1 00:00:02,980 --> 00:00:05,889 Hi , everyone . Good afternoon . Just 2 00:00:05,900 --> 00:00:08,011 have a few things here at the top and 3 00:00:08,011 --> 00:00:09,733 then I'd be happy to take your 4 00:00:09,733 --> 00:00:11,956 questions . So this morning , Secretary 5 00:00:11,956 --> 00:00:14,233 Austin spoke by phone with Philippines , 6 00:00:14,233 --> 00:00:16,400 Secretary of National Defense Gilberto 7 00:00:16,400 --> 00:00:18,456 Junior to discuss the US Philippines 8 00:00:18,456 --> 00:00:20,567 alliance cooperation . We will have a 9 00:00:20,567 --> 00:00:22,511 full read out on our website later 10 00:00:22,511 --> 00:00:24,678 today that you can find to find , find 11 00:00:24,678 --> 00:00:26,809 on defense dot gov on the heels of 12 00:00:26,819 --> 00:00:29,041 Secretary Austin's productive trip last 13 00:00:29,041 --> 00:00:31,809 week on Friday , August 4th , the US S 14 00:00:31,819 --> 00:00:34,479 North Carolina docked at Sterling , a 15 00:00:34,490 --> 00:00:36,619 naval base in Western Australia 16 00:00:36,630 --> 00:00:38,950 following her participation in Talisman 17 00:00:39,080 --> 00:00:41,500 Saber . This marks the first visit by a 18 00:00:41,509 --> 00:00:43,830 Virginia class submarine to the country 19 00:00:43,840 --> 00:00:45,896 since the trilateral announcement of 20 00:00:45,896 --> 00:00:47,849 the Australia , United Kingdom and 21 00:00:47,860 --> 00:00:50,430 United States optimal pathway . These 22 00:00:50,439 --> 00:00:52,550 port visits are an essential step for 23 00:00:52,550 --> 00:00:54,383 Australia to build the necessary 24 00:00:54,383 --> 00:00:56,639 operational capabilities and skills to 25 00:00:56,650 --> 00:00:58,706 steward and operate its own fleet of 26 00:00:58,706 --> 00:01:01,470 nuclear powered submarines . Elsewhere 27 00:01:01,479 --> 00:01:04,019 this week at the Ohio Air National 28 00:01:04,029 --> 00:01:07,239 Guards 178th Wing in Springfield , the 29 00:01:07,250 --> 00:01:09,040 National Guard Space Operations 30 00:01:09,050 --> 00:01:10,828 Directorate will kick off space 31 00:01:10,828 --> 00:01:13,860 exercise . Vulcan Guard hosted by Ohio 32 00:01:13,870 --> 00:01:15,814 National Guard . The exercise will 33 00:01:15,814 --> 00:01:17,814 involve units from all seven states 34 00:01:17,814 --> 00:01:20,449 with National Guard Space Missions , US , 35 00:01:20,459 --> 00:01:22,626 Space Command and representatives from 36 00:01:22,626 --> 00:01:24,459 National Guard Space Partnership 37 00:01:24,459 --> 00:01:27,069 program partner Brazil . The exercise 38 00:01:27,080 --> 00:01:29,136 is aligned with the National defense 39 00:01:29,136 --> 00:01:30,969 strategy and advances integrated 40 00:01:30,969 --> 00:01:33,080 deterrents through cooperation of our 41 00:01:33,080 --> 00:01:35,309 unparalleled allies and partners . The 42 00:01:35,319 --> 00:01:37,639 exercise hones the skills of space 43 00:01:37,650 --> 00:01:39,949 warriors in the operations and 44 00:01:39,959 --> 00:01:41,903 intelligence communities increases 45 00:01:41,903 --> 00:01:44,070 knowledge and skills for space mission 46 00:01:44,070 --> 00:01:47,059 planning and execution and it enhances 47 00:01:47,069 --> 00:01:49,402 partnerships with our state partnership . 48 00:01:49,402 --> 00:01:51,470 Program partners . Volke Guard runs 49 00:01:51,480 --> 00:01:53,550 tomorrow through uh through Friday . 50 00:01:54,430 --> 00:01:56,839 And finally , the army will recognize 51 00:01:56,849 --> 00:01:59,540 retired Colonel Paris D Davis Medal of 52 00:01:59,550 --> 00:02:01,629 honor recipient during an unveiling 53 00:02:01,639 --> 00:02:03,709 ceremony of his name permanently 54 00:02:03,720 --> 00:02:06,000 engraved at the National Museum of the 55 00:02:06,010 --> 00:02:08,339 United States Army in the Medal of 56 00:02:08,350 --> 00:02:10,789 Honor Garden on Wednesday , August 9th 57 00:02:10,800 --> 00:02:13,720 at 11 a.m. retired Colonel Davis 58 00:02:13,729 --> 00:02:15,562 received the medal of honor from 59 00:02:15,562 --> 00:02:17,785 President Biden just this year in March 60 00:02:17,785 --> 00:02:20,270 on March 3rd , 2023 for his actions 61 00:02:20,279 --> 00:02:22,223 while serving in the fifth Special 62 00:02:22,223 --> 00:02:25,720 Forces Group in Vietnam in 1965 . 63 00:02:26,259 --> 00:02:28,037 Media interested in attending . 64 00:02:28,037 --> 00:02:29,926 Tomorrow's event can contact army 65 00:02:29,926 --> 00:02:32,092 public affairs with more information . 66 00:02:32,092 --> 00:02:34,148 And with that , I'd be happy to take 67 00:02:34,148 --> 00:02:36,370 your questions , Tara . Um yesterday at 68 00:02:36,370 --> 00:02:38,630 an army briefing , the army acquisition 69 00:02:38,639 --> 00:02:41,149 chief said that a new package of 70 00:02:41,160 --> 00:02:43,327 supplemental packages in the works for 71 00:02:43,327 --> 00:02:45,493 Ukraine . What is the Pentagon doing ? 72 00:02:45,493 --> 00:02:47,549 Are you advising this is it based on 73 00:02:47,549 --> 00:02:49,604 their previous request ? And can you 74 00:02:49,604 --> 00:02:51,771 give us some insight as to what you're 75 00:02:51,771 --> 00:02:53,993 recommending ? Uh Thanks Tara . I don't 76 00:02:53,993 --> 00:02:56,216 have anything to announce today uh with 77 00:02:56,216 --> 00:02:58,327 every package we always evaluate what 78 00:02:58,327 --> 00:03:00,549 Ukraine needs most on the battlefield , 79 00:03:00,549 --> 00:03:02,604 which you've seen um uh announced in 80 00:03:02,604 --> 00:03:04,716 different security packages , whether 81 00:03:04,716 --> 00:03:06,660 that's air defense systems or more 82 00:03:06,660 --> 00:03:08,493 artillery . Um I just don't have 83 00:03:08,493 --> 00:03:10,771 anything to preview today at this time . 