Tammy (00:01):
So yes, very impressive. So I do have a few comments for you as we begin the briefing here today at State. To begin, an update on the situation in Syria, the United States unequivocally condemns this violence. All parties must step back and engage in meaningful dialogue that leads to a lasting ceasefire. Whoever's got the music going, that's a lovely touch, but we really need it to be turned off. All right.
Speaker 1 (00:36):
Sorry. Can [inaudible 00:00:37]-
Tammy (00:38):
I'm going to start again at the stop. Please turn off your phones. Please, turn off the sound. Do not disturb. You don't have to have it on airport, but although I could say that we are an airplane, but we're not. Let's start again, shall we? And welcome aboard to everybody watching. At home, we know C-SPAN covers this live as well. We appreciate that. And of course, we are a little late today, but actually every time is the perfect time because our colleague Caroline had her later briefing. So here we are right now. So to begin, an update on the situation in Syria. The United States unequivocally condemns the violence. All parties must step back and engage in meaningful dialogue that leads to a lasting ceasefire.
(01:20)
In a tweet this morning, Ambassador Tom Barrack, also, of course, our special envoy for Syria, said, "Thankful to all sides for their break from chaos and confusion as we attempt to navigate all parties to a more durable and peaceful solution in Syria. Over the last 48 hours, the United States has led diplomatic efforts to promote real de-escalation and peace. As Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted yesterday, we have engaged all the parties involved in the clashes in Syria. We have agreed on specific steps that will bring this troubling and horrifying situation to an end tonight. This will require all parties to deliver on the commitments they have made, and this is what we fully expect them to do. We are actively engaging all constituencies in Syria to navigate towards calm and continued discussions on integration and a stable, more prosperous future for all Syrians. To that end, we are calling on the Syrian government to lead in determining the path forward."
(02:27)
Now today, the United States also sanctioned TDA leader Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, also known as Niño Guerrero, and five other key members, the Department of State. Through the Transnational Organized Crime Rewards program, managed by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs is offering a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest and or conviction of Guerrero. TDA is a foreign terrorist organization that originated in Venezuela and has launched a campaign of terror throughout our hemisphere. We are determined to protect Americans by eliminating TDA's vicious criminal activities. In addition, yesterday the United States, the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom marked the UK's ascension to the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement, C-SIPA.
(03:27)
This milestone framework builds on the historic Abraham Accords and is aimed at fostering broader integration in the Middle East, bolstering mutual deterrence against external threats and expanding cooperation to advance security, stability and prosperity in the region. And finally, for today's topper, starting today, secretary Rubio decided to end the ordered departure status for the U.S. mission Iraq personnel, including personnel at the U.S. Embassy Baghdad and U.S. Consulate General Erbil. Personnel who are temporarily relocated outside of Iraq, will begin a gradual return to U.S. Embassy Baghdad and Consulate General Erbil.
(04:13)
The state Department's travel advisory for Iraq remains at a level four, which of course translates to do not travel. We remain strongly committed to advancing our policy priorities in Iraq, strengthening Iraq's sovereignty, advancing U.S. business interests, and engaging with Iraqi leaders and the Iraqi people. The State Department, U.S. Embassy, Baghdad, and Consulate General Erbil will continue to closely monitor and assess, as you might imagine, the security situation across Iraq and the region. And that is the conclusion of my announcements and I'm ready to take your questions. And we'll start with the young lady who was in the White House first. So we'll start with Nadia right now.
Nadia (04:58):
Thank you. I want to follow up with what you said. The president spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu. He's just issued a statement to say he's very sorry about targeting or not targeting, but by attacking this church. He said it was done by mistake. But the State Department and the White House put a priority on protecting minorities, especially Christians. How can you make sure that Christians in Gaza are protected? We have three people dead, including 88-year-old woman from Ayyad family, and to make sure that these people are not actually targeted. But as the Prime Minister said, because there have been many, many incidents before Tammy, as you know, they targeted the Russian Orthodox Church before.
