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Prime Minister Hailemariam:
Members of the press, ladies
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and gentlemen, I would like
to once again welcome His
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Excellency, the President of
the United States of
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America, to Ethiopia.
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We are honored to
receive a sitting U.S.
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President for the first time
in the history of our
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century-long diplomatic
relations.
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But again, we believe it's
fitting and appropriate in
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the light of the fact that
Ethiopia is the Cradle of
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Mankind, the beacon light
for African independence,
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and an inspiration for all
the black people's
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struggles, and the political
capital of Africa.
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Ethiopia is the
birthplace of coffee --
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(laughter)
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-- and with so many firsts
to its name, and as such a
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first and historic visit
by the first U.S.
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President of African origin,
I believe it's a
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well-deserved one.
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His visit comes at a time
when both Africa and
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Ethiopia are registering
impressive growth, making
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important strides.
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For Ethiopia, the economy
has registered double-digit
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growth for the last 12
years, uninterruptedly.
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His visit also comes at a
time when we're working hard
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in improving governance and
fighting insecurity,
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conflicts and terrorism.
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His visit could not have
come at a better time, as
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the leader of the most
powerful nation on Earth,
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diplomatically,
economically, and more
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importantly, in science and
technology and education --
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the very things Africa and
Ethiopia need in abundance
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if they are to sustain their
growth.
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President Obama's visit
represents a new height in
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our bilateral relations.
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This morning, we have had
extensive bilateral
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discussions with President
Obama on a range of topics.
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We have discussed ways of
further deepening our
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bilateral relations and our
cooperation on a number of
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issues.
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Among the areas we have
discussed, we talked at
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lengths about the U.S.
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support in helping expand
trade and investment in
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Ethiopia.
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As you know, the U.S.
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is Ethiopia's strategic
partner in many fields.
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And the steady of flow of
quality investment from the
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United States, as much as we
crave it, though the recent
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beginning is so
encouraging, has often
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been in short supply.
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We have discussed, among
other things, how to
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encourage U.S.
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investors to come to
Ethiopia in large numbers,
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where there are numerous
competitive and comparative
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advantages they
can benefit from.
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We have discussed how best
we can take advantage of
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President Obama's signature
Power Africa initiative,
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which is, in our case, has
already seen significant
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progress made with 1,000
megawatts geothermal
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contract to be signed
this afternoon.
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We have also discussed ways
of scaling up the successful
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projects that President
Obama launched four years
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ago in his flagship Alliance
for Food Security program,
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and launching of similar
initiatives.
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We have also discussed and
reached an understanding on
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coordinating our efforts in
the global effort to fight
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climate change, and to work
together for the success of
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the COP 21
negotiations in Paris.
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Likewise, we have exchanged
ideas on ways the U.S.
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can champion the Addis Ababa
action agenda during the
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negotiations of the
sustainable development
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goals in New York next
September.
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We have also agreed to work
on global health epidemics.
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We have raised a number of
issues on how the U.S.
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can support the
strengthening of Ethiopia's
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democratization process.
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My government has expressed
its commitment to deepen the
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democratic process already
underway in the country, and
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work towards the respect of
human rights and improving
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governance.
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We have reiterated once
again that our commitment to
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democracy is real, not
skin-deep.
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We have both noted that we
need to step up efforts to
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strengthen our institutions
and build our capacity in
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various areas.
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We believe that U.S.
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support in this regard as
age-old democracy will
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contribute to ensuring that
our system becomes robust.
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We have agreed to continue
our engagement despite minor
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differences here and there
with regard mainly to the
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speed with which our
democratization process
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is moving.
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Finally, we have discussed a
range of issues related to
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cooperation on security and
peace-building in the region
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and on the pivotal role the
U.S.
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can and does play.
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We have agreed to work
closely on South Sudan to
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bring lasting peace to the
conflict-ridden country.
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We have both agreed to work
together in building peace
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in Somalia by helping create
stable institutions and by
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strengthening the Somali
security forces in their
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quest to be in charge of the
peace of their own country.
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We have agreed to intensify
the campaign against
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terrorism in the region, and
we both noted with
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satisfaction the progress
AMISOM forces and Somali
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National Army are making,
with the support of the U.S.
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and other partners, in their
fight against al-Shabaab.
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We have agreed to deepen our
intelligence cooperation
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both bilaterally as well
as regionally.
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We have both noted and
underscored that this
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cooperation is essential to
curb the menace posed by
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terrorism.
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The terrorist attack that
was launched in Mogadishu
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yesterday is a stark
reminder that we need to
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work even more in this
respect.
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In conclusion, we have
agreed to continue working
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together for better
results in all aspects
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of our cooperation.
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Mr. President, I now call
upon you to give
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your remarks.
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President Obama: Well, thank
you, Mr. Prime Minister.
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Good afternoon.
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Dehna walach-hu.
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Prime Minister Hailemariam,
we appreciate your kind
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words and for the welcome
that you've extended to our
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delegation.
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We've had very productive
meetings here today.
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And after our bilateral, I
had a chance to see the
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famous lions that live on
the grounds.
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I'm considering getting some
for the White House.
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(laughter)
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Although I'll have to make
sure that my dogs are safe.
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(laughter)
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To the people of Ethiopia,
thank you for the warmth and
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enthusiasm of your welcome
and the spirit of friendship
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that you've shown me since
I've been in Addis.
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I am proud to be the first
U.S.
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President to visit Ethiopia,
and, tomorrow, the first
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U.S.
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President to address the
African Union.
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So my visit reflects the
importance the United States
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places on our relationship
with Ethiopia and all the
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nations and peoples of
Africa.
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As you noted, Ethiopia and
the United States share a
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long friendship.
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Our people have worked
together, traded with each
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other, and stood alongside
one another for more than
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100 years.
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The United States is
strengthened by the
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contributions of Ethiopian
Americans every day -- and
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that's particularly true in
our nation's capital,
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Washington, D.C., which has
the largest Ethiopian
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community outside of
Ethiopia -- or at least
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outside of Africa.
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And we welcome Ethiopian
students to study in the
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United States.
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Through our Young African
Leaders Initiative, we're
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helping to empower dynamic
young Ethiopians with the
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tools that they need to make
a difference in their
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communities.
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Ethiopia also hosts one of
the largest Peace Corps
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programs in the world and
has welcomed thousands of
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young Americans over
the years.
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So the connections between
our peoples are both deep
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and enduring.
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And today, the Prime
Minister and I spoke about
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how we can strengthen the
cooperation between
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our nations.
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First, we're going to
continue working together to
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advance Ethiopia's
economic progress.
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Ethiopia has one of the
fastest-growing economies in
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the world and one of the
largest economies in Africa.
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And we want to sustain that
momentum, because a growing
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and inclusive economy in
Ethiopia means more
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opportunities for the
Ethiopian people and more
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trade and investment between
our nations, which, in turn,
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helps to create
American jobs.
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With the renewal of the
African Growth and
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Opportunity Act, we'll work
to further open American
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markets to Ethiopian
products and help expand
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private sector investment in
Ethiopia.
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Through our Power Africa
initiative, we're working to
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unlock Ethiopia's potential
for geothermal energy with
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the nation's first private
sector energy agreement.
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And this will help the
government meet its
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ambitious goal of
significantly increasing
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access to electricity across
Ethiopia and help open the
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market to developing
Ethiopia's other vast
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renewable energy sources.
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Second, we're stepping up
our cooperation on
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development, where Ethiopia
has proven itself
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a global leader.
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To many people around the
world, their image of
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Ethiopia remains stuck in
the past -- remembering
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drought and famine.
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But in the past 15 years,
Ethiopia has lifted millions
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of people out of poverty.
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We're working closely
together to improve food
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security, to help farmers
plant drought-resistant and
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higher-yield crops.
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We're building resilience to
climate change.
