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>> Mr. Carney:
Good afternoon,
ladies and gentlemen.
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I hope you had a fine weekend.
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Before I take your questions,
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I have a couple
of things to announce.
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First, tomorrow, Maria Shriver
will present the President
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with a copy of the latest
Shriver report,
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"A Woman's Nation Pushes
Back from the Brink."
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The report focuses
on the millions of women
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who are working hard but are
consistently on the brink
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of poverty, and highlights the
need for the nation to address
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women's role -- dual roles as
caregivers and breadwinners,
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and the specific
challenges they face.
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As the President knows well,
investing in and supporting
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women over their lifetimes is
one of the best ways to tackle
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income inequality and achieve
greater social mobility,
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and he looks forward to
learning about the findings
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of the report.
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The second topper is that the
President is looking forward to
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traveling to Toluca, Mexico on
February 19th to participate
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in the North American
Leaders Summit.
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At the summit, the President
looks forward to discussing with
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Mexican President PeĂąa Nieto and
Canadian Prime Minister Harper
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a range of issues important
to the daily lives
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of all of
North America's people,
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including
economic competitiveness,
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entrepreneurship,
trade and investment,
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and citizen security.
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>> The Press:
Overnight?
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>> Mr. Carney:
What I have here is
that he will be traveling
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to Toluca, Mexico
on February 19.
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We'll have more
details for you later.
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Questions -- Nedra.
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>> The Press:
Thanks, Jay.
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I wanted to ask you on the Iran
nuclear agreement if you're
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at all concerned that Congress
could hurt this deal in any way.
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Have you been hearing from
lawmakers that the deal
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has encouraged skeptics to stop
their push for new sanctions or
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have any impact on that debate?
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>> Mr. Carney:
I appreciate the
question, Nedra.
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As you know, the
administration, the White House,
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from the highest levels, have
been engaged with Congress
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on this issue for some time.
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And it is always important
to note that the Congress has
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been a strong partner with the
administration in implementing
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and enforcing the most effective
sanctions regime against Iran
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that's ever been created, that
was built up for the purpose
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of testing whether Iran's
behavior would change,
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testing whether Iran could be
compelled through effective
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comprehensive sanctions
to come to the table
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and negotiate in good faith.
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And what the agreement
on the implementation phase
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of the Joint Plan
of Action tells us is that Iran
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has responded to that pressure,
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to that effective and
comprehensive sanctions regime
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in the way that we had hoped.
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Now, this is the first stage
and it requires Iran
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to take significant steps
in terms of halting progress
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on its program and even rolling
back its program in some areas,
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and in return, the P5-plus-1
provides moderate relief.
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On the matter of further
congressional action
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at this time, we have made
our case clear both in public
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and in conversations with
lawmakers on this issue,
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and we believe that we
have the opportunity to test
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whether or not
this can be resolved
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between the international
community and Iran peacefully,
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which is the preferred way
that it would be resolved.
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What Congress has always done
effectively has been to act
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on new sanctions when doing
so would have an impact,
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and in this case
a positive impact,
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which is what Congress could
do if it holds in abeyance any
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further action if Iran were to
fail to fulfill its obligations
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under the agreement
on the Joint Plan of Action
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or implementation of it,
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or fail to reach a
comprehensive resolution
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with the P5-plus-1
in the coming months.
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So our views on further action
right now and on legislation
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that has been considered
are well known.
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We're constantly consulting
with members of Congress
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on this matter.
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We think that the fact that we
are now at the implementation
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stage of the Joint Plan
of Action demonstrates that,
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at the very least, testing
whether or not Iran is serious
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is the right thing to do.
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>> The Press:
But does this agreement
seem to be changing
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any minds, or are your
critics still dug in --
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>> Mr. Carney: Well, I wouldn't
want to speak for any members.
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I think that some have spoken on
this and others obviously
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will choose to or not.
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We think it makes clearer why
it's so important to refrain
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from taking action on further
sanctions now and to rather hold
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in abeyance that action
if and when it's necessary
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and can be very effective.
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>> The Press:
On one other topic,
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Senator Ayotte is saying that
the Pentagon has told her that
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last month's budget agreement
will cut the cost of living
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increases for survivor benefits.
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So I'm wondering if it's
acceptable to the President that
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this agreement could affect
war widows this way
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or military widows.
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>> Mr. Carney:
I'm not familiar with
that specific item in the
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agreement so I'll
have to take the question
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and get back to you.
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Yes.
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>> The Press:
Thanks, Jay.
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On the Iran issue, why doesn't
the President release the text
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of the agreement?
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Members of Congress
are eager to see it.
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>> Mr. Carney:
Well, I'll say
a couple of things.
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First of all, it's an agreement
not just involving the United
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States but the P5-plus-1.
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And the technical understandings
reached as part of the
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implementation plan are being
transmitted to the IAEA.
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In tandem with this action, we
are working with the P5-plus-1,
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the EU and the IAEA on releasing
as much information to the
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public as we can about the
technical arrangements.
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We fully expect to be able to
share the text of the plan with
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Congress and are working with
our international partners on
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how much and when we can share
the information publicly
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and in what format.
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So we'll continue that effort,
but I just wanted to make clear
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from the outset that
we will absolutely be able
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to share the text with Congress.
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>> The Press:
On a different topic,
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the Supreme Court is today
hearing arguments on recess
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appointments, and early
indications are that a number
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of Justices are skeptical of the
administration's case on that.
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Why wouldn't the Senate be
the place to determine whether
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they're in recess or not?
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And more broadly, what's
at stake in this matter?
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>> Mr. Carney:
Well, we are confident
that the President's
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authority to make
recess appointments
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will be upheld by the courts.
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And when it comes to
our legal arguments,
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rather than reciting them today,
I would refer you back to a blog
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in which we laid them out --
a blog item on whitehouse.gov --
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and we can,
if you are interested,
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we can make sure
we recirculate that.
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But in our view, we're confident
that the courts will uphold
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the President's authority
and look forward to resolution
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of this matter.
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>> The Press:
On a separate topic,
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Governor Christie is apparently
facing some investigation
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about whether he misused
some $2 million
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in Superstorm
Sandy relief funds.
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His office is
apparently saying that
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that "Stronger
than the Storm" ad
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was part of an action plan
approved by the administration.
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Is that accurate?
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Can you comment on that?
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>> Mr. Carney:
My understanding is
this is something that was
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under review by the HUD IG
and I would refer you HUD for
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information on that.
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>> The Press:
And lastly, can you
provide any details about
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the President's meeting
with Senate Democrats
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later this afternoon?
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What are the topics?
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>> Mr. Carney:
I believe it's
Wednesday evening,
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and I can confirm that he will
meet with Senate Democrats
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to discuss their shared
priorities for 2014.
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Major.
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>> The Press:
Jay, where are we on
unemployment insurance
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extension negotiations?
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Are you still looking for the
three-month or are you willing
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to skip over that and just
go straight to a year-long
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extension if there is a
pay-for that can be resolved
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with the amendment process
or private negotiations?
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>> Mr. Carney:
Well, we want action
as soon as possible,
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because the 1.3 million
Americans and their families
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who have been without benefits
now for many days need
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that assistance
as soon as possible.
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We strongly supported
and support action
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on the three-month extension.
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We have noted that the Majority
Leader has taken considerable
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actions to accommodate the
concerns of Senate Republicans
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when it came to --
when it comes to offsets,
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and as I understand it,
following it from here,
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when it comes to the
issue of amendments.
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So I would point you to the
Senate Majority Leader's office
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on next steps, but we certainly
look forward to speedy action
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by the Senate on this important
issue and hope that they move
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quickly so that the
benefits can begin flowing
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to those families who need them.
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>> The Press:
And working out
the details for --
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starting the time clock January
20th on the six-month deal,
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what has the President learned
about Iran's ability and
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willingness to fulfill
what it notionally committed
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to a couple of months ago and
now apparently has put to paper?
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>> Mr. Carney:
I'm not quite sure
I get what you're asking,
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except to say that the
President's approach through
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all of this has been to not take
Iran's word on any matter,
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but to verify and to engage
in negotiation on agreements
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that require verification
from Iran as to its compliance.
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And that's what the
Joint Plan of Action,
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and that's what any
comprehensive resolution
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of this matter would require.