Tammy (05:39):
Yes. Well, in this case, of course, it was an accident. I think that the response from Netanyahu is an appropriate start. Of course, we share condolences to the citizens, the civilians deaths at the Roman Catholic Church. We have asked that Israel investigate the strike still, of course, and ensure that all civilians, including Christian civilians, remain safe. That's one of our, of course, regular asks of everyone as we try to stop war and engage with ceasefires because of the horrible dynamics that exist across the world when this goes on. There's no benefit to any kind of military action, no real benefit at all. So Israel did express a deep sorrow over the damage and over any civilian casualties. And the IDF they do note is investigating. And of course, for further information, we refer you to the government of Israel. I can tell you as I think Caroline also noted that President Trump also spoke to the Prime Minister.
(06:48)
And I think it's an understatement to say that he was not happy that it's who is, this is again the kind of thing that reinforces his commitment to peace around the world. I've spoken with the secretary today at length on a number of issues. Obviously everyone is appalled. I can tell you for those who haven't seen it, and for those at home, the Israeli foreign ministry has said, "Israel expresses deep sorrow over the damage to the Holy Family Church in Gaza City and over any civilian casualty. The IDF is examining the incident, the circumstances of which it's still unclear, and the results of the investigation will be published transparently. Israel never targets churches or religious sites and regrets any harm to a religious site or to uninvolved civilians."
(07:39)
The IDF has a statement as well. "The IDF is aware of reports regarding damage caused to the Holy Family Church in Gaza City and casualties at the scene. The circumstances of the incident are under review. The IDF makes every feasible effort to mitigate harm to civilians and civilian structures, including religious sites and regrets any damage caused
Tammy (08:00):
To them. So this is I think, a good indication of their realizing what the world expects, what we expect, and of course appreciating POTUS's contact as well, which is helpful for all of us.
(08:14)
Nadia, one more? Yes ma'am.
Nadia (08:16):
Yesterday the Secretary told us, the Oval Office, that the conflict in Syria is between the Bedouins and the Druze. Do you rule out any involvement of foreign fighters, or ISIS fighters, in what we have seen, witnessed in the last three days, including atrocities against civilians?
Tammy (08:32):
Well, there will be some continued, obviously there will need to be some continued, investigation of the nature of what's occurred. We saw, of course, the President and the Secretary note, both of them that they've been involved and certainly our special envoy, Tom Barrack is also of course the ambassador to Turkey.
(08:52)
And we know what we know at this point, clearly there has to be more investigation into the nature of how this started, but ultimately the discussions have created a dynamic where the Syrians have withdrawn. Israel has not continued; that has ceased. And of course they're continued to be skirmishes. This is a rivalry between the Druze and the Bedouins. That's I think, 400 years old. This is though one of those challenges, that if perhaps confronted in the modern age, with new possibilities of living together, that is the kind of thing we now know must be addressed.
(09:31)
So, we've had some success. You heard in my topper the Secretary's continued optimism and Ambassador Barrack, of course is returning and will be involved. And of course I can tell you also that we unequivocally condemn the violence that has unfolded there. All parties must step back and engage in meaningful dialogue that leads to a lasting ceasefire. Of course, we know those lines from various other locations, but we also have committed to them and we engage with them as we are also in this case.
(10:03)
Over the last 48 hours, the United States has led the diplomatic efforts to promote real de-escalation and peace. We are actively engaging all constituencies in Syria to navigate toward calm and continued discussions on integration and a stable, more prosperous future for Syrians, and that continues. That has been the mission of Envoy Barrack and it remains the mission of President Trump and Secretary Rubio.
(10:28)
All right. Yes ma'am. Humira.
Humira (10:30):
Hi Tammy. I just want to understand, my colleagues asked about this yesterday, but did you guys get to the bottom of the misunderstanding that Secretary Rubio talked about yesterday? We see it in a different wording again today in Ambassador Barrack's tweet or post-confusion. What was this misunderstanding and did the U.S. government intervene in a way to assure that this misunderstanding will not happen going forward, again?
Tammy (11:00):
You seem a little skeptical, but I know some people at home can see some of the reporters here in the first two rows.