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Fewer people are suffering
needlessly from preventable
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diseases like malaria.
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More children are
getting an education.
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Of course, there are still
too many people,
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particularly in the rural
areas, living in
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deprivation, so we have to
keep moving on the progress
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that's been made.
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Prime Minister Hailemariam
has demonstrated his
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commitment to eliminating
extreme poverty.
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Ethiopia recently hosted the
International Conference on
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Financing for Development,
which secured a global
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consensus about how the
nations of the world will
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deliver on our promises,
especially to those
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most in need.
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Your Prime Minister played a
vital role in forging that
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consensus, and Ethiopia is
now helping to shape a new
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set of sustainable
development goals for
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the world.
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Third, our security
cooperation is pushing back
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against violent extremism.
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Ethiopia faces serious
threats, and its
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contribution to the African
Union mission in Somalia
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have reduced areas under
al-Shabaab control.
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But, as the Prime Minister
noted, yesterday's bombing
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in Mogadishu reminds us that
terrorist groups like
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al-Shabaab offer nothing but
death and destruction and
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have to be stopped.
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We've got more work to do.
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This past week, Ethiopian
troops have helped retake
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two major al-Shabaab
strongholds.
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We have to now keep the
pressure on.
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Ethiopia is a major
contributor, as well, to
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U.N.
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peacekeeping efforts; it
contributes more troops than
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any other country in Africa.
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And we're working together
to improve the ability of
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Ethiopian peacekeepers to
respond rapidly to emerging
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crises, before they spiral
into widespread violence.
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Ethiopia has also been a key
partner as we seek to
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resolve the ongoing crisis
in South Sudan.
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Later today, the Prime
Minister and I will meet
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with leaders from across the
region to discuss ways we
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00:11:51,911 --> 00:11:54,911
can encourage the government
and opposition in South
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Sudan to end the violence
and move toward a peace
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agreement.
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I want to thank Ethiopia for
the sanctuary it provides
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hundreds of thousands of
refugees who have fled South
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Sudan and conflicts
throughout the region.
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And finally, I would note
that everything I've
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00:12:11,397 --> 00:12:14,297
mentioned --sustained and
inclusive growth,
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development, security gains
--also depends on good
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governance.
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We had a frank discussion.
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In a global economy that's
increasingly driven by
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technology and the Internet,
continued growth in Ethiopia
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00:12:27,379 --> 00:12:29,749
depends on the free flow of
information and open
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exchanges of ideas.
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I believe that when all
voices are being heard, when
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people know that they're
included in the political
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process, that makes a
country stronger and more
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successful and more
innovative.
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00:12:42,928 --> 00:12:46,568
So we discussed steps that
Ethiopia can take to show
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progress on promoting good
governance, protecting human
264
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rights, fundamental
freedoms, and
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strengthening democracy.
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And this is an area where we
intend to deepen our
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conversations and
consultation, because we
268
00:13:01,013 --> 00:13:05,083
strongly believe in
Ethiopia's promise
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and its people.
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Ethiopia is a strong partner
with the United States and a
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leader on so many vital
issues in the region.
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And it has the opportunity
now to extend its leadership
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in ways that benefit all of
Ethiopia's people and that
274
00:13:18,330 --> 00:13:21,530
sets a positive example for
the region.
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It's hard work, but my
message today to the people
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of Ethiopia is that, as you
take steps moving your
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country forward, the United
States will be standing by
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you the entire way.
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So, Prime Minister, thank
you for your hospitality and
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00:13:35,848 --> 00:13:40,588
for the important work that
our nations do together.
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Ameseginalehu.
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(applause)
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The Press: Thank you very
much, Mr. President and
284
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Mr. Prime Minister.
285
00:14:06,212 --> 00:14:08,112
Mr. President, you mentioned
earlier that combatting
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terrorism is one of the
areas in which Ethiopia and
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00:14:11,217 --> 00:14:13,317
the U.S. are partnering.
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00:14:13,319 --> 00:14:16,059
However, organizations
based in the U.S.
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00:14:16,055 --> 00:14:17,655
and Eritrea are
290
00:14:17,656 --> 00:14:19,296
(inaudible)
291
00:14:19,291 --> 00:14:20,861
in Ethiopia's
anti-terrorism efforts.
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How will your government
assist Ethiopia in this
293
00:14:22,428 --> 00:14:23,158
regard?
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And secondly, in regards to
trade and investment
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00:14:26,298 --> 00:14:29,698
cooperation, how committed
is your government to
296
00:14:29,702 --> 00:14:32,602
transform the aid-based
Ethiopia-U.S.
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00:14:32,605 --> 00:14:35,575
relations to a mutually
beneficial trade and
298
00:14:35,574 --> 00:14:36,744
investment cooperation?
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00:14:36,742 --> 00:14:39,782
Thank you very much.
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00:14:39,778 --> 00:14:41,018
President Obama: Well, on
the first issue, this was
301
00:14:41,013 --> 00:14:42,813
part of our conversation
both with respect to
302
00:14:42,815 --> 00:14:47,415
security, but also with
respect to good governance
303
00:14:47,419 --> 00:14:51,119
and human rights issues.
304
00:14:51,123 --> 00:14:54,623
Our policy is that we
oppose terrorism wherever
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it may occur.
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00:14:56,695 --> 00:15:03,235
And we are opposed to any
group that is promoting the
307
00:15:03,235 --> 00:15:07,945
violent overthrow of a
government, including the
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00:15:07,940 --> 00:15:13,850
government of Ethiopia, that has
been democratically elected.
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00:15:15,581 --> 00:15:20,691
I also shared with the Prime
Minister our interest in
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00:15:20,686 --> 00:15:22,686
deepening intelligence
cooperation.
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And we've had some fruitful
discussions about ending the
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00:15:26,191 --> 00:15:30,531
flow of foreign
financing for terrorism.
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Our cooperation regionally
is excellent.
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00:15:34,066 --> 00:15:39,506
I know that there are
certain groups that have
315
00:15:39,505 --> 00:15:42,845
been active in Ethiopia
that, from the Ethiopian
316
00:15:42,841 --> 00:15:46,241
government's perspective,
pose a significant threat.
317
00:15:46,245 --> 00:15:48,785
Our intelligence indicates
that while they may oppose
318
00:15:48,781 --> 00:15:53,381
the government, they have
not tipped into terrorism.
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00:15:53,385 --> 00:15:57,225
And we have some very clear
standards in terms of how we
320
00:15:57,222 --> 00:15:58,522
evaluate that.
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00:15:58,524 --> 00:16:02,594
But what I indicated to the
Prime Minister is, is that
322
00:16:02,594 --> 00:16:06,034
in our consultations and
deepening intelligence
323
00:16:06,031 --> 00:16:09,801
cooperation, we will look
and see what evidence we
324
00:16:09,802 --> 00:16:13,642
have, where there are real
problems, and where we see
325
00:16:13,639 --> 00:16:18,749
genuine terrorist activity.
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00:16:18,744 --> 00:16:20,844
That's something that we are
going to want to cooperate
327
00:16:20,846 --> 00:16:21,846
with and stop.
328
00:16:22,114 --> 00:16:27,154
So a lot of this has to do
with how we define a
329
00:16:27,152 --> 00:16:29,292
particular group's
activities.
330
00:16:29,288 --> 00:16:34,198
If they are just talking
about issues and are in
331
00:16:34,193 --> 00:16:41,163
opposition and are operating
as political organizations,
332
00:16:41,166 --> 00:16:44,106
we tend to be protective of
them even if we don't agree
333
00:16:44,103 --> 00:16:44,973
with them.
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00:16:44,970 --> 00:16:45,940
That's true in the United
States; that's true
335
00:16:45,938 --> 00:16:47,208
everywhere.