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There would have
to be transparent,
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verifiable compliance by Iran
in keeping with its stated
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decision, if it comes to that,
and there is an agreement
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on a comprehensive
resolution to forsake
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its nuclear weapons program.
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>> The Press:
I guess what I'm driving
at is does this process
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of getting from the verbal
agreement to something that's on
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paper give the President any
more confidence that a final
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deal can be reached?
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>> Mr. Carney:
I think we have always
said that each stage of this
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would be difficult;
if it weren't,
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it would have been
resolved a long time ago.
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We obviously are gratified by
the progress that's been made
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by the P5-plus-1 thus far
on this matter with Iran,
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but there's no question,
and others have spoken to this,
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that reaching a comprehensive
resolution will not be easy.
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But it is absolutely the right
thing to do to pursue one,
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and for two basic reasons.
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One, peaceful
resolution to conflict,
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verifiable by the
international community,
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is always preferable
to military resolution,
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and that's doubly the case here
because we can be more sure that
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Iran is free of nuclear weapons
if it chooses to be free
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of nuclear weapons through
a comprehensive resolution
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to this problem.
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So throughout this process,
the President has made clear
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that he leaves
all options on the table.
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But the purpose of
the sanctions regime,
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the purpose of the approach
the President took
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when he took office in 2009,
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was to make clear
that the onus was on Iran
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to come clean and to come
into compliance with its
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international obligations.
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And we are taking steps
now, with our partners,
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to test whether in fact
Iran is willing to do that.
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>> The Press:
The Vice President
is in Israel,
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and this might just be --
I'm sure it's coincidental.
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I'm just curious if in his
meetings with Prime Minister
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Netanyahu and Shimon Peres he
is giving any updates on this
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particular agenda item
for both governments,
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the United States
and Israel, the --
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>> Mr. Carney:
Well, as you know,
Vice President Biden
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is in Israel leading
a high-level U.S. delegation
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to attend the state funeral
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00:12:11,734 --> 00:12:14,164
for former
Prime Minister Sharon.
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He has also, as you noted,
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00:12:16,433 --> 00:12:18,603
he has met with
President Shimon Peres
243
00:12:18,600 --> 00:12:20,870
and will be attending
a working dinner
244
00:12:20,867 --> 00:12:24,867
with Prime Minister Netanyahu
where, in each case,
245
00:12:24,867 --> 00:12:28,597
I'm sure the range of issues
that are frequently discussed
246
00:12:28,600 --> 00:12:31,730
between our two countries at
high levels will be discussed.
247
00:12:31,734 --> 00:12:34,534
I don't have a specific readout
of the meeting with President
248
00:12:34,533 --> 00:12:39,433
Peres, or I can't anticipate,
beyond what you would expect,
249
00:12:39,433 --> 00:12:41,463
what the contents of the
conversation would be
250
00:12:41,467 --> 00:12:42,767
over the working dinner.
251
00:12:42,767 --> 00:12:44,597
>> The Press:
In our conversations
last week about Iraq,
252
00:12:44,600 --> 00:12:46,400
I was sort of asking
about the al Qaeda element.
253
00:12:46,400 --> 00:12:49,430
I wanted to see if I can engage
you a little bit in a more
254
00:12:49,433 --> 00:12:50,733
nuanced sense of
what responsibility
255
00:12:50,734 --> 00:12:52,304
does the
United States government believe
256
00:12:52,300 --> 00:12:54,900
Prime Minister Maliki has for
fomenting some of the violence.
257
00:12:54,900 --> 00:12:58,030
There's a good deal of analysis
that his government has been far
258
00:12:58,033 --> 00:13:00,963
more repressive than the United
States would prefer in the last
259
00:13:00,967 --> 00:13:04,937
two years, and that some of the
Sunni violence is not altogether
260
00:13:04,934 --> 00:13:08,004
driven by al Qaeda; though
he labels it as such,
261
00:13:08,000 --> 00:13:11,070
it may be legitimate political
resistance to what they perceive
262
00:13:11,066 --> 00:13:14,136
to be either repressive tactics
or the manipulation of security
263
00:13:14,133 --> 00:13:16,603
forces and the denial
of their political rights
264
00:13:16,600 --> 00:13:18,570
within Iraq itself.
265
00:13:18,567 --> 00:13:20,737
>> Mr. Carney:
Well, our position
is that it is incumbent
266
00:13:20,734 --> 00:13:26,304
upon the leaders of Iraq,
including the Prime Minister and
267
00:13:26,300 --> 00:13:30,400
others representing different
parties and different factions,
268
00:13:30,400 --> 00:13:36,770
to pursue resolution of their
differences through political
269
00:13:36,767 --> 00:13:38,567
negotiation rather
than violence.
270
00:13:38,567 --> 00:13:40,237
It is not an
acceptable alternative
271
00:13:40,233 --> 00:13:42,033
to resort to violence.
272
00:13:42,033 --> 00:13:43,763
>> The Press:
How would you
rate Maliki on it?
273
00:13:43,767 --> 00:13:48,267
>> Mr. Carney:
And I would say that
we have conversations with
274
00:13:48,266 --> 00:13:50,566
the Prime Minister and other
Iraqi leaders about the need
275
00:13:50,567 --> 00:13:56,537
to pursue peaceful
political reconciliation.
276
00:13:56,533 --> 00:14:02,203
And throughout its very
difficult history in the last
277
00:14:02,200 --> 00:14:07,800
several years, leaders in Iraq
have taken that path and have
278
00:14:07,800 --> 00:14:11,930
made that choice, and they need
to return to that approach
279
00:14:11,934 --> 00:14:13,934
for the sake of
all of Iraq's citizens
280
00:14:13,934 --> 00:14:15,464
and the country's future.
281
00:14:15,467 --> 00:14:18,397
And that is the context of some
of the conversations that
282
00:14:22,600 --> 00:14:26,670
our leaders have had with Iraqi
leaders over the last several
283
00:14:26,667 --> 00:14:29,767
weeks and months, as you've
seen an increase in violence
284
00:14:29,767 --> 00:14:31,697
in the Anbar Province.
285
00:14:31,700 --> 00:14:33,370
And it's why it's
so important --
286
00:14:33,367 --> 00:14:36,167
>> The Press:
And not all that violence
is al Qaeda-driven.
287
00:14:36,166 --> 00:14:39,466
Some of it could
be of another --
288
00:14:39,467 --> 00:14:42,397
>> Mr. Carney:
Well, I wouldn't analyze
the specific violence
289
00:14:42,400 --> 00:14:44,230
from here except to
say that obviously al Qaeda
290
00:14:44,233 --> 00:14:47,333
has been driving a great
deal of it, if not all of it.
291
00:14:47,333 --> 00:14:52,333
And certainly al Qaeda
has a history of,
292
00:14:52,333 --> 00:14:56,463
in Iraq and elsewhere, trying
to take advantage of sectarian
293
00:14:56,467 --> 00:15:01,297
differences through violence,
to inflame passions
294
00:15:01,300 --> 00:15:04,470
and foster further
violence and instability.
295
00:15:04,467 --> 00:15:09,197
And that is certainly I believe
what is occurring in Anbar,
296
00:15:09,200 --> 00:15:11,470
in Iraq, and has been
for some time now.
297
00:15:11,467 --> 00:15:14,897
So what is positive,
in our view,
298
00:15:14,900 --> 00:15:18,400
about this is the steps that
Iraqi leaders have taken and
299
00:15:18,400 --> 00:15:22,270
pledged themselves to take a
unified approach to the need
300
00:15:22,266 --> 00:15:29,366
to expel al Qaeda from other
regions because Iraqi citizens
301
00:15:29,367 --> 00:15:33,467
regardless of their background
or their political allegiance
302
00:15:33,467 --> 00:15:35,697
overwhelmingly reject al Qaeda.
303
00:15:35,700 --> 00:15:36,700
So that work is ongoing.
304
00:15:36,700 --> 00:15:38,700
Ed.
305
00:15:40,467 --> 00:15:41,667
>> The Press:
Jay, on Iran, I
just want to follow.