84 00:03:10,771 --> 00:03:12,882 Is different though . This is the big 85 00:03:12,882 --> 00:03:12,610 supplemental that would actually fund 86 00:03:12,710 --> 00:03:14,960 next year . And can you give us an 87 00:03:14,970 --> 00:03:17,081 update ? Has the Pentagon run through 88 00:03:17,081 --> 00:03:19,710 all of the PD A and USA I funds for 89 00:03:19,720 --> 00:03:21,942 this year ? Are you all essentially out 90 00:03:21,942 --> 00:03:23,831 of money now ? So in terms of any 91 00:03:23,831 --> 00:03:26,053 request for supplemental , I'm just not 92 00:03:26,053 --> 00:03:28,109 gonna get ahead of any conversations 93 00:03:28,109 --> 00:03:30,109 that we're having right now . Um in 94 00:03:30,109 --> 00:03:32,276 terms of uh PD A funds , we're not out 95 00:03:32,276 --> 00:03:34,225 of money , um We still have uh the 96 00:03:34,235 --> 00:03:38,014 money that we have uh uh that we 97 00:03:38,024 --> 00:03:40,246 have from the re evaluation that we did 98 00:03:40,246 --> 00:03:42,413 earlier this year . So you'll remember 99 00:03:42,413 --> 00:03:44,580 that was approximately $6 billion . So 100 00:03:44,580 --> 00:03:46,746 we still do have that to spend down in 101 00:03:46,746 --> 00:03:48,691 terms of PD A . Um And we're gonna 102 00:03:48,691 --> 00:03:51,130 continue to do that . Um Again , that 103 00:03:51,139 --> 00:03:53,250 that is , that is still a substantial 104 00:03:53,250 --> 00:03:55,306 amount and we feel confident that we 105 00:03:55,306 --> 00:03:57,306 can continue to supply Ukraine with 106 00:03:57,306 --> 00:03:59,472 what it needs on the battlefield , but 107 00:03:59,472 --> 00:04:01,639 I'm not just not going to get ahead of 108 00:04:01,639 --> 00:04:01,539 anything in terms of any supplemental 109 00:04:01,550 --> 00:04:03,661 or any additional request to Congress 110 00:04:03,661 --> 00:04:05,772 that's left for this year is just the 111 00:04:05,772 --> 00:04:07,899 excess 6 billion for the PD A . Yes . 112 00:04:08,050 --> 00:04:10,360 Yeah , that's right . I would have to , 113 00:04:10,520 --> 00:04:12,742 I would have to check that one . I just 114 00:04:12,742 --> 00:04:14,853 don't know that number off the top of 115 00:04:14,853 --> 00:04:17,131 my head right now . Great . Yes . Well , 116 00:04:17,131 --> 00:04:19,020 uh , um I just wanted to check if 117 00:04:19,020 --> 00:04:21,242 there's any changes to us force posture 118 00:04:21,242 --> 00:04:23,409 since uh since the last time we got an 119 00:04:23,409 --> 00:04:25,631 update . Um , and also does , um , does 120 00:04:25,631 --> 00:04:25,570 the Pentagon have any indication that 121 00:04:26,079 --> 00:04:28,246 is um that the military authorities in 122 00:04:28,640 --> 00:04:30,862 have requested aid from Wagner ? And if 123 00:04:30,869 --> 00:04:33,339 so is , is um have they moved to 124 00:04:33,350 --> 00:04:36,149 respond or ? Sure . So um I'll take the 125 00:04:36,160 --> 00:04:38,327 first one first , that would make most 126 00:04:38,327 --> 00:04:40,160 sense . Um in terms of our force 127 00:04:40,160 --> 00:04:42,450 posture , nothing has changed . Uh As 128 00:04:42,459 --> 00:04:44,681 you know , we have have paused um on an 129 00:04:44,681 --> 00:04:46,734 interim basis , some security 130 00:04:46,744 --> 00:04:49,075 cooperation efforts and we're not 131 00:04:49,084 --> 00:04:51,855 conducting um military training right 132 00:04:51,864 --> 00:04:53,984 now as things remain pretty fluid 133 00:04:53,994 --> 00:04:56,904 within . Um and we continue to , to 134 00:04:56,915 --> 00:04:59,082 monitor what's happening on the ground 135 00:04:59,082 --> 00:05:01,193 there , but um nothing has changed in 136 00:05:01,193 --> 00:05:03,359 terms of our Force posture or presence 137 00:05:03,359 --> 00:05:06,054 within . Um And then I on your second 138 00:05:06,065 --> 00:05:09,079 question on , on Wagner , you know , we 139 00:05:09,089 --> 00:05:11,200 continue to see Wagner trying to take 140 00:05:11,200 --> 00:05:13,390 responsibility for activities that 141 00:05:13,399 --> 00:05:16,350 happen within Africa . Um We have seen 142 00:05:16,359 --> 00:05:18,470 no indications that they had anything 143 00:05:18,470 --> 00:05:21,850 to do with the events in um and have 144 00:05:21,859 --> 00:05:24,859 not seen any assistance so far uh flow 145 00:05:24,869 --> 00:05:27,579 in from Wagner forces to at this time . 146 00:05:28,720 --> 00:05:32,329 Great Laura , thanks Rena just wanted 147 00:05:32,339 --> 00:05:35,730 to ask uh again on State Department put 148 00:05:35,739 --> 00:05:38,079 out a release on Friday saying that 149 00:05:38,390 --> 00:05:40,168 they had paused certain foreign 150 00:05:40,168 --> 00:05:42,279 assistance for . And I'm wondering if 151 00:05:42,279 --> 00:05:44,279 you could tell us what the military 152 00:05:44,279 --> 00:05:47,149 security piece of that is . What are we 153 00:05:47,160 --> 00:05:49,382 currently doing ? What are we currently 154 00:05:49,382 --> 00:05:51,493 not doing and how uh in particular is 155 00:05:51,493 --> 00:05:53,959 that impacting operations at ? Sure . 