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00:16:47,206 --> 00:16:49,446
And we think that's part of
what's necessary for a
337
00:16:49,441 --> 00:16:50,781
democracy.
338
00:16:50,776 --> 00:16:55,716
If they tip into activities
that are violent and are
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00:16:55,714 --> 00:17:01,354
undermining a properly
constituted government, then
340
00:17:01,353 --> 00:17:02,353
we have a concern.
341
00:17:02,354 --> 00:17:05,494
And so this will be a matter
of facts -- what are the
342
00:17:05,491 --> 00:17:09,091
facts with respect to this
issue -- in determining how
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00:17:09,094 --> 00:17:10,134
we can work together.
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00:17:11,163 --> 00:17:17,403
On shifting development
models, part of what I've
345
00:17:17,403 --> 00:17:19,703
been preaching ever since I
came into office, and what
346
00:17:19,705 --> 00:17:22,705
we've been putting into
practice as I travel across
347
00:17:22,708 --> 00:17:25,608
the continent of Africa, but
this is also true in Latin
348
00:17:25,611 --> 00:17:31,621
America, it's true in Asia
-- in this modern world, it
349
00:17:33,685 --> 00:17:37,525
is not enough just to
provide aid.
350
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Sometimes aid is critical.
351
00:17:38,657 --> 00:17:42,557
I mean, we're very proud of
the work that we've done to
352
00:17:42,561 --> 00:17:48,071
provide health aid that has
saved millions of lives with
353
00:17:48,066 --> 00:17:51,166
respect to HIV/AIDS.
354
00:17:51,170 --> 00:17:54,610
We are very proud of
our ability to mobilize
355
00:17:54,606 --> 00:17:57,176
humanitarian assistance when
there's a drought and the
356
00:17:57,176 --> 00:18:00,246
potential for starvation.
357
00:18:00,245 --> 00:18:02,515
Those are still necessary.
358
00:18:02,514 --> 00:18:06,654
But what we also believe is
that we are your best
359
00:18:06,652 --> 00:18:10,222
partners and your best
friends when we are
360
00:18:10,222 --> 00:18:11,792
building capacity.
361
00:18:11,723 --> 00:18:14,863
So instead of just giving a
fish, we teach you
362
00:18:14,860 --> 00:18:17,330
how to fish.
363
00:18:17,329 --> 00:18:23,699
And whether it's the work
we're doing in agriculture,
364
00:18:23,702 --> 00:18:31,172
or on energy, our goal is
not to simply provide
365
00:18:31,176 --> 00:18:35,916
something and then we go
away, and then later on, we
366
00:18:35,914 --> 00:18:37,914
need to give you something
more.
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00:18:37,916 --> 00:18:43,226
Our goal is to help you
advance your development
368
00:18:43,222 --> 00:18:46,762
agenda so that it's
Ethiopian businesses and
369
00:18:46,758 --> 00:18:49,958
Ethiopian technical experts,
and Ethiopian scientists,
370
00:18:49,962 --> 00:18:56,072
and Ethiopian agricultural
workers who are continually
371
00:18:56,068 --> 00:19:02,508
building capacity and
increasing development
372
00:19:02,508 --> 00:19:03,508
inside the country.
373
00:19:03,575 --> 00:19:06,375
And on that, we can be a
very effective partner.
374
00:19:06,378 --> 00:19:10,918
And that, then, allows us
also to trade and engage the
375
00:19:10,916 --> 00:19:13,216
private sector in
this process.
376
00:19:13,519 --> 00:19:16,989
So, on Power Africa, for
example, we are providing
377
00:19:16,989 --> 00:19:18,989
billions of dollars
from the U.S.
378
00:19:18,991 --> 00:19:20,991
government, and we're
leveraging the Swedish
379
00:19:20,993 --> 00:19:26,363
government and World Bank to
create a fund that helps to
380
00:19:26,365 --> 00:19:27,965
facilitate transactions.
381
00:19:27,966 --> 00:19:31,636
But what we're also doing is
working with the Ethiopian
382
00:19:31,637 --> 00:19:36,337
government to leverage that
money so that the private
383
00:19:36,341 --> 00:19:41,751
sector says, we'd like to
invest in Ethiopia, as well,
384
00:19:41,747 --> 00:19:48,557
and helping advise the
Ethiopian Energy Ministry
385
00:19:48,554 --> 00:19:51,854
and technical experts on
what may be the best models
386
00:19:51,857 --> 00:19:55,957
for reaching rural areas,
for example -- which may not
387
00:19:55,961 --> 00:19:59,231
always involve big power
plants but might involve
388
00:19:59,231 --> 00:20:03,031
off-grid, smaller models of
development that are
389
00:20:03,035 --> 00:20:07,175
sustainable and are not
dependent on constant
390
00:20:07,172 --> 00:20:10,842
financial flows from the
West, but instead build up
391
00:20:10,842 --> 00:20:16,052
local capacity and are best
suited for the particular
392
00:20:16,048 --> 00:20:18,788
environment where
electricity is needed.
393
00:20:19,551 --> 00:20:21,791
So that, I think, is going
to be true in health,
394
00:20:21,787 --> 00:20:23,857
energy, agriculture.
395
00:20:23,855 --> 00:20:31,695
The more that Ethiopians are
able to grow rapidly on
396
00:20:31,697 --> 00:20:36,337
their own, then our
relationship becomes one of
397
00:20:36,335 --> 00:20:39,875
mutual interest, mutual
respect.
398
00:20:39,871 --> 00:20:42,711
And Ethiopia then becomes a
leader, and it can then help
399
00:20:42,708 --> 00:20:45,778
other countries that are not
as advanced on the
400
00:20:45,777 --> 00:20:47,417
development scales.
401
00:20:47,412 --> 00:20:52,022
And then we can partner with
you to help Somalia as it's
402
00:20:52,017 --> 00:20:56,887
rebuilding after decades of
failed governance.
403
00:21:01,159 --> 00:21:01,959
Mr. Earnest: Our next
question will come from
404
00:21:01,960 --> 00:21:03,200
Kevin Corke with Fox News.
405
00:21:03,195 --> 00:21:08,565
The Press: Thank you,
Mr. President.
406
00:21:08,567 --> 00:21:10,807
I'd like to ask you about
balance.
407
00:21:10,802 --> 00:21:14,602
And you often speak about
the importance of rewarding
408
00:21:14,606 --> 00:21:18,306
good governance, and so I'm
wondering how do you balance
409
00:21:18,310 --> 00:21:21,880
your obvious concerns about
human rights here in
410
00:21:21,880 --> 00:21:24,620
Ethiopia with a desire for
increased economic
411
00:21:24,616 --> 00:21:27,556
partnership and
strengthening regional
412
00:21:27,552 --> 00:21:28,992
security cooperation?
413
00:21:28,987 --> 00:21:32,227
And if I could follow up --
have you ruled out, or would
414
00:21:32,224 --> 00:21:35,664
you consider increased
military involvement by the
415
00:21:35,661 --> 00:21:39,301
United States in East Africa
to battle al-Shabaab?
416
00:21:39,297 --> 00:21:42,337
And if so, what lessons
could be learned from the
417
00:21:42,334 --> 00:21:44,704
battle against ISIS, for
example, that might be
418
00:21:44,703 --> 00:21:46,273
relevant here?
419
00:21:46,772 --> 00:21:48,812
And, Mr. Prime Minister,
thank you for your great
420
00:21:48,807 --> 00:21:51,277
hospitality in your
beautiful country.
421
00:21:51,276 --> 00:21:54,976
I'd like to ask you about
perception.