306
00:15:41,667 --> 00:15:44,137
If the conditions are met
that you were talking about
307
00:15:44,133 --> 00:15:46,133
with Major, what safeguards
do you have in place for --
308
00:15:46,133 --> 00:15:49,333
when money starts flowing back
to the central bank of Iran,
309
00:15:49,333 --> 00:15:51,703
what safeguards will be in
place to make sure that money
310
00:15:51,700 --> 00:15:54,870
is not funneled to
terror groups by Iran?
311
00:15:54,867 --> 00:15:57,167
>> Mr. Carney:
Well, in terms of
the nature of the relief
312
00:15:57,166 --> 00:16:01,366
and how it is released
and the steps taken,
313
00:16:01,367 --> 00:16:04,467
I would refer you to
the Treasury Department.
314
00:16:04,467 --> 00:16:07,437
I think it's important to
note, Ed, as a general matter,
315
00:16:07,433 --> 00:16:10,363
rather than in response
to that specific question,
316
00:16:10,367 --> 00:16:17,797
that we have a series of
concerns about Iranian behavior.
317
00:16:17,800 --> 00:16:24,200
And these negotiations have to
do with their nuclear program.
318
00:16:24,200 --> 00:16:29,170
We continue to press on other
issues when it relates
319
00:16:29,166 --> 00:16:33,936
to support for Hezbollah
or other organizations,
320
00:16:33,934 --> 00:16:37,964
and pursue our national security
interests with regards to those
321
00:16:37,967 --> 00:16:45,897
issues as strongly today
as we always have and will --
322
00:16:45,900 --> 00:16:48,900
which is to say that we
have a specific interest
323
00:16:48,900 --> 00:16:50,400
with our P5-plus-1 partners
324
00:16:50,400 --> 00:16:54,730
in testing whether or not
Iran is serious about coming
325
00:16:54,734 --> 00:16:56,664
into compliance with its
international obligations,
326
00:16:56,667 --> 00:16:59,567
forsaking its nuclear
weapons program,
327
00:16:59,567 --> 00:17:01,167
and that is what
we are pursuing.
328
00:17:01,166 --> 00:17:03,066
>> The Press:
Second and last
topic: Gates book.
329
00:17:03,066 --> 00:17:05,036
Last week, when you were being
hit with questions on this,
330
00:17:05,033 --> 00:17:07,663
obviously -- in fairness, the
excerpts were being released;
331
00:17:07,667 --> 00:17:09,837
you said you had just
gotten a copy of it.
332
00:17:09,834 --> 00:17:12,004
I have a specific question,
but I wanted to ask you more
333
00:17:12,000 --> 00:17:14,330
generally -- have you had a
chance and others around here
334
00:17:14,333 --> 00:17:15,533
to read the book?
335
00:17:15,533 --> 00:17:17,633
And do you have a fuller
reaction now that you've been
336
00:17:17,633 --> 00:17:20,633
able perhaps to
see it in context?
337
00:17:20,633 --> 00:17:24,163
>> Mr. Carney:
Well, Ed, I confess
that I think it will be
338
00:17:24,166 --> 00:17:26,466
a long time before I have a
chance to read an 800-page book,
339
00:17:28,800 --> 00:17:30,230
so I have not read it.
340
00:17:30,233 --> 00:17:35,163
I think others have done
their best to look at it,
341
00:17:35,166 --> 00:17:36,996
and our reaction to
it has not changed.
342
00:17:37,000 --> 00:17:39,030
>> The Press:
Okay, specific thing
then as a last question.
343
00:17:39,033 --> 00:17:43,363
Secretary Gates in the book and
then elaborated on CBS yesterday
344
00:17:43,367 --> 00:17:48,167
that he's charging that he
saw a deep passion, he put it,
345
00:17:48,166 --> 00:17:50,936
in the President in terms
of -- for military matters.
346
00:17:50,934 --> 00:17:53,434
He said, other than
leaks to the media,
347
00:17:53,433 --> 00:17:55,933
the only deep passion
he saw was for repealing
348
00:17:55,934 --> 00:17:57,134
"don't ask, don't tell" --
349
00:17:57,133 --> 00:17:59,403
this is Secretary Gates's
claim -- and suggested that
350
00:17:59,400 --> 00:18:02,070
there was not a deep
passion to actually fulfill
351
00:18:02,066 --> 00:18:03,996
the mission in Afghanistan
and win the war.
352
00:18:04,000 --> 00:18:06,170
How do you react to that?
353
00:18:06,166 --> 00:18:08,596
>> Mr. Carney:
Well, I think the same
way I reacted last week,
354
00:18:08,600 --> 00:18:10,530
which is that the
commitment the President has
355
00:18:10,533 --> 00:18:14,503
to our men and women in
uniform is profound and deep.
356
00:18:14,500 --> 00:18:16,570
I think that was reflected
by Secretary Gates.
357
00:18:16,567 --> 00:18:18,997
And his commitment to the
mission that he has asked them
358
00:18:19,000 --> 00:18:22,330
to perform, and which they have
performed and are performing
359
00:18:22,333 --> 00:18:25,833
admirably and heroically
in Afghanistan,
360
00:18:25,834 --> 00:18:28,534
is passionate and deep.
361
00:18:28,533 --> 00:18:30,863
And that doesn't mean
it's not difficult.
362
00:18:30,867 --> 00:18:34,137
That doesn't mean that we
haven't encountered setbacks
363
00:18:34,133 --> 00:18:36,633
and challenges in the
implementation of that policy.
364
00:18:36,633 --> 00:18:40,103
But the fact of the matter is,
since he adopted it and moved
365
00:18:40,100 --> 00:18:45,770
forward and our troops and
civilian personnel have been
366
00:18:45,767 --> 00:18:49,467
executing that mission, we have
made enormous progress towards
367
00:18:49,467 --> 00:18:53,697
the very clear objectives that
the President laid out and which
368
00:18:53,700 --> 00:18:58,500
were very much at the heart
and very much for the purpose
369
00:18:58,500 --> 00:19:01,900
of refining a mission
and strategy in Afghanistan.
370
00:19:01,900 --> 00:19:05,630
And, first and foremost,
the objective was to disrupt,
371
00:19:05,633 --> 00:19:08,603
dismantle, and ultimately
to defeat core al Qaeda
372
00:19:08,600 --> 00:19:09,900
in the Af-Pak region.
373
00:19:09,900 --> 00:19:13,900
And that work continues, but
significant progress has been
374
00:19:13,900 --> 00:19:17,500
made thanks to the extraordinary
service of our men and women
375
00:19:17,500 --> 00:19:19,070
in uniform as well as others.
376
00:19:19,066 --> 00:19:20,836
Chuck.
377
00:19:20,834 --> 00:19:26,804
>> The Press:
Jay, you guys just issued
a travel warning in Mexico,
378
00:19:29,533 --> 00:19:32,203
not far from where the
President is going to be,
379
00:19:32,200 --> 00:19:33,830
about an hour or so drive.
380
00:19:33,834 --> 00:19:35,964
Did that impact at all
the President's decision?
381
00:19:35,967 --> 00:19:38,937
Or was there any hesitance about
going with the safety concerns,
382
00:19:38,934 --> 00:19:41,334
considering the drug
war that's going on down there
383
00:19:41,333 --> 00:19:44,303
and in that particular
region of the country?
384
00:19:44,300 --> 00:19:46,670
>> Mr. Carney:
Chuck, I have not had
a conversation of that
385
00:19:46,667 --> 00:19:50,537
nature, so when it comes to
travel advisories I'd refer you
386
00:19:50,533 --> 00:19:51,633
to the State Department.
387
00:19:51,633 --> 00:19:53,803
I know the President
looks forward to his trip.
388
00:19:53,800 --> 00:19:59,770
>> The Press:
On NSA, can you say
how much of what the President
389
00:20:04,133 --> 00:20:06,963
is going to announce
is going to need congressional
390
00:20:06,967 --> 00:20:10,397
action and how much
of it is going to be stuff
391
00:20:10,400 --> 00:20:12,600
he can do independently?