Humira (11:06):
I guess that's a prerequisite in this job.
Tammy (11:07):
Yes, yes, perhaps it is. But for those who don't know, the language from Ambassador Barrack's tweet. "Thankful to all sides for their break from chaos and confusion, as we attempt to navigate all parties to a more durable and peaceful solution in Syria."
(11:24)
And I noted to you already the language from the Secretary. The confusion was conveyed to me, and was I think generally understood, was this ancient rivalry between the Druze and the Bedouins and violence ensuing, the Syrians moving to that area to quell and stop that violence, and the Israelis who see that occurring to the Druze community and their concerns then entered what they assessed was something larger than what, or even not what it was at all.
(12:04)
I am not a party to the full discussions or to the details of obviously of all of these groups and nations, what their choices were. But when the Secretary chose, and the President chose to use the word, miscommunication or misunderstanding, obviously here now from the Ambassador chaos and confusion, the good news is the story is, it stopped, as within the management of that larger conflict.
(12:31)
Again, there's still skirmishes and other issues that as we've also noted, the Syrian government is going to have to lead with. Obviously, there'll be other involvements, but lead into this de-escalation and to the stability. So this is a reminder and you weren't here, but as I noted to one of your colleagues who asked as well yesterday, that this is a region and certainly a nation, that has been unstable, which is why we talk about stability, for generations. There have been rivalries for hundreds of years. We are optimistic people. Humans tend to be that. And our effort is to try to bring this together and to stop it.
(13:14)
The answer to whether or not there's hope is the fact that there has been a response, that the parties have acquiesced and are dealing with that response, and that we are committed to seeing this problem that emerged, and now we know what to work on to make sure it doesn't happen again.
Humira (13:31):
Right. My follow-up to that is related to something that you just said. U.S. is pursuing stability in Syria, as far as I can tell, lifting of the sanctions.
Tammy (13:43):
I promise you that's what we're pursuing.
Humira (13:45):
Right.
Tammy (13:45):
Yes.
Humira (13:45):
So, does it support Israel carrying out these military operations when it deems necessary?
Tammy (13:55):
I can tell you regarding Israel's intervention and activity, is the United States did not support recent Israeli strikes. We are engaging diplomatically with Israel and Syria at the highest levels, both to address the present crisis and reach a lasting agreement between the two sovereign states.
(14:15)
President Trump has outlined his clear vision of a prosperous Middle East and stable Syria, at peace with itself and its neighbors. Peace among neighbors including Israel and Syria is a critical component of this vision.
(14:29)
So I won't speak to future conversations or past ones. What we're dealing with now is this particular episode, what was required, and I think we've been very clear about our displeasure. Certainly the President has, and we've worked very quickly to have it stop.
(14:47)
All right. Yes, Willie,
Willie (14:48):
Just back to your top on Syria. You mentioned you could-
Tammy (14:52):
Then let's stick with Syria for a bit while we're in it, just so you know, and then we'll continue on, of course. Go ahead.
Willie (14:57):
You mentioned that you condemn the violence. Are you specifically talking about the Druze, Bedouin violence?
Tammy (15:06):
All violence.
Willie (15:07):
Or also the Israeli?
Tammy (15:08):
Clearly this started between those two groups. And what we know is that violence erupted, well is a continuing long issue between those two tribes, and then two major nations began to engage. Obviously, we then engaged and it stopped. And that is for me, a very, very proud moment.
(15:33)
It's a remarkable situation being here at the State Department and here at this podium and taking this job, is to be an observer of actions that can be taken, that stop what could end up being major global, horrible issues. And we continued to work on some, we had been successful on others, but it was a very heartening and
Tammy (16:00):
… wonderful to see the work in that regard. So I think that it's the violence in general that appalls the President, that disturbs the Secretary. And it is what we all want, even though we've grown used to it. But it's possible. And if anyone can make it happen, if any country can, it's the United States, and it's the President, and it's Secretary Rubio.
(16:22)
All right. Yes, Shaun.
Shaun (16:23):
Can I follow up on your answer that you gave to Humeyra and said that the United States does not support recent Israeli strikes? Can we say that the United States-
Tammy (16:30):
Oh, boy.
Shaun (16:30):
I like …
Tammy (16:32):
Yes, I know. It was suddenly the voice of God. I don't want to give you any hints there, though.
Shaun (16:35):
That's always my aspiration.
Tammy (16:36):
Yes, there we go.
Shaun (16:41):
Just going back on Syria. You said that the United States opposed the Israeli strikes.
Tammy (16:42):
Yes.
Shaun (16:43):
Two parts to that. Was there a message beforehand that Israel should not do this? And now going forward, will the U.S. continue to reject Israeli military-
Tammy (16:52):
Well, as you know, I won't speculate. I'm not going to comment on what was or was not said prior to the situation that we're dealing with currently, nor will I speculate about … Every situation is different. I am not going to speculate or guess, none of us should, at what the leaders of our country might do under any other certain circumstance.
Shaun (17:12):
Well, just to … also at the beginning you were talking about how Syria, the Syrian Government needs to lead a future path.
Tammy (17:17):
Yes.
Shaun (17:17):
I forget the exact words. But is there a long-term solution? I mean, you mentioned that the United States helped defuse the situation, but this is essentially the Syrian forces leaving part of what is part of Syrian territory. Are you seeing a long-term demilitarization? Is that what the U.S. would-
Tammy (17:32):
Well, I know it's about Syria taking the lead and determining the path forward. So that was a very specific way that it was put. And I can't … I think there's a few people who have an idea of what's possible in what seems to be maybe an impossible situation. But we don't see it that way. And I think that's where new ideas, new solutions can emerge, is when you don't give up to what you think is impossible.
(17:59)
So, I can't comment on what the strategy would be, what individuals imagine. It is a region that is ancient, and the people are ancient, and it is the modern world, and it's I think we now provide a chance, our generations do, to have a different kind of path forward.
Shaun (18:18):
Just one more point on that.
Tammy (18:18):
All right.
Shaun (18:21):
I mean, one of the points that Israel is making is that there are jihadists involved in this, and that some of the violence has been against Druze. Is there any concern about linkages potentially between the Syrian Government, and is that something that the U.S. has seen? Is that something that the U.S. would look at?
Tammy (18:35):
Well, I know that from the beginning the issue was, of course, working with the new Syrian Government on dealing with the problem of ISIS. That's, I think, a unifying dynamic. We know that ISIS has been an issue. We know in that region, my goodness, look at what we've been facing with Iran and state sponsors of terrorism and what we've all experienced for quite some time.
(18:57)
So, we know that that has to be part of, of which I won't preview anything for you because I'm not a part of that team, but we know that that matters deeply to envoy Barrack. And everyone is clear-eyed about what this is, and yet it won't stop them from trying. But the good news is is that, the good and the bad news is that we have enough history to know what's solvable, what isn't.
(19:24)
I recall before President Trump's first term that this idea of getting rid of ISIS, as it was moving around the globe, that it was going to be impossible. It would take 30 years. This is just a giant, horrible thing that we would just have to learn to adapt to, but it could never be crushed.
(19:42)
President Trump did not believe that and chose to move forward anyway. And I think it was about 18 months, two years, at the most, and he eradicated ISIS. And so we know that in order for something new to happen, you've got to have the idea first. We have that. Again, we're not naïve, but we are optimistic. I think that is the history of the American people, and we're going to continue on that. And we have good representatives helping us with that as well.
(20:14)
Yes, sir.
Speaker 2 (20:19):
You said that the U.S. didn't support Israeli strikes, and you were asked about any conversations beforehand. But what about afterwards? I mean, Karoline Leavitt had said that the President called Prime Minister Netanyahu, or they spoke on the phone today, in which he condemned the strike in Gaza. But was that lack of support for the strikes in Syria, was that also conveyed to Prime Minister Netanyahu?
Tammy (20:39):
Well, I don't know. I wasn't on the call. We were not informed of those details. Karoline had what she chose to share with you, so I won't get ahead of guessing what the conversation was.