422
00:21:54,980 --> 00:21:56,980
For all the incredible
things that are happening
423
00:21:56,982 --> 00:22:00,782
here in Ethiopia -- a
strengthening economy, great
424
00:22:00,786 --> 00:22:03,156
investment right now in
renewable energy
425
00:22:03,155 --> 00:22:06,895
infrastructure -- there is
still a perception, sir,
426
00:22:06,892 --> 00:22:10,962
that human rights abuses are
tolerated here, and that
427
00:22:10,962 --> 00:22:14,032
could really be affecting
international investment in
428
00:22:14,032 --> 00:22:15,172
your economy.
429
00:22:15,167 --> 00:22:16,707
Are you concerned about
that?
430
00:22:16,702 --> 00:22:19,572
If so, how can concerned,
and what might you be doing,
431
00:22:19,571 --> 00:22:21,041
sir, to change that
perception?
432
00:22:21,039 --> 00:22:22,109
Thank you.
433
00:22:22,107 --> 00:22:26,447
President Obama: Well, as I
said in my opening remarks,
434
00:22:26,445 --> 00:22:31,915
this was a significant topic
of conversation.
435
00:22:31,917 --> 00:22:37,157
We are very mindful of
Ethiopia's history -- the
436
00:22:37,155 --> 00:22:40,555
hardships that this country
has gone through.
437
00:22:40,559 --> 00:22:42,999
It has been relatively
recently in which the
438
00:22:42,994 --> 00:22:46,994
constitution that was formed
and the elections put
439
00:22:46,998 --> 00:22:52,068
forward a democratically
elected government.
440
00:22:52,070 --> 00:22:58,480
And as I indicated when I
was in Kenya, there is still
441
00:22:58,477 --> 00:23:00,877
more work to do, and I think
the Prime Minister is the
442
00:23:00,879 --> 00:23:05,049
first to acknowledge that
there's more work to do.
443
00:23:05,083 --> 00:23:08,823
The way we think about these
issues is we want to engage
444
00:23:08,820 --> 00:23:15,030
with governments on areas of
mutual concern and interest
445
00:23:15,026 --> 00:23:18,466
-- the same way, by the way,
that we deal with China and
446
00:23:18,463 --> 00:23:24,233
deal with a range of other
countries where the
447
00:23:24,236 --> 00:23:29,036
democratic practices or
issues around freedom of the
448
00:23:29,040 --> 00:23:32,640
press and assembly are not
ones that align with how we
449
00:23:32,644 --> 00:23:35,714
are thinking about it, but
we continually bring it up
450
00:23:35,714 --> 00:23:39,114
and we indicate that this is
part of our core interest
451
00:23:39,117 --> 00:23:42,357
and concern in our foreign
policy.
452
00:23:42,354 --> 00:23:43,424
That's true here as well.
453
00:23:45,690 --> 00:23:50,200
My observation to the Prime
Minister has been that the
454
00:23:50,195 --> 00:23:55,265
governing party has
significant breadth and
455
00:23:55,267 --> 00:23:57,037
popularity.
456
00:23:57,035 --> 00:24:03,645
And as a consequence, making
sure to open additional
457
00:24:03,642 --> 00:24:08,952
space for journalists, for
media, for opposition
458
00:24:08,947 --> 00:24:11,947
voices, will strengthen
rather than inhibit the
459
00:24:11,950 --> 00:24:16,220
agenda that the Prime
Minister and the ruling
460
00:24:16,221 --> 00:24:17,221
party has put forward.
461
00:24:18,623 --> 00:24:24,133
And I think our goal here is
to make sure that we are a
462
00:24:24,129 --> 00:24:29,169
constructive partner,
recognizing that Ethiopia
463
00:24:29,167 --> 00:24:32,007
has its own culture and it's
not going to be identical to
464
00:24:32,003 --> 00:24:34,543
what we do, but there are
certain principles that we
465
00:24:34,539 --> 00:24:36,439
think have to be upheld.
466
00:24:38,376 --> 00:24:42,446
The one thing that I've
tried to be consistent on,
467
00:24:42,447 --> 00:24:46,317
though, is to make sure that
we don't operate with big
468
00:24:46,318 --> 00:24:49,588
countries in one fashion and
small countries in another.
469
00:24:49,588 --> 00:24:56,258
Nobody questions our need to
engage with large countries
470
00:24:56,261 --> 00:24:58,361
where we may have
differences on these issues.
471
00:25:00,732 --> 00:25:04,202
That's true with Africa as
well.
472
00:25:04,202 --> 00:25:09,812
We don't improve cooperation
and advance the very
473
00:25:09,808 --> 00:25:13,808
interest that you talk about
by staying away.
474
00:25:13,812 --> 00:25:16,012
So we have to be in a
conversation.
475
00:25:16,014 --> 00:25:21,254
And I think the Prime
Minister will indicate that
476
00:25:21,253 --> 00:25:24,453
I don't bite my tongue too
much when it comes to these
477
00:25:24,456 --> 00:25:29,426
issues, but I do so from a
position of respect and
478
00:25:29,427 --> 00:25:33,227
regard for the Ethiopian
people, and recognizing
479
00:25:33,231 --> 00:25:35,301
their history and the
challenges that they
480
00:25:35,300 --> 00:25:36,300
continue to face.
481
00:25:38,203 --> 00:25:40,703
With respect to our military
assistance, keep in mind
482
00:25:40,705 --> 00:25:43,875
that we have been active in
the fight against al-Shabaab
483
00:25:43,875 --> 00:25:45,675
for a long time now.
484
00:25:45,677 --> 00:25:49,317
And we've been partnering
with Ethiopia and Kenya and
485
00:25:49,314 --> 00:25:51,814
Uganda and the African Union
and AMISOM.
486
00:25:51,816 --> 00:25:58,656
And that's something that I
think those other countries
487
00:25:58,657 --> 00:26:02,557
would agree has been a very
effective partnership.
488
00:26:02,560 --> 00:26:05,800
Part of the reason that
we've seen the shrinkage of
489
00:26:05,797 --> 00:26:10,197
al-Shabaab's activities in
East Africa is because we
490
00:26:10,201 --> 00:26:15,811
have our military teams in
consultation with regional
491
00:26:15,807 --> 00:26:19,447
forces and local forces, and
there are certain capacities
492
00:26:19,444 --> 00:26:23,014
that we have that some of
these militaries may not,
493
00:26:23,014 --> 00:26:27,424
and I think there's been
complementarity in the work
494
00:26:27,419 --> 00:26:28,419
that we've done together.
495
00:26:29,020 --> 00:26:35,730
So we don't need to send our
own Marines, for example, in
496
00:26:35,727 --> 00:26:37,497
to do the fighting.
497
00:26:37,495 --> 00:26:42,365
The Ethiopians are tough
fighters.
498
00:26:42,367 --> 00:26:46,737
And the Kenyans and Ugandans
have been serious about
499
00:26:46,738 --> 00:26:49,378
putting troops on the
ground, at significant
500
00:26:49,374 --> 00:26:51,674
sacrifice, because they
recognize the importance of
501
00:26:51,676 --> 00:26:52,676
stabilizing the region.
502
00:26:53,178 --> 00:26:55,448
That's why, in the past,
I've said, for example, that
503
00:26:55,447 --> 00:26:59,517
the work that we're doing in
Somalia is a model.
504
00:26:59,517 --> 00:27:02,787
Some in the press have noted
that al-Shabaab is still
505
00:27:02,787 --> 00:27:04,787
here, and they say, well,
how can that be a model if
506
00:27:04,789 --> 00:27:07,129
you still have
bombs going off?
507
00:27:07,125 --> 00:27:11,025
The point that I was making
at that time is not that
508
00:27:11,029 --> 00:27:14,299
defeating any of these
terrorist networks is easy,
509
00:27:14,299 --> 00:27:16,469
or that the problems
in Somalia are
510
00:27:16,468 --> 00:27:17,668
completely solved.
