The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 23, 2014

Statement by NSC Spokesperson Caitlin Hayden on Anti-Personnel Landmine Policy

 

The Obama Administration is pleased to announce another important step to address the humanitarian impacts of anti-personnel landmines (APL).  Specifically, the United States is aligning its APL policy outside the Korean Peninsula with the key requirements of the Ottawa Convention, the international treaty prohibiting the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of APL that more than 160 countries have joined, including all our NATO Allies.  In light of this announcement, the United States will:

  • not use APL outside the Korean Peninsula;
  • not assist, encourage, or induce anyone outside the Korean Peninsula to engage in activity prohibited by the Ottawa Convention; and
  • undertake to destroy APL stockpiles not required for the defense of the Republic of Korea.

These measures build on our June 2014 announcement that the United States will not produce or otherwise acquire any anti-personnel munitions that are not compliant with the Ottawa Convention, including to replace such munitions as they expire in the coming years. 

Even as we take these further steps, the unique circumstances on the Korean Peninsula and our commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea preclude us from changing our anti-personnel landmine policy there at this time.  We will continue our diligent efforts to pursue solutions that would be compliant with and ultimately allow us to accede to the Ottawa Convention while ensuring our ability to meet our alliance commitments to the Republic of Korea. 

More broadly, the United States shares the humanitarian goals of the Ottawa Convention, and is the world’s single largest financial supporter of humanitarian mine action, providing more than $2.3 billion in aid since 1993 in more than 90 countries for conventional weapons destruction programs.  We will continue to support this important work, and remain committed to a continuing partnership with Ottawa States Parties and non-governmental organizations in addressing the humanitarian impact of APL.

 

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The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 22, 2014

Statement by the President

America’s businesses have created 10 million jobs over the last 54 months – the longest stretch of uninterrupted private sector job growth in our nation’s history – and we should do everything we can as a country to build on that progress.  That’s why I’ve called on Congress to lower our corporate tax rate, close wasteful loopholes, and simplify the tax code for everyone.

While there’s no substitute for Congressional action, my Administration will act wherever we can to protect the progress the American people have worked so hard to bring about.  As part of this effort, Secretary Lew briefed me today on the first steps the Treasury Department is taking to discourage companies from taking advantage of corporate inversions – moving their tax residence overseas on paper to avoid paying their fair share in taxes here at home.  We’ve recently seen a few large corporations announce plans to exploit this loophole, undercutting businesses that act responsibly and leaving the middle class to pay the bill, and I’m glad that Secretary Lew is exploring additional actions to help reverse this trend.

I believe America does better when hard work pays off, responsibility is rewarded, and everyone plays by the same set of rules.  In the weeks and months ahead we should do even more to bring fairness to our tax code, help our businesses create more American jobs, and expand opportunity for all. 

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 22, 2014

FACT SHEET: The Equal Futures Partnership - Commitments and Progress to Expand Women’s Economic and Political Participation

THE PROMISE OF EQUAL FUTURES

In response to President Obama’s challenge to other heads of state to break down barriers to women’s economic and political participation, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Valerie Jarrett launched the Equal Futures Partnership on behalf of the United States in September 2012. 

The Equal Futures Partnership is an innovative multilateral initiative that encourages member countries to empower women politically and economically.  Equal Futures partner countries commit to taking actions including legal, regulatory, and policy reforms to ensure women lead and benefit from inclusive economic growth, and that they fully participate in public life.

Equal Futures partners include Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin, Chile, Croatia, Denmark, the European Union, Finland, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Latvia, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Switzerland, Thailand, Timor Leste, Tunisia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.  Multilateral stakeholders including UN Women and the World Bank and leading businesses and non-profit institutions also support the Partnership.

Commitments to Action

Each country participating in the Equal Futures Partnership works closely with key stakeholders in their countries, including civil society, to identify policy and program priorities.  They then set achievable goals as commitments within the Partnership, exchange best practices and lessons learned, and report on progress.

This year, Chile, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom have joined the Partnership.  Highlights from new member commitments include the United Kingdom’s efforts to accelerate its work to tackle the gender pay gap, address the problem of workplace discrimination, promote female entrepreneurship, and increase the number of women in leadership positions both in the corporate world and in other important decision making positions.  They will also work to give women the opportunity to talk directly to policymakers to make their concerns heard.

Partners continue to advance in the implementation of their commitments – for more information on progress visit here.

Support from Multilateral Partners

To advance the goals of the Equal Futures Partnership, we collaborate with multilateral partners to help countries strengthen and implement their efforts.  The World Bank Group, host of the second high-level Equal Futures meeting, will continue to work with Equal Futures partners to identify opportunities for collaboration in the advancement of women’s rights in each country and to support implementation of country commitments, through technical assistance, advisory services, and financing, where appropriate.  The Bank will disseminate lessons learