I think the uranium enrichment program is the 800-pound gorilla in the negotiating room. You can't solve a problem if you deny that it exists or if you wish it away. |
I think this is just a matter of time. |
I think today's sanction resolution shows that the Security Council is serious, that its resolutions have to be complied with, that it is prepared to take enforcement steps if they are not complied with. |
I think we are encouraged at the shape of what will be the outcome document, ... We are optimistic that, although it won't be everything we sought, we will have a strong outcome document. |
I think we are still making progress. I think it is slow but it is steady, |
I thought it was a good example of how the council can work together effectively, |
I took a list of when they (council members) came in. We started just before 10:15. |
I would describe today's meeting as the best we've had so far. |
I'm confident that the Security Council under the charter has a responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. |
I'm sorry to disappoint you, Congressman. I had no role in this issue. |
I've been an executive branch official my entire public career and, for both constitutional and historical reasons, the executive branch appropriately has typically opposed automatic, non-discretionary directions from all of you esteemed ladies and gentlemen. That's our position. I support it emphatically. |
Identifying those who failed to execute their responsibilities is a necessary part of the process. Prosecuting wrongdoers is equally necessary. |
If for whatever reason the council couldn't fulfill its responsibilities, then I think it would be incumbent on us, and I'm sure we would press ahead to ask other countries or other groups of countries to impose those sanctions. |
If I were a Syrian taxpayer, and my intelligence activities were visible, I would demand a refund, ... So these are the sort of things that remain unanswered. |
If rogue states are not willing to follow the logic of non-proliferation norms, they must be prepared to face the logic of adverse consequences, |