511
00:27:17,669 --> 00:27:22,709
The point I was making was
that a model in which we are
512
00:27:22,707 --> 00:27:27,947
partnering with other
countries and they are
513
00:27:27,946 --> 00:27:32,986
providing outstanding troops
on the ground -- we're
514
00:27:32,984 --> 00:27:35,584
working with, in this case,
the Somali government, which
515
00:27:35,587 --> 00:27:40,157
is still very much in its
infancy, to develop its
516
00:27:40,158 --> 00:27:43,158
national security capacity
-- so that we're doing
517
00:27:43,161 --> 00:27:45,401
things that we can do
uniquely but does not
518
00:27:45,397 --> 00:27:50,197
require us putting boots on
the ground -- that's the
519
00:27:50,201 --> 00:27:52,041
model that we're talking
about.
520
00:27:52,037 --> 00:27:54,677
And Ethiopia is an
outstanding partner in
521
00:27:54,672 --> 00:27:55,672
that process.
522
00:27:55,673 --> 00:27:57,943
They have one of the most
effective militaries on
523
00:27:57,942 --> 00:27:58,942
the continent.
524
00:27:58,943 --> 00:28:02,783
And as I noted in my earlier
remarks, they are also one
525
00:28:02,781 --> 00:28:04,951
of the biggest contributors
to peacekeeping.
526
00:28:04,949 --> 00:28:08,049
And so they're averting a
lot of bloodshed and a lot
527
00:28:08,053 --> 00:28:11,223
of conflict because of the
effectiveness of their
528
00:28:11,222 --> 00:28:13,222
military, and we want to
make sure that we're
529
00:28:13,224 --> 00:28:14,224
supporting that.
530
00:28:14,225 --> 00:28:19,265
Prime Minister Hailemariam:
We fully understand that the
531
00:28:19,264 --> 00:28:23,704
perception and the reality
does not, in many cases,
532
00:28:23,701 --> 00:28:26,871
match as far as Ethiopia is
concerned.
533
00:28:26,871 --> 00:28:29,471
Therefore, we want to
work on this issue;
534
00:28:29,474 --> 00:28:31,474
it's our concern.
535
00:28:32,744 --> 00:28:35,214
But something has to be
understood that this is a
536
00:28:35,213 --> 00:28:41,283
fledgling democracy, and we
are coming out of centuries
537
00:28:41,286 --> 00:28:45,186
of undemocratic practices
and culture in this country.
538
00:28:45,190 --> 00:28:49,530
And it's not easy within a
few decades -- in our case,
539
00:28:49,527 --> 00:28:52,927
only two decades of
democratization -- that we
540
00:28:52,931 --> 00:28:56,901
can get rid of all this
attitudinal problems, and
541
00:28:56,901 --> 00:28:59,441
some challenge we face.
542
00:28:59,437 --> 00:29:02,837
But we feel that we are on
the right track, and there
543
00:29:02,841 --> 00:29:07,081
is a constitutional
democracy which we all are
544
00:29:07,078 --> 00:29:11,318
obliged to observe for the
sake of our own people and
545
00:29:11,316 --> 00:29:12,316
prosperity.
546
00:29:12,350 --> 00:29:16,550
So I think this is a way
that we have to work on.
547
00:29:16,554 --> 00:29:20,324
That's why I said in my
speech that we have to learn
548
00:29:20,325 --> 00:29:23,765
the best practices of the
United States and age-old
549
00:29:23,761 --> 00:29:28,001
democracies, because this is
a process of learning and
550
00:29:27,999 --> 00:29:32,099
doing, and I think we
fully understand that.
551
00:29:32,103 --> 00:29:35,273
And, of course, we also know
our limitations and we have
552
00:29:35,273 --> 00:29:39,773
to work on our limitations
to make ultimately to the
553
00:29:39,777 --> 00:29:42,247
betterment of our
own people.
554
00:29:42,247 --> 00:29:46,487
So I think that is a concern
that we have to work on.
555
00:29:58,263 --> 00:30:00,133
The Press: My question for
you, Prime Minister
556
00:30:00,131 --> 00:30:02,531
Hailemariam Desalegn is,
what do you expect from the
557
00:30:02,534 --> 00:30:04,274
United States and the rest
of the international
558
00:30:04,269 --> 00:30:06,239
community in terms of
supporting the peace and
559
00:30:06,237 --> 00:30:09,337
security efforts in the Horn
of Africa, as well as how
560
00:30:09,340 --> 00:30:12,610
successful was your
bilateral discussion with
561
00:30:12,610 --> 00:30:14,180
President Obama,
specifically in regards
562
00:30:14,179 --> 00:30:15,579
to economic ties?
563
00:30:16,581 --> 00:30:19,251
And, President Obama, my
question for you is, what
564
00:30:19,250 --> 00:30:21,420
are your thoughts
specifically on the IGAD
565
00:30:21,419 --> 00:30:24,019
Plus peacekeeping efforts
in South Sudan?
566
00:30:29,260 --> 00:30:30,500
Prime Minister Hailemariam:
As far as the economic
567
00:30:30,495 --> 00:30:33,695
cooperation is concerned, I
mentioned that Ethiopia is
568
00:30:33,698 --> 00:30:37,438
one of the vibrant
economies, which is rising.
569
00:30:37,435 --> 00:30:41,875
And we need -- you know, we
don't want to put all our
570
00:30:41,873 --> 00:30:43,643
eggs in one basket.
571
00:30:43,641 --> 00:30:46,811
We need a comprehensive
quality investment from
572
00:30:46,811 --> 00:30:48,951
every corner of the globe.
573
00:30:48,947 --> 00:30:52,587
And specifically, at this
time, we agreed that the
574
00:30:52,584 --> 00:30:54,824
President is going to
support us, his government
575
00:30:54,819 --> 00:30:58,219
is going to support us in
bringing quality investment
576
00:30:58,223 --> 00:30:59,223
to Ethiopia.
577
00:30:59,891 --> 00:31:03,231
We have longstanding
relations, diplomatic
578
00:31:03,228 --> 00:31:06,968
relations, but the
investment flow doesn't
579
00:31:06,965 --> 00:31:10,405
match that long history of
cooperation between Ethiopia
580
00:31:10,401 --> 00:31:12,271
and the United States.
581
00:31:12,270 --> 00:31:15,110
So I think there is room.
582
00:31:15,106 --> 00:31:19,946
Recently, we have a number
of renowned companies from
583
00:31:19,944 --> 00:31:23,244
the United States showing up
to invest in my country.
584
00:31:23,248 --> 00:31:26,218
But we also understand that
we have to improve our
585
00:31:26,217 --> 00:31:30,187
investment climate and
environment where there are
586
00:31:30,188 --> 00:31:32,788
stifling issues here and
there, bureaucratic
587
00:31:32,790 --> 00:31:34,890
bottlenecks, that has to be
addressed.
588
00:31:34,892 --> 00:31:37,692
And we are on stop of them
and we can address them.
589
00:31:37,695 --> 00:31:41,695
I think by doing so, we can
attract more foreign direct
590
00:31:41,699 --> 00:31:42,739
investment from the
United States.
591
00:31:44,469 --> 00:31:47,109
As far as the security
cooperation in concerned, I
592
00:31:47,105 --> 00:31:50,375
think we believe that
Africans should take our own
593
00:31:50,375 --> 00:31:52,645
responsibility by our own
hand.
594
00:31:52,644 --> 00:31:55,684
We need support from the
United States, but it
595
00:31:55,680 --> 00:31:57,950
doesn't meant that the
United States is going to
596
00:31:57,949 --> 00:32:01,249
replace us in picking our
own agenda in Africa.
597
00:32:01,986 --> 00:32:04,686
That's why Ethiopia is
contributing peacekeeping
598
00:32:04,689 --> 00:32:09,529
force -- a number which the
President has mentioned.
599
00:32:09,527 --> 00:32:13,697
And we're also working on
increasing the capability of
600
00:32:13,698 --> 00:32:16,668
our troops in peacekeeping.
601
00:32:16,668 --> 00:32:19,138
But the most important thing
is we have to engage the
602
00:32:19,137 --> 00:32:22,477
people of Africa and their
respective countries to make
603
00:32:22,473 --> 00:32:27,113
peace and the governance
system that helps the people
604
00:32:27,111 --> 00:32:28,111
to engage.
605
00:32:28,313 --> 00:32:30,313
So I think we are on the
right track.
606
00:32:30,315 --> 00:32:33,485
And we can make changes in
Somalia and, I am hopeful,
607
00:32:33,484 --> 00:32:35,184
also in South Sudan.
608
00:32:35,186 --> 00:32:39,626
And I think in many cases,
this shouldn't mar the
609
00:32:39,624 --> 00:32:44,064
picture of Africa where, in
large, Africa is now rising,
610
00:32:44,062 --> 00:32:47,262
and Africa is showing --
becoming the next growing
611
00:32:47,265 --> 00:32:50,565
tide for economic
development and cooperation.
612
00:32:50,568 --> 00:32:53,668
So I think we are on the
right track in this
613
00:32:53,671 --> 00:32:54,671
cooperation.
614
00:32:54,672 --> 00:33:00,382
President Obama: IGAD has
been a vital partner to the
615
00:33:00,378 --> 00:33:03,548
international community in
leading discussions between
616
00:33:06,684 --> 00:33:10,084
Mr. Kiir, Mr. Machar, the
government opposition
617
00:33:10,088 --> 00:33:12,758
figures in South Sudan.
618
00:33:12,757 --> 00:33:16,957
Unfortunately, the situation
continues to deteriorate.
619
00:33:16,961 --> 00:33:21,701
That's not because IGAD has
not tried hard enough.
620
00:33:21,699 --> 00:33:27,439
I know that between Prime
Minister Hailemariam and
621
00:33:27,438 --> 00:33:32,208
other partners in IGAD,
there has been a lot of time
622
00:33:32,210 --> 00:33:35,380
and a lot of effort to push
the parties together.
623
00:33:36,881 --> 00:33:39,381
Nevertheless, the situation
is deteriorating.
624
00:33:39,384 --> 00:33:42,884
The humanitarian situation
is worsening.
625
00:33:42,887 --> 00:33:50,257
The possibilities of renewed
conflict in a region that
626
00:33:50,261 --> 00:33:56,971
has been torn by conflict
for so long and has resulted
627
00:33:56,968 --> 00:34:01,038
in so many deaths is
something that requires
628
00:34:01,038 --> 00:34:04,138
urgent attention from all of
us, including the
629
00:34:04,142 --> 00:34:05,142
international community.
630
00:34:05,143 --> 00:34:09,713
That's why, after this press
conference, we'll be
631
00:34:09,714 --> 00:34:14,484
consulting with leaders from
the other countries who have
632
00:34:14,485 --> 00:34:19,095
been involved in IGAD to see
how the United States, IGAD,
633
00:34:19,090 --> 00:34:23,590
and the international
community can work to bring
634
00:34:23,594 --> 00:34:29,604
a peace agreement and a
structure to fruition
635
00:34:31,836 --> 00:34:33,976
sometime in the next several
weeks.
636
00:34:33,971 --> 00:34:37,441
We don't have a lot of time
to wait.
637
00:34:37,442 --> 00:34:41,112
The conditions on the ground
are getting much, much
638
00:34:41,112 --> 00:34:42,342
worse.
639
00:34:42,346 --> 00:34:46,856
And part of my interest in
calling together this
640
00:34:46,851 --> 00:34:51,461
meeting was to find out how
we can help.
641
00:34:51,989 --> 00:34:55,589
Up until this point, it's
been very useful to have the
642
00:34:55,593 --> 00:34:57,563
African countries
take the lead.
643
00:34:57,562 --> 00:35:02,502
As Prime Minister
Hailemariam stated, the more
644
00:35:02,500 --> 00:35:06,700
that Africans are solving
African problems, the better
645
00:35:06,704 --> 00:35:09,174
off we're going to be.
646
00:35:09,173 --> 00:35:14,813
But we also think that we
can be a mechanism for
647
00:35:14,812 --> 00:35:18,482
additional leverage on the
parties, who, up until this
648
00:35:18,483 --> 00:35:24,653
point, have proven very
stubborn and have not yet
649
00:35:24,655 --> 00:35:28,095
risen to the point where
they are looking out for the
650
00:35:28,092 --> 00:35:31,662
interests of their nation as
opposed to their particular
651
00:35:31,662 --> 00:35:32,662
self-interests.
652
00:35:32,663 --> 00:35:35,033
And that transition has to
take place, and it has to
653
00:35:35,032 --> 00:35:36,032
take place now.
654
00:35:36,033 --> 00:35:41,343
Mr. Earnest: The final
question will come from
655
00:35:41,339 --> 00:35:46,609
Darlene Superville with the
Associated Press.
656
00:35:46,611 --> 00:35:48,141
The Press: Thank you,
Mr. President.
657
00:35:48,145 --> 00:35:50,245
I wanted to follow up on
the Sudan question.
658
00:35:50,248 --> 00:35:53,288
As you go into this meeting
that you just mentioned, are
659
00:35:53,284 --> 00:35:55,654
you expecting any
breakthroughs that will get
660
00:35:55,653 --> 00:35:57,853
both sides to agree to a
peace deal by the
661
00:35:57,855 --> 00:35:59,925
August 17th deadline?
662
00:35:59,924 --> 00:36:01,494
And if there is no
agreement, what further
663
00:36:01,492 --> 00:36:04,862
steps would you be willing
to take to bring that about?
664
00:36:04,862 --> 00:36:06,762
And if I could
ask about Iran.
665
00:36:06,764 --> 00:36:08,704
Would you kindly bring us
up to date on the
666
00:36:08,699 --> 00:36:12,839
administration's lobbying of
Congress to get approval
667
00:36:12,837 --> 00:36:13,837
for the deal?
668
00:36:13,838 --> 00:36:16,308
And would you include your
reaction to Republican
669
00:36:16,307 --> 00:36:18,707
Presidential candidate Mike
Huckabee saying that the
670
00:36:18,709 --> 00:36:22,209
deal is the equivalent of
marching the Israelis toward
671
00:36:22,213 --> 00:36:23,883
"the door of the oven"?
672
00:36:25,016 --> 00:36:27,686
Mr. Prime Minister, thank
you for your hospitality.
673
00:36:28,819 --> 00:36:32,319
Would you also add your
thoughts on the situation in
674
00:36:32,323 --> 00:36:35,223
Sudan and how to bring peace
over there?
675
00:36:35,226 --> 00:36:37,796
The second question I have
for you is, the Committee to
676
00:36:37,795 --> 00:36:40,495
Protect Journalists ranks
your country as the
677
00:36:40,498 --> 00:36:43,938
second-worst jailer of
journalists in Africa.
678
00:36:43,935 --> 00:36:45,905
Just before President Obama
arrived here, some
679
00:36:45,903 --> 00:36:47,703
journalists were released.
680
00:36:47,705 --> 00:36:49,775
Many more are still
being detained.
681
00:36:49,774 --> 00:36:52,644
Would you explain what
issues or objections you
682
00:36:52,643 --> 00:36:54,183
have to a free press?
683
00:36:54,178 --> 00:36:55,078
Thank you.
684
00:36:55,079 --> 00:37:01,089
President Obama: On South
Sudan, the goal here is to
685
00:37:04,822 --> 00:37:09,332
make sure that the United
States and IGAD are aligned
686
00:37:09,327 --> 00:37:16,867
on a strategy going into
this endgame on peace talks.
687
00:37:16,867 --> 00:37:22,237
So my hope is that, as a
result of these
688
00:37:22,239 --> 00:37:29,619
consultations, that we agree
on how urgent it is and what
689
00:37:29,614 --> 00:37:33,754
each of us have to do to
actually bring a deal about.
690
00:37:34,785 --> 00:37:39,755
I don't want to prejudge
what I'll hear from the
691
00:37:39,757 --> 00:37:41,557
President of Uganda, for
example, until I actually
692
00:37:41,559 --> 00:37:43,459
hear from him.
693
00:37:43,461 --> 00:37:48,801
But the good news is that
all of us recognize that
694
00:37:48,799 --> 00:37:52,499
something has got to move,
because IGAD has now been
695
00:37:52,503 --> 00:37:55,443
involved with consultations
with these individuals for a
696
00:37:55,439 --> 00:37:58,909
very, very long time, and
our special envoys that have
697
00:37:58,909 --> 00:38:04,319
been involved in this for
years now have concluded
698
00:38:04,315 --> 00:38:07,215
that now is the time for a
breakthrough.
699
00:38:07,218 --> 00:38:11,888
And if we don't see a
breakthrough by August 17th,
700
00:38:11,889 --> 00:38:14,689
then we're going to have to
consider what other tools we
701
00:38:14,692 --> 00:38:18,892
have to apply greater
pressure on the parties.
702
00:38:20,364 --> 00:38:22,834
And that's something I think
the parties will certainly
703
00:38:22,833 --> 00:38:23,903
hear from us.
704
00:38:23,901 --> 00:38:27,201
Our hope is that the message
we deliver is similar to the
705
00:38:27,204 --> 00:38:31,644
message that they get from
the IGAD countries and
706
00:38:31,642 --> 00:38:33,612
others who are
interested in the issue.
707
00:38:34,812 --> 00:38:40,822
With respect to Iran, I
won't give a grade to our
708
00:38:43,554 --> 00:38:44,584
lobbying efforts.
709
00:38:44,588 --> 00:38:49,558
In fact, I'm not even sure
I'd characterize it as
710
00:38:49,560 --> 00:38:51,460
lobbying.
711
00:38:51,462 --> 00:38:55,202
What we're doing is
presenting facts about an
712
00:38:55,199 --> 00:39:00,869
international agreement that
99 percent of the world
713
00:39:00,871 --> 00:39:06,781
thinks solves a vital
problem in a way that will
714
00:39:06,777 --> 00:39:10,777
prevent Iran from getting a
nuclear weapon, and does so
715
00:39:10,781 --> 00:39:11,781
diplomatically.
716
00:39:13,651 --> 00:39:18,961
And essentially what we've
been seeing is Secretary of
717
00:39:18,956 --> 00:39:21,726
State John Kerry, Secretary
of Energy Ernie Moniz -- who
718
00:39:21,726 --> 00:39:28,436
is an expert on nuclear
issues -- just providing the
719
00:39:28,432 --> 00:39:32,202
facts, laying out exactly
what the deal is, explaining
720
00:39:32,203 --> 00:39:36,103
how it cuts off all the
pathways for Iran to get a
721
00:39:36,107 --> 00:39:38,207
nuclear weapon; explaining
how it puts in place
722
00:39:38,209 --> 00:39:42,779
unprecedented verification
and inspection mechanisms;
723
00:39:42,780 --> 00:39:45,650
explaining how we have
snapback provisions so that
724
00:39:45,649 --> 00:39:49,419
if they cheat, we
immediately re-impose
725
00:39:49,420 --> 00:39:54,690
sanctions; explaining also
how we will continue to
726
00:39:56,761 --> 00:40:01,531
address other aspects of
Iranian behavior that are of
727
00:40:01,532 --> 00:40:05,072
deep concern to us and our
allies -- like providing
728
00:40:05,069 --> 00:40:07,069
arms to terrorist
organizations.
729
00:40:07,071 --> 00:40:13,281
So the good news, I guess,
is that I have not yet heard
730
00:40:13,277 --> 00:40:16,447
a factual argument on the
other side that holds up to
731
00:40:16,447 --> 00:40:18,447
scrutiny.
732
00:40:19,950 --> 00:40:24,690
There's a reason why 99
percent of the world thinks
733
00:40:24,688 --> 00:40:26,688
that this is a good deal --
it's because it's
734
00:40:26,690 --> 00:40:28,030
a good deal.
735
00:40:28,025 --> 00:40:31,725
There's a reason why the
overwhelming majority of
736
00:40:31,729 --> 00:40:34,499
nuclear scientists and
nonproliferation experts
737
00:40:34,498 --> 00:40:37,198
think it's a good deal --
it's because it's a
738
00:40:37,201 --> 00:40:38,201
good deal.
739
00:40:38,202 --> 00:40:41,302
It accomplishes our goal,
which is making sure Iran
740
00:40:41,305 --> 00:40:43,575
does not have a
nuclear weapon.
741
00:40:43,574 --> 00:40:46,874
In fact, it accomplishes
that goal better than any
742
00:40:46,877 --> 00:40:48,877
alternative that has
been suggested.
743
00:40:50,080 --> 00:40:53,050
And you've heard me,
Darlene, stand up in front
744
00:40:53,050 --> 00:40:57,690
of the press corps and try
to get a good argument on
745
00:40:57,688 --> 00:41:00,888
the other side that's based
in fact as opposed to
746
00:41:00,891 --> 00:41:03,361
rhetoric.
747
00:41:03,360 --> 00:41:04,430
And I haven't gotten one
yet.
748
00:41:04,428 --> 00:41:10,438
So if you're asking me, how
do you think our argument is
749
00:41:13,103 --> 00:41:14,973
going, it's going great.
750
00:41:14,972 --> 00:41:17,872
Now, if you're asking me
about the politics of
751
00:41:17,875 --> 00:41:24,715
Washington and the rhetoric
that takes place there, that
752
00:41:24,715 --> 00:41:25,715
doesn't always go great.
753
00:41:28,919 --> 00:41:36,859
The particular comments of
Mr. Huckabee are, I think,
754
00:41:36,861 --> 00:41:40,731
part of just a general
pattern that we've seen that
755
00:41:40,731 --> 00:41:50,941
is -- would be
considered ridiculous
756
00:41:50,941 --> 00:41:52,841
if it weren't so sad.
757
00:41:52,843 --> 00:41:54,583
We've had a
sitting senator
758
00:41:54,578 --> 00:41:58,418
call John Kerry
Pontius Pilate.
759
00:41:58,415 --> 00:42:02,315
We've had a sitting senator
who also happens to be
760
00:42:02,319 --> 00:42:06,189
running for President
suggest that I'm the leading
761
00:42:06,190 --> 00:42:09,730
state sponsor
of terrorism.
762
00:42:09,727 --> 00:42:18,967
These are leaders in
the Republican Party.
763
00:42:18,969 --> 00:42:24,139
And part of what
historically has made
764
00:42:24,141 --> 00:42:26,381
America great is,
particularly when it comes
765
00:42:26,377 --> 00:42:32,187
to foreign policy, there's
been a recognition that
766
00:42:32,182 --> 00:42:35,482
these issues are too
serious, that issues of war
767
00:42:35,486 --> 00:42:41,796
and peace are of such grave
concern and consequence that
768
00:42:41,792 --> 00:42:44,232
we don't play fast
and loose that way.
769
00:42:44,228 --> 00:42:47,068
We have robust debates, we
look at the facts, there are
770
00:42:47,064 --> 00:42:51,504
going to be disagreements.
771
00:42:51,502 --> 00:42:57,512
But we just don't fling out
ad hominem attacks like
772
00:42:57,508 --> 00:43:00,308
that, because it
doesn't help inform
773
00:43:00,311 --> 00:43:01,811
the American people.