156 00:05:53,970 --> 00:05:56,600 So I won't get into all of our um all 157 00:05:56,609 --> 00:05:58,553 of the details in terms of our own 158 00:05:58,553 --> 00:06:00,276 security operations . But as I 159 00:06:00,276 --> 00:06:02,276 mentioned earlier to will , we have 160 00:06:02,276 --> 00:06:04,387 paused our military training . Um And 161 00:06:04,387 --> 00:06:06,760 we have paused some additional security 162 00:06:06,769 --> 00:06:09,119 cooperation efforts , but again , this 163 00:06:09,130 --> 00:06:12,079 is an interim basis . Um This is just 164 00:06:12,089 --> 00:06:14,529 pause for now . We , we continue to 165 00:06:14,540 --> 00:06:16,818 monitor what's happening on the ground . 166 00:06:16,818 --> 00:06:19,209 There are over 1000 troops , us troops 167 00:06:19,220 --> 00:06:21,589 in . And as we've said from the 168 00:06:21,600 --> 00:06:23,656 beginning , and I think you've heard 169 00:06:23,656 --> 00:06:25,767 from my State Department colleagues , 170 00:06:25,767 --> 00:06:27,933 we continue to urge for a diplomatic , 171 00:06:27,933 --> 00:06:30,044 a peaceful resolution to this issue . 172 00:06:30,970 --> 00:06:33,714 Um Military security aid does d provide 173 00:06:33,725 --> 00:06:36,545 to every year typically from state or 174 00:06:36,554 --> 00:06:38,776 from the department , the military side 175 00:06:38,776 --> 00:06:40,998 of the security system , I I don't have 176 00:06:40,998 --> 00:06:43,165 an exact number for you . I would have 177 00:06:43,165 --> 00:06:45,276 to look into that . But in terms of , 178 00:06:45,276 --> 00:06:47,276 again , we've been training with uh 179 00:06:47,276 --> 00:06:49,387 Nigerians on the ground for um before 180 00:06:49,387 --> 00:06:51,554 this uh these events took place in the 181 00:06:51,554 --> 00:06:54,149 country . Um The State Department 182 00:06:54,160 --> 00:06:56,438 provides its own foreign assistance to . 183 00:06:56,929 --> 00:07:00,339 Um And again , we hope that this can be 184 00:07:00,350 --> 00:07:02,350 resolved . This , this issue can be 185 00:07:02,350 --> 00:07:04,461 resolved peacefully . But in terms of 186 00:07:04,461 --> 00:07:06,572 actual numbers , I just would have to 187 00:07:06,572 --> 00:07:08,739 get back to you on that . Yeah , I can 188 00:07:08,739 --> 00:07:08,679 get back to you on that . Yeah . Yes . 189 00:07:08,820 --> 00:07:11,679 Gentleman over here with News , the 190 00:07:11,690 --> 00:07:14,190 Baton and the Carter Hall just entered 191 00:07:14,200 --> 00:07:16,529 the Red Sea on Sunday . Uh , can we get 192 00:07:16,540 --> 00:07:18,596 some more clarity ? I mean , this is 193 00:07:18,596 --> 00:07:20,818 the first , you know , capital ships or 194 00:07:20,818 --> 00:07:22,984 the Baton is the first capital ship in 195 00:07:22,984 --> 00:07:26,119 US Centcom since January of 2022 . So 196 00:07:26,130 --> 00:07:28,241 it's , it's been a while . There were 197 00:07:28,241 --> 00:07:30,790 some reports about some navy and marine 198 00:07:30,799 --> 00:07:32,799 deaths that might go on some of the 199 00:07:32,799 --> 00:07:34,966 commercial ships making the transit in 200 00:07:34,966 --> 00:07:37,077 and out the Persian Gulf . Can we get 201 00:07:37,077 --> 00:07:39,021 some clarity as to what exactly is 202 00:07:39,021 --> 00:07:40,910 going on ? What are the roles and 203 00:07:40,910 --> 00:07:43,132 responsibilities is gonna be for the 26 204 00:07:43,132 --> 00:07:45,299 and the Baton a when they're out there 205 00:07:45,299 --> 00:07:45,059 any kind of clarity there ? Because I'm 206 00:07:45,070 --> 00:07:47,126 a little confused as to what exactly 207 00:07:47,126 --> 00:07:49,237 those debts are doing and how they're 208 00:07:49,237 --> 00:07:51,459 gonna be employed . Sure . So I've seen 209 00:07:51,459 --> 00:07:53,514 the , the same reporting that you're 210 00:07:53,514 --> 00:07:55,403 referring to . Um I don't have an 211 00:07:55,403 --> 00:07:57,626 announcement to make in terms of any um 212 00:07:57,626 --> 00:07:59,848 of our sailors or marines on commercial 213 00:07:59,848 --> 00:08:03,010 ships at this time . Um We've continued 214 00:08:03,019 --> 00:08:06,670 to see Iran or the I RGC disrupting the 215 00:08:06,679 --> 00:08:09,012 free flow of commerce within the region , 216 00:08:09,012 --> 00:08:11,012 which is why the secretary made the 217 00:08:11,012 --> 00:08:13,739 decision that he did to deploy uh 218 00:08:13,750 --> 00:08:16,559 capabilities and more forces into the 219 00:08:16,570 --> 00:08:20,309 region to disrupt uh the I RGC from 220 00:08:20,320 --> 00:08:23,320 continuing its um activity within the 221 00:08:23,329 --> 00:08:25,970 strait of Hormuz . Um I don't have any 222 00:08:25,980 --> 00:08:28,147 more additional information to provide 223 00:08:28,147 --> 00:08:30,147 other than what Centcom has already 224 00:08:30,147 --> 00:08:32,147 previously announced and what , you 225 00:08:32,147 --> 00:08:34,147 know , we have put out um from this 226 00:08:34,147 --> 00:08:36,147 podium . There's nothing additional 227 00:08:36,147 --> 00:08:38,258 that I can really comment in terms of 228 00:08:38,258 --> 00:08:40,369 other ships , have the authorities to 229 00:08:40,369 --> 00:08:42,536 put those detachments on us flagged or 230 00:08:42,536 --> 00:08:44,702 other ships . Well , again , I would , 231 00:08:44,702 --> 00:08:46,702 I've seen the reporting but I'm not 232 00:08:46,702 --> 00:08:48,869 getting ahead of any decision that has 233 00:08:48,869 --> 00:08:50,813 been made or not been made by this 234 00:08:50,813 --> 00:08:50,390 department . I have nothing to announce 235 00:08:50,400 --> 00:08:52,456 at this time when it comes to that . 236 00:08:52,456 --> 00:08:56,369 Janie , North Korea and Kim 237 00:08:56,380 --> 00:08:58,780 Jong Un emphasized the military uh 238 00:08:58,789 --> 00:09:02,340 economy and he would pursue the 239 00:09:02,609 --> 00:09:06,280 economy by selling munitions to other 240 00:09:06,289 --> 00:09:10,049 countries if North Korean Kim jong-un 241 00:09:10,179 --> 00:09:13,590 selling their nuclear weapons to 242 00:09:13,710 --> 00:09:17,179 large countries , how are you concerned 243 00:09:17,190 --> 00:09:19,750 about this ? I think if you're 244 00:09:19,760 --> 00:09:23,369 referring to reporting that North 245 00:09:23,380 --> 00:09:25,547 Korea might be considering the sale of 246 00:09:25,547 --> 00:09:27,590 ammunition to Russia . Um That's 247 00:09:27,599 --> 00:09:29,766 something that is extremely concerning 248 00:09:29,766 --> 00:09:32,369 to us . Uh It's , it's obviously a 249 00:09:32,390 --> 00:09:35,049 decision that North Korea is making to 250 00:09:35,059 --> 00:09:37,169 align itself with Russia and its 251 00:09:37,580 --> 00:09:41,559 unprovoked war against Ukraine and any 252 00:09:41,570 --> 00:09:44,969 arms deal between the D . Pr K and 253 00:09:44,979 --> 00:09:48,390 Russia would violate un Security 254 00:09:48,400 --> 00:09:50,622 Council resolutions . So we continue to 255 00:09:50,622 --> 00:09:52,678 monitor that this , it's of course , 256 00:09:52,678 --> 00:09:54,880 deeply concerning . But um again , 257 00:09:54,890 --> 00:09:57,112 we're just going to continue to monitor 258 00:09:57,112 --> 00:10:00,640 that the country like Iran or 259 00:10:01,729 --> 00:10:04,320 enemy country . That's why , of course , 260 00:10:04,330 --> 00:10:06,497 and it's something that we continue to 261 00:10:06,497 --> 00:10:08,608 monitor . Um Again , we will continue 262 00:10:08,608 --> 00:10:11,239 to identify and expose these transfers , 263 00:10:11,250 --> 00:10:14,099 these sales that happen . Um And make 264 00:10:14,109 --> 00:10:17,059 sure that any country that does decide 265 00:10:17,070 --> 00:10:19,619 or plans to do business with North 266 00:10:19,630 --> 00:10:22,320 Korea is prepared for the consequences 267 00:10:22,405 --> 00:10:24,734 that it is supporting . For example , 268 00:10:24,744 --> 00:10:26,633 with Russia , it is supporting an 269 00:10:26,633 --> 00:10:28,800 ongoing war in Ukraine and unjustified 270 00:10:28,800 --> 00:10:31,022 war that could really end tomorrow . So 271 00:10:31,022 --> 00:10:33,077 we'll make sure that we're doing our 272 00:10:33,077 --> 00:10:35,411 part and due diligence in exposing that . 273 00:10:35,411 --> 00:10:37,633 Great . Yeah , in the back here , thank 274 00:10:37,633 --> 00:10:37,385 you . It's been for two days that you 275 00:10:37,405 --> 00:10:39,674 are in talks with the Iraqi Minister of 276 00:10:39,684 --> 00:10:41,795 Defense delegation . What have you so 277 00:10:41,795 --> 00:10:44,385 far concluded ? I'm talking about the 278 00:10:44,395 --> 00:10:47,604 Iraqi Minister of Defense . Yes , it's 279 00:10:47,614 --> 00:10:49,781 been for two days that we are in talks 280 00:10:49,781 --> 00:10:51,947 with them about security cooperation . 281 00:10:51,947 --> 00:10:54,114 What have you so far concluded in your 282 00:10:54,114 --> 00:10:55,892 meetings with the Iraqi defense 283 00:10:55,892 --> 00:10:58,114 delegation ? So we had , as you saw the 284 00:10:58,114 --> 00:11:00,281 secretary had a meeting yesterday . Um 285 00:11:00,281 --> 00:11:02,447 there's a readout online and I believe 286 00:11:02,447 --> 00:11:04,558 a transcript from his warm words that 287 00:11:04,558 --> 00:11:04,500 he , that he offered at the top . And I 288 00:11:04,510 --> 00:11:06,677 would direct you there for that . When 289 00:11:06,677 --> 00:11:08,788 you talk about Iraqi security , there 290 00:11:08,788 --> 00:11:11,010 is a lot of groups which backed by Iran 291 00:11:11,010 --> 00:11:12,732 and also there are some groups 292 00:11:12,732 --> 00:11:14,677 paramilitaries even in your recent 293 00:11:14,677 --> 00:11:16,732 quarter report to the Congress . You 294 00:11:16,732 --> 00:11:18,732 mentioned that they are not in full 295 00:11:18,732 --> 00:11:20,843 control of the Iraqi Prime Minister . 296 00:11:20,843 --> 00:11:22,899 Have you touched this issue with the 297 00:11:22,899 --> 00:11:24,732 Iraqi defense delegation in your 298 00:11:24,732 --> 00:11:26,788 meetings ? Well , Iraq is one of our 299 00:11:26,788 --> 00:11:28,899 partners in region . When it comes to 300 00:11:28,899 --> 00:11:30,954 the enduring defeat of ISIS , we are 301 00:11:30,954 --> 00:11:33,177 certainly raising our concerns with the 302 00:11:33,177 --> 00:11:35,288 secretary's counterparts and our team 303 00:11:35,288 --> 00:11:38,294 here met with the Iraqi delegation as 304 00:11:38,304 --> 00:11:40,526 well and discussed our concerns when it 305 00:11:40,526 --> 00:11:43,645 comes to continuing that um that 306 00:11:43,655 --> 00:11:45,877 mission of defeating Isis . But again , 307 00:11:45,940 --> 00:11:48,070 uh we remain confident that Iraq will 308 00:11:48,080 --> 00:11:50,809 remain strong and a sovereign state and 309 00:11:50,820 --> 00:11:54,630 will be able to combat any extremism or 310 00:11:54,640 --> 00:11:56,909 terrorism that pops up within , within 311 00:11:56,919 --> 00:11:59,141 the country . And I'm gonna go to the , 312 00:11:59,141 --> 00:12:01,252 I'm gonna go to the phones now . Ok , 313 00:12:03,450 --> 00:12:05,630 which they are in the region of Iraq 314 00:12:05,640 --> 00:12:07,880 and is there any persons from the KRG 315 00:12:07,890 --> 00:12:10,001 attending these meetings ? Yeah , I'm 316 00:12:10,001 --> 00:12:12,057 gonna direct you back to the website 317 00:12:12,057 --> 00:12:14,279 that I mentioned at the top . There's a 318 00:12:14,279 --> 00:12:16,334 full transcript from the secretary's 319 00:12:16,334 --> 00:12:18,446 words at the top when he met with his 320 00:12:18,446 --> 00:12:20,279 counterpart . And there's also a 321 00:12:20,279 --> 00:12:22,557 readout of the meeting . And I'm gonna , 322 00:12:22,557 --> 00:12:22,320 I'm gonna , I'm , I'm respectfully , 323 00:12:22,330 --> 00:12:24,386 I'm gonna go to the phone , Liz with 324 00:12:24,386 --> 00:12:26,608 Fox . Hey , Sabrina , can you hear me ? 325 00:12:26,608 --> 00:12:27,608 Ok . 326 00:12:34,929 --> 00:12:37,880 Ok . Maybe not Chris Gordon Aaron Space . 327 00:12:39,109 --> 00:12:42,849 Uh Can you hear me , Sarina ? I , 328 00:12:42,859 --> 00:12:45,559 we can't hear you on the phone lines 329 00:12:46,390 --> 00:12:49,969 but , uh I can hear you . Uh , if you 330 00:12:49,979 --> 00:12:52,119 want to ask your question , otherwise 331 00:12:52,130 --> 00:12:54,297 I'm happy to , we , you can come by my 332 00:12:54,297 --> 00:12:56,463 office later and we can chat . Can you 333 00:12:56,463 --> 00:12:58,609 hear me now ? Ok . We'll just , we'll 334 00:12:58,619 --> 00:13:00,786 shut off the phone and we'll deal with 335 00:13:00,786 --> 00:13:02,841 that next time . Uh Coming back into 336 00:13:02,841 --> 00:13:04,397 the room . Yeah , real . Uh 337 00:13:06,760 --> 00:13:09,469 the Chinese military hard compromise 338 00:13:10,390 --> 00:13:12,979 network for military intelligence . In 339 00:13:12,989 --> 00:13:16,479 2020 the report said the secret author 340 00:13:16,809 --> 00:13:20,380 for the Japanese for the enhanced 341 00:13:20,440 --> 00:13:22,900 intelligence sharing with Japan could 342 00:13:22,909 --> 00:13:26,400 be slower if Japan's networks are not 343 00:13:26,520 --> 00:13:28,880 data secured . Is that accurate 344 00:13:28,890 --> 00:13:30,890 description of the conversation the 345 00:13:30,890 --> 00:13:33,112 safe that they had with the Japanese in 346 00:13:33,112 --> 00:13:34,890 the past ? Well , I'm not gonna 347 00:13:34,890 --> 00:13:36,984 disclose and get into private 348 00:13:36,994 --> 00:13:39,050 conversations that the secretary has 349 00:13:39,050 --> 00:13:41,205 with his counterparts . Um What I can 350 00:13:41,215 --> 00:13:43,159 say is that , you know , we've let 351 00:13:43,159 --> 00:13:45,159 Japan speak to its own intelligence 352 00:13:45,159 --> 00:13:47,271 capabilities and securities . We feel 353 00:13:47,271 --> 00:13:49,734 confident in our relationship and um 354 00:13:49,744 --> 00:13:52,025 the , the intelligence sharing that we 355 00:13:52,034 --> 00:13:54,169 do do with Japan . Um and we're 356 00:13:54,179 --> 00:13:56,369 confident uh that , that we will 357 00:13:56,380 --> 00:13:58,989 continue that . So sure , I'll give us 358 00:13:59,000 --> 00:14:00,989 a sense of the Pentagon's general 359 00:14:01,000 --> 00:14:03,820 assessment for the cyber security 360 00:14:03,830 --> 00:14:05,997 capabilities . Are you confident ? You 361 00:14:05,997 --> 00:14:08,163 said confident ? But are you confident 362 00:14:08,163 --> 00:14:11,820 that your Japan has a robust capability 363 00:14:11,830 --> 00:14:14,239 so that you can share any type of 364 00:14:14,250 --> 00:14:16,630 advanced defense intelligence necessary 365 00:14:16,640 --> 00:14:19,320 for joint operation or joint military 366 00:14:19,330 --> 00:14:21,441 planning ? Well , what I would say is 367 00:14:21,441 --> 00:14:23,663 again , I let Japan speak for their own 368 00:14:23,663 --> 00:14:25,663 intelligence capabilities and cyber 369 00:14:25,663 --> 00:14:27,663 capabilities . What I can say is um 370 00:14:27,663 --> 00:14:29,719 from a department's perspective , we 371 00:14:29,719 --> 00:14:31,941 feel confident in our relationship with 372 00:14:31,941 --> 00:14:34,163 Japan we continue to coordinate um with 373 00:14:34,163 --> 00:14:36,163 one of our greatest partners in the 374 00:14:36,163 --> 00:14:37,941 region . We continue to conduct 375 00:14:37,941 --> 00:14:40,108 exercises and bilateral and trilateral 376 00:14:40,108 --> 00:14:42,359 meetings . Um So we feel very confident 377 00:14:42,369 --> 00:14:44,580 that Japan will be able to address any 378 00:14:44,590 --> 00:14:46,757 security concerns that they have . But 379 00:14:46,757 --> 00:14:48,979 I would direct you to Japan to speak to 380 00:14:48,979 --> 00:14:51,219 speak more to that . Yes . Right over 381 00:14:51,270 --> 00:14:55,239 here , Mali and Burkina Faso sent a 382 00:14:55,250 --> 00:14:57,940 delegation to Miami and show of their 383 00:14:57,950 --> 00:15:00,228 support to the military coup in nature . 384 00:15:00,289 --> 00:15:03,390 So how much uh that will impact the dod 385 00:15:03,400 --> 00:15:05,700 uh relation as a military to military 386 00:15:05,710 --> 00:15:07,821 with these countries or any countries 387 00:15:07,821 --> 00:15:10,460 may take the same step ? Well , 388 00:15:10,869 --> 00:15:13,036 countries are allowed to conduct their 389 00:15:13,036 --> 00:15:15,669 own military to military conversations . 