MR PRICE: Good evening, everyone.
PRICE: Happy Monday. Your questions will be taken in a little while, but first, the statement issued by the African Union last week on the signing of the ceasefire between the Ethiopian government and the Tigrai rebel group, or TPLF. , as we said, is an important statement. step towards peace. We once again commend the parties that have reached an agreement and salute the African Union and the governments of Kenya and South Africa for helping to manage this process.
The parties are in Nairobi, according to the provision that the National Defense Fund of Ethiopia[1] and the Tigray Defense Force[2] will meet within five days to carry out the implementation. Also, as stipulated in the agreement, a telephone line was established between the two commanders in chief.
These specific measures reflect a commitment by both parties to, quote/unquote, “silence and guns.” But the rest of the work remains. We understand that the agenda of the Nairobi talks will also include the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and the restoration of jobs to Tigray and the affected areas of Afar and Amhara, in line with the ceasefire agreement. The meeting is being held under the leadership of the high committee of former presidents Obasanjo and Kenyatta, and the AU commission, with the participation of the chiefs of Kenya and South Africa. Observers include the Organization for the Development of Developing Countries, or IGAD, and the United States, represented by our special correspondent Mike Hammer. Our Special Representative remains in the region to support the implementation of the Pretoria Agreement. We are ready to continue supporting the parties with international partners in the implementation of the agreement.
And finally, today the US State Department, through the International Organized Crime Reward Program, announced a $1 million reward for information. for the arrest and/or conviction of three Haitian nationals: Lanmò Sanjou, a/k/ and Joseph Wilson; Jermaine Stephenson, a/k/a Gaspiyay; and Vitel’Homme Innocent.
On October 16, 2021, members of the Maozo 400 group, of which these people are a part, participated in a conspiracy to kidnap 16 American Christians and one Canadian citizen to hold them for ransom. Missionaries and their families were kidnapped after they visited an orphanage in Ganthier, east of Port-au-Prince. Those who were abducted from the 12 missionaries – of the missionary group included 12 adults and five children.
The United States supports the efforts of our partners in Haiti, to seek law enforcement in Haiti, and to fight transnational organized crime. Supporting the Haitian people is a whole-of-government effort. This award coincides with the US Department of Justice’s announcement of charges against Wilson, Sanjou, and Innocent for their role in the kidnapping. At present, all three men have escaped from justice.
QUESTION: Great. Thank you, Ned. Happy Monday.
QUESTION: Before I get to the question on Russia, I want to quickly — because I don’t think you’re going to get much on this, but I just want to make sure — and this is the USAID assassination. an employee in Baghdad. where are you –
MR PRICE: You are right. We don’t have much to offer on this publicly yet. We are certainly aware of these reports. We are looking into these reports. There is a method that we will need to implement, if and when we have the ability to prove that an American was killed. We will definitely notify the next of kin first before making any public comments. Therefore, we are still investigating these reports to learn what we can about these allegations.
QUESTION: Well. So, does that mean that you – you don’t even know if someone was killed – in the situation described?
PRICE: There is no reason to suspect that someone was killed, according to the reports. But we want to be very careful in determining that the victim in this case is in fact a US citizen, and of course we are making every effort to notify the family.
QUESTION: Well. Then continue, unless someone has more on this, I want to ask you about this, quote / unquote, “admission” and Mr. Prigozhin said in Russia that they interfered, and will continue to interfere, in the American election and what happened. You are done with it, if anything.
PRICE: Well, I don’t think his comments tell us anything we don’t already know. His bold statement, if anything, is just a sign of the impunity that crooks and thugs enjoy under President Putin and the Kremlin.
As you know, we have imposed sanctions on this person, Yevgeny Prigozhin, since 2018, because of his interference in the election process and our institutions. In March 2018, the Treasury Department appointed Prigozhin himself as the Internet Investigation Commission. This designation targets cybercriminals, including those involved in interfering with electoral systems and institutions.
On September 20, 2019, the Treasury, under the auspices of OFAC, also took action against Russian actors who attempted to influence the 2018 midterm elections; including former nominee Yevgeny Prigozhin and the staff of the Internet Research Agency funded by Prigozhin himself.
In July of this year, we introduced a Reward for Justice, or RFJ, offering $10 million for information on hacking into the US election by Prigozhin’s Cybersecurity Agency and other Russian agencies. to get information on foreign countries. meddling in the US election.
We all know, especially today but every day, fair and just elections are the foundation of American society, of American democracy. We will not accept interference in our elections regardless of where it comes from. We have shown that – not only with our words, but with our actions. In addition to the sanctions imposed on Prigozhin, against the IRA, this government announced sanctions against Russia. We did this in April 2021 not only to the terrible Russian cyber attack, in the case of Solar Wind and what it did to Mr. Navalny and the chemical attack – what he does to the supporters of Mr. Navalny. , but also regarding the interference she did in our election. We did the same to Iran. We are ready to do this against any state or group that seeks to interfere in the democratic system.