774
00:43:06,550 --> 00:43:09,120
I mean, this is a deal that
has been endorsed by people
775
00:43:09,119 --> 00:43:17,199
like Brent Scowcroft and
Sam Nunn -- right?
776
00:43:17,194 --> 00:43:22,934
-- historic Democratic and
Republican leaders on arms
777
00:43:22,933 --> 00:43:28,843
control and on keeping
America safe.
778
00:43:29,873 --> 00:43:33,813
And so when you get rhetoric
like this, maybe it gets
779
00:43:33,811 --> 00:43:38,681
attention and maybe this is
just an effort to push
780
00:43:38,682 --> 00:43:45,052
Mr. Trump out of the
headlines, but it's not the
781
00:43:45,055 --> 00:43:47,425
kind of leadership that
is needed for
782
00:43:47,424 --> 00:43:48,924
America right now.
783
00:43:48,926 --> 00:43:52,026
And I don't think that's
what anybody -- Democratic,
784
00:43:52,029 --> 00:43:55,469
Republican, or independent
-- is looking for out of
785
00:43:55,466 --> 00:43:56,696
their political leaders.
786
00:43:59,036 --> 00:44:01,306
In fact, it's been
interesting when you look
787
00:44:01,305 --> 00:44:05,205
at what's happened with
Mr. Trump, when he's made
788
00:44:05,209 --> 00:44:12,479
some of the remarks that,
for example, challenged the
789
00:44:12,483 --> 00:44:16,623
heroism of Mr. McCain,
somebody who endured torture
790
00:44:16,620 --> 00:44:24,260
and conducted himself with
exemplary patriotism, the
791
00:44:24,261 --> 00:44:26,761
Republican Party is shocked.
792
00:44:29,233 --> 00:44:35,143
And yet, that arises out of
a culture where those kinds
793
00:44:35,139 --> 00:44:38,139
of outrageous attacks have
become far too commonplace
794
00:44:38,142 --> 00:44:43,582
and get circulated nonstop
through the Internet
795
00:44:43,580 --> 00:44:46,120
and talk radio and
news outlets.
796
00:44:48,352 --> 00:44:51,052
And I recognize when
outrageous statements like
797
00:44:51,055 --> 00:44:54,655
that are made about me, that
a lot of the same people who
798
00:44:54,658 --> 00:44:57,558
were outraged when they were
made about Mr. McCain
799
00:44:57,561 --> 00:44:58,861
were pretty quiet.
800
00:44:59,797 --> 00:45:03,067
The point is we're creating
a culture that is not
801
00:45:03,067 --> 00:45:09,877
conducive to good policy
or good politics.
802
00:45:09,873 --> 00:45:11,373
The American people
deserve better.
803
00:45:12,109 --> 00:45:15,979
Certainly, Presidential
debates deserve better.
804
00:45:15,979 --> 00:45:18,879
In 18 months, I'm turning
over the keys -- I want to
805
00:45:18,882 --> 00:45:21,782
make sure I'm turning over
the keys to somebody who is
806
00:45:21,785 --> 00:45:24,725
serious about the serious
problems the country faces
807
00:45:24,721 --> 00:45:26,721
and the world faces.
808
00:45:27,991 --> 00:45:32,631
And that requires on both
sides, Democrat and
809
00:45:32,629 --> 00:45:43,209
Republican, a sense of
seriousness and decorum
810
00:45:43,207 --> 00:45:47,977
and honesty.
811
00:45:47,978 --> 00:45:50,948
And I think that's what the
voters expect, as well.
812
00:45:54,451 --> 00:45:57,121
Prime Minister Hailemariam:
As regards to South Sudan, I
813
00:45:57,121 --> 00:46:00,161
cannot agree more with
the President.
814
00:46:00,157 --> 00:46:05,227
But we should also recognize
that this process has taken
815
00:46:05,229 --> 00:46:08,629
a long, long
negotiation period.
816
00:46:08,632 --> 00:46:12,802
And, on the other hand,
people are suffering on the
817
00:46:12,803 --> 00:46:17,043
ground, and we cannot let
this go unchecked.
818
00:46:17,040 --> 00:46:21,480
And I think the meeting
which we are making this
819
00:46:21,478 --> 00:46:25,418
afternoon has a strong
signal and message that has
820
00:46:25,415 --> 00:46:31,585
to be passed to the parties
in South Sudan to see that
821
00:46:31,588 --> 00:46:32,488
that they're
822
00:46:32,489 --> 00:46:33,189
(inaudible)
823
00:46:33,190 --> 00:46:33,960
first.
824
00:46:34,725 --> 00:46:37,795
So I think this is very
much essential.
825
00:46:37,794 --> 00:46:42,734
And I fully recognize what
the President has said, and
826
00:46:42,733 --> 00:46:44,303
we'll see how it happens.
827
00:46:45,435 --> 00:46:48,275
As far as Ethiopia is
concerned, we need
828
00:46:48,272 --> 00:46:49,972
journalists.
829
00:46:49,973 --> 00:46:54,013
We need more of them and
quality of them, because we
830
00:46:54,011 --> 00:46:57,811
have not only bad stories to
be told, but we have many
831
00:46:57,814 --> 00:47:00,714
success stories that
has to be told.
832
00:47:00,717 --> 00:47:03,387
And so we need you.
833
00:47:03,387 --> 00:47:05,257
This is very important.
834
00:47:05,255 --> 00:47:08,355
But we need ethical
journalism to function in
835
00:47:08,358 --> 00:47:09,358
this country.
836
00:47:09,693 --> 00:47:12,463
And there is limitation
capacity in all aspects of
837
00:47:12,462 --> 00:47:16,362
our works, there is also
capacity limitations in
838
00:47:16,366 --> 00:47:20,106
journalism and that way.
839
00:47:20,103 --> 00:47:23,203
Maybe those of you who are
in developed nations, you
840
00:47:23,207 --> 00:47:27,847
can help our journalists --
domestic journalists -- to
841
00:47:27,844 --> 00:47:32,584
increase their capacity to
work on ethical manner.
842
00:47:32,583 --> 00:47:37,593
But the only thing as a
leader of this nation we do
843
00:47:37,588 --> 00:47:40,958
not want to see is
journalism has to be
844
00:47:40,958 --> 00:47:46,968
respected when it doesn't
pass the line; that working
845
00:47:49,967 --> 00:47:53,507
with violent terrorist
groups is not allowed --
846
00:47:53,503 --> 00:47:55,543
even in the United States.
847
00:47:55,539 --> 00:48:00,909
And we need civilized
journalism as a culture and
848
00:48:00,911 --> 00:48:01,911
as a profession.
849
00:48:02,412 --> 00:48:07,082
So I think my government is
committed to this issue,
850
00:48:07,084 --> 00:48:11,384
that we need many young
journalists to come up and
851
00:48:11,388 --> 00:48:15,058
help this country to
understand what's going on.
852
00:48:15,058 --> 00:48:20,998
And for us, it's very
important to be criticized
853
00:48:20,998 --> 00:48:22,098
because we also get feedback
to correct our mistakes
854
00:48:22,099 --> 00:48:23,599
and limitations.
855
00:48:23,600 --> 00:48:25,470
So we need journalists.
856
00:48:25,469 --> 00:48:27,169
And I think this
is our view.
857
00:48:27,170 --> 00:48:30,840
And rest assured that we'll
continue to do so, because
858
00:48:30,841 --> 00:48:34,011
the media is one of the
institutions that has to be
859
00:48:34,011 --> 00:48:37,111
nurtured for democratic
discourse.
860
00:48:37,114 --> 00:48:41,314
And so that's why we agree
that institutional
861
00:48:41,318 --> 00:48:44,088
capacity-building in all
aspects of democracy in this
862
00:48:44,087 --> 00:48:45,127
country is essential.
863
00:48:48,191 --> 00:48:50,161
President Obama: Thank
you very much.