390 00:15:15,679 --> 00:15:17,568 What the United States , what the 391 00:15:17,568 --> 00:15:19,840 department is deeply invested in is 392 00:15:19,849 --> 00:15:22,250 seeing a resolution um to what is 393 00:15:22,260 --> 00:15:24,427 happening in and we want that resolved 394 00:15:24,427 --> 00:15:26,371 peacefully . We want that resolved 395 00:15:26,371 --> 00:15:28,538 through diplomatic means . Um This has 396 00:15:28,538 --> 00:15:30,593 not changed our force posture in the 397 00:15:30,593 --> 00:15:32,760 region as I mentioned earlier . Um And 398 00:15:32,760 --> 00:15:34,482 we are continue to be , we are 399 00:15:34,482 --> 00:15:37,070 continuing to be hopeful that the 400 00:15:37,145 --> 00:15:41,036 conversations um will lead to progress . 401 00:15:41,046 --> 00:15:43,945 You saw yesterday um uh The State 402 00:15:43,955 --> 00:15:45,916 Department was down in conducting 403 00:15:45,926 --> 00:15:48,585 conversations uh with both sides . We 404 00:15:48,596 --> 00:15:50,374 are very supportive of that dod 405 00:15:50,374 --> 00:15:52,318 representatives were part of those 406 00:15:52,318 --> 00:15:54,429 conversations as well . Um And we are 407 00:15:54,429 --> 00:15:56,540 hopeful that there will be a peaceful 408 00:15:56,540 --> 00:15:59,695 resolution to all of this . The 409 00:15:59,995 --> 00:16:02,325 Secretary Austin and his Philippine 410 00:16:02,466 --> 00:16:05,021 counterpart uh does Philippine ask for 411 00:16:05,031 --> 00:16:06,975 any military assistant to face the 412 00:16:06,975 --> 00:16:08,920 threat from China . And how do you 413 00:16:08,920 --> 00:16:11,142 describe the security situation there ? 414 00:16:11,142 --> 00:16:12,864 Well , I think you've seen our 415 00:16:12,864 --> 00:16:14,920 commitment to the Philippines . Um , 416 00:16:14,920 --> 00:16:17,031 we've , we've , I , I think there was 417 00:16:17,031 --> 00:16:19,253 an announcement just a few months ago , 418 00:16:19,253 --> 00:16:21,475 uh , around the secretary's trip . So I 419 00:16:21,475 --> 00:16:23,587 would direct you to the website and , 420 00:16:23,587 --> 00:16:25,809 or read out from the meeting that he or 421 00:16:25,809 --> 00:16:27,975 the call that he had earlier today . I 422 00:16:27,975 --> 00:16:27,872 just won't go beyond that , that call . 423 00:16:28,041 --> 00:16:30,208 Yes , in the back and then I'll come . 424 00:16:30,208 --> 00:16:32,460 Thank you , Johanna . I'm with online 425 00:16:32,469 --> 00:16:34,590 German news media . I have a question 426 00:16:34,599 --> 00:16:36,432 regarding , thank you . I have a 427 00:16:36,432 --> 00:16:38,488 question regarding the army tactical 428 00:16:38,488 --> 00:16:40,432 missile system . Um What is the OD 429 00:16:40,432 --> 00:16:42,655 current assessment of Ukraine's current 430 00:16:42,655 --> 00:16:44,821 need for these missiles ? And a little 431 00:16:44,821 --> 00:16:47,155 follow up question uh regarding Germany , 432 00:16:47,155 --> 00:16:49,377 um Germany is reportedly uh hesitant to 433 00:16:49,377 --> 00:16:51,321 send their own uh to missiles even 434 00:16:51,321 --> 00:16:53,210 though there seems to be a little 435 00:16:53,210 --> 00:16:55,210 movement . Um and the change of the 436 00:16:55,210 --> 00:16:58,340 party , um as long as the US is not 437 00:16:58,349 --> 00:17:00,571 sending their own missiles and is there 438 00:17:00,571 --> 00:17:02,630 some kind of cooperation uh joint 439 00:17:03,090 --> 00:17:04,812 operation we can expect as the 440 00:17:04,812 --> 00:17:06,757 secretary in talks with the German 441 00:17:06,757 --> 00:17:08,812 Minister of Defense . So I would let 442 00:17:08,812 --> 00:17:11,589 Germany speak for their own security 443 00:17:11,599 --> 00:17:13,766 system and what they decide to provide 444 00:17:13,766 --> 00:17:15,821 each country makes its own sovereign 445 00:17:15,821 --> 00:17:17,988 decisions . Um You've seen the Ukraine 446 00:17:17,988 --> 00:17:20,210 Defense contact group come together , I 447 00:17:20,210 --> 00:17:22,432 think we just had our 14th meeting last 448 00:17:22,432 --> 00:17:25,222 month Um And each time each countries 449 00:17:25,232 --> 00:17:27,065 commit and announce resources to 450 00:17:27,065 --> 00:17:29,452 Ukraine that they see that they can 451 00:17:29,462 --> 00:17:32,332 provide at that time . Um In , in terms 452 00:17:32,342 --> 00:17:34,620 of what the United States has provided , 453 00:17:34,620 --> 00:17:36,675 I mean , we just rolled out our 43rd 454 00:17:36,675 --> 00:17:38,898 presidential drawdown authority package 455 00:17:38,898 --> 00:17:41,120 just I think it was just last week . Um 456 00:17:41,120 --> 00:17:43,342 And again , we're providing artillery , 457 00:17:43,342 --> 00:17:45,342 we're providing air defense . Uh We 458 00:17:45,342 --> 00:17:48,276 continue to train Ukrainians um uh at 459 00:17:48,286 --> 00:17:50,625 us , bases and , and with our , with 460 00:17:50,635 --> 00:17:52,579 our partners and allies around the 461 00:17:52,579 --> 00:17:55,066 world . Um So I think we feel very 462 00:17:55,076 --> 00:17:57,406 confident in the equipment , the 463 00:17:57,416 --> 00:17:59,527 systems , the capabilities that we've 464 00:17:59,527 --> 00:18:01,527 been able to provide . Ukraine . Uh 465 00:18:01,527 --> 00:18:03,749 from the beginning of this war , you've 466 00:18:03,749 --> 00:18:05,972 seen the Ukrainians use them incredibly 467 00:18:05,972 --> 00:18:07,972 effectively on the battlefield . Uh 468 00:18:07,972 --> 00:18:10,194 They are , you know , right now , right 469 00:18:10,194 --> 00:18:09,939 in the middle of their counter 470 00:18:09,959 --> 00:18:12,219 offensive , they are making um 471 00:18:12,339 --> 00:18:14,395 incremental gains , but we knew this 472 00:18:14,395 --> 00:18:16,561 was going to be a tough fight . And so 473 00:18:16,561 --> 00:18:18,672 we're confident in uh the systems and 474 00:18:18,672 --> 00:18:20,839 the weapons that we're providing . But 475 00:18:20,839 --> 00:18:22,895 I think it's important to remember , 476 00:18:22,895 --> 00:18:25,117 this is not just the United States , as 477 00:18:25,117 --> 00:18:24,640 you mentioned , Germany has been 478 00:18:24,650 --> 00:18:27,050 providing security assistance . Um The 479 00:18:27,060 --> 00:18:30,339 Ukraine defense contact group comprises 480 00:18:30,349 --> 00:18:32,609 50 different partner and ally countries 481 00:18:32,619 --> 00:18:34,680 all around the world . So this is a 482 00:18:34,689 --> 00:18:38,010 global effort and um the United States 483 00:18:38,020 --> 00:18:39,964 is going to continue to stand with 484 00:18:39,964 --> 00:18:42,920 Ukraine for as long as it takes . Yeah . 485 00:18:43,550 --> 00:18:46,170 Um Last week , uh Politico reported 486 00:18:46,180 --> 00:18:48,402 that uh that some Ukrainian pilots have 487 00:18:48,402 --> 00:18:50,680 been identified to begin F-16 training . 488 00:18:50,760 --> 00:18:53,800 Um Are you able to offer any updates on 489 00:18:53,810 --> 00:18:56,060 where the US stands in terms of 490 00:18:56,069 --> 00:18:58,150 approving training syllabus ? So we 491 00:18:58,160 --> 00:19:01,619 haven't um uh as you as sorry , I 492 00:19:01,630 --> 00:19:03,852 should start over as you know , Denmark 493 00:19:03,852 --> 00:19:06,074 and the Netherlands are taking the lead 494 00:19:06,074 --> 00:19:07,908 on training . Um We have and the 495 00:19:07,908 --> 00:19:10,074 president has given the green light to 496 00:19:10,074 --> 00:19:12,780 allow and support the training to , to 497 00:19:12,790 --> 00:19:14,846 move forward , but I just don't have 498 00:19:14,846 --> 00:19:16,957 any further updates at this time when 499 00:19:16,957 --> 00:19:19,012 it comes to specific pilots uh being 500 00:19:19,012 --> 00:19:22,425 trained . Uh-huh slightly to . Um 501 00:19:22,435 --> 00:19:25,555 Obviously the statement from yourself 502 00:19:25,564 --> 00:19:27,731 and I think the State Department to an 503 00:19:27,731 --> 00:19:29,842 extent has been hope for a democratic 504 00:19:29,842 --> 00:19:31,885 peaceful resolution . But um acting 505 00:19:32,214 --> 00:19:35,285 deputy uh acting State Deputy Deputy 506 00:19:35,295 --> 00:19:37,375 Secretary Nuland comments yesterday 507 00:19:37,385 --> 00:19:40,650 were a pretty grim assessment this 508 00:19:40,660 --> 00:19:43,260 morning is reporting that the push are 509 00:19:43,270 --> 00:19:45,603 appointed a new civilian Prime Minister . 510 00:19:45,603 --> 00:19:47,659 Like none of these things seem to be 511 00:19:47,659 --> 00:19:49,826 suggesting that things are headed in a 512 00:19:49,826 --> 00:19:52,339 good outcome . What's the , what's the 513 00:19:52,349 --> 00:19:55,109 O SDS assessment ? Well , you know , 514 00:19:55,119 --> 00:19:58,280 it's hard to predict the future . Um We 515 00:19:58,290 --> 00:20:02,060 can only go , we can only assess what 516 00:20:02,069 --> 00:20:04,709 we know right now , which is that um 517 00:20:04,800 --> 00:20:06,911 from different levels of government , 518 00:20:06,920 --> 00:20:09,198 we are in touch with the junta leaders , 519 00:20:09,198 --> 00:20:11,670 we are in touch with uh the Nigerians , 520 00:20:11,680 --> 00:20:14,709 um the democratically elected president . 521 00:20:14,839 --> 00:20:17,790 Um and we are hopeful that there will 522 00:20:17,800 --> 00:20:21,430 be a diplomatic resolution um to 523 00:20:21,439 --> 00:20:24,089 this attempted coup that , that , that 524 00:20:24,099 --> 00:20:27,640 took place in . Um Again , we are , we 525 00:20:27,650 --> 00:20:29,817 are hopeful that is , that , is , that 526 00:20:29,817 --> 00:20:32,039 is what we strive for . We're not , you 527 00:20:32,039 --> 00:20:34,150 know , I don't think anyone including 528 00:20:34,150 --> 00:20:36,261 the eo wants to see violence wants to 529 00:20:36,261 --> 00:20:38,428 see this end in violence . And so , um 530 00:20:38,428 --> 00:20:40,650 we are going to continue to engage from 531 00:20:40,650 --> 00:20:42,650 a military standpoint . I think the 532 00:20:42,650 --> 00:20:44,650 fact that our force posture has not 533 00:20:44,650 --> 00:20:46,761 changed sends a message that uh we're 534 00:20:46,761 --> 00:20:48,539 committed to the region , we're 535 00:20:48,539 --> 00:20:50,920 committed to . Um And you know , if , 536 00:20:50,930 --> 00:20:52,874 if something does happen that that 537 00:20:52,874 --> 00:20:55,041 needs to adjust , we will adjust . But 538 00:20:55,041 --> 00:20:57,208 right now , um that is , that is where 539 00:20:57,208 --> 00:21:00,390 we stand . I got in the back . So uh I 540 00:21:00,400 --> 00:21:02,289 don't wanna ask a question in the 541 00:21:02,289 --> 00:21:04,067 future , but you said something 542 00:21:04,067 --> 00:21:06,178 interesting that the fact that , that 543 00:21:06,178 --> 00:21:08,289 there's hasn't been any change in the 544 00:21:08,289 --> 00:21:10,344 poster , like sends a message to the 545 00:21:10,344 --> 00:21:12,456 region , doesn't it send a message to 546 00:21:12,456 --> 00:21:14,622 the military leadership that the US is 547 00:21:14,622 --> 00:21:16,900 OK with what's happening on the ground ? 548 00:21:16,900 --> 00:21:18,844 Isn't the US military presence and 549 00:21:18,844 --> 00:21:21,067 cooperation ? A card the US can play to 550 00:21:21,067 --> 00:21:23,178 put pressure to go back to a civilian 551 00:21:23,178 --> 00:21:26,040 rule , push back on that . Um 552 00:21:26,050 --> 00:21:28,640 Respectfully in that you saw the 553 00:21:28,650 --> 00:21:31,189 president put out a statement uh saying 554 00:21:31,199 --> 00:21:33,366 that we recognize the Democratic , the 555 00:21:33,366 --> 00:21:35,530 democratically elected president of . 556 00:21:36,359 --> 00:21:40,010 Um We , you've seen the secretary , 557 00:21:40,020 --> 00:21:41,964 you've seen this building , uh the 558 00:21:41,964 --> 00:21:44,280 Department of State also speak out that 559 00:21:44,290 --> 00:21:46,457 um we are supportive of the demo , the 560 00:21:46,457 --> 00:21:48,568 democratically elected president of . 561 00:21:48,568 --> 00:21:51,979 Um This is something that we again hope 562 00:21:51,989 --> 00:21:55,369 resolves diplomatically . Um The United 563 00:21:55,380 --> 00:21:57,160 States does not want to abandon 564 00:21:57,449 --> 00:21:59,560 Nigerians that we've partnered with , 565 00:21:59,560 --> 00:22:01,893 that we've trained with over many years . 566 00:22:01,893 --> 00:22:04,680 Um And is of course an important ally 567 00:22:04,689 --> 00:22:06,633 within the region when it comes to 568 00:22:06,633 --> 00:22:08,467 counterterrorism and , and other 569 00:22:08,467 --> 00:22:10,780 operations . And so , um I think 570 00:22:10,790 --> 00:22:13,109 actually it sends an incredibly 571 00:22:13,119 --> 00:22:15,609 effective message that we have not 572 00:22:15,619 --> 00:22:17,619 changed our force posture , that we 573 00:22:17,619 --> 00:22:19,952 have not taken our troops out right now . 574 00:22:19,952 --> 00:22:22,175 Um Because we want to send a message to 575 00:22:22,175 --> 00:22:24,341 the Nigerians that we stand with you . 576 00:22:24,341 --> 00:22:26,508 Um And you're seeing the embassy still 577 00:22:26,508 --> 00:22:28,675 operating uh as well and , and is open 578 00:22:28,675 --> 00:22:30,730 in . Now , if things change , if our 579 00:22:30,730 --> 00:22:32,675 American citizens , if our service 580 00:22:32,675 --> 00:22:34,841 members , if their lives are at risk , 581 00:22:34,841 --> 00:22:34,660 of course , we are going to make that 582 00:22:34,670 --> 00:22:36,670 change . Um And of course , we will 583 00:22:36,670 --> 00:22:39,130 address that , but right now , we are 584 00:22:39,140 --> 00:22:41,489 hopeful or we continue to hope that 585 00:22:41,500 --> 00:22:43,500 this can be resolved diplomatically 586 00:22:45,140 --> 00:22:47,229 where the Pentagon might be thinking 587 00:22:47,239 --> 00:22:49,479 about changing this posture and , and 588 00:22:49,489 --> 00:22:51,656 cooperation if there are no indication 589 00:22:51,656 --> 00:22:54,239 that the military leadership is willing 590 00:22:54,540 --> 00:22:56,770 to go back to a civilian rule , 591 00:22:56,780 --> 00:22:58,780 democratic civilian rule . Well , I 592 00:22:58,780 --> 00:23:01,058 think right now , you know , the , the , 593 00:23:01,058 --> 00:23:03,113 this is a planning organization , as 594 00:23:03,113 --> 00:23:05,002 you've heard us say , probably at 595 00:23:05,002 --> 00:23:06,947 nauseum um for you . But uh we are 596 00:23:06,947 --> 00:23:09,058 planning organization , we plan for a 597 00:23:09,058 --> 00:23:11,113 variety of different scenarios . I'm 598 00:23:11,113 --> 00:23:13,359 not gonna get ahead of any decisions or 599 00:23:13,369 --> 00:23:15,839 any uh hypotheticals if something 600 00:23:15,849 --> 00:23:18,270 changes , all I can say is right now , 601 00:23:18,280 --> 00:23:20,391 our , our , our force posture remains 602 00:23:20,391 --> 00:23:22,558 the same and uh we hope that this does 603 00:23:22,558 --> 00:23:24,780 get resolved diplomatically . I'll take 604 00:23:24,780 --> 00:23:26,780 one more question right over here , 605 00:23:26,780 --> 00:23:28,502 Dylan Harris and educate Japan 606 00:23:28,502 --> 00:23:30,558 Broadcasting Corporation . Thank you 607 00:23:30,558 --> 00:23:30,489 for your time today . Um Are there any 608 00:23:30,500 --> 00:23:32,611 updates you can provide at the moment 609 00:23:32,611 --> 00:23:34,389 regarding the disputes over the 610 00:23:34,389 --> 00:23:36,556 grounded warship between China and the 611 00:23:36,556 --> 00:23:38,722 Philippines ? And um is the department 612 00:23:38,722 --> 00:23:40,611 concerned at all about escalating 613 00:23:40,611 --> 00:23:42,556 tensions between the two sides ? I 614 00:23:42,556 --> 00:23:44,556 don't have any update to provide at 615 00:23:44,556 --> 00:23:46,778 this time . Um I would just say that of 616 00:23:46,778 --> 00:23:48,889 course , we would always be concerned 617 00:23:48,889 --> 00:23:51,167 about any escalation within the region . 618 00:23:51,167 --> 00:23:53,333 Um but I just don't have anything more 619 00:23:53,333 --> 00:23:55,611 to provide right now at this time . Ok . 620 00:23:55,611 --> 00:23:57,556 Yeah , sure . I'll take one more . 621 00:23:57,556 --> 00:23:59,556 Jeanie , have any information about 622 00:23:59,569 --> 00:24:03,109 rest of Russians Pie who was trying 623 00:24:03,119 --> 00:24:06,869 to assassinate President . 624 00:24:08,079 --> 00:24:10,301 Uh No , I have no information on that . 625 00:24:10,301 --> 00:24:12,523 I've seen the reporting on that , but I 626 00:24:12,523 --> 00:24:12,270 just don't have anything to offer from 627 00:24:12,280 --> 00:24:14,336 the department at this time . Thanks 628 00:24:14,336 --> 00:24:14,390 everyone .