QUESTION: Well. Say that his comments don’t tell you anything you don’t already know, and then mention how he shows a lack of judgment – that they work for them. But I mean, he was not accused of violating any Russian law. Are you suggesting that it shows impunity for him to have violated American law, and come here and turn himself in? Is that so –
MR PRICE: Obviously, Matt, these are not –
QUESTION: Well, I just – I mean, it seems like he’s bragging, right?
QUESTION: Well – but I don’t know how that shows impunity because –
PRICE PRICE: It is a show of impunity that someone anywhere can brag about meddling in a country’s democratic elections, and nothing will happen to them. And far from anything that has happened to him, in terms of the criminal justice system, the so-called criminal justice system in Russia, he is in every way a member of the Kremlin. He is the one who is a precious partner –
QUESTION: But this – but the point, I mean, do you think Putin would offend him?
MR PRICE: Of course, we don’t –
QUESTION: We don’t think President Putin will blame him, but we would like to see the Russian government punish someone who openly and proudly interfered in the elections of an independent country. Of course, we would expect that a proper law enforcement system of responsible government; but of course we know better than Russian expectations.
QUESTION: Ned, just an explanation. So, you say pride and so on. He may just be making himself more important than he really is. I mean, are the Russians really involved in this? Do you think he would say this without giving it away – Putin gave him the green light, actually?
MR PRICE: So, I’ll leave it to my colleagues at the Department of Homeland Security and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to speak to the nature of the threat. But what I will say is that we know that both the IRA and its accomplice Prigozhin have been involved in election interference in the past. We are closely monitoring – The Department of Homeland Security is closely monitoring any attempt to interfere, whether through fraud, misinformation or otherwise, in our upcoming midterm elections or other democratic processes this year. ground.
So, whether or not everything he said the previous day or so is correct, that’s not something I’m going to weigh in on. But what I will consider is that this is a person who claims to interfere in our democratic affairs. And this is something we take very seriously.
QUESTION: So, do you think it is a bad idea, on the eve of the mid-term elections, to plant – to throw some kind of monkey if they can participate in this election?
PRICE: Look, I’m not going to give any particular reason for these statements, whether it’s pride, whether it’s arrogance, whether there’s a strategic objective. What we know, and we’ve talked about this publicly for several weeks now, is Russia’s efforts around the world to interfere in elections, in the electoral systems of powerful countries. We have exposed and publicly stated at the time that Russia invested at least $300 million in these efforts. His efforts have been well-documented in some cases, including the nature of our elections in 2016. There is an Intelligence Community assessment that explains this. There is a public version that lays this out in detail.
But Russia’s efforts to suppress democratic processes are certainly not unique to the United States. They are not limited to any country. What we have to do is to respond, and respond to any country – any actor that seeks to interfere in our elections.
QUESTION: On this line, considering who he is, do you think that President Putin himself sanctioned his activities? And when you talk about impunity –
MR PRICE: Was the sanction imposed as authorized?
PRICE: Well, because we sanctioned him.
MR PRICE: Look, it’s – it’s hard to say. I think what’s clear is that someone of this stature, who makes these kinds of claims, wouldn’t be able to do that, back to Matt’s question, if the Kremlin at some level didn’t believe it. Not taking action against such a person is in itself a good deed. It is a sign that he has, at least, some tacit approval from high officials in the Russian government.
What we do know about it — and this goes back to publicly released intelligence reports from several years ago now — is that when it comes to Russian meddling in the past in our election, it’s been widely acknowledged. steps of the Kremlin. But again, when it comes to what the current threat is from Russia or from any other state actor, that’s something I would refer you to the Secret Service or DHS.
QUESTION: And when you talk about impurity, is the United States government ready to impose sanctions on President Putin himself for —
MR PRICE: We sanctioned President Putin himself.
QUESTION: Election – in terms of violation, interference in the US election process?
MR PRICE: We have sanctioned President Putin himself for his actions in recent months. Of course, I will not predict what may happen in this upcoming midterm election or what may happen in the future but suffice it to say that we will respond. And we will respond to any country, to any group, to any person who seeks to interfere in our elections.
QUESTION: And in relation to his actions in the past months, can I have a comment on the talks with the Russians? Are there different camps in the administration regarding how to deal with Russia at this time?
MR PRICE: There is both within this administration and with our European partners a clear recognition of the principle that has driven our efforts since before the 24th of February, and this is nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine. This is something we all sign up for. It is something you have heard from this government; It’s something you’ve heard from our partners as well.
Recently, you have heard from the United States and our partners, including in the G7 communique issued recently at the end of the ministerial meeting in Münster – there is a reference to this in the communiqué of the leaders of the last weeks – that we believe, as the Ukrainians they did, in a just peace – a just peace that respects the principles of the United Nations Charter of Independence and Sovereignty, that will protect Ukraine’s ability to defend itself in the future, that will ensure Ukraine’s recovery, reconstruction, and will ensure recovery. making Russia responsible for attacking Ukraine and committing war crimes.
If Russia is ready for this discussion, it should stop the bombs. He should have stopped the missiles. It should stop attacking and killing Ukrainian civilians – following infrastructure, including civilian infrastructure. But of course, the Kremlin is doing the opposite. This war is being escalated rather than giving any real signal that it is ready or open to dialogue.
If Russia wants to negotiate, why did it walk away, even temporarily, from the Black Sea Grain Initiative? This is perhaps the only forum where Russians and Ukrainians have spoken and now speak, directly, every day. If it wants to show a big commitment to reducing erosion, Russia can start by renewing its Black Sea grain plan when it comes up for renewal later this month.
But we are not the only ones who say this. You heard this also from our Ukrainian colleagues. President Zelenskyy gave a speech at the weekend. He said, “We are ready to create peace, to create a fair and just peace, which we have explained many times. The world knows our position. This is respect for the Charter of the United Nations, respect for our territorial borders, respect for our people.” He has repeatedly said that this war cannot be ended through dialogue and diplomacy. We feel the same way. Our European friends feel the same way.
But it is necessary for Russia to show its intention and plan to be in contact with Ukraine. Instead, the only signal sent by Russia is to die, to destroy, and to continue the oppression.
QUESTION: An Italian paper reports that NATO and the EU are discussing the possibility of talks with Russia after Ukraine’s liberation of Kherson. Can you confirm that, and do you see that as some kind of turning point?
MR PRICE: Yes, the idea is that the Ukrainians will start?
QUESTION: NATO and the European Union are discussing the possibility of talks with Russia after Ukraine –
MR PRICE: So, I have to refer to NATO and the EU for any plans that they have. But I feel confident in stating, as I did some time ago, that we are confident in the belief, NATO is confident in the belief, and the EU is confident that there is nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine .
So, of course, it is not – again, without speaking to NATO or the EU, but I am sure that it is not the case that NATO and the EU will deal with Russia separately to determine the future of Ukraine. and determine how this conflict will end. This is the only thing that Ukraine can do with Russia. These are decisions that the Ukrainian government will make as the elected representative of the Ukrainian people through democracy. It is something President Zelenskyy has said he is committed to. He said that this war will end through dialogue and diplomacy; it cannot end in the battlefield. He will not end up deciding on the battlefield. But in the end, this will be a process between Ukraine and Russia.
In the interim, we will continue to implement the activities that we have been conducting since February 24, this is also something that we have done in cooperation with the EU and NATO, and that is to continue to provide security to Ukraine. the aid it needs, the economic aid it needs, and the humanitarian aid it needs, so that when a negotiation table is formed, Ukraine will be in a stronger position. No one wants an end to this war like the people of Ukraine. No one has been oppressed and victimized like the Ukrainian people, of course. So, they have confidence to see this war come to a close, but what we want to see is that they are in a stronger position – despite what Russia is doing to them day in, day out – to try to weaken them, to to injure. try to break them. And we will continue to provide our Ukrainian friends with what they need not only to resist this oppression but to come out with strength and ability at the negotiating table.
QUESTION: But Ned, that could go on for a long time, as you know. Currently, the war is going on. It seems that no one will win. Despite claims that the Ukrainians are making progress, the Russians are regressing – but still, they are there. They aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. So, you have to look at the toilet channels to get some types – it is not necessary at this time to discuss regularly, but you have to look at other options because this can go on forever. Well, what do you say to that? There are contacts or – of course, Jake Sullivan is in Ukraine. Dealt with the Russians and what have you. So, what — under what circumstances would you be open to some kind of diplomatic solution other than Russia obviously stopping the war, because that’s not going to happen?
MR PRICE: Well, there seem to be two aspects to your question. One relates to the negotiation process, two relate to the timing of any potential negotiations, and three relate to any contact by the US side. So, I will take these in turn.
The first two, the answer is really the same: It is up to the Ukrainians to determine how these proposals turn out. And we – when we talk about the dialogue in this context, I’m talking about the dialogue between – it has to be – Russia and Ukraine, about the end of the war. It is up to Ukraine to know who exactly is involved in this process, what exactly this process looks like. Of course, many friends of America and Ukraine all over the world are ready to help and give advice and suggestions, but in the end these will be decisions made by Ukrainians.
When it comes to America – again, I want to be very clear – there is no movement – there is no impact from our national position that there is nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine. At the same time, the United States, as a responsible country, has a responsibility to maintain communications with Russia. We are clear about that; in some cases, despite the efforts of the Russians, our diplomatic efforts, including those of Moscow, are more difficult. But we prioritize in the belief that communication lines and channels of communication are important even in times of crisis. But they are especially important in times of crisis. Therefore, we have been very deliberate in making sure that the existing communication channels are not closed.
And you see we use these means of communication. We haven’t aired all of our conversations, of course, but Secretary Blinken has been on the phone for the past few months because there are issues that concern both countries, including the status of Paul Whelan and Brittney Griner, two Americans wrongfully detained in Russia. . He wanted to send a strong and clear warning to Russia at that time about our knowledge of what she was planning to do. Recently, Secretary Austin, President Milley, received the phones for their colleagues. Those are the main level commitments. But the truth is – and of course the White House read a conversation that Jake Sullivan had with a Russian official, several months ago. But the truth is, these are all great partnerships.
We have a working embassy in Moscow. We talk to Russians through the embassy almost every day, if not literally every day. We communicate regularly through – we send messages through the Russian embassy here in Washington. Therefore, there are many ways in which we can convey the message that is important to Russia. And I emphasize this word on both sides because we are not discussing with the Russians how the negotiated peace will be, what the nature of the peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine will be.
We are discussing issues that are very important in our relationship. Whether it is the position of the two Americans who are being detained illegally, whether it is the position of our embassy in Moscow, or whether it is the obligation of the United States to send Russia a great sign that it has deteriorated, or – God. Prohibition, the use of nuclear energy, these are the types of discussions that we are able to have day in day out. Some of those comments are casual, informative; others may be more strategic and important. But the truth is, we believe it is important for us to have these conversations.
MR PRICE: Anything else on Russia-Ukraine before we – Kylie? Of course.
QUESTION: I wonder if you’re going to — there’s been a lot of talk about diplomacy, and when or if the Biden administration is going to push for that. Would you say that the Biden administration is now doing everything you can to get Russia’s attention on the diplomatic path?
MR PRICE: Of course, and we do that in many ways. The first is our message, and a simple message that this war should be ended through diplomacy; must be concluded through discussion. Ukrainians do the same.
Consistent with this message is exactly what we are doing in terms of providing support to Ukrainians. There will be no significant victory on the battlefield, yet we have provided billions of dollars in security aid to Ukraine. It’s more than $18 billion since the beginning of the crisis – since the start of the Russian war on February 24. We offer this to our Ukrainian friends so that they can protect themselves from this Russian aggression, but also to be in a strong position on – at the negotiating table when it arises. We see the connection between what is happening on the battlefield and what we are able to do to provide the kind of security assistance that our Ukrainian partners need to protect themselves on that battlefield and what ultimately happens at the negotiating table. .
Also with the help of our economy. President Putin probably thought he could kill Ukraine by surrendering, that he could bomb Ukraine in the dead of winter, in the dark. We have supported our Ukrainian partners with billions of dollars in economic aid, including direct budget support, so that they can have an economically viable country, have a functioning government, be able to produce their citizens daily activities that they need to do. – even when they are under this terrible attack from Russia.
Therefore, we have signaled in our messages, in our words, and even in our actions, including the support of Ukraine, that we truly believe in the necessity of dialogue and diplomacy. Unfortunately, the Russians have shown – certainly in their actions – that, at the moment, they are focusing on development. They don’t focus on reducing self-esteem. They are even more focused on dialogue and true diplomacy. Our goal is to help Ukrainians change this bill.
QUESTION: And one follow-up. There was a line from President Zelenskyy last month that gained some traction after a Washington Post report over the weekend in which he said, “We are ready to … talk with Russia, but with a Russian president.” What is the response of the Biden administration to this comment? Do you agree with this thought?
MR PRICE: So, you’re asking about the negotiation process, and obviously what – the details of how the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are going to be, which has to be worked out between Russia and Ukraine. Ukrainians will determine who their representatives will be, if and when the negotiating table comes up. They will determine the people they want to talk to, so we will not consider that. But I think the most important thing is what we hear now and again from President Zelenskyy, his strong belief – something he has repeated – even in recent days – that this war will be ended by the way of negotiation and diplomacy.
QUESTION: But do you think there can be a diplomatic solution without changing the regime in Russia?
MR PRICE: Constitutional change is not our goal. It is not the goal of our Ukrainian partners. Our goal is to end President Putin’s war. It is to end it, to help the Ukrainians to end it with a just peace, a just peace that reflects the principles of the United Nations Charter regarding independence, regarding national independence, regarding Ukraine . that is, in peace, free, peaceful, economically strong, and able to defend itself in the future.
QUESTION: Just so we’re on the same page here, given the aforementioned Post report, you can say that nothing the US Government has done this past week or weekend would indicate that you push, advise, advise. Ukrainians talking to war criminal Putin?
MR PRICE: We are not putting pressure on our Ukrainian colleagues. Our Ukrainian partners do not need any pressure to encourage them to see an end to this war. No one has suffered more than the Ukrainian people. No one wants to see an end to this war as much as the people of Ukraine and the government of Ukraine. Therefore, it is not our place to pressure Ukraine, and we will not need to do such a thing. They have every incentive. The Russians are sending different signals.
QUESTION: Thank you. At the end of last week at the UN General Assembly, a resolution of the Security Council, China and Russia once again protested against taking action to condemn North Korea, and China and Russia put the blame on the United States. What is America’s next step?
MR PRICE: Well, the truth is that we have a lot of sanctions imposed on the DPRK by the United States. There is a series of resolutions of the United Nations Security Council that are related to the expenses and measures related to them, and we have called on all the member states of the United Nations, especially the members of the Security Council, especially the members of the Security Council that has a big meeting. the obligation to observe the principles of the United Nations Charter, the principles of the United Nations system, the principles of the international system. Unfortunately, there are two members of the Security Council, the two you mentioned, who usually ignore their obligations, who are adamant about the ability of the international community to put more money, at least through this facility, on the DPRK. to continue the agitation and agitation that has arisen in recent weeks and in recent months.
We condemn the DPRK’s recent missile launches, including the launch of an ICBM earlier this month, which crashed a missile near the Republic of Korea. Each of these launches threatens international peace – threatens regional and global peace and stability – and violates several UN Security Council resolutions that have been unanimously adopted by the council. . Therefore, members, especially permanent members, of the Security Council, have a special responsibility. We are particularly concerned about the DPRK’s increasingly dangerous and misunderstanding statements – even going so far as to describe recent missile launches and related activities, quote/narrative, “work in progress” to use strategic nuclear weapons against the ROK, against the ROK. America too.
We will seek to continue to impose a price on the DPRK for its dangerous and destructive behavior even as we continue to seek meaningful and sustainable diplomacy with the DPRK. We have called many times now for the DPRK to abandon its provocative behavior and engage in this meaningful dialogue that we have put forward, but our commitment to protecting our treaty partners, the ROK and Japan, is ironclad. We will continue to work closely with our allies to limit the DPRK’s ability to continue its illicit WMD and ballistic missile programs that threaten regional security.
When it comes to the Security Council, we heard from many members of the Security Council of the United Nations, including all 10 elected members of the Security Council of the United Nations, how important it is to address the threat to the country the DPRK is facing. And I am calling for this announcement from the 10 elected members of the Security Council, because of course, two permanent countries in the Security Council are silent. They are unable or unwilling, for various reasons, to give their voice to condemn what is making matters worse and dangerous.
We will continue to engage with our partners in the Security Council and continue to make it clear to them, publicly and privately, that the DPRK, which feels that it can act with impunity, and she faced severe punishment from the rest of the world. society is not in China’s interest. Not in Russia’s interest. It is against the interests of the world order.
QUESTION: Today, North Korea’s military commander issued a statement saying that it will take a merciless response against South Korea and the United States. How would you respond to this?
MR PRICE: Our response is what you’ve heard from us throughout this series of provocations: our commitment to the safety and security of our treaty partners, Japan and the ROK in this case, is ironclad. We have taken a number of steps to increase our security and prevention measures, and will continue to adjust our systems and operations accordingly.
QUESTION: Do you think – quick – do you think that North Korea’s continued provocation is just setting the stage for talks with the United States? Or do you see it – as a real conflict?
MR PRICE: Do we see it – what is the last part of the –
MR PRICE: Oh, threats. Look, I’m not going to give a reason and I’m going to hesitate to give a reason for what we’re hearing from the DPRK. There is a pattern that has emerged over the years now of a period of provocation followed by a period of promise. Whether what we are seeing now will be before a change in direction, a change in tone from the DPRK, I think it is impossible to say with any certainty. What we can do and what we can ask for through disciplinary measures and through our words about dialogue and diplomacy, we can try to encourage them in every way we can to the table, to participate in active diplomacy , to get a continuation of what happened. is the ultimate goal of the United States, of Japan, of the ROK, and that is the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
QUESTION: Thank you. Xi Jinping is planning to visit Saudi Arabia at the same time that the United States is reviewing its relations with the country. Can you talk a little bit about how DOS is weighing the possibility of China bridging the gap in foreign economic relations with Saudi Arabia as the United States reevaluates its relationship with the kingdom?
MR Price: These will be the decisions that the PRC and Saudi Arabia will come to. It is not for us to say what the relationship between the two countries – when America is not in these two countries – should be.
QUESTION: I understand that, but do you weigh the possibility that China can get involved in this field while determining how your relationship with Saudi Arabia will be in the future?
PRICE: What we measure is our national interests, and there are a number of – there are a number of interests that we have when it comes to our relationship with Saudi Arabia. There are many interests that we have when it comes to our relationship with the PRC. So in the end, we measure our approach to each country based on these interests. We are looking at the implications of deepening relations between any two countries or a group of countries; We are looking at the things that can be caused in terms of our interests. But in the end, we will follow a path that is unique to our interests and the value we bring to our work in the world.
QUESTION: Thank you, Ned. In Bangladesh, millions of people of Bangladesh held demonstrations in different parts of the country and demanded the right to vote, under the transitional government. The ruling Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has warned the opposition if the BNP goes too far in the name of anti-government protests, then the leader of the opposition Khaleda Zia will be sent to jail again as the former prime minister. 77 years old, she lives in her house with limits. enter. And according to reports from the US State Department, her imprisonment was a political ploy to remove her from politics. So, will you demand the immediate release of the Bangladesh opposition leader? And what do you think about that?
PRICE: We have placed, as you know, democracy and human rights at the center of our international relations, at the center of our foreign policy. We regularly raise these issues with governments around the world, including the Government of Bangladesh. We do this all in public, as I have done from this room, many times. We do this in our private practice. And in doing so we propose to strengthen the democratic system and political institutions, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights and civil liberties throughout Bangladesh for all Bangladeshis.
Regarding the political process and the upcoming elections in Bangladesh, we hope for human rights, and finally the people of Bangladesh will be able to choose their own government through free and fair elections. This is our hope; That is what we continue to give. We call on the government of Bangladesh to create a safe environment for the people to gather peacefully and express their concerns, and for the opposition parties to campaign without facing threats and repression.
QUESTION: Yes, regarding the protests in Iran, last weekend at a campaign meeting President Biden said, we will bring – “We will liberate Iran,” the end of the speech. Can you elaborate on what exactly that means, the president said we will bring — we will liberate Iran?
MR PRICE: The White House has addressed this. The president is talking about the idea that we have presented since the beginning of this protest – that is to show our support to the protestors. We have been doing this since the beginning of this peaceful protest. The truth is, Iran – its government is facing problems that are fundamental. This is – these protests are very strong, because they are not based on us. They are not about any foreign actor. They are talking about halal, they are on the truth, they are talking about the pride of the Iranian people.
And the reason why this protest continues is because there is an understanding among the people of Iran that their government is restricting their rights and aspirations. The Iranian government would not like anything for these protests to be about us, so that they can blame America for what they see. But then again, the only thing they can blame is themselves. What we are doing is to continue looking for ways to see the government, and to show our support and show our support to all of Iran who are seeking the rights of the world in peace like theirs to the nations of the world. .
QUESTION: Won’t it add fuel to this fire as far as when you mean Iran is trying to make these protests against the United States when the president says we’re going to — it shows that we’re involved, we say. are we going to free them, are we going to do something?
MR PRICE: – again, there is nothing the Iranian government would like more than for this protest to be about us. We have explained in detail, but more importantly, the Iranian people have made it clear that this is a move that shows their legitimacy and their true aspirations. We are – our role in that is to hold the responsibility for oppression and abuse, and this internet problem, and to show our support to the people of Iran as we do and in similar ways. the world to peace – for people who exercise their freedom in the world.
QUESTION: Follow up only once. He also said that soon the people of Iran will liberate themselves. Is there any indication that there are any constitutional changes or changes that we should expect, or is this a false statement?
MR PRICE: Also, it will be up to the Iranian people to know the nature of this movement. I think what has impressed many people around the world is how this movement has continued in the face of violence. It is persistent in the face of stress. It continues to be in the system of planning to deny the Iranian people access to information and the opportunity to communicate with each other.
The fact that the protests are continuing, also, shows that this is the way the people of Iran express their real needs. Instead of trying to cast blame or blame others, the Iranian government should listen to its people.
QUESTION: Yes, thank you. Quickly, move on to the Palestinians – to the issue of Israel. First of all, are there any calls made between the secretary of foreign affairs and the new prime minister, Mr. Netanyahu?
MR PRICE: He said, you may have seen that President Biden had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Netanyahu today, so of course the President will be the first one to speak with Benjamin Netanyahu to congratulate him, as he did today.
QUESTION: Right, right. Because I know that the Secretary of State spoke to the outgoing prime minister. That’s why I asked.
MR PRICE: Of course, former Prime Minister Lapid was the one with whom the Secretary worked closely as Minister of Foreign Affairs, as Prime Minister, and finally as Prime Minister.
QUESTION: Right. Well, so let me ask you: about the possible makeup of the Government of Israel, I mean, there was talk again about Ben-Gvir, that he could have one of the security ministries responsible for the Palestinians. What is America’s position on this? I mean, I know the common wisdom around town, even from pro-Israel thinkers and others, that this shouldn’t be the case. Do you have a position on such a choice?
MR PRICE: It was said, he started working. It is far too early to speculate on the exact composition of the next government coalition, while we await the implementation of this process. We will continue to watch this carefully, but I would not speculate on any speculation at this stage in the process.
QUESTION: But I mean, is — do I think the United States — is the United States going to be nice or will it be cruel on that kind of choice, considering that he’s known for his racist views and he’s called to kill the Palestinians and others? At one time they were included in the list of terrorists in the United States and others. So, you have no position on such a choice?
MR PRICE: As you hear from me almost every day, I have no position on speculation.
MR PRICE: I would not speculate. But what we have also done is that our strong partnership with Israel is based on mutual interests and values, and these values are used to become a strong bond between our two countries over 60 years ago now. . It is a commitment to the values of open democratic societies, tolerance, respect for civil society including minorities, and our – ultimately, our identities as two democracies.
QUESTION: I understand, and that stands. But I remember a case where the United States did not speak to an Israeli minister, Ariel Sharon, for 18 years because of his involvement in the Sabra and Shatila massacres, for example. Can we see something like that, that you will deal with the government – you have found a way to deal with the government – and you will not deal directly with Mr. Gvir?
MR PRICE: Of course, he said, we will have a strong relationship with Israel. The president made a good call with incoming Prime Minister Netanyahu, but I wouldn’t speculate on speculation from the start of the process.
QUESTION: So, if an asteroid is going to fall on Earth, is it good or bad? (Laugh).
MR PRICE: That seems to give some –
QUESTION: Well, I don’t know. I mean, it’s a guess, right?
QUESTION: Don’t have a position? So, can it actually be good?
QUESTION: Really fast track. I know that the Secretary talked to the Palestinian President – Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Behavior only goes to hell in a handbasket, as they say. So, what – what’s your value? What are you trying to do to actually reduce this bad behavior of Israel in the West Bank?
MR PRICE: We have been talking for several weeks now about the concern about the escalation of violence in the West Bank. We reiterate the need for all parties to do everything they can to prevent terrorism. In recent days, as you know, Said, there has been a significant and alarming increase in Palestinian and Israeli deaths and injuries, including many children.
We continue to emphasize – and this is the core of our policy – that Israelis and Palestinians deserve equal access to security, stability, justice, dignity, and democracy. Essentially, we have been delivering these messages. We have done this in public, but we have also been doing this in secret. And our message is, for the Palestinians and the Israelis, it is very important for the parties themselves to take immediate action to prevent the loss of many lives. This is something that we have been working on carefully behind the scenes since before the recent violence, but it is something that we have continued to do in relation to the escalation of this violence.
QUESTION: Do you have any information or comments on the killing of an American in Baghdad and the attempt to kidnap him?
MR PRICE: We discussed this at the beginning of the statement. We are aware of the reports. There is a process we will need to complete before we can confirm anything publicly. We are investigating these reports, gathering information, but I have nothing more to offer at this time.
QUESTION: On Syria, is there anything you can share about the visit of the American delegation to al-Hol camp last weekend? Have they given more support to local governments there?
MR PRICE: So, I can confirm, as you can see, that a delegation of US public relations officials, including officials from the US State Department, visited al-Hol to discuss aid. return refugees and security needs in northeastern Syria with local authorities and partners on the ground. We continue to encourage all countries with citizens in northeastern Syria to work with us to find a lasting solution. We believe that it is very important that the countries of origin bring back their citizens from – bring back their citizens from, and provide assistance to northeastern Syria to prevent the re-emergence of ISIS.
When it comes to our goals, be clear. We believe that returning home is the only sustainable solution to the humanitarian and security situation in the refugee camps – the camps in northeastern Syria. And we continue to work with our counterparts around the world to help them implement this response to reduce this worsening crisis.
QUESTION: Then another one in the area. At COP27, will the US delegation meet with any activists who are protesting abroad? And will human rights be discussed with their counterparts in Egypt?
MR PRICE: So human rights are always part of the conversation in every relationship we have in the world. When we interacted with our Egyptian colleagues in the past, it was always on the agenda. We have pointed out to the Egyptians that improving human rights only helps to strengthen the foundation of the relationship between the two countries. I have no doubt that human rights will also come up in the discussions leading up to the COP between senior US and Egyptian officials, and while the US delegation is on the ground in Egypt.
QUESTION: Can we stand on human rights for a second?
QUESTION: So, as you know, the Secretary and the President will be going to Cambodia this weekend. In August when he was there, the Secretary raised with Prime Minister Hun Sen, about this imprisoned American human rights activist, Theary Seng. At that time, he and you both said to free her, as was done to others who were detained unjustly. Is there a determination that she made – that she was wrongfully detained in Cambodia and was only taken from the embassy to the SPEHA office, or not? And if not, why not?
MR PRICE: So, I don’t know that there was any change in the classification of her case. You are correct that the Secretary raised Theary Seng with Hun Sen in Cambodia in August. We regularly prosecute the cases of detained Americans. When an American citizen is arrested anywhere, we closely monitor the situation and provide all necessary consular assistance. That is what we are doing in this case. We are giving Theary Seng and her family all the necessary help we can. We are aware that she has started a hunger strike. We spoke to her and her representatives. We, in turn, offer all the necessary services.
When it comes to how we distribute every incarcerated person, in the world – every incarcerated American in the world, it’s a never-ending process. We never make a final decision that someone is not being held unjustly. We always look at the information available to us to paint a complete picture of the total legal situation. Whether or not a person is deemed to have been detained unjustly, we still have an obligation to provide all necessary consular assistance to the person and their family.
QUESTION: Right. But the thing to note is that you and Sakatariya, Samantha Power and Uzra Zeya, all pointed out to her that she was detained unjustly in the past and you do not add – are you saying that there is a difference between detention that was done unjustly and unjustly ?
MR PRICE: If the question you’re asking is about the legal process of classifying someone as wrongfully detained, the process set out in the Levinson Act and the policy –
QUESTION: Yes. I think the argument is that the incarceration meets the criteria in the Levinson Act, and if not, why? And, again, if not, why would you say that she was brutally detained in the past and not now?
PRICE: There is no attempt to change our language on this matter. We always watch –
QUESTION: Well, you can say that she is here – today, you can say that we are calling on the Cambodian authorities to release her, that she is being detained illegally?
MR PRICE: We have had a lot of contact, including at high levels, with the Cambodian authorities. That is why Secretary Blinken raised it with Hun Sen when we were in Phnom Penh, in August. But we always look at the totality of the circumstances of each particular case. But whether a person is detained unjustly or simply detained, we provide every service necessary for that person and their family.
QUESTION: Well, you can’t say today that you think she was detained unjustly?
MR PRICE: I am not in a position to say that.
QUESTION: Well. Why – can you say why, if you said it before?
MR PRICE: I – there is no attempt to change –
QUESTION: Well, obviously there is, because you used this language before and now you hate it. So obviously an effort was made to change it, and I wonder why.
QUESTION: I don’t know, maybe –
PRICE: To the best of my knowledge, there has been no change in her legal status.
QUESTION: Well, then, why would you drop that word, that accent, from the – from the line that you’re –
PRICE: I have to go back and check exactly what you mean, but to the best of my knowledge, there’s been no change in her case.
QUESTION: Finally, do you expect either the Secretary to present this or — I know you can’t speak for the president, but do you expect American officials to present it during the meetings in Phnom Penh?
MR PRICE: I’m not going to speak for the White House, but this is an issue that we’ve been raising regularly at the highest levels, and that will continue.
Let me take one last question, so yes.
QUESTION: Last week, NSC spokesman John Kirby said that North Korea is trying to send missiles to Russia. And last Friday it was reported that the plane was crossing from North Korea to Russia. Did you see any signs that the plane could be secretly transporting goods from North Korea to Russia?
MR PRICE: I’m not in a position to speak in detail about our – any information that we have in relation to this shipment. What – we are aware of reports of continued rail traffic between Russia and the DPRK. We continue to monitor this matter closely. What is true is that many resolutions of the UN Security Council prohibit the member states of the UN from buying from the DPRK any weapons and the like. The UN Security Council imposed this ban a decade ago in response to the DPRK’s illegal WMD and missile program.
So, it’s an effort – it’s a program that we continue to watch closely. We stated last week that the DPRK is seeking to provide the necessary security assistance to Russia, where it has tried to hide these goods by transporting them through third countries. But I am not in a position to speak to this particular train.
QUESTION: Ned, before you go –
QUESTION: Can I show – this is what you said on June 15 in a statement, in writing – and I want to remove it so that I can get it right and say one hundred percent. June 15, 2022, in your name: “We call on the Cambodian authorities to release all those illegally detained, including Theary Seng, and to protect the freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, in accordance with Cambodia’s constitution and international obligations and commitments.”
So, I don’t see how you can say that there was no concerted effort to change this resolution. Because you wouldn’t say that today, and yet you didn’t have a problem – you and the Secretary and the others I mentioned – in June. Same to you –
MR PRICE: We’ll see if we can get more details.
(The information was completed at 3:14 p.m.)
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