English subtitles for clip: File:President Obama, President Funes Meet in San Salvador.webm
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1 00:00:02,433 --> 00:00:05,103 Announcer: Buenas tardes amigos de los medios de comunicaciĂłn. 2 00:00:05,100 --> 00:00:07,570 (as translated) -- the media. 3 00:00:07,567 --> 00:00:14,237 Before the Q&A, we will listen to a statement from President 4 00:00:14,233 --> 00:00:17,703 Mauricio Funes as well as from President Barack Obama. 5 00:00:34,000 --> 00:00:35,670 President Funes: (as translated) Good afternoon and thank you 6 00:00:35,667 --> 00:00:40,667 so much for your presence. 7 00:00:40,667 --> 00:00:44,237 Thank you to all the friends of the press, 8 00:00:44,233 --> 00:00:47,363 both domestic and international. 9 00:00:47,367 --> 00:00:51,567 First of all, I would like to thank President Obama for his 10 00:00:51,567 --> 00:00:57,497 visit, and also to his family and his delegation that 11 00:00:57,500 --> 00:01:00,170 accompanied this morning. 12 00:01:00,166 --> 00:01:02,996 And on behalf of my wife, Vanda, and all the people 13 00:01:03,000 --> 00:01:06,070 of El Salvador, I really thank you, Mr. President, 14 00:01:06,066 --> 00:01:09,896 for the support that you have given to the people 15 00:01:09,900 --> 00:01:12,700 of El Salvador and to the process of transition and 16 00:01:12,700 --> 00:01:15,570 building of democracy that we're going through. 17 00:01:15,567 --> 00:01:19,637 It is a great honor to have your presence in El Salvador. 18 00:01:19,633 --> 00:01:21,803 So welcome, once again, Mr. President, 19 00:01:21,800 --> 00:01:26,100 and I hope that you enjoy, the few hours that you're going to 20 00:01:26,100 --> 00:01:29,030 be here, the hospitality of our people. 21 00:01:29,033 --> 00:01:33,663 President Obama asked me if this is the weather characteristic of 22 00:01:33,667 --> 00:01:36,467 this time of the year, and I was saying that, yes, 23 00:01:36,467 --> 00:01:39,237 and that it is a pity because if he had stayed a little bit 24 00:01:39,233 --> 00:01:43,663 longer we could have invited you to get to see the beaches of our 25 00:01:43,667 --> 00:01:47,537 country that are one of the best in the region. 26 00:01:47,533 --> 00:01:51,963 Dear friends of the press, this visit of President 27 00:01:51,967 --> 00:01:55,237 Obama is historical. 28 00:01:55,233 --> 00:02:01,663 This encounter is produced when our country is immersed in a 29 00:02:01,667 --> 00:02:05,197 process of deep changes that started with the political -- a 30 00:02:05,200 --> 00:02:11,630 transition that took place in a very orderly and peaceful manner 31 00:02:11,633 --> 00:02:16,363 that has meant a transcendental step forward for the 32 00:02:16,367 --> 00:02:20,767 consolidation of our democracy and of our institutions in the 33 00:02:20,767 --> 00:02:23,067 fight for transparency. 34 00:02:23,066 --> 00:02:26,466 Therefore, we are in the face of a great opportunity for our 35 00:02:26,467 --> 00:02:29,097 political, economic and social development, 36 00:02:29,100 --> 00:02:31,800 an opportunity that is historic in nature, 37 00:02:31,800 --> 00:02:36,100 to do away with the obstacles that in the past did not allow 38 00:02:36,100 --> 00:02:41,070 us to advance as a unit towards a new model of development with 39 00:02:41,066 --> 00:02:42,596 social justice. 40 00:02:42,600 --> 00:02:46,030 Your visit, Mr. President, is circumscribed within this 41 00:02:46,033 --> 00:02:50,963 process as showmanship of your recognition of the advancements 42 00:02:50,967 --> 00:02:53,867 in our democracy and the effort that we have carried out as a 43 00:02:53,867 --> 00:02:57,137 people to reach international consensus that will allow us to 44 00:02:57,133 --> 00:03:01,163 continue progressing together facing the great challenges, 45 00:03:01,166 --> 00:03:06,836 especially poverty and the commitment to get greater 46 00:03:06,834 --> 00:03:09,404 levels of citizen security. 47 00:03:09,400 --> 00:03:12,370 We coincided when we were talking with President Obama 48 00:03:12,367 --> 00:03:15,797 that this visit to the Latin America region is fundamental, 49 00:03:15,800 --> 00:03:21,300 and he was telling me some details of his 50 00:03:21,300 --> 00:03:27,000 meeting with President Dilma Rousseff of Brazil and the 51 00:03:27,000 --> 00:03:28,570 President of Chile. 52 00:03:28,567 --> 00:03:33,267 The truth, Mr. President, is that this is a fundamental 53 00:03:33,266 --> 00:03:36,496 visit, first of all because Latin America, 54 00:03:36,500 --> 00:03:39,800 after the democratization process that we've gone through 55 00:03:39,800 --> 00:03:44,000 the last two decades, is now a region in peace that enjoys the 56 00:03:44,000 --> 00:03:48,300 desserts, fruits of this great struggle for human rights and 57 00:03:48,300 --> 00:03:51,630 the strengthening of our democracies. 58 00:03:51,633 --> 00:03:56,803 But also it is fundamental from the economic point of 59 00:03:56,800 --> 00:04:00,430 view because the majority of the Latin America countries are just 60 00:04:00,433 --> 00:04:04,033 overcoming this international crisis better than other 61 00:04:04,033 --> 00:04:08,503 countries in the world based on models against poverty and 62 00:04:08,500 --> 00:04:13,530 betting on their productive sectors and the hardworking 63 00:04:13,533 --> 00:04:14,933 people that they have. 64 00:04:14,934 --> 00:04:19,434 We celebrate these circumstances that situate Latin America as a 65 00:04:19,433 --> 00:04:23,603 fundamental point within the international reference after 66 00:04:23,600 --> 00:04:25,400 this international crisis. 67 00:04:25,400 --> 00:04:29,500 And I think that the criteria with which you have based your 68 00:04:29,500 --> 00:04:34,700 visit to Latin America is as support to the path that my 69 00:04:34,700 --> 00:04:37,930 country has taken -- to take Brazil and the United 70 00:04:37,934 --> 00:04:40,234 States as my points of reference. 71 00:04:40,233 --> 00:04:43,833 First because Chile represents for us an example of democratic 72 00:04:43,834 --> 00:04:46,904 transition that was very successful of overcoming 73 00:04:46,900 --> 00:04:48,870 dictatorships and polarization. 74 00:04:48,867 --> 00:04:51,637 It is a country that has been able to cure 75 00:04:51,633 --> 00:04:56,903 its injuries to reach this institutional soundness that 76 00:04:56,900 --> 00:04:58,100 we admire so much. 77 00:04:58,100 --> 00:05:03,370 And Brazil has also shown in the eight years of the presidency of 78 00:05:03,367 --> 00:05:07,737 my friend, Lula, and now with the starting of the presidency 79 00:05:07,734 --> 00:05:10,234 of Dilma, Brazil has demonstrated that the struggle 80 00:05:10,233 --> 00:05:13,733 against poverty is the greatest engine for growth, 81 00:05:13,734 --> 00:05:21,304 and that this model that strives to improve production is also 82 00:05:21,300 --> 00:05:22,400 our inspiration. 83 00:05:22,400 --> 00:05:26,800 So we celebrate being part of this visit, of this tour, 84 00:05:26,800 --> 00:05:34,330 and to be able to go more in depth in this friendship that 85 00:05:34,333 --> 00:05:36,903 we started on March 8th last year when I visited 86 00:05:36,900 --> 00:05:38,070 you in Washington. 87 00:05:38,066 --> 00:05:41,366 And allow me briefly before I give the floor to President 88 00:05:41,367 --> 00:05:46,567 Obama to synthesize from my perspective some of the topics 89 00:05:46,567 --> 00:05:49,997 that we developed in this bilateral agenda. 90 00:05:50,000 --> 00:05:51,970 First of all, as I said in private, 91 00:05:51,967 --> 00:05:55,467 now I say it in public in front of the friends of the President, 92 00:05:55,467 --> 00:05:58,797 I want to thank publicly the President of the United States 93 00:05:58,800 --> 00:06:03,270 for including our country in such important initiatives like 94 00:06:03,266 --> 00:06:07,136 the Bridge Project and the Partnership for Growth. 