Speaker 2 (20:51):
And just one other question about. I mean, you've said in the church strike you've asked Israel to investigate that. Ambassador Huckabee said yesterday that the U.S. has asked Israel to investigate the death of Saif Musallet, the Palestinian American who was killed.
Tammy (21:05):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (21:06):
And yet in the same 24-hour period, he tweeted that there was a travesty of justice in terms of the investigation of Benjamin Netanyahu. He called them the insanity of out-of-control prosecutors. So I'm just trying to understand how a system that appears that you don't have faith in over the investigation of Mr. Netanyahu is good enough to investigate the deaths of Palestinians?
Tammy (21:31):
Well, I would not want to characterize the ambassador's comments, but they were his remarks. If you want him to elaborate on those, you can. What I speak to here is the mission and the statement and the actions that the State Department and the President of the United States has taken and that the government is taking, and not just these two issues but our overall view and vision of what's going to be important in the world and how we react to it.
Speaker 2 (21:56):
But that-
Tammy (21:57):
And so that … I won't. I'm not going to characterize or place the ambassador's comments in any kind of context.
Speaker 2 (22:04):
That was his retweet of the President.
Tammy (22:05):
Yeah. Well, it's not … That's not where I'm going to go. It's not what we're discussing today. Right? All right. Yes. Yes, Michele.
Michele (22:13):
I have a different topic.
Tammy (22:15):
Well, do we have any more Syria?
Michele (22:16):
Syria.
Tammy (22:17):
All right. We'll come back. So Michele, you'll be the start of that. Yes, sir.
Speaker 3 (22:20):
Yeah. Thank you so much, Tammy. On the path forward and also the long-term solution which Shaun asked you, do you believe that the only path forward in Syria is that all constituency or the minority group is to integrate with a centralized government or have these escalation, the recent escalation changed your view? And do you think that federalism or some sorts of autonomy is a viable solution for the current situation in Syria?
Tammy (22:44):
Well, part of starting something like this so new is it's … I don't think it's really ever happened before, is looking at the nature of what works and what doesn't. Clearly, the people of Syria view themselves as Syrians. That is part of I know what was discussed earlier, of the nature of how you're going to have a government like that and for that nation be able to represent and include everyone. The issue was including them.
(23:12)
Of course, every government is going to be and I should say should be the decision, how it's formed, the nature of what it represents should be the decision of the people of that country. But you've got to have a chance to start with the very basics, which is stability, infrastructure, some modicum of peace that you can rely on. And we expect, again, there's been instability. So, the stability part you work on and you assess it as it continues, and then you see what needs to be addressed. And that's what we're helping with. So it clearly is going to be up to the Syrian people, but the way that it would work is that it … Because we've seen the history of when everyone is not included of what can happen. But that
Tammy (24:01):
Again, this is where the negotiators, those who are wise enough to be envoys who delve into this, which is the hardest work in the world, we'll leave that to people like Ambassador Barrack and President Trump and Secretary Rubio.
Speaker 4 (24:16):
Help me if I'm understanding correctly. Does that meaning that the US is not opposing federalism or autonomy for the Syrian future?
Tammy (24:24):
I'm not going to comment further than just the theory of trying to get some stability here and the inclusion of the people who are in Syria. Without going into at all what the details might be or what choices might be made, that's not my place, so I won't comment on that. Said, are you with Syria yet or…
Speaker 5 (24:44):
[inaudible 00:24:45].
Tammy (24:44):
No. All right. Yes sir?
Speaker 6 (24:47):
Yes. Thank you, Madam Bruce. Ahmad Shahidoor. My question is about where the most discussed topic in South Caucasus… There is an ongoing discussion in South Caucasus about the opening of the Zangezur Corridor between Armenia and Azerbaijan and many [inaudible 00:25:04]-
Tammy (25:04):
All right, we'll stick with Syria for the moment and I'll come back to you. I know that's a large issue, but we will do that. Oh yes, there we go. Right there in the middle.
