We've always opposed unilateral attempts to try to decide these issues. And that position hasn't changed. |
We've always respected Israel's right to defend itself, including going after armed groups and armed men in some of these areas. But we've always said they need to do that in a manner which has the utmost care to avoid harm to civilians, particularly when they're conducting operations in heavily populated areas. And we've said that often results in tragedies and numerous deaths. And that appears to be what's happened again. |
We've been very clear about the human rights situation there, been very factual about it, but unfortunately the facts are not pretty. |
We've been working with both those governments to try to see if we can't use the excellent relations that they each have with the United States to contribute in some way to an easing of the tensions. |
We've certainly supported their efforts to convince North Korea to come back to the table, |
We've given ourselves another five months to work through this. |
We've had very productive meetings regarding military cooperation with Saudi Arabia in the event of military action against Iraq. |
We've long urged all governments, all people, not to cooperate in military ways, not to engage in any military cooperation with countries like North Korea [that] pose a threat to U.S. national security interests. |
We've looked over time for a number of things, practical steps by the parties to defuse tension. We've looked for a dialogue between them, if possible, to resolve the issues. |
We've made clear that we would like to see all these people released and able to return home. |
We've made clear we're looking at the policy with regard to North Korea, that it's policy that will be built on the work that's been done before and the commitments that have been made before. |
We've made it clear to China on numerous occasions and at very senior levels that the war on terrorism must not be misused to repress legitimate political grievances or dissent. |
We've reached the conclusion that Iran is actively working to develop nuclear weapons capability. |
We've seen some positive steps so far. And we also believe that, as the Palestinians continue to take serious steps against the violence, that the Israelis, in fact, should take steps to ease the restrictions on the Palestinians. |
welcomed their role in peacekeeping and encouraged them to take on whatever role they were prepared to assume in international affairs. |