392
00:20:12,600 --> 00:20:15,400
>> Mr. Carney:
I think you can expect
that the President will
393
00:20:15,400 --> 00:20:17,930
make decisions about
and report on the outcome
394
00:20:17,934 --> 00:20:20,434
of his team's work that reflect,
broadly speaking,
395
00:20:20,433 --> 00:20:23,263
the areas that were reviewed
by the review group,
396
00:20:23,266 --> 00:20:26,296
reflected in their report,
and some of the recommendations,
397
00:20:26,300 --> 00:20:30,000
as I understand it, from what
I remember having looked at it,
398
00:20:30,000 --> 00:20:31,800
some of the actions
that were recommended there
399
00:20:31,800 --> 00:20:34,400
required legislative or
congressional activity
400
00:20:34,400 --> 00:20:35,600
and some of them did not.
401
00:20:35,600 --> 00:20:39,030
So I think it's fair to say
that that frame applies
402
00:20:39,033 --> 00:20:41,433
to the approach the
President is taking,
403
00:20:41,433 --> 00:20:45,603
but that's as far as I'll
go in terms of previewing --
404
00:20:45,600 --> 00:20:47,400
>> The Press:
It's possible he could
ask Congress to send him
405
00:20:47,400 --> 00:20:50,570
some of this -- some reforms
he'll announce that you guys
406
00:20:50,567 --> 00:20:52,297
are independent --
you're doing independently?
407
00:20:52,300 --> 00:20:54,800
>> Mr. Carney:
I think it's a fair
assumption to make
408
00:20:54,800 --> 00:20:59,730
based on the recommendations
that were released publicly
409
00:20:59,734 --> 00:21:06,164
by the review group that some
of these reforms and changes
410
00:21:06,166 --> 00:21:09,436
would require
congressional action.
411
00:21:09,433 --> 00:21:12,933
But I think it -- I'm saying
that it's simply safe
412
00:21:12,934 --> 00:21:15,204
to assume that.
413
00:21:15,200 --> 00:21:16,500
I wouldn't -- that the
universe looks like that
414
00:21:16,500 --> 00:21:18,630
as we're moving forward,
415
00:21:18,633 --> 00:21:23,833
but I don't want to
anticipate what the breakdown
416
00:21:23,834 --> 00:21:25,864
will be in terms of what the
President announces on Friday.
417
00:21:25,867 --> 00:21:27,897
Jon.
418
00:21:27,900 --> 00:21:31,000
>> The Press:
Jay, just a follow-up on Iran.
419
00:21:31,000 --> 00:21:34,400
As you know, the sanctions bill
the President has threatened
420
00:21:34,400 --> 00:21:37,670
to veto would impose those
sanctions six months from now,
421
00:21:37,667 --> 00:21:39,997
which is that period for
the interim agreement.
422
00:21:40,000 --> 00:21:43,530
Can you just remind us --
what happens at the end
423
00:21:43,533 --> 00:21:44,763
of that six months?
424
00:21:44,767 --> 00:21:50,697
What does the administration
do if Iran has not been able
425
00:21:50,700 --> 00:21:55,030
to come to an agreement,
a long-term agreement?
426
00:21:55,033 --> 00:21:56,633
>> Mr. Carney:
That's an excellent question,
427
00:21:56,633 --> 00:22:01,433
and I think the answer is
reflected in how we explain our
428
00:22:01,433 --> 00:22:04,703
views on potential congressional
action now with regards
429
00:22:04,700 --> 00:22:09,000
to sanctions, and that is that
further congressional action
430
00:22:11,467 --> 00:22:15,437
and further international action
when it came to adding
431
00:22:15,433 --> 00:22:20,333
new sanctions and more sanctions
would best wait, in our view,
432
00:22:20,333 --> 00:22:27,003
if and until Iran fails to meet
its obligations or fails
433
00:22:27,000 --> 00:22:32,300
to reach a comprehensive
resolution with the P5-plus-1.
434
00:22:32,300 --> 00:22:38,630
That is when it could be most
effective and would I think
435
00:22:38,633 --> 00:22:43,463
reflect the result
of Iran's failure
436
00:22:43,467 --> 00:22:46,937
to make progress on this issue.
437
00:22:46,934 --> 00:22:50,704
So one of the things
I've said in the past,
438
00:22:50,700 --> 00:22:53,600
and it applies today when we
talk about potential legislation
439
00:22:53,600 --> 00:22:58,170
on sanctions in Congress that
would not be triggered until six
440
00:22:58,166 --> 00:23:01,736
months down the road, is that it
would have the negative effect
441
00:23:01,734 --> 00:23:06,204
of imposing sanctions now and
it would be wholly unnecessary
442
00:23:06,200 --> 00:23:09,400
because obviously if Iran
violated the terms of the
443
00:23:09,400 --> 00:23:13,970
agreement or failed to reach a
resolution with the P5-plus-1
444
00:23:13,967 --> 00:23:19,337
over the six-month period,
Congress, we're confident,
445
00:23:19,333 --> 00:23:22,603
could act very quickly in
response to that and pass new
446
00:23:22,600 --> 00:23:24,400
sanctions at that time that
could be implemented
447
00:23:24,400 --> 00:23:26,000
very quickly.
448
00:23:26,000 --> 00:23:30,070
>> The Press:
I guess another way I'm going
to ask is how determined --
449
00:23:30,066 --> 00:23:33,096
>> Mr. Carney:
I don't think Iran --
if I could just add --
450
00:23:33,100 --> 00:23:34,770
I don't think
Tehran doubts that.
451
00:23:34,767 --> 00:23:36,697
We're very confident Tehran
understands that failure
452
00:23:36,700 --> 00:23:41,330
to abide by its commitments in
the implementation agreement or
453
00:23:41,333 --> 00:23:47,163
failure to reach comprehensive
resolution would result in
454
00:23:47,166 --> 00:23:49,936
action by the United States and
by the international community.
455
00:23:49,934 --> 00:23:51,804
And the second
part is important,
456
00:23:51,800 --> 00:23:54,970
because one of the reasons
not to take action now,
457
00:23:54,967 --> 00:23:56,537
here in the United
States through Congress,
458
00:23:56,533 --> 00:24:00,203
is that it could threaten to
do harm to the international
459
00:24:00,200 --> 00:24:03,730
consensus that we have built,
and that international consensus
460
00:24:03,734 --> 00:24:06,534
is one of the foundations
behind the comprehensiveness and
461
00:24:06,533 --> 00:24:08,233
effectiveness of the
sanctions regime.
462
00:24:08,233 --> 00:24:11,933
The United States acting alone
can only do so much when it
463
00:24:11,934 --> 00:24:13,134
comes to sanctions.
464
00:24:13,133 --> 00:24:15,203
Working in consensus with
the international community,
465
00:24:15,200 --> 00:24:17,730
we can have quite an impact.
466
00:24:17,734 --> 00:24:18,964
>> The Press:
Under this agreement,
467
00:24:18,967 --> 00:24:21,467
of course the clock starts
ticking a week from today --
468
00:24:21,467 --> 00:24:24,067
another way, I guess, of
saying what I'm asking is,
469
00:24:24,066 --> 00:24:29,066
how determined is the
administration to imposing a new
470
00:24:29,066 --> 00:24:35,296
round of sanctions or taking
other measures if Iran fails to
471
00:24:35,300 --> 00:24:38,800
come to a long-term agreement
at the end of that six months?
472
00:24:38,800 --> 00:24:42,600
I mean, is there a real hammer
at the end of this thing?
473
00:24:42,600 --> 00:24:45,830
If this deal is not done
within six months is this
474
00:24:45,834 --> 00:24:49,034
administration going to take
strong action against Iran?
475
00:24:49,033 --> 00:24:51,363
>> Mr. Carney:
I think the best way
to answer that
476
00:24:51,367 --> 00:24:53,097
is to point at past actions.
477
00:24:53,100 --> 00:24:57,170
And the President's seriousness
about this matter can be
478
00:24:57,166 --> 00:25:01,636
measured by the fact that he
led the effort to build the most
479
00:25:01,633 --> 00:25:06,733
comprehensive and punitive
regime in history when it comes
480
00:25:06,734 --> 00:25:11,104
to sanctions, and that that
effort has resulted in forcing,
481
00:25:11,100 --> 00:25:13,830
compelling Iran to negotiate
482
00:25:13,834 --> 00:25:16,364
with the
international community.
483
00:25:16,367 --> 00:25:18,337
That was the purpose of
the sanctions regime;
484
00:25:18,333 --> 00:25:20,363
it remains the purpose
of the sanctions regime.
485
00:25:20,367 --> 00:25:24,297
And it's important to note in
reporting on this issue that
486
00:25:24,300 --> 00:25:28,670
even the implementation of the
Joint Plan of Action and the
487
00:25:28,667 --> 00:25:34,897
modest sanctions relief that
comes in stages with
488
00:25:34,900 --> 00:25:40,170
Iranian compliance in no
way affects the enforcement
489
00:25:40,166 --> 00:25:43,996
of the existing
sanctions regime.
490
00:25:44,000 --> 00:25:46,630
That remains very important and
I think that you've seen
491
00:25:46,633 --> 00:25:48,063
that we're serious
about that as well.
492
00:25:48,066 --> 00:25:52,996
So I think there can be no doubt
about the seriousness with which
493
00:25:53,000 --> 00:25:57,630
the President would approach
a decision by Iran to either
494
00:25:57,633 --> 00:26:01,933
not comply with its agreements
and its obligations under the
495
00:26:01,934 --> 00:26:05,664
implementation agreement or to
walk away from negotiations
496
00:26:05,667 --> 00:26:06,837
with the P5-plus-1.
497
00:26:06,834 --> 00:26:08,434
>> The Press:
And that would
be more actions --
498
00:26:08,433 --> 00:26:13,333
>> Mr. Carney:
I think that we would,
as we always have,
499
00:26:13,333 --> 00:26:15,403
retain every option
on the table,
500
00:26:15,400 --> 00:26:19,430
and one of those options
has been and certainly would
501
00:26:19,433 --> 00:26:22,433
likely be further
sanctions action.
502
00:26:22,433 --> 00:26:24,563
>> The Press:
Okay, a quick follow-up
on Chris Christie
503
00:26:24,567 --> 00:26:26,767
and the HUD IG report.
504
00:26:26,767 --> 00:26:31,867
I know you don't manage that,
but what do you say to those
505
00:26:31,867 --> 00:26:33,267
who look at the timing of this?
506
00:26:33,266 --> 00:26:35,936
I mean, here you have this
investigation of Christie
507
00:26:35,934 --> 00:26:38,604
just announced kind of kicking
the guy while he's down.
508
00:26:38,600 --> 00:26:41,530
Suddenly just as this
bridge scandal has erupted,
509
00:26:41,533 --> 00:26:43,663
the headlines out
of Washington is:
510
00:26:43,667 --> 00:26:45,397
Federal Investigation
Into Sandy Funds.
511
00:26:45,400 --> 00:26:46,430
Suspicious at all?
512
00:26:46,433 --> 00:26:49,533
I mean, any kind of --
513
00:26:49,533 --> 00:26:52,663
>> Mr. Carney:
Again, Jon, I would
refer you to the IG.
514
00:26:52,667 --> 00:26:56,437
We do not involve ourselves
in IG reports by the agencies.
515
00:26:56,433 --> 00:26:57,833
Brianna.
516
00:26:57,834 --> 00:26:59,164
>> The Press:
Thanks, Jay.
517
00:26:59,166 --> 00:27:02,366
Are the President's decisions
on the NSA reforms that he'll
518
00:27:02,367 --> 00:27:06,367
be outlining on Friday, where
is he at in that process?
519
00:27:06,367 --> 00:27:08,697
Are those decisions complete?
520
00:27:08,700 --> 00:27:11,470
>> Mr. Carney:
They are near completion.
521
00:27:11,467 --> 00:27:15,437
He is finishing his
work and will be doing so
522
00:27:15,433 --> 00:27:19,633
for the next several days
in anticipation of speaking
523
00:27:19,633 --> 00:27:22,303
about that work on Friday.
524
00:27:22,300 --> 00:27:26,170
So we're not quite concluded
yet in that process,
525
00:27:26,166 --> 00:27:28,236
but coming close.
526
00:27:28,233 --> 00:27:30,433
>> The Press:
Any more meetings?
527
00:27:30,433 --> 00:27:32,733
>> Mr. Carney:
I have none to preview for you.
528
00:27:32,734 --> 00:27:35,604
I certainly expect that over the
course of the next several days
529
00:27:35,600 --> 00:27:41,430
he'll be finalizing his work
and the decisions he'll make.
530
00:27:41,433 --> 00:27:44,703
But I don't have any meetings
of the nature that you saw
531
00:27:44,700 --> 00:27:47,570
in recent days to predict
or preview for you.
532
00:27:47,567 --> 00:27:49,937
>> The Press:
Any further word on the venue?
533
00:27:49,934 --> 00:27:50,934
>> Mr. Carney:
I believe it's been reported,
534
00:27:50,934 --> 00:27:53,234
and I can confirm
that it will take place
535
00:27:53,233 --> 00:27:55,633
at the Department of Justice.
536
00:27:55,633 --> 00:27:58,433
>> The Press:
And President Obama's meeting
with the King of Spain --
537
00:27:58,433 --> 00:28:01,003
or with the leader
of Spain today,
538
00:28:01,000 --> 00:28:05,400
Spain is one of several European
countries outraged by reports
539
00:28:05,400 --> 00:28:08,970
that the NSA monitored phone
call activities of its citizens,
540
00:28:08,967 --> 00:28:10,837
as well as its leaders.
541
00:28:10,834 --> 00:28:14,264
As President Obama prepares
to detail changes on Friday,
542
00:28:14,266 --> 00:28:17,436
what assurances is he
giving President Brey?
543
00:28:17,433 --> 00:28:23,463
>> Mr. Carney:
The President and other
high-level officials
544
00:28:23,467 --> 00:28:28,567
in the administration have
maintained regular dialogue with
545
00:28:28,567 --> 00:28:32,397
leaders of those nations
where the disclosures
546
00:28:32,400 --> 00:28:37,600
have been an issue,
and that has been true
547
00:28:37,600 --> 00:28:40,030
with regards to
a number of countries,
548
00:28:40,033 --> 00:28:42,033
including Mexico --
including Spain --
549
00:28:42,033 --> 00:28:44,203
obviously including Mexico
as well, and Germany and others.
550
00:28:44,200 --> 00:28:49,270
And those conversations
continue and we engage
551
00:28:49,266 --> 00:28:52,036
through normal diplomatic
channels on these issues.
552
00:28:52,033 --> 00:28:57,963
I don't have any conversations
with the president
553
00:28:57,967 --> 00:29:00,497
of the government of Spain,
President Rajoy,
554
00:29:00,500 --> 00:29:02,730
to read out to you or preview.
555
00:29:02,734 --> 00:29:04,234
As you know,
the bilateral meeting
556
00:29:04,233 --> 00:29:06,563
is taking place this afternoon.
557
00:29:06,567 --> 00:29:08,797
>> The Press:
And just last question
on aid to Egypt.
558
00:29:08,800 --> 00:29:15,370
Is the White House pushing
for language that would give --
559
00:29:15,367 --> 00:29:22,937
in this omnibus spending bill
that would give the President
560
00:29:22,934 --> 00:29:26,734
the tools that would allow
him to restore aid to Egypt?
561
00:29:26,734 --> 00:29:29,804
>> Mr. Carney:
When it comes to some of the
nitty-gritty of the omnibus,
562
00:29:29,800 --> 00:29:32,770
I would have to urge
you to wait --
563
00:29:32,767 --> 00:29:34,467
or either take those
questions to the Hill
564
00:29:34,467 --> 00:29:37,737
or wait for the progress
that has been made thus far
565
00:29:37,734 --> 00:29:39,604
to come to completion.
566
00:29:39,600 --> 00:29:44,430
I just don't have an answer for
you on that specific question.
567
00:29:44,433 --> 00:29:46,133
>> The Press:
We have talked to
some of those sources.
568
00:29:46,133 --> 00:29:48,133
They say that the
administration helped
569
00:29:48,133 --> 00:29:51,663
draft the language to do this.
570
00:29:51,667 --> 00:29:53,637
>> Mr. Carney:
I'm not aware of that.
571
00:29:53,633 --> 00:29:55,563
I'm not saying one
way or the other
572
00:29:55,567 --> 00:29:56,567
because I just don't know.
573
00:29:56,567 --> 00:29:57,637
Mara.
574
00:29:57,633 --> 00:30:00,733
>> The Press:
Just to follow up on the NSA,
575
00:30:00,734 --> 00:30:04,404
where does the White House or
the President feel the public is
576
00:30:04,400 --> 00:30:05,500
on these issues now?
577
00:30:05,500 --> 00:30:09,130
I mean, they haven't been
in the news for a while.
578
00:30:09,133 --> 00:30:11,333
>> Mr. Carney:
Look, I think this
is an important issue
579
00:30:11,333 --> 00:30:12,463
and I think that,
580
00:30:12,467 --> 00:30:13,897
as the President has said
on a number of occasions,
581
00:30:13,900 --> 00:30:19,930
that this is an important
debate in which entirely valid
582
00:30:19,934 --> 00:30:21,864
and worthwhile questions
have been asked
583
00:30:21,867 --> 00:30:27,997
and are being examined and
answered by the administration,
584
00:30:28,000 --> 00:30:30,530
by Congress, and by others.
585
00:30:30,533 --> 00:30:36,533
The public, in the President's
view, should hope for,
586
00:30:39,100 --> 00:30:44,770
and he hopes will get, steps
from the government that makes
587
00:30:44,767 --> 00:30:51,097
our signals intelligence
gathering more transparent
588
00:30:51,100 --> 00:30:56,130
in the programs that
represent that effort,
589
00:30:56,133 --> 00:31:00,703
and reforms that give
them more confidence --
590
00:31:00,700 --> 00:31:04,700
give members of the public
more confidence in the programs
591
00:31:04,700 --> 00:31:08,330
and the fact that
they are pursued in a way
592
00:31:08,333 --> 00:31:10,833
that meets the standard
the President set,
593
00:31:10,834 --> 00:31:14,604
which is that we do what we
should do in order to keep
594
00:31:14,600 --> 00:31:16,300
the American people
safe and the country safe
595
00:31:16,300 --> 00:31:18,930
and our allies safe,
596
00:31:18,934 --> 00:31:20,104
not just what we can do
597
00:31:20,100 --> 00:31:22,470
because we have
the capacity to do it.
598
00:31:22,467 --> 00:31:26,697
So that is a layman's way
of looking at the approach
599
00:31:26,700 --> 00:31:31,030
that the President has taken
as he's looked at the various
600
00:31:31,033 --> 00:31:33,863
recommendations and carefully
considered the options available
601
00:31:33,867 --> 00:31:40,597
to him when it comes to making
changes and making reforms.
602
00:31:40,600 --> 00:31:43,430
>> The Press:
But why should intelligence
be transparent?
603
00:31:43,433 --> 00:31:45,533
Isn't the whole idea that
it shouldn't be transparent?
604
00:31:45,533 --> 00:31:46,833
>> Mr. Carney:
Well, it's an excellent
question because
605
00:31:46,834 --> 00:31:48,164
obviously there's a balance
that has to be achieved here.
606
00:31:48,166 --> 00:31:50,096
Transparent to the extent it
can be and as much as possible,
607
00:31:50,100 --> 00:31:55,170
but we are talking about
intelligence-gathering and there
608
00:31:55,166 --> 00:31:57,366
are, almost by definition,
609
00:31:57,367 --> 00:32:01,897
aspects of it that
have to remain secret
610
00:32:01,900 --> 00:32:03,400
in order to be effective.
611
00:32:03,400 --> 00:32:05,500
But there should be,
in the President's view,
612
00:32:05,500 --> 00:32:11,500
steps that we can take to build
confidence about the way these
613
00:32:11,500 --> 00:32:14,730
programs are administered,
and he looks forward to speaking
614
00:32:14,734 --> 00:32:17,004
about these issues on Friday.
615
00:32:17,000 --> 00:32:18,300
Carol.
616
00:32:18,300 --> 00:32:19,630
>> The Press:
I just want to clarify
something on Iran.
617
00:32:19,633 --> 00:32:23,803
Is it the White House's position
that any action from Congress
618
00:32:23,800 --> 00:32:27,200
would be harmful to the interim
agreement even if the President
619
00:32:27,200 --> 00:32:29,970
is successfully able to veto it?
620
00:32:29,967 --> 00:32:32,137
>> Mr. Carney:
I mean, that's a series
of hypotheticals.
621
00:32:32,133 --> 00:32:35,533
I think that we've made clear
that we would veto legislation
622
00:32:35,533 --> 00:32:38,633
if it were to pass, but --
623
00:32:38,633 --> 00:32:40,803
>> The Press:
Right, but are
you guys saying --
624
00:32:40,800 --> 00:32:43,870
is your argument that even
if he could veto something,
625
00:32:43,867 --> 00:32:47,537
that even the act
of Congress voting --
626
00:32:47,533 --> 00:32:49,533
>> Mr. Carney:
Well, I don't think
we take an approach
627
00:32:49,533 --> 00:32:52,233
in opposition to specific
legislation on the theory
628
00:32:52,233 --> 00:32:56,503
that just because he can veto
it, we shouldn't oppose it.
629
00:32:56,500 --> 00:32:58,600
I think that the point
of the matter is,
630
00:32:58,600 --> 00:33:02,570
is that Congress has been
a very effective partner
631
00:33:02,567 --> 00:33:04,297
with the administration
632
00:33:04,300 --> 00:33:06,200
in helping build
this sanctions regime,
633
00:33:06,200 --> 00:33:08,300
helping enforce it
and implement it,
634
00:33:08,300 --> 00:33:11,400
and the President wants
to and looks forward to working
635
00:33:11,400 --> 00:33:16,200
with Congress to take further
action should it be required in
636
00:33:16,200 --> 00:33:20,030
response to failure by Iran to
comply with its obligations
637
00:33:20,033 --> 00:33:24,463
or to reach an agreement --
a comprehensive resolution
638
00:33:24,467 --> 00:33:26,397
in this six-month period.
639
00:33:26,400 --> 00:33:29,330
Our view is that trying
to impose new sanctions now,
640
00:33:29,333 --> 00:33:33,963
even if they have a delayed
trigger or some other mechanism,
641
00:33:33,967 --> 00:33:37,597
could do harm to the effort
that's underway to try
642
00:33:37,600 --> 00:33:40,970
to resolve this conflict between
Iran and the international
643
00:33:40,967 --> 00:33:42,897
community peacefully.
644
00:33:42,900 --> 00:33:45,930
And we share -- again,
this is not about supporting
645
00:33:45,934 --> 00:33:47,264
or not supporting sanctions.
646
00:33:47,266 --> 00:33:53,336
This President has led an effort
to build the most punitive,
647
00:33:53,333 --> 00:33:56,963
comprehensive sanctions regime
against Iran in history.
648
00:33:56,967 --> 00:34:04,897
It's merely a question of timing
and using Congress's authority
649
00:34:04,900 --> 00:34:07,500
and power here most effectively.
650
00:34:07,500 --> 00:34:09,530
>> The Press:
So just to be clear,
651
00:34:09,533 --> 00:34:13,363
so as long as the President can
stop sanctions that Congress
652
00:34:13,367 --> 00:34:15,867
would pass from
going into effect,
653
00:34:15,867 --> 00:34:20,137
then it's not harmful
to the agreement?
654
00:34:20,133 --> 00:34:22,303
>> Mr. Carney:
No, I think our point
is that passing new
655
00:34:22,300 --> 00:34:25,070
sanctions now is
counterproductive.
656
00:34:25,066 --> 00:34:28,266
>> The Press: Are you guys
worried that the new sanctions
657
00:34:28,266 --> 00:34:31,866
legislation is gaining enough
support in Congress that it
658
00:34:31,867 --> 00:34:36,267
could override the President's
-- a presidential veto?
659
00:34:36,266 --> 00:34:41,796
>> Mr. Carney:
Again, we remain of the
view that it's important
660
00:34:41,800 --> 00:34:46,270
for Congress to reserve action
on new sanctions for the
661
00:34:46,266 --> 00:34:48,636
appropriate time
if that time arrives.
662
00:34:48,633 --> 00:34:54,103
And we're not gaming this out in
the way that you described it.
663
00:34:54,100 --> 00:34:56,900
Our position is our position
because we think it has merit.
664
00:34:56,900 --> 00:34:57,970
>> The Press:
Isn't that your goal,
665
00:34:57,967 --> 00:34:59,297
to game that out in
the way I described it?
666
00:34:59,300 --> 00:35:01,000
>> Mr. Carney:
Well, I'm just saying
that our position is our
667
00:35:01,000 --> 00:35:03,430
position because our
position has merit.
668
00:35:03,433 --> 00:35:05,303
Congress has been an excellent
partner in building this
669
00:35:05,300 --> 00:35:06,630
sanctions regime.
670
00:35:06,633 --> 00:35:13,403
Congress, in our view, should
hold in abeyance action on
671
00:35:13,400 --> 00:35:19,700
further sanctions pending
progress or the lack of progress
672
00:35:19,700 --> 00:35:22,830
in the implementation
of the joint plan
673
00:35:22,834 --> 00:35:27,264
or in the negotiations for
a comprehensive resolution,
674
00:35:27,266 --> 00:35:29,696
because in that way they can be
most effective towards achieving
675
00:35:29,700 --> 00:35:32,100
the goal that we all share,
which is to deprive Iran
676
00:35:36,133 --> 00:35:37,133
of a nuclear weapon.
677
00:35:37,133 --> 00:35:39,533
And that's the goal.
678
00:35:39,533 --> 00:35:41,663
And the President takes nothing
off the table when it comes
679
00:35:41,667 --> 00:35:45,367
to achieving that goal, but
achieving that goal peacefully
680
00:35:45,367 --> 00:35:47,097
or at least attempting
to achieve it peacefully
681
00:35:47,100 --> 00:35:48,370
is absolutely the
right thing to do.
682
00:35:48,367 --> 00:35:55,037
And one of the arguments in
favor of the initial agreement
683
00:35:55,033 --> 00:35:58,633
is that it essentially puts time
on the clock by halting progress
684
00:35:58,633 --> 00:36:04,633
on the program and rolling
back aspects of it while the
685
00:36:04,633 --> 00:36:07,233
P5-plus-1 tests whether or not
Iran is serious about reaching
686
00:36:07,233 --> 00:36:09,063
a comprehensive resolution.
687
00:36:09,066 --> 00:36:11,596
>> The Press:
And then, just
quickly, on the NSA,
688
00:36:11,600 --> 00:36:14,100
can you describe
the thinking behind choosing
689
00:36:14,100 --> 00:36:16,670
to do this speech at
the Justice Department,
690
00:36:16,667 --> 00:36:20,197
which you know the President
gave a speech at the State
691
00:36:20,200 --> 00:36:22,130
Department and that was
intentionally designed
692
00:36:22,133 --> 00:36:25,333
to send the message that the
administration wanted to move
693
00:36:25,333 --> 00:36:28,233
away from military conflict
and talk more about diplomacy,
694
00:36:28,233 --> 00:36:30,463
and so in choosing
the Justice Department
695
00:36:30,467 --> 00:36:32,397
as the venue for this speech,
696
00:36:32,400 --> 00:36:35,600
what should people
take away from that?
697
00:36:35,600 --> 00:36:38,570
>> Mr. Carney:
Well, I think that we
obviously look at a variety
698
00:36:38,567 --> 00:36:40,497
of options when
it comes to venues.
699
00:36:40,500 --> 00:36:44,400
I wouldn't read too much
into the choice here except
700
00:36:44,400 --> 00:36:47,170
that it's an appropriate
choice, given the matters
701
00:36:47,166 --> 00:36:49,236
that the President
will be discussing.
702
00:36:49,233 --> 00:36:50,603
Mark.
703
00:36:50,600 --> 00:36:52,330
>> The Press:
On Iran, if I could,
704
00:36:52,333 --> 00:36:56,463
there have been a couple of
reports in the last few days
705
00:36:56,467 --> 00:36:58,897
assessing the state
of the Iranian economy.
706
00:36:58,900 --> 00:37:02,730
There's been some reports about
a decline in the inflation rate;
707
00:37:02,734 --> 00:37:05,834
the economy, which contracted
by 6 percent in 2012,
708
00:37:05,834 --> 00:37:09,304
may actually grow
by 1 or 1.5 percent this year.
709
00:37:09,300 --> 00:37:12,400
And it has been,
as I'm sure you know,
710
00:37:12,400 --> 00:37:15,500
an argument of critics of the
administration on sanctions
711
00:37:15,500 --> 00:37:18,600
relief that merely extending
the offer of sanctions relief
712
00:37:18,600 --> 00:37:22,400
is enough to cause a fairly
perceptible shift in the economy
713
00:37:22,400 --> 00:37:24,830
because of expectations
that there's more where
714
00:37:24,834 --> 00:37:25,864
that came from.
715
00:37:25,867 --> 00:37:28,367
Are you looking
at these numbers?
716
00:37:28,367 --> 00:37:30,967
Do you agree with the contention
that there is actually
717
00:37:30,967 --> 00:37:33,067
an improvement in
the Iranian economy?
718
00:37:33,066 --> 00:37:37,196
And does it worry you that
even if the sanctions relief --
719
00:37:37,200 --> 00:37:39,970
and this plan is,
in fact, modest --
720
00:37:39,967 --> 00:37:42,367
that there's sort
of a disproportionate effect
721
00:37:42,367 --> 00:37:44,797
on people's feelings
and sentiment in Iran
722
00:37:44,800 --> 00:37:47,530
that could lift the
pressure on the regime
723
00:37:47,533 --> 00:37:50,303
by a good bit more?
724
00:37:50,300 --> 00:37:52,030
>> Mr. Carney:
These are all
excellent questions.
725
00:37:52,033 --> 00:37:54,463
I haven't seen in-house
or administration analysis
726
00:37:54,467 --> 00:37:59,537
of Iranian economic
growth or contraction.
727
00:37:59,533 --> 00:38:02,463
I think as a general fact
it's been established
728
00:38:02,467 --> 00:38:04,337
that the Iranian economy
729
00:38:04,333 --> 00:38:07,033
has suffered under
the sanctions regime
730
00:38:07,033 --> 00:38:09,033
and that includes the currency.
731
00:38:12,266 --> 00:38:16,196
The test here is not whether
Iranian leaders
732
00:38:16,200 --> 00:38:20,100
would be satisfied with
1 percent growth and whether
733
00:38:20,100 --> 00:38:23,830
that would relieve
enough pressure on them
734
00:38:23,834 --> 00:38:27,134
for them to decide
not to pursue resolution
735
00:38:27,133 --> 00:38:28,263
with the international
community.
736
00:38:28,266 --> 00:38:30,736
The question is do
they resolve their differences
737
00:38:30,734 --> 00:38:32,334
with the
international community?
738
00:38:32,333 --> 00:38:37,063
And if they do it in a
transparent, verifiable way,
739
00:38:37,066 --> 00:38:41,266
that would be good for the
international community,
740
00:38:41,266 --> 00:38:44,596
for regional stability.
741
00:38:44,600 --> 00:38:49,300
If they do not, as has been the
case leading up to this point,
742
00:38:49,300 --> 00:38:54,870
there will be consequences
because Iran needs to abide by
743
00:38:54,867 --> 00:38:56,037
its international obligations.
744
00:38:56,033 --> 00:39:02,833
And you're talking about
a window here of six months.
745
00:39:02,834 --> 00:39:05,064
And should there
not be compliance
746
00:39:05,066 --> 00:39:06,136
with the interim agreement,
747
00:39:06,133 --> 00:39:10,103
should there
not be resolution,
748
00:39:12,367 --> 00:39:16,537
then I'm sure that not just the
United States but many of our
749
00:39:16,533 --> 00:39:20,963
allies and partners in this
effort will judge what actions
750
00:39:20,967 --> 00:39:23,467
are necessary to take because
the objective will not
751
00:39:23,467 --> 00:39:25,937
have been achieved,
which is to ensure that Iran
752
00:39:25,934 --> 00:39:28,504
does not acquire
a nuclear weapon.
753
00:39:28,500 --> 00:39:34,500
But all of this is anticipating
a negative outcome --
754
00:39:36,667 --> 00:39:38,837
and that could be what happens.
755
00:39:38,834 --> 00:39:41,834
It is the President's
responsibility,
756
00:39:41,834 --> 00:39:43,604
in keeping with the whole
purpose of building
757
00:39:43,600 --> 00:39:49,130
the sanctions regime, to test
whether or not Iran will reach
758
00:39:49,133 --> 00:39:51,503
an agreement with the
international community that's
759
00:39:51,500 --> 00:39:56,800
transparent and verifiable and
that will result in Iran coming
760
00:39:56,800 --> 00:39:59,130
into compliance with its
international obligations.
761
00:39:59,133 --> 00:40:03,333
If they decide not to,
for whatever reason,
762
00:40:03,333 --> 00:40:07,203
that decision will not be met
kindly by the United States
763
00:40:07,200 --> 00:40:10,730
or any of our allies and
partners in this endeavor.
764
00:40:10,734 --> 00:40:17,464
And what is unique I think about
what that populace looks like is
765
00:40:17,467 --> 00:40:23,467
that it is broad because of the
steps that President Obama took
766
00:40:25,700 --> 00:40:30,330
in 2009 to make clear that the
obstacle to progress on this
767
00:40:30,333 --> 00:40:31,733
issue was
not the United States,
768
00:40:31,734 --> 00:40:34,704
it was not U.S.
allies, it was Iran.
769
00:40:34,700 --> 00:40:39,400
And we are now where we are
because of that regime and its
770
00:40:39,400 --> 00:40:42,630
effectiveness, and
we will test whether or not
771
00:40:42,633 --> 00:40:43,703
a resolution is possible.
772
00:40:43,700 --> 00:40:45,170
Olivier.
773
00:40:45,166 --> 00:40:46,196
>> The Press:
Jay, staying on Iran,
774
00:40:46,200 --> 00:40:48,900
I just want to be
clear about something.
775
00:40:48,900 --> 00:40:53,330
The interim agreement allows
for the talks to be extended
776
00:40:53,333 --> 00:40:54,563
by mutual consent.
777
00:40:54,567 --> 00:40:56,467
Are you saying that you guys
would drop your opposition
778
00:40:56,467 --> 00:40:58,597
to new sanctions at
the six-month mark --
779
00:40:58,600 --> 00:41:00,200
>> Mr. Carney:
No, no, no --
780
00:41:00,200 --> 00:41:01,930
>> The Press:
-- or is it over
the life of the --
781
00:41:01,934 --> 00:41:03,664
I just want to be clear
because you mentioned
782
00:41:03,667 --> 00:41:04,997
the six-month mark
a couple times --
783
00:41:05,000 --> 00:41:06,930
over the life of
the negotiations, right?
784
00:41:06,934 --> 00:41:08,304
>> Mr. Carney:
I'm not going to
anticipate how these
785
00:41:08,300 --> 00:41:09,830
negotiations play out,
they haven't even begun yet.
786
00:41:09,834 --> 00:41:12,004
What I will --
on the six-month piece.
787
00:41:12,000 --> 00:41:17,530
What I will say is that if Iran
fails to reach an agreement --
788
00:41:17,533 --> 00:41:21,403
and when that happens is hard
to predict if it does happen --
789
00:41:21,400 --> 00:41:23,870
obviously, we'd prefer
and our partners prefer
790
00:41:23,867 --> 00:41:26,367
that this is
resolved peacefully.
791
00:41:26,367 --> 00:41:30,767
What I was saying and will
repeat is that failure
792
00:41:30,767 --> 00:41:34,497
to comply with its obligations
will, I think,
793
00:41:34,500 --> 00:41:39,570
be met by a reaction from the
United States and our partners.
794
00:41:39,567 --> 00:41:42,167
I'm not predicting that.
795
00:41:42,166 --> 00:41:43,966
I'm simply making the
point that when it comes
796
00:41:43,967 --> 00:41:51,197
to congressional action --
as we've said in the past --
797
00:41:51,200 --> 00:41:53,470
passing legislation that
would impose new sanctions
798
00:41:53,467 --> 00:41:55,467
would best wait for,
799
00:41:57,333 --> 00:42:02,603
as a matter of timing, a failure
by Iran to either comply with
800
00:42:02,600 --> 00:42:08,100
its agreements under the Joint
Plan of Action or a failure
801
00:42:08,100 --> 00:42:11,270
to come to resolution with
the international community
802
00:42:11,266 --> 00:42:13,796
on the comprehensive agreement.
803
00:42:13,800 --> 00:42:15,270
>> The Press:
But it's the second
part of that --
804
00:42:15,266 --> 00:42:16,896
obviously, if they
violate the interim agreement
805
00:42:16,900 --> 00:42:18,800
then you've got
one cause for action. But --
806
00:42:18,800 --> 00:42:20,470
>> Mr. Carney:
You're asking me what
would constitute a failure?
807
00:42:20,467 --> 00:42:22,067
I think that that obviously
will have to wait
808
00:42:22,066 --> 00:42:23,236
for the negotiations.
809
00:42:23,233 --> 00:42:24,133
>> The Press:
No, I'm asking
for the timetable,
810
00:42:24,133 --> 00:42:25,433
not what would constitute --
811
00:42:25,433 --> 00:42:26,003
>> Mr. Carney:
Well, I would point
you to the agreement
812
00:42:26,000 --> 00:42:29,100
as you described it.
813
00:42:29,100 --> 00:42:30,430
Mike.
814
00:42:30,433 --> 00:42:31,703
>> The Press:
Is there sort of --
on Iran -- a good cop,
815
00:42:31,700 --> 00:42:33,670
bad cop dynamic going on here
816
00:42:33,667 --> 00:42:35,297
with the administration
and Congress?
817
00:42:35,300 --> 00:42:37,670
I mean, the President had
phone calls, he had meetings,
818
00:42:37,667 --> 00:42:40,397
putting pressure on members of
Congress not to go forward
819
00:42:40,400 --> 00:42:43,700
with sanctions, and yet
at least 59 of them are signing
820
00:42:43,700 --> 00:42:45,770
on to a sanctions resolution.
821
00:42:45,767 --> 00:42:47,237
Is it useful as
a saber to rattle
822
00:42:47,233 --> 00:42:50,503
when you sit down with Iran?
823
00:42:50,500 --> 00:42:56,970
>> Mr. Carney:
Look, I think that -- I
wouldn't analyze it that way.
824
00:42:56,967 --> 00:43:00,767
I think that our view -- I
mean, we're being pretty clear,
825
00:43:00,767 --> 00:43:04,437
I think, in our view that
further sanctions legislation
826
00:43:04,433 --> 00:43:11,533
now would potentially result
in the opposite of the desired
827
00:43:11,533 --> 00:43:15,963
impact; that it could undermine
the existing sanctions regime,
828
00:43:15,967 --> 00:43:18,767
it could undermine the
consensus that we've built,
829
00:43:18,767 --> 00:43:22,897
and it could undermine the
progress that's been made
830
00:43:22,900 --> 00:43:27,230
through the P5-plus-1
in negotiations with Iran.
831
00:43:27,233 --> 00:43:29,933
Better for Congress,
in our view,
832
00:43:29,934 --> 00:43:34,034
to wait to take action
until it's necessary,
833
00:43:34,033 --> 00:43:36,003
if it's necessary,
because of Iran's failure
834
00:43:36,000 --> 00:43:39,770
to comply if that comes about.
835
00:43:39,767 --> 00:43:40,967
Jared.
836
00:43:40,967 --> 00:43:42,537
>> The Press:
Jay, without getting
into the content
837
00:43:42,533 --> 00:43:45,333
of the Health and Human
Services conference call,
838
00:43:45,333 --> 00:43:48,733
which is still under embargo
for another 87 minutes or so --
839
00:43:48,734 --> 00:43:49,964
[laughter]
840
00:43:49,967 --> 00:43:52,067
-- what's the President's
reaction to the December report?
841
00:43:52,066 --> 00:43:53,596
Is he happy?
842
00:43:53,600 --> 00:43:54,600
Is he sad?
843
00:43:54,600 --> 00:43:57,670
Is he angry?
844
00:43:57,667 --> 00:43:59,367
>> The Press:
Gleeful?
845
00:43:59,367 --> 00:44:02,237
>> Mr. Carney:
You can come back
to me later in the day.
846
00:44:02,233 --> 00:44:03,303
Thanks very much.
847
00:44:03,300 --> 00:44:04,930
>> The Press:
Will you get back to us, though?
848
00:44:04,934 --> 00:44:06,264
>> Mr. Carney:
You know my number.