Speaker 7 (25:13):
Yeah. Thank you Tammy. It's still about Syria. How the Secretary is happy or convinced that the Syrian government is the right one at the moment for Syria, looking at what's happening with the Israeli and the Jews?
Tammy (25:28):
Well, again, I would just caution in any dynamic that is this fluid and changing where it's new, it's the kind of new idea and commitment brought by the United States and President Trump. I would caution to not see something that occurs that has been by our government characterized as a mistake or a mischaracterization or a misunderstanding in the midst of something that is also part of a 400-year-old tribal conflict. But the story is, it was stopped. We were able to stop it. We know that it's not going to be utopia the moment we all agree, let's do this, and then it happens. It's the idea and then it's the implementation of that idea, and that is the commitment of Ambassador Barrack and of course of our leadership. So I would say that the issue is whether or not there would've been a response to this, whether or not there are relationships and partnerships that would listen to each other, and it occurred. Obviously, there's more work to do, but it's worth doing, and I think that's our approach.
Speaker 7 (26:38):
Yeah, follow up only, and if I may, Tammy. Thank you. How concerned is the Secretary that this clashes, the strike that Israel had in Damascus may jeopardize the potential peace deal between Israel and Gaza?
Tammy (27:00):
This is a whole region that has… It's ancient, the beginning of time, with clashes throughout and with miraculous governments throughout, just like the rest of human history. We're looking at this clearly. There's Ambassador Barrack. We have a very specific conversation going on about Gaza and Israel's situation. Certainly, we have Russia, Ukraine, and other aspects where there's new peace deals, new ceasefires that we also discuss, but let's not conflate all of them. They're different situations with different triggers, different dynamics, and that's why we look at each one differently, and we're working on each one with a different goal that is particular to that situation. All right, now, so we will go… Let's go to Michelle. We'll go to.
Speaker 8 (27:50):
I like the rescission package because it includes a lot of money for the United Nations. I'm wondering if it's going to affect UNHCR's efforts to resettle Syrians back into Syria, which they call this a historic moment to do that. And I also wonder, there's big cuts in peacekeeping and it includes some language that is critical of the peacekeeping mission in Congo. Yet the peace deal that you guys negotiated relies on the UN peacekeeping operation in Eastern Congo to help implement it. So I wonder if you've changed your mind.
Tammy (28:32):
Well of course that's a dynamic regarding the White House and the bill regarding the budget, et cetera. The rescission bill, for sure. At the same time, and I knew… A little birdie told me that a lot of journalists were meeting and had a briefing on the issue of the UNHCR. Right?
Speaker 8 (28:53):
Yes.
Tammy (28:53):
I don't have that answer for you yet. I want one for you. Literally, I need to find the answer to the details of that. We're going to take that back and get that for you. Since there are others interested in that as well, we'll make sure others receive it if you want to contact us with that information.
(29:09)
Regarding comments made in a bill, the nature of certain cuts, each situation is very unique and different as we've… Of course, as you know, we've just completed essentially, a several month long reorganization and some cuts regarding how foreign aid is applied and implemented and distributed. I would just repeat that even though there are cuts and we are looking at reforming certain dynamics, it doesn't mean that our efforts will stop. It doesn't mean because something looks different that it's going away. It might be handled differently, but I can't speak to the specifics that you mentioned, but what I do know that what matters to the secretary and what we've expressed regarding that region and the work we're doing there is that what we need to have done will get done and will be funded and we'll move forward with it. All right. Yes?
Speaker 9 (30:08):
Thank you. I'm hoping to ask about an update to the situation where the 500 tons of high-energy biscuits are said to expire in a warehouse in the Middle East. The statement from the department yesterday said that the US would always look to try to avoid any kind of food waste, try to repurpose it. Is there any indication that repurposing might happen at this point?
Tammy (30:28):
Well, there's a lot of interesting numbers that have been moving about with this story. There's some basic responses I can give you, including the fact that if something is expired, we will destroy it. It's a matter of whether or not it's safe to distribute. But I think what's important and what part of the story is here, and a lot of people don't know this, is that we have been feeding the world's hungry for generations.