Media Roundtable with Assistant Secretary Jeffrey Feltman

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

U.S. Embassy – Cairo, Egypt
Thank you all very much.  I’m very happy to be here with you today.  I just came from Libya and I’ll be glad to answer your questions about that and any other Middle East issues. First though, I’d like to take a few minutes to talk about President Obama’s recent speech, on May 19, in which his purpose was to set out, in very clear terms, U.S. views of developments in the Middle East, and to define clearly how the United States intends to position itself in support of emerging democracies throughout the region.  President Obama acknowledged the importance of what is happening here in Egypt, in Tunisia, and elsewhere, and the importance to the United States and the wider region that the people of Egypt succeed in their democratic transition.  And I say, too, it is inspiring to be here.

The President’s speech was divided into three main areas.  First, President Obama wanted to make very clear that the United States absolutely supports the successful emergence of democracies in the Middle East -- that is in the best interests of the people of the region and the world.  Second, the President outlined a number of steps that the United States has already begun to take that can support Egypt, not just in the short-term, but in the long-term, as it begins the process of a democratic transition. Third, he wanted to make clear that the United States continues to view moving the Palestinian/Israeli conflict toward a negotiated solution as critical to us. 

On the speech’s first topic, the democratic transitions under way in the Middle East, President Obama stated unequivocally that the United States strongly supports the emergence of democracies and will support as a very high priority the efforts of citizens around the Middle East, and around the world, to develop democratic institutions and to work to institutionalize respect for human rights in terms of freedom of assembly, freedom of association, of the rule of law, and all the other elements that compose successful democracies. 

In the second section of the speech, President Obama spoke in particular about a number of steps that the United States has already begun to take that can support Egypt, not just in the short-term, but in the long-term, as it begins this process of a democratic transition.  The steps we are in the process of negotiating with the Egyptian government include, but are not limited to: debt relief, guaranteeing loans, and the creation of an enterprise fund.

The third and final element of President Obama’s speech was his strong statement on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. He emphasized that the United States views the achievement of a negotiated solution that results in a viable Palestine and a secure Israel is critical to us.  President Obama went further in stating U.S. policy than any other American president.  The United States believes that the framework for negotiations must be based on the 1967 lines with mutually agreed swaps, and arrangements that meet Israel’s basic security needs.  He reiterated that the status quo is not on the side of Israel, it is not on the side of the Palestinians, and it is not in the U.S. strategic interest. 

I’d like to end my introductory remarks by talking about two extraordinary people – Ambassador Margaret Scobey and Ambassador Anne Patterson.  For the past three years, Ambassador Scobey has done a tremendous job as the United States Ambassador to Egypt, serving with particular distinction these past few eventful months.  I’m also pleased to say that the White House announced last week its nomination of Ambassador Anne Patterson to be the next U.S. Ambassador to Egypt.  There still has to be a confirmation process with the U.S. Senate, but I can assure you that the President has identified one of our most experienced and capable diplomats to come to Egypt at this very critical time.

With that said, I’m now glad to take your questions.