thinks he'll be there in January. Could you flesh that out a little bit?

MR. FOLEY: I haven't spoken to him today. It's unfortunate; maybe I would have a specific answer to your question.

QUESTION: We were talking on background.

MR. FOLEY: I believe he has not set plans for a visit to the region. I wouldn't rule it out, but I'm not aware of any specific plans at the moment.

QUESTION: Do you think the Israelis are wrong, do you think?

MR. FOLEY: As I said, Barry, I've not spoken to him this morning, and I'm not aware of his specific plans.

QUESTION: Okay.

QUESTION: You may not have an answer to this, but bear with me for a second. There's a story in this morning's L.A. Times about state and federal officials who are demanding reimbursement of legal, health and welfare benefits given to immigrants who leave the country and come back. They go back to Mexico or whatever and come back. These are benefits that were legally granted and legally obtained. There is a State Department tie-in here, in that State administers the visa program --

MR. FOLEY: I was wondering if there was.

QUESTION: Yes, well, the visa program, in which a lot of these people come in in the first place. Apparently, according to the story, the State Department sent, along with INS, directives to its employees saying that this was of questionable legality, and to cease and desist. Do you know anything about this?

MR. FOLEY: I don't. I'd be happy to take the question and to see whether there is a State Department dimension to it.

Clearly, immigration issues are mostly the province of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. We may have to talk to them in order to get an answer to your question.

QUESTION: Well, except that the tie-in is both this directive and the fact that State administers the visa program. One of the grounds in which people get admitted under that program is that they won't become wards of the state.

MR. FOLEY: That's right.

QUESTION: The assumption that they won't become wards of the state.

MR. FOLEY: I'd be happy to look into it, Judd; I have not heard it.

QUESTION: Thanks.

QUESTION: Do you have anything to say on the Okinawa referendum?

MR. FOLEY: Yes. In the final report of the Special Action Committee on Okinawa, the governments of the United States and Japan agreed to the return of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma after adequate replacement facilities were completed and operational.

Both governments remain committed to the implementation of the SACO final report. We are, of course, aware of the results of the referendum, but we believe this is a domestic matter for Japan.

QUESTION: Isn't this a setback? I mean, this was the option that you favored.

MR. FOLEY: Well, the agreement is still in place, as I noted. Under the agreement, we are prepared to relocate, provided that adequate replacement facilities are completed and operational.

So I don't think this is the end of the story, but I'd really refer you to the Government of Japan on the question of where we go from here.

QUESTION: Sunday morning a Liberian official was hijacked with two companions on North Capitol Street. Do you know anything about this, and can you confirm that it was the Acting Ambassador?

MR. FOLEY: It's the first I've heard of it. I'll look into it after the briefing.

QUESTION: Okay.

MR. FOLEY: When did that take place reportedly?

QUESTION: About 2:30 a.m. Sunday morning.

MR. FOLEY: I'll get back to you on it.

QUESTION: I want to go back to the Okinawa issue.

MR. FOLEY: Yes.

QUESTION: You said - (inaudible) - the United States and Japan remained to commit the SACO final report. Do you mean that, in spite of yesterday's conclusion, the United States and Japan tried to proceed this program or not?

MR. FOLEY: I'd have to refer you to the Government of Japan. Under the agreement, we made clear our willingness to relocate if replacement facilities could be found. But we're not - it's not for us to try to micromanage the solution that might be found to this issue. I'd really just have to refer you to Japanese authorities on that point.

QUESTION: As you know, the mayor of Nago City, where this referendum took place yesterday, has said over and over that he would decide on what he should do depending on the conclusion of that referendum.

MR. FOLEY: Yes.

QUESTION: So he seems to be very reluctant to accept the - to agree this program. So how do you think - does it give a very big effect to US alliance system?

MR. FOLEY: Well, I really wouldn't want to speculate on what happens next or to comment further on the issue. I think, really, it's a matter that the Japanese authorities are studying right now.

QUESTION: Can I ask about Iran? There's this report in Iranian newspapers today that the American actor, Anthony Quinn, has been invited to a film festival there. I wondered if you had a view on whether he should go?

MR. FOLEY: It's not a matter that we've given a great deal of study to, having just seen the press release minutes - maybe an hour ago, before the start of the briefing. I don't think we have an official State Department position on it.

I think I made clear a week or two ago in the context of the news that, for example, Iran and the United States would be competing in the soccer arena that we certainly think the kinds of people-to-people ties between the two nations are a positive development; that the alienation and separation between the two peoples that have occurred over the last 20 years are unnatural. So I would answer similarly in regard to this press report. I don't think it's clear whether Mr. Quinn is aware of the invitation or has responded to it, but that's just a very quick response to something that I haven't had an opportunity to study.

QUESTION: Also on Iran, this report - you might not have seen it yet - that Iran's state railway company has announced it's going to purchase 100 locomotives from GEC Alston, in France.

It's a contract of $250 million. I guess it doesn't fall under the D'Amato law, but I'm wondering if you had anything to say in terms of business ties?

MR. FOLEY: No, I don't. As you indicated, ILSA itself covers investments in the energy sector in Iran, so that doesn't come into play here.

Any other questions?

QUESTION: What are your comments on Benjamin Netanyahu's latest statements where he ruled out any withdrawal from the West Bank, and that the West Bank is a part of Israel? Do you think these statements or the decision is against the US position and its effort to bring some progress to the peace process?

MR. FOLEY: Well, our position is clear - that in permanent status negotiations, which we are trying with a lot of vigorous effort to get the parties to, that those kinds of issues will be addressed in that forum. We look forward to making progress, including when the two leaders visit Washington next month.

At the end of that process, if we are successful, then we will move to permanent status negotiations, at which those issues will be addressed.

Thank you.

QUESTION: Thank you.

(The briefing concluded at 1:15 P.M.)


U.S. State Department: Daily Press Briefings Directory - Previous Article - Next Article
Back to Top
Copyright © 1995-2023 HR-Net (Hellenic Resources Network). An HRI Project.
All Rights Reserved.

HTML by the HR-Net Group / Hellenic Resources Institute, Inc.
std2html v1.01b run on Tuesday, 23 December 1997 - 0:18:38 UTC