95 00:06:07,133 --> 00:06:10,833 Both are very important processes for us. 96 00:06:10,834 --> 00:06:15,464 And in this sense, we have requested the President to 97 00:06:15,467 --> 00:06:18,697 dynamize this process so that these projects can become a 98 00:06:18,700 --> 00:06:20,270 reality as soon as possible. 99 00:06:20,266 --> 00:06:24,866 We already have a schedule that foresees the definition of great 100 00:06:24,867 --> 00:06:28,637 projects in June, with which we will start this partnership. 101 00:06:28,633 --> 00:06:31,203 I also want to thank the words of President Obama when he 102 00:06:31,200 --> 00:06:36,330 recognizes the importance of our population in the development of 103 00:06:36,333 --> 00:06:37,203 his country. 104 00:06:37,200 --> 00:06:41,900 The presence of more than 2 million of Salvadorans that work 105 00:06:41,900 --> 00:06:44,400 and live in the United States, and the importance that this 106 00:06:44,400 --> 00:06:47,400 population has in the development of El Salvador 107 00:06:47,400 --> 00:06:52,570 through the remittances that they send year by year. 108 00:06:52,567 --> 00:06:57,097 Of course, migration was another key issue in our conversation. 109 00:06:57,100 --> 00:07:00,630 We coincided once again with President Obama on the need to 110 00:07:00,633 --> 00:07:04,463 have focus for development and joint responsibility 111 00:07:04,467 --> 00:07:05,367 in this sense. 112 00:07:05,367 --> 00:07:07,967 We also coincided that with regards to migration, 113 00:07:07,967 --> 00:07:11,067 the best strategy is the struggle against poverty 114 00:07:11,066 --> 00:07:15,796 and the creation of opportunities to have 115 00:07:15,800 --> 00:07:18,770 our people stay in their places of origin. 116 00:07:18,767 --> 00:07:22,537 Migration is a painful expression of a world 117 00:07:22,533 --> 00:07:25,763 that has not been able to establish accessible parameters 118 00:07:25,767 --> 00:07:27,597 of justice and inclusion. 119 00:07:27,600 --> 00:07:31,430 I have expressed to President Obama my pleasure when I heard 120 00:07:31,433 --> 00:07:38,703 in his speech at the Union State the commitment of pushing an 121 00:07:38,700 --> 00:07:43,730 agreement of both parties, bipartisan agreement for 122 00:07:43,734 --> 00:07:49,264 comprehensive immigration reform and present it to the Congress 123 00:07:49,266 --> 00:07:50,196 of the United States. 124 00:07:50,200 --> 00:07:55,900 And finally, we also talked about security, 125 00:07:55,900 --> 00:08:00,970 and we did so in an extended meeting with the presence of 126 00:08:00,967 --> 00:08:03,397 officials of the Cabinet of President Obama, 127 00:08:03,400 --> 00:08:06,100 as well as ours. 128 00:08:06,100 --> 00:08:10,130 This has been a key issue in this meeting and I have 129 00:08:10,133 --> 00:08:16,703 expressed to President Obama the willingness of my government to 130 00:08:16,700 --> 00:08:24,230 continue with the efforts of Central American security. 131 00:08:24,233 --> 00:08:28,633 We said that narco activity, as such a security, 132 00:08:28,633 --> 00:08:31,363 is not an issue that is only a problem for El Salvador and 133 00:08:31,367 --> 00:08:36,497 Nicaragua, isolatedly, not even Colombia or Mexico alone. 134 00:08:36,500 --> 00:08:38,900 It's a problem that attacks us as a region. 135 00:08:38,900 --> 00:08:42,530 And this is why we are building a regional strategy through the 136 00:08:42,533 --> 00:08:44,303 CARSI Initiative. 137 00:08:44,300 --> 00:08:48,200 Of course I also insisted that this is an issue that should not 138 00:08:48,200 --> 00:08:54,030 only be approached through the persecution of the crime by our 139 00:08:54,033 --> 00:08:57,233 armies and police, but that we have to stress 140 00:08:57,233 --> 00:08:58,763 prevention policies. 141 00:08:58,767 --> 00:09:04,497 And therefore, the best weapon to combat and reduce crime in 142 00:09:04,500 --> 00:09:10,500 the region is through the investment in social policies. 143 00:09:10,500 --> 00:09:13,600 And finally, I thanked President Obama, 144 00:09:13,600 --> 00:09:18,770 as I do it right now in public, for his decision to visit the 145 00:09:18,767 --> 00:09:24,837 tomb of Monsignor Romero and the kindness of his invitation to 146 00:09:24,834 --> 00:09:27,134 accompany him in this historical visit. 147 00:09:27,133 --> 00:09:31,533 As I have said, Monsignor is the spiritual guide of this nation, 148 00:09:31,533 --> 00:09:36,003 and the visit that you are going to carry out to the tomb of 149 00:09:36,000 --> 00:09:44,500 Monsignor implies for us a recognition of a leader, 150 00:09:44,500 --> 00:09:47,370 an international leader like President Obama, 151 00:09:47,367 --> 00:09:54,567 to the message of Oscar Romero and the universal validity of 152 00:09:54,567 --> 00:09:55,337 his message. 153 00:09:55,333 --> 00:09:58,003 Thank you once again for your stay in our country, 154 00:09:58,000 --> 00:10:03,930 and we thank you for the expression of kindness by 155 00:10:03,934 --> 00:10:08,104 your wife and your children in this visit to El Salvador. 156 00:10:08,100 --> 00:10:12,900 Thank you very much, Mr. President. 157 00:10:12,900 --> 00:10:15,270 President Obama: President Funes, thank you so much for your 158 00:10:15,266 --> 00:10:16,996 very generous words. 159 00:10:17,000 --> 00:10:21,830 It was a pleasure to welcome you and First Lady Pignato to 160 00:10:21,834 --> 00:10:23,664 the White House last year. 161 00:10:23,667 --> 00:10:27,637 I want to thank you today for welcoming me and my wife and 162 00:10:27,633 --> 00:10:30,503 our daughters to El Salvador. 163 00:10:30,500 --> 00:10:33,330 We are honored to be here. 164 00:10:33,333 --> 00:10:37,633 Yesterday in Santiago, Chile, I outlined how the United States 165 00:10:37,633 --> 00:10:41,463 is forging partnerships for progress with nations and 166 00:10:41,467 --> 00:10:43,967 peoples across Latin America. 167 00:10:43,967 --> 00:10:46,197 And there are few better examples of both the 168 00:10:46,200 --> 00:10:50,230 opportunities and challenges facing the Americas today than 169 00:10:50,233 --> 00:10:52,663 here in El Salvador. 170 00:10:52,667 --> 00:10:56,797 Fortunately for El Salvador, it enjoys the wise leadership 171 00:10:56,800 --> 00:10:58,670 of President Funes. 172 00:10:58,667 --> 00:11:02,297 Mr. President, I want to commend you for your courageous work to 173 00:11:02,300 --> 00:11:06,430 overcome old divisions in Salvadoran society and to 174 00:11:06,433 --> 00:11:09,463 show that progress comes through pragmatism and 175 00:11:09,467 --> 00:11:11,697 building consensus. 176 00:11:11,700 --> 00:11:15,100 You've articulated a vision of economic growth and social 177 00:11:15,100 --> 00:11:16,870 progress that is inclusive of all 178 00:11:16,867 --> 00:11:19,267 segments of Salvadoran society. 179 00:11:19,266 --> 00:11:21,466 And I want to make it clear today that the United States 180 00:11:21,467 --> 00:11:25,667 wants to be a partner with El Salvador in this process. 181 00:11:25,667 --> 00:11:29,467 We want El Salvador to be successful. 182 00:11:29,467 --> 00:11:32,137 Thanks to smart investments in education, 183 00:11:32,133 --> 00:11:34,733 rural development and infrastructure, 184 00:11:34,734 --> 00:11:38,064 El Salvador has made gains in reducing poverty. 185 00:11:38,066 --> 00:11:42,436 And to build on this progress, El Salvador is one of the first 186 00:11:42,433 --> 00:11:47,833 four countries in the world in our Partnership for Growth, 187 00:11:47,834 --> 00:11:49,604 which is a key element of my administration's 188 00:11:49,600 --> 00:11:52,230 new approach to development. 189 00:11:52,233 --> 00:11:55,963 Instead of the old donor-recipient model, 190 00:11:55,967 --> 00:11:59,797 we're working as partners, with El Salvador in the lead, 191 00:11:59,800 --> 00:12:03,400 to confront the hurdles to growth and development. 192 00:12:03,400 --> 00:12:05,270 As El Salvador's largest trading partner, 193 00:12:05,266 --> 00:12:09,436 we'll help identify reforms that can mobilize private investment, 194 00:12:09,433 --> 00:12:12,103 increase trade and create opportunities 195 00:12:12,100 --> 00:12:14,230 for the Salvadoran people. 196 00:12:14,233 --> 00:12:16,103 And one of the most important steps is to 197 00:12:16,100 --> 00:12:18,800 foster collaborations between government and the private 198 00:12:18,800 --> 00:12:22,330 sector, because both have so much to gain when people are 199 00:12:22,333 --> 00:12:25,033 lifted out of poverty and contribute to their 200 00:12:25,033 --> 00:12:27,433 country's prosperity. 201 00:12:27,433 --> 00:12:29,833 At the same time, we need to increase trade and economic 202 00:12:29,834 --> 00:12:32,134 growth across Central America. 203 00:12:32,133 --> 00:12:34,333 I very much appreciated the President's insights 204 00:12:34,333 --> 00:12:36,203 on the region. 205 00:12:36,200 --> 00:12:38,330 Today I'm pleased to announce a new effort 206 00:12:38,333 --> 00:12:40,403 -- our Crossroads Partnership. 207 00:12:40,400 --> 00:12:42,900 We'll work with countries in the region to make borders more 208 00:12:42,900 --> 00:12:45,830 efficient and more secure so we're encouraging trade and 209 00:12:45,834 --> 00:12:49,934 economic growth rather than constraining it. 210 00:12:49,934 --> 00:12:53,634 As President Funes mentioned, we discussed immigration. 211 00:12:53,633 --> 00:12:56,633 President Funes is committed to creating more economic 212 00:12:56,633 --> 00:12:59,503 opportunities here in El Salvador so that people 213 00:12:59,500 --> 00:13:02,400 don't feel like they have to head north to provide 214 00:13:02,400 --> 00:13:04,370 for their families. 215 00:13:04,367 --> 00:13:07,137 As I told the President, I remain firmly committed to 216 00:13:07,133 --> 00:13:11,103 comprehensive immigration reform in the United States. 217 00:13:11,100 --> 00:13:14,000 I know this is especially important to the some 2 million 218 00:13:14,000 --> 00:13:17,770 Salvadoran people who are living and working in the 219 00:13:17,767 --> 00:13:19,467 United States. 220 00:13:19,467 --> 00:13:22,267 They're making extraordinary contributions to our country, 221 00:13:22,266 --> 00:13:24,866 even as they support their families and communities 222 00:13:24,867 --> 00:13:26,667 here in El Salvador. 223 00:13:26,667 --> 00:13:29,897 So I updated the President on the new consumer protections 224 00:13:29,900 --> 00:13:33,170 that I signed into law, which give people more information 225 00:13:33,166 --> 00:13:36,766 and make sure their remittances actually reach their loved ones 226 00:13:36,767 --> 00:13:38,937 back home. 227 00:13:38,934 --> 00:13:41,704 Today, we're also launching a new effort to confront the 228 00:13:41,700 --> 00:13:45,000 narco-traffickers and gangs that have caused so much violence in 229 00:13:45,000 --> 00:13:47,770 all of our countries, and especially here 230 00:13:47,767 --> 00:13:49,767 in Central America. 231 00:13:49,767 --> 00:13:52,997 Our two nations already cooperate very closely in the 232 00:13:53,000 --> 00:13:55,070 fight against these criminals. 233 00:13:55,066 --> 00:13:57,236 As I said in my speech yesterday, 234 00:13:57,233 --> 00:14:00,903 the United States will do our part as the nations of Central 235 00:14:00,900 --> 00:14:05,930 America develop a new joint security strategy this spring. 236 00:14:05,934 --> 00:14:08,734 Under the Central American Citizen Security Partnership 237 00:14:08,734 --> 00:14:12,504 that I'm announcing today, we'll focus $200 million to support 238 00:14:12,500 --> 00:14:15,430 efforts here in the region, including addressing, 239 00:14:15,433 --> 00:14:19,233 as President Funes indicated, the social and economic forces 240 00:14:19,233 --> 00:14:22,733 that drive young people towards criminality. 241 00:14:22,734 --> 00:14:26,304 We'll help strengthen courts, civil society groups and 242 00:14:26,300 --> 00:14:29,170 institutions that uphold the rule of law. 243 00:14:29,166 --> 00:14:32,496 And we'll work closely with regional partners like Mexico, 244 00:14:32,500 --> 00:14:37,300 Colombia, Chile, Canada, and international partners like 245 00:14:37,300 --> 00:14:40,730 Spain, the European Union and the Inter-American 246 00:14:40,734 --> 00:14:42,104 Development Bank. 247 00:14:42,100 --> 00:14:45,030 This has to be a coordinated effort that draws on the unique 248 00:14:45,033 --> 00:14:48,063 expertise of different countries and institutions. 249 00:14:48,066 --> 00:14:51,366 Finally, we're deepening our efforts to pursue sustainable 250 00:14:51,367 --> 00:14:53,867 energy and to address climate change, 251 00:14:53,867 --> 00:14:57,237 which is already a harsh reality for Salvadorans and people 252 00:14:57,233 --> 00:15:02,063 across the region who face more frequent and more severe storms. 253 00:15:02,066 --> 00:15:06,336 El Salvador is already a leader in geothermal energy. 254 00:15:06,333 --> 00:15:09,303 Under the Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas, 255 00:15:09,300 --> 00:15:12,430 El Salvador is working to connect grids in this region 256 00:15:12,433 --> 00:15:15,003 to make electricity more reliable. 257 00:15:15,000 --> 00:15:17,970 I want to commend President Funes for taking another step 258 00:15:17,967 --> 00:15:21,167 today -- agreeing to host a regional center where the 259 00:15:21,166 --> 00:15:24,196 nations of this region can come together to find new ways to 260 00:15:24,200 --> 00:15:27,500 reduce emissions and prevent deforestation. 261 00:15:27,500 --> 00:15:30,870 So, again, Mr. President, I want to thank you for welcoming me 262 00:15:30,867 --> 00:15:33,667 here today and for your commitment to closer ties 263 00:15:33,667 --> 00:15:35,167 between our nations. 264 00:15:35,166 --> 00:15:37,496 I think the partnership that we're forging together are 265 00:15:37,500 --> 00:15:41,570 exactly what's needed in the Americas today -- neighbors 266 00:15:41,567 --> 00:15:44,897 joining with neighbors to realize progress that none 267 00:15:44,900 --> 00:15:47,270 of us can achieve alone. 268 00:15:47,266 --> 00:15:51,166 Every nation, I believe, no matter how large or how small, 269 00:15:51,166 --> 00:15:53,896 can contribute to that progress. 270 00:15:53,900 --> 00:15:56,630 And I believe that under the leadership of President Funes, 271 00:15:56,633 --> 00:15:59,863 El Salvador can be a source of great prosperity and security 272 00:15:59,867 --> 00:16:02,297 for this region for many years to come. 273 00:16:02,300 --> 00:16:07,870 Thank you very much. 274 00:16:07,867 --> 00:16:10,097 Announcer: (as translated) Now, we will start with the 275 00:16:10,100 --> 00:16:11,200 question and answers. 276 00:16:11,200 --> 00:16:17,500 We have two questions by the press of El Salvador and two 277 00:16:17,500 --> 00:16:21,870 questions by the press of the United States. 278 00:16:21,867 --> 00:16:23,767 El Salvador, Oscar Diaz. 279 00:16:23,767 --> 00:16:27,467 A journalist of the press (inaudible). 280 00:16:27,467 --> 00:16:28,637 The Press: (as translated) Good afternoon. 281 00:16:28,633 --> 00:16:31,963 President Obama, I would like to ask you if you could explain a 282 00:16:31,967 --> 00:16:35,697 little bit more how you are going to distribute this $200 283 00:16:35,700 --> 00:16:38,800 million throughout the region with regards to security. 284 00:16:38,800 --> 00:16:42,630 And we would like to know the opinion of President Funes on 285 00:16:42,633 --> 00:16:44,233 the commitment of El Salvador and Central 286 00:16:44,233 --> 00:16:47,833 America in this effort. 287 00:16:47,834 --> 00:16:57,064 President Obama: The emphasis is to work with a regional approach and the 288 00:16:57,066 --> 00:17:00,066 various Central American countries have come together 289 00:17:00,066 --> 00:17:04,336 to help shape and design how that money might be best spent. 290 00:17:04,333 --> 00:17:07,103 So rather than the United States coming in and saying, 291 00:17:07,100 --> 00:17:09,000 here's the best way to do things, 292 00:17:09,000 --> 00:17:11,970 what we want to do is to hear what are the respective 293 00:17:11,967 --> 00:17:14,937 challenges that each country is facing. 294 00:17:14,934 --> 00:17:18,404 The regional security initiatives that are already 295 00:17:18,400 --> 00:17:20,700 taken place, we can build on. 296 00:17:20,700 --> 00:17:25,570 We obviously need to focus on basic policing, security, 297 00:17:25,567 --> 00:17:29,467 rule of law, the judicial system -- that's a component of it. 298 00:17:29,467 --> 00:17:32,437 But as President Funes indicated, 299 00:17:32,433 --> 00:17:34,563 part of the key is making sure that we're also using this to 300 00:17:34,567 --> 00:17:38,737 reach young people and give them the better path. 301 00:17:38,734 --> 00:17:44,534 I thought President Funes gave a very eloquent response to one of 302 00:17:44,533 --> 00:17:47,233 my questions during our bilateral meeting. 303 00:17:47,233 --> 00:17:51,503 He said, I don't want a young man in El Salvador or a young 304 00:17:51,500 --> 00:17:55,400 woman in El Salvador to feel that the only two paths to 305 00:17:55,400 --> 00:18:01,500 moving up the income ladder is either to travel north or to 306 00:18:01,500 --> 00:18:03,830 join a criminal enterprise. 307 00:18:03,834 --> 00:18:09,664 And that's why emphasis on education and emphasizing social 308 00:18:09,667 --> 00:18:14,567 programs, giving young people other pathways has to be part 309 00:18:14,567 --> 00:18:16,167 of this overall program. 310 00:18:16,166 --> 00:18:18,296 But we're in close consultation. 311 00:18:18,300 --> 00:18:22,500 This is a program that will be designed and led here in 312 00:18:22,500 --> 00:18:25,830 Central America by the respective governments. 313 00:18:25,834 --> 00:18:30,434 And I'm confident that President Funes will show great leadership 314 00:18:30,433 --> 00:18:33,533 in making sure that that money is appropriately used here in 315 00:18:33,533 --> 00:18:40,403 El Salvador. 316 00:18:40,400 --> 00:18:41,270 President Funes: (as translated) Thank you very much, 317 00:18:41,266 --> 00:18:46,696 President Obama, for your comments, especially for your 318 00:18:46,700 --> 00:18:53,130 expectations of this new contribution for the Central 319 00:18:53,133 --> 00:19:00,833 American region that President Obama is announcing today. 320 00:19:00,834 --> 00:19:05,334 When we started with the CARSI Initiative, 321 00:19:05,333 --> 00:19:11,633 this initiative aimed at responding to a concern that we 322 00:19:11,633 --> 00:19:17,863 had as Presidents of the region, which is that organized crime, 323 00:19:17,867 --> 00:19:22,597 particularly as common crime and crime in general, 324 00:19:22,600 --> 00:19:26,200 is not a problem only of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, 325 00:19:26,200 --> 00:19:27,370 or Colombia or Mexico. 326 00:19:27,367 --> 00:19:31,037 It's a problem that we can only face as a region. 327 00:19:31,033 --> 00:19:36,433 The capacity of operating of these criminal organizations, 328 00:19:36,433 --> 00:19:40,903 the financial capacity to buy institutions to permeate the 329 00:19:40,900 --> 00:19:43,770 different institutions and penetrate our institutions 330 00:19:43,767 --> 00:19:48,567 is so large that if we do not join as countries, as nations, 331 00:19:48,567 --> 00:19:54,267 and if we do not use the successful experiences 332 00:19:54,266 --> 00:19:56,296 of countries like Colombia and Mexico, 333 00:19:56,300 --> 00:19:58,270 we will not be able to defeat this problem. 334 00:19:58,266 --> 00:20:00,936 This is why I have been assisting in international 335 00:20:00,934 --> 00:20:07,804 fora and with Central American integration meeting in June last 336 00:20:07,800 --> 00:20:11,600 year, where we said that besides trade, 337 00:20:11,600 --> 00:20:14,500 we need to have a regional security policy. 338 00:20:14,500 --> 00:20:19,000 We have submitted our request to the authorities and the 339 00:20:19,000 --> 00:20:21,670 government of the United States to have greater cooperation 340 00:20:21,667 --> 00:20:25,997 funds earmarked to perfecting our police, 341 00:20:26,000 --> 00:20:29,470 modernize our military institutions, 342 00:20:29,467 --> 00:20:33,697 and to also perfect and modernize our public ministries, 343 00:20:33,700 --> 00:20:38,270 especially in the development of a greater capacity to 344 00:20:38,266 --> 00:20:43,996 investigate crimes -- specific crimes like financial crimes. 345 00:20:44,000 --> 00:20:47,470 We are projecting a training program with the assistance 346 00:20:47,467 --> 00:20:53,667 of the United States for 150 prosecutors to specialize the 347 00:20:53,667 --> 00:21:00,297 investigation of complex crimes like organized crime. 348 00:21:00,300 --> 00:21:03,570 And something that is very important and I'm pleased to 349 00:21:03,567 --> 00:21:06,437 hear that President Obama agrees with us, 350 00:21:06,433 --> 00:21:09,563 that the efforts that we make in repression and persecution 351 00:21:09,567 --> 00:21:13,167 of criminals is not going to do anything unless we take away 352 00:21:13,166 --> 00:21:16,636 from the criminals the fertile soil that they have found in 353 00:21:16,633 --> 00:21:17,803 this region. 354 00:21:17,800 --> 00:21:24,130 And this fertile soil is thanks to the fact that we have a lot 355 00:21:24,133 --> 00:21:27,303 of youngsters that are living in a situation of poverty and 356 00:21:27,300 --> 00:21:30,770 social exclusion -- exclusion from the benefits and the 357 00:21:30,767 --> 00:21:33,467 services that the state should give them. 358 00:21:33,467 --> 00:21:36,967 And this is why I insisted with President Obama that we cannot 359 00:21:36,967 --> 00:21:43,267 continue offering our youngsters in El Salvador and the region, 360 00:21:43,266 --> 00:21:47,136 go to the United States to find employment and entertaining and 361 00:21:47,133 --> 00:21:49,433 education opportunities that they don't find here, 362 00:21:49,433 --> 00:21:51,903 or to fall in the hands of the criminal gangs -- 363 00:21:51,900 --> 00:21:53,270 especially the gangs. 364 00:21:53,266 --> 00:21:54,936 How can we avoid this? 365 00:21:54,934 --> 00:21:56,804 Investing more in prevention policies. 366 00:21:56,800 --> 00:21:59,870 Our focus as a region, and particularly as the government 367 00:21:59,867 --> 00:22:03,137 of El Salvador is that the crime, 368 00:22:03,133 --> 00:22:05,503 and particularly drug trafficking and the consumption 369 00:22:05,500 --> 00:22:09,200 of drugs, is not only going to -- by attacking supply, 370 00:22:09,200 --> 00:22:10,670 but also demand. 371 00:22:10,667 --> 00:22:15,397 This is why this afternoon I also heard with great pleasure 372 00:22:15,400 --> 00:22:18,970 the President of the United States reiterate that his 373 00:22:18,967 --> 00:22:22,697 government has invested a large amount of money in the combat of 374 00:22:22,700 --> 00:22:24,730 the reduction of consumption. 375 00:22:24,734 --> 00:22:28,264 Without consumption, you don't have any demand, no supply, 376 00:22:28,266 --> 00:22:31,496 and the criminal organizations dedicated to drug trafficking 377 00:22:31,500 --> 00:22:34,700 cannot continue making a profit. 378 00:22:34,700 --> 00:22:36,930 And this is what we want to do throughout the region because 379 00:22:36,934 --> 00:22:42,704 Central America is no longer a transfer or a passageway but 380 00:22:42,700 --> 00:22:48,070 it's also a consumption strip. 381 00:22:48,066 --> 00:22:49,566 Mr. Carney: The first question from the White House Press Corps will 382 00:22:49,567 --> 00:22:57,067 be from Juliana Goldberg of Bloomberg. 383 00:22:57,066 --> 00:22:59,766 The Press: Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, President Funes. 384 00:22:59,767 --> 00:23:03,367 Mr. President, on Libya, coalition partners can't 385 00:23:03,367 --> 00:23:05,797 seem to agree on who will take the lead in the next phase of 386 00:23:05,800 --> 00:23:07,570 the military campaign. 387 00:23:07,567 --> 00:23:10,997 Can you today still assure the American people that the U.S. 388 00:23:11,000 --> 00:23:14,000 will be in charge for only a matter of several 389 00:23:14,000 --> 00:23:15,100 -- a few more days? 390 00:23:15,100 --> 00:23:20,600 And also we also learned today of two American pilots who went 391 00:23:20,600 --> 00:23:21,670 down in Libya. 392 00:23:21,667 --> 00:23:23,197 We're assured that they're safe. 393 00:23:23,200 --> 00:23:27,100 But have you sufficiently prepared the American people 394 00:23:27,100 --> 00:23:30,370 for the costs of war -- of course, the human costs, 395 00:23:30,367 --> 00:23:33,367 but also the financial costs? 396 00:23:33,367 --> 00:23:36,437 President Obama: Let me, first of all, say obviously we were 397 00:23:36,433 --> 00:23:40,063 extraordinarily relieved to find out that these two young 398 00:23:40,066 --> 00:23:43,796 men were safe in American hands. 399 00:23:43,800 --> 00:23:46,830 As the Pentagon indicated, this appears to have been a 400 00:23:46,834 --> 00:23:52,404 malfunction in the aircraft, and it is a testament to our 401 00:23:52,400 --> 00:23:57,900 military that we have fully prepared for any contingency, 402 00:23:57,900 --> 00:24:01,700 including something like this, and they were able to recover 403 00:24:01,700 --> 00:24:03,530 these individuals rapidly. 404 00:24:03,533 --> 00:24:06,733 And in fact, as part of the planning effort leading up 405 00:24:06,734 --> 00:24:10,864 to this, I specifically had discussions with Admiral Mullen 406 00:24:10,867 --> 00:24:14,697 and other of our military personnel to make sure that 407 00:24:14,700 --> 00:24:19,230 we had the kind of standard recovery efforts in place, 408 00:24:19,233 --> 00:24:21,663 because there are risks involved. 409 00:24:21,667 --> 00:24:26,567 And on the day that I indicated that this was a possibility, 410 00:24:26,567 --> 00:24:28,537 and then on the day that I indicated that we, in fact, 411 00:24:28,533 --> 00:24:33,333 were moving forward, I said that there is no military operation 412 00:24:33,333 --> 00:24:34,763 that does not entail risk. 413 00:24:34,767 --> 00:24:40,637 And that's why this is always the most difficult decision that 414 00:24:40,633 --> 00:24:45,303 I make as Commander-in-Chief and as President of the United States. 415 00:24:45,300 --> 00:24:52,730 Now, I have absolutely no doubt that we will be able to transfer 416 00:24:52,734 --> 00:24:57,604 control of this operation to an international coalition. 417 00:24:57,600 --> 00:25:01,970 I had discussions with Prime Minister Cameron and President 418 00:25:01,967 --> 00:25:03,467 Sarkozy today. 419 00:25:03,467 --> 00:25:08,637 In fact, NATO is meeting today as we speak to work out some of 420 00:25:08,633 --> 00:25:11,863 the mechanisms for command and control. 421 00:25:11,867 --> 00:25:16,397 I would expect that over the next several days you will have 422 00:25:16,400 --> 00:25:18,670 clarity and a meeting of the minds of all those who are 423 00:25:18,667 --> 00:25:20,667 participating in the process. 424 00:25:20,667 --> 00:25:23,237 We're already seeing a significant reduction 425 00:25:23,233 --> 00:25:27,103 in the number of U.S. planes that are involved in operations 426 00:25:27,100 --> 00:25:33,270 over Libya, because, as I said initially, our job was to take 427 00:25:33,266 --> 00:25:37,966 our unique capabilities and create a space to shape the 428 00:25:37,967 --> 00:25:41,637 environment so that the operation of a no-fly zone 429 00:25:41,633 --> 00:25:47,133 could operate effectively, and to make sure that our immediate 430 00:25:47,133 --> 00:25:50,733 humanitarian goals could be met. 431 00:25:50,734 --> 00:25:54,404 And I just want to emphasize to the American people, 432 00:25:54,400 --> 00:25:58,670 because of the extraordinary capabilities and valor of our 433 00:25:58,667 --> 00:26:03,897 men and women in uniform we have already saved lives. 434 00:26:03,900 --> 00:26:08,930 In Benghazi, a city of 700,000 people, 435 00:26:08,934 --> 00:26:12,064 you had the prospect of Qaddafi's forces carrying 436 00:26:12,066 --> 00:26:15,466 out his orders to show no mercy. 437 00:26:15,467 --> 00:26:19,497 That could have resulted in catastrophe in that town. 438 00:26:19,500 --> 00:26:22,600 Qaddafi's forces have pulled back because 439 00:26:22,600 --> 00:26:24,600 of this timely intervention. 440 00:26:24,600 --> 00:26:29,100 And obviously there are always risks involved in this kind of 441 00:26:29,100 --> 00:26:32,830 operation, but for us to be able to structure something where we 442 00:26:32,834 --> 00:26:37,604 bring our unique capabilities to bear to fulfill a mission 443 00:26:37,600 --> 00:26:41,930 that is supported by the international community against 444 00:26:41,934 --> 00:26:46,264 somebody who was about to direct his armed forces against his 445 00:26:46,266 --> 00:26:50,466 people in the most vicious of ways is something that I think 446 00:26:50,467 --> 00:26:52,937 the American people, and certainly our American military, 447 00:26:52,934 --> 00:26:56,234 should be proud of. 448 00:26:56,233 --> 00:26:59,933 I said at the outset that this was going to be a matter of days 449 00:26:59,934 --> 00:27:01,664 and not weeks. 450 00:27:01,667 --> 00:27:06,297 And there's nothing based on how we've been able to execute over 451 00:27:06,300 --> 00:27:10,930 the last several days that changes that assessment. 452 00:27:10,934 --> 00:27:16,464 The Press: And on financial costs -- 453 00:27:16,467 --> 00:27:20,697 President Obama: We will continue to provide details to the American people 454 00:27:20,700 --> 00:27:23,430 about the costs of this operation. 455 00:27:23,433 --> 00:27:28,203 But because it is limited in time, scope, 456 00:27:28,200 --> 00:27:31,500 with a well-defined mission, we're confident that this is 457 00:27:31,500 --> 00:27:35,070 something that we can budget as part of our overall operations. 458 00:27:35,066 --> 00:27:39,696 I mean, keep in mind that there are costs involved in the rescue 459 00:27:39,700 --> 00:27:45,070 efforts that we are assisting in Japan. 460 00:27:45,066 --> 00:27:48,966 Events happen around the world in which the United States, 461 00:27:48,967 --> 00:27:53,037 with our unique capabilities, has to respond as a leader in 462 00:27:53,033 --> 00:27:54,403 the world community. 463 00:27:54,400 --> 00:27:56,000 We build those into our budget. 464 00:27:56,000 --> 00:27:58,330 This was something that we can build into our budget, 465 00:27:58,333 --> 00:28:02,503 and we're confident that not only can the goals be achieved, 466 00:28:02,500 --> 00:28:08,170 but that at the end of the day the American people are going to 467 00:28:08,166 --> 00:28:16,466 feel satisfied that lives were saved and people were helped. 468 00:28:16,467 --> 00:28:19,567 Announcer: (as translated) Now the Salvadoran media with 469 00:28:19,567 --> 00:28:23,167 Channels 2, 4, 6 -- asking. 470 00:28:23,166 --> 00:28:24,966 The Press: Good afternoon, President Obama. 471 00:28:24,967 --> 00:28:28,897 President, in the last few days, we have heard your statement 472 00:28:28,900 --> 00:28:32,000 where you talk about starting partnerships 473 00:28:32,000 --> 00:28:34,830 such as Partnerships for Growth and for Progress. 474 00:28:34,834 --> 00:28:38,164 Now we're talking about Crossroads Partnership. 475 00:28:38,166 --> 00:28:41,896 Going to more punctual matters, what does this consist of? 476 00:28:41,900 --> 00:28:43,270 Is there seed money? 477 00:28:43,266 --> 00:28:46,296 Is it going to be reimbursable or not? 478 00:28:46,300 --> 00:28:48,900 What projects are we talking about here and how much money 479 00:28:48,900 --> 00:28:50,530 could be generated? 480 00:28:50,533 --> 00:28:53,603 And if possible, Mr. President, I would like to know about 481 00:28:53,600 --> 00:28:56,870 immigration, taking advantage of your presence here since we 482 00:28:56,867 --> 00:28:59,637 haven't been able to talk to you before. 483 00:28:59,633 --> 00:29:04,163 We have about 25 percent or 30 percent of our population who 484 00:29:04,166 --> 00:29:06,496 are living illegally in the United States. 485 00:29:06,500 --> 00:29:09,630 So what are your short-term plans, President Obama? 486 00:29:09,633 --> 00:29:13,263 Are you going to lobby for comprehensive reform or 487 00:29:13,266 --> 00:29:16,496 temporary residence for the Salvadorans that are working 488 00:29:16,500 --> 00:29:19,670 with the TPS or that are living with a TPS who are there? 489 00:29:19,667 --> 00:29:21,167 Thank you. 490 00:29:21,166 --> 00:29:25,866 President Obama: Specifically on immigration reform first, as I indicated 491 00:29:25,867 --> 00:29:29,537 in my remarks and as I said in my State of the Union speech, 492 00:29:29,533 --> 00:29:34,603 I continue to believe in comprehensive immigration reform. 493 00:29:34,600 --> 00:29:38,900 America is a nation of laws and it is a nation of immigrants. 494 00:29:38,900 --> 00:29:42,000 And so our job is to create secure borders, 495 00:29:42,000 --> 00:29:44,670 to make sure that we're got a legal immigration system that 496 00:29:44,667 --> 00:29:49,967 is effective and is not frustrating for families, 497 00:29:49,967 --> 00:29:52,337 doesn't divide families. 498 00:29:52,333 --> 00:29:57,763 But we also have to make sure that those who are in the United 499 00:29:57,767 --> 00:30:00,237 States illegally at this point, but in some cases have been 500 00:30:00,233 --> 00:30:03,663 there for a long time, in some cases have children who were 501 00:30:03,667 --> 00:30:06,367 born in the United States and are United States citizens, 502 00:30:06,367 --> 00:30:12,437 that they have a pathway to get right by the law. 503 00:30:12,433 --> 00:30:19,263 And several years ago we were able to craft a bipartisan 504 00:30:19,266 --> 00:30:20,866 consensus, at least in the United States Senate, 505 00:30:20,867 --> 00:30:23,497 around this issue. 506 00:30:23,500 --> 00:30:26,670 Senator John McCain, Senator Ted Kennedy had a comprehensive 507 00:30:26,667 --> 00:30:29,467 immigration reform bill that I supported and was a part of when 508 00:30:29,467 --> 00:30:30,797 I was in the Senate. 509 00:30:30,800 --> 00:30:34,600 And we were able to get it passed through the Senate, 510 00:30:34,600 --> 00:30:35,670 and we couldn't get it passed through the 511 00:30:35,667 --> 00:30:39,797 House of Representatives. 512 00:30:39,800 --> 00:30:44,230 Over the last two years, it's been more difficult to gain 513 00:30:44,233 --> 00:30:47,063 Republican support for some of these efforts. 514 00:30:47,066 --> 00:30:52,036 And my hope is, is that they begin to recognize over the next 515 00:30:52,033 --> 00:30:58,463 year that we can't solve this problem without taking a broad, 516 00:30:58,467 --> 00:31:00,437 comprehensive approach. 517 00:31:00,433 --> 00:31:03,833 And that will benefit not only those Salvadorans who are living 518 00:31:03,834 --> 00:31:08,304 in the United States, but it also, more importantly, 519 00:31:08,300 --> 00:31:11,370 from the perspective of the region, 520 00:31:11,367 --> 00:31:17,537 can ensure that relations between neighbors and trade 521 00:31:17,533 --> 00:31:23,103 and economic relations between neighbors is more orderly and 522 00:31:23,100 --> 00:31:27,770 more secure, more regularized. 523 00:31:27,767 --> 00:31:29,797 It is the right thing to do. 524 00:31:29,800 --> 00:31:31,370 This is the time to do it. 525 00:31:31,367 --> 00:31:34,967 And I will continue to push hard to make it happen. 526 00:31:34,967 --> 00:31:36,137 It won't be easy. 527 00:31:36,133 --> 00:31:38,333 The politics of this are difficult. 528 00:31:38,333 --> 00:31:42,603 But I am confident that ultimately we are going 529 00:31:42,600 --> 00:31:43,900 to get it done. 530 00:31:43,900 --> 00:31:45,630 Now, with respect to particular programs, 531 00:31:45,633 --> 00:31:51,103 I will have my team provide a sheet that has details of 532 00:31:51,100 --> 00:31:53,270 how these various programs would work. 533 00:31:53,266 --> 00:31:55,736 We already mentioned the $200 million for security. 534 00:31:55,734 --> 00:32:00,064 There are other initiatives that are very important. 535 00:32:00,066 --> 00:32:06,396 The Partnership for Growth -- the immediate plans involve our 536 00:32:06,400 --> 00:32:11,400 experts meeting with President Funes' economic advisors and 537 00:32:11,400 --> 00:32:16,600 exports to determine what exactly are the barriers for 538 00:32:16,600 --> 00:32:19,630 improved growth and development here in El Salvador. 539 00:32:19,633 --> 00:32:24,863 So one of the ways that we are redesigning our development 540 00:32:24,867 --> 00:32:29,567 assistance programs is to recognize that dollars are 541 00:32:29,567 --> 00:32:34,937 important but institutional reforms may end up being more 542 00:32:34,934 --> 00:32:38,804 important -- or, at least, they have to go hand in hand, 543 00:32:38,800 --> 00:32:43,630 because what a country like El Salvador does not want 544 00:32:43,633 --> 00:32:47,233 is perpetually to be looking for the outside 545 00:32:47,233 --> 00:32:48,663 for its own development. 546 00:32:48,667 --> 00:32:53,937 Ultimately it wants to be able to find growth and tap into its 547 00:32:53,934 --> 00:32:57,764 own potential here inside the country. 548 00:32:57,767 --> 00:33:02,897 And so those are the kinds of systematic consultations that 549 00:33:02,900 --> 00:33:06,170 are currently taking place, which will help determine how 550 00:33:06,166 --> 00:33:10,396 we can best spend any develop money that's put forward. 551 00:33:10,400 --> 00:33:13,300 Of course, we already have currently a Millennium Challenge 552 00:33:13,300 --> 00:33:17,970 grant coming into El Salvador that involves several hundred 553 00:33:17,967 --> 00:33:21,497 million dollars and is helping on a wide variety of fronts. 554 00:33:21,500 --> 00:33:24,730 And we want to continue to build on some of the success that are 555 00:33:24,734 --> 00:33:31,534 taking place there. 556 00:33:31,533 --> 00:33:34,263 Mr. Carney: The next question from the White House Press Corps is 557 00:33:34,266 --> 00:33:40,996 from Savannah Guthrie of NBC news. 558 00:33:41,000 --> 00:33:43,570 The Press: Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, President Funes. 559 00:33:43,567 --> 00:33:46,567 President Obama, you mentioned a few minutes ago how this mission 560 00:33:46,567 --> 00:33:49,397 in Libya was narrow in scope, limited in duration. 561 00:33:49,400 --> 00:33:52,500 But potentially it seems quite open-ended in the sense that as 562 00:33:52,500 --> 00:33:54,700 long as Qaddafi remains in power, 563 00:33:54,700 --> 00:33:57,370 civilians presumably will need protection from him. 564 00:33:57,367 --> 00:34:00,437 My question to you is, what is your exit strategy for U.S. 565 00:34:00,433 --> 00:34:03,603 military involvement if Qaddafi does not succumb 566 00:34:03,600 --> 00:34:05,730 to the international pressures to leave? 567 00:34:05,734 --> 00:34:07,964 Are you saying, essentially, the U.S. will hang in there 568 00:34:07,967 --> 00:34:11,367 militarily in Libya if Qaddafi hangs in there? 569 00:34:11,367 --> 00:34:14,597 And in the grand tradition of U.S. press asking multi-part 570 00:34:14,600 --> 00:34:15,930 questions, one more. 571 00:34:15,934 --> 00:34:19,034 Setting aside the humanitarian goals that you just mentioned 572 00:34:19,033 --> 00:34:21,633 a few minutes ago, can you articulate the U.S. 573 00:34:21,633 --> 00:34:25,363 national security interest in military action in Libya? 574 00:34:25,367 --> 00:34:29,667 Thank you, sir. 575 00:34:29,667 --> 00:34:36,397 President Obama: The military action that we moved forward on, 576 00:34:36,400 --> 00:34:38,600 in conjunction with our international partners, 577 00:34:38,600 --> 00:34:42,970 was defined by the U.N. Security Council resolution that said we 578 00:34:42,967 --> 00:34:46,837 have a humanitarian threat and we need to deal with 579 00:34:46,834 --> 00:34:52,304 that humanitarian threat quickly, in part through a 580 00:34:52,300 --> 00:34:56,770 no-fly zone, in part by ensuring that humanitarian assistance can 581 00:34:56,767 --> 00:34:58,567 get into places that need it. 582 00:34:58,567 --> 00:35:04,037 And what we've done is to create the space for that to happen. 583 00:35:04,033 --> 00:35:06,863 I think fairly shortly we are going to be able to say that 584 00:35:06,867 --> 00:35:11,967 we've achieved the objective of a no-fly zone. 585 00:35:11,967 --> 00:35:15,297 We will also be able to say that we have averted 586 00:35:15,300 --> 00:35:18,200 immediate tragedy. 587 00:35:18,200 --> 00:35:21,930 Now, you were absolutely right that as long as Qaddafi remains 588 00:35:21,934 --> 00:35:27,664 in power, unless he changes his approach and provides the Libyan 589 00:35:27,667 --> 00:35:35,137 people an opportunity to express themselves freely and there are 590 00:35:35,133 --> 00:35:39,563 significant reforms in the Libyan government, 591 00:35:39,567 --> 00:35:41,697 unless he is willing to step down, 592 00:35:41,700 --> 00:35:44,130 that there are still going to be potential threats towards 593 00:35:44,133 --> 00:35:45,303 the Libyan people. 594 00:35:45,300 --> 00:35:50,330 And we will continue to support the efforts to protect the 595 00:35:50,333 --> 00:35:54,533 Libyan people, but we will not be in the lead. 596 00:35:54,533 --> 00:35:58,163 That's what the transition that I discussed has always 597 00:35:58,166 --> 00:35:59,266 been designed to do. 598 00:35:59,266 --> 00:36:00,836 We have unique capabilities. 599 00:36:00,834 --> 00:36:06,904 We came in, up front, fairly heavily, fairly substantially, 600 00:36:06,900 --> 00:36:11,530 and at considerable risk to our military personnel. 601 00:36:11,533 --> 00:36:14,263 And when this transition takes place, 602 00:36:14,266 --> 00:36:16,536 it is not going to be our planes that are maintaining 603 00:36:16,533 --> 00:36:18,033 the no-fly zone. 604 00:36:18,033 --> 00:36:24,603 It is not going to be our ships that are necessarily involved 605 00:36:24,600 --> 00:36:28,400 in enforcing the arms embargo. 606 00:36:28,400 --> 00:36:31,400 That's precisely what the other coalition partners 607 00:36:31,400 --> 00:36:32,500 are going to do. 608 00:36:32,500 --> 00:36:35,070 And that's why building this international coalition has been 609 00:36:35,066 --> 00:36:37,766 so important because it means that the United States is not 610 00:36:37,767 --> 00:36:39,437 bearing all the cost. 611 00:36:39,433 --> 00:36:45,303 It means that we have confidence that we are not going in alone, 612 00:36:45,300 --> 00:36:49,770 and it is our military that is being volunteered by others to 613 00:36:49,767 --> 00:36:52,967 carry out missions that are important not only to us, 614 00:36:52,967 --> 00:36:54,597 but are important internationally. 615 00:36:54,600 --> 00:36:59,600 And we will accomplish that in a relatively short period of time. 616 00:36:59,600 --> 00:37:04,470 Now, with respect to our national interests, 617 00:37:04,467 --> 00:37:08,837 the American people and the United States have an interest, 618 00:37:08,834 --> 00:37:16,534 first of all, in making sure that where a brutal dictator 619 00:37:16,533 --> 00:37:20,903 is threatening his people and saying he will show no mercy 620 00:37:20,900 --> 00:37:23,930 and go door-to-door hunting people down, 621 00:37:23,934 --> 00:37:28,104 and we have the capacity under international sanction to do 622 00:37:28,100 --> 00:37:30,800 something about that, I think it's in America's 623 00:37:30,800 --> 00:37:34,130 international -- in America's national interest to do 624 00:37:34,133 --> 00:37:35,763 something about it. 625 00:37:35,767 --> 00:37:37,667 That doesn't mean that we can solve every problem 626 00:37:37,667 --> 00:37:39,197 in the world. 627 00:37:39,200 --> 00:37:43,130 It does mean that when you have not only the United Nations but 628 00:37:43,133 --> 00:37:49,063 also the Arab League and also other countries in the Gulf who 629 00:37:49,066 --> 00:37:53,396 are saying, we need to intercede to make sure that a disaster 630 00:37:53,400 --> 00:37:57,670 doesn't happen on our watch as has happened in the past when 631 00:37:57,667 --> 00:38:00,837 the international community stood idly by. 632 00:38:00,834 --> 00:38:04,104 It is in America's national interest to participate in that 633 00:38:04,100 --> 00:38:08,730 because nobody has a bigger stake in making sure that there 634 00:38:08,734 --> 00:38:11,634 are basic rules of the road that are observed, 635 00:38:11,633 --> 00:38:19,033 that there is some semblance of order and justice -- 636 00:38:19,033 --> 00:38:22,263 particularly in a volatile region that's going through 637 00:38:22,266 --> 00:38:24,736 great changes like the Middle East -- than does the United 638 00:38:24,734 --> 00:38:27,534 States of America. 639 00:38:27,533 --> 00:38:32,863 Now, we've already seen what happened in Egypt and Tunisia 640 00:38:32,867 --> 00:38:34,697 -- peaceful transitions. 641 00:38:34,700 --> 00:38:37,870 We have a huge national interest in making sure that those are 642 00:38:37,867 --> 00:38:44,237 successful because if Egypt can make a transition from an 643 00:38:44,233 --> 00:38:47,063 autocratic regime to a democracy, 644 00:38:47,066 --> 00:38:49,396 if Tunisia can make those same changes, 645 00:38:49,400 --> 00:38:54,730 they become models for a peaceful transition that 646 00:38:54,734 --> 00:38:57,334 at some point may be adopted by other countries in the region. 647 00:38:57,333 --> 00:39:01,803 If on the other hand, they spill into chaos, 648 00:39:01,800 --> 00:39:06,230 in part because they've got a million Lebanese -- or a million 649 00:39:06,233 --> 00:39:09,063 Libyans who are pouring into these countries, 650 00:39:09,066 --> 00:39:10,866 and their borders become less secure, 651 00:39:10,867 --> 00:39:13,297 and there's a breakdown of order, 652 00:39:13,300 --> 00:39:17,270 that could have spillover effects in the entire region. 653 00:39:17,266 --> 00:39:22,866 So not only do we have a humanitarian interest, 654 00:39:22,867 --> 00:39:25,837 but we also have a very practical interest in making 655 00:39:25,834 --> 00:39:30,534 sure that the changes that are sweeping through that region are 656 00:39:30,533 --> 00:39:34,003 occurring in a peaceful nonviolent fashion. 657 00:39:34,000 --> 00:39:41,600 And when we can have some impact on that with a relatively modest 658 00:39:41,600 --> 00:39:46,030 contribution as part of a broader international effort, 659 00:39:46,033 --> 00:39:51,003 then I absolutely believe that the costs are outweighed by the 660 00:39:51,000 --> 00:39:54,670 benefits, and that is what drove my decision. 661 00:39:54,667 --> 00:39:59,167 And that's why I think that we need to make sure that we see 662 00:39:59,166 --> 00:40:07,466 this through effectively. 663 00:40:07,467 --> 00:40:09,497 President Funes: (as translated) We are just going to make 664 00:40:09,500 --> 00:40:15,130 reference to a prior question from -- this is Mr. President 665 00:40:15,133 --> 00:40:20,503 -- with your permission, President Obama, and also 666 00:40:20,500 --> 00:40:25,900 to address any other doubt of the media that they may have. 667 00:40:25,900 --> 00:40:35,600 I just want to go back to the matter of El Salvador and the 668 00:40:35,600 --> 00:40:40,970 remarks made by -- regarding the importance of these 669 00:40:40,967 --> 00:40:45,437 announcements made by President Obama with regards to projects 670 00:40:45,433 --> 00:40:49,963 that may be financed through the initiative and the Partnership 671 00:40:49,967 --> 00:40:51,367 for Growth. 672 00:40:51,367 --> 00:40:53,967 We need to place things in context. 673 00:40:53,967 --> 00:40:58,397 What's fundamental in my opinion in this Partnership for Growth 674 00:40:58,400 --> 00:41:02,770 is that the different visions at the foundation of this 675 00:41:02,767 --> 00:41:06,037 initiative that is driven by the government of President Obama. 676 00:41:06,033 --> 00:41:11,333 It's not the traditional way of looking at the region from the 677 00:41:11,333 --> 00:41:17,933 perspective of the donor that looks at the receiver as that -- 678 00:41:17,934 --> 00:41:22,664 as a mere receiver or beneficiary of the same. 679 00:41:22,667 --> 00:41:26,097 And I said this to President Obama -- I cannot go to the 680 00:41:26,100 --> 00:41:31,270 United States or any other country of the world to knock 681 00:41:31,266 --> 00:41:35,036 on the doors of the multinational banking system or the doors 682 00:41:35,033 --> 00:41:38,963 of the USAID or any other cooperation agency of the 683 00:41:38,967 --> 00:41:43,367 United States in order to ask for either more credit or more 684 00:41:43,367 --> 00:41:48,667 nonreversible cooperation funds without making a domestic effort 685 00:41:48,667 --> 00:41:52,097 that has not taken place in the past and that we cannot 686 00:41:52,100 --> 00:41:54,470 delay much further. 687 00:41:54,467 --> 00:41:56,767 We need to also give our contribution in 688 00:41:56,767 --> 00:41:57,967 this partnership. 689 00:41:57,967 --> 00:42:03,767 And our difference is in that the financial aid 690 00:42:03,767 --> 00:42:05,797 capacity that we have. 691 00:42:05,800 --> 00:42:10,430 But just to include the country of El Salvador in this it's a 692 00:42:10,433 --> 00:42:13,203 message to the international investors that we can trust 693 00:42:13,200 --> 00:42:14,400 El Salvador. 694 00:42:14,400 --> 00:42:16,870 The government of El Salvador is now working on a series of 695 00:42:16,867 --> 00:42:24,797 projects that will be presented to the inter-government teams in 696 00:42:24,800 --> 00:42:27,500 this next April so that in June we can have a better idea of 697 00:42:27,500 --> 00:42:32,200 which of these programs or these projects are going to be financed. 698 00:42:32,200 --> 00:42:36,170 And we have an initiative in the port region, especially, 699 00:42:36,166 --> 00:42:38,366 and the extension of the airport, 700 00:42:38,367 --> 00:42:41,167 which I explained to President Obama in our bilateral meeting 701 00:42:41,166 --> 00:42:44,636 that we just had, but also in the transportation public 702 00:42:44,633 --> 00:42:50,133 system, and also in renewable energy projects -- so that once 703 00:42:50,133 --> 00:42:55,233 we have these projects prepared and already submitted to the 704 00:42:55,233 --> 00:42:57,933 inter-government teams, we hope that, in June, 705 00:42:57,934 --> 00:43:00,904 we will have taken a decision on this regard, 706 00:43:00,900 --> 00:43:02,630 but from a different perspective. 707 00:43:02,633 --> 00:43:07,963 No longer will it be a country that receives aid as a donor or 708 00:43:07,967 --> 00:43:12,737 receiver from a donor country without us doing 709 00:43:12,734 --> 00:43:14,304 our own efforts. 710 00:43:14,300 --> 00:43:17,200 And what does this effort consist of? 711 00:43:17,200 --> 00:43:20,970 And I already mentioned this to President Obama that we need to 712 00:43:20,967 --> 00:43:27,537 have a fiscal agreement that will send more funds to the 713 00:43:27,533 --> 00:43:30,863 Internal Revenue so that we can reactivate the economy, 714 00:43:30,867 --> 00:43:34,197 but also to fight against poverty and social exclusion. 715 00:43:34,200 --> 00:43:36,730 This is an effort that we need to carry out. 716 00:43:36,734 --> 00:43:40,634 We cannot -- no longer be one of the countries with the lowest 717 00:43:40,633 --> 00:43:44,633 tax returns, only surpassed by Guatemala. 718 00:43:44,633 --> 00:43:49,833 We need to be able to increase this revenue and close with 719 00:43:49,834 --> 00:43:51,734 about 17 percent of the GDP. 720 00:43:51,734 --> 00:43:54,734 It's still low compared to other countries of the region, 721 00:43:54,734 --> 00:43:57,564 not to mention the United States, 722 00:43:57,567 --> 00:44:01,267 but it's what we need to do as a nation. 723 00:44:01,266 --> 00:44:03,766 But what's important in this is that we can send a message 724 00:44:03,767 --> 00:44:06,197 to the investors that we can invest in El Salvador, 725 00:44:06,200 --> 00:44:09,230 be them foreign international investors, 726 00:44:09,233 --> 00:44:12,703 and that the type of partnership that we are taking about and 727 00:44:12,700 --> 00:44:15,430 that we are creating with the United States by initiative of 728 00:44:15,433 --> 00:44:20,963 the U.S. government will then imply a joint cooperation where 729 00:44:20,967 --> 00:44:23,937 not only the United States will contribute with resources but 730 00:44:23,934 --> 00:44:30,164 also El Salvador will, and we'll have a set of political reforms 731 00:44:30,166 --> 00:44:34,396 that will have transparent management of these funds. 732 00:44:34,400 --> 00:44:36,530 So this is why in the following days we will send to the 733 00:44:36,533 --> 00:44:40,633 legislative assembly our public-private association 734 00:44:40,633 --> 00:44:43,363 that will be driven by the bridge project and 735 00:44:43,367 --> 00:44:45,497 the Partnership for Growth. 736 00:44:45,500 --> 00:44:48,370 And we will continue sending all the initiatives that are 737 00:44:48,367 --> 00:44:50,897 necessary to create the institutional environment 738 00:44:50,900 --> 00:44:54,500 that will make it possible for us to have this economic 739 00:44:54,500 --> 00:44:58,130 predictability and also for this trust to take 740 00:44:58,133 --> 00:44:59,263 place with the investors. 741 00:44:59,266 --> 00:45:00,596 Announcer: (as translated) Thank you, Mr. President. 742 00:45:00,600 --> 00:45:01,400 Thank you, everyone. 743 00:45:01,400 --> 00:45:03,330 With this we will conclude our press conference. 744 00:45:03,333 --> 00:45:09,533 Now the presidents must depart to the metropolitan cathedral where 745 00:45:09,533 --> 00:45:15,033 they will have a tour through the church and then they will descend 746 00:45:15,033 --> 00:45:19,103 to the tomb of Monsignor Ăscar Arnulfo Romero. 747 00:45:19,100 --> 00:45:20,770 Thank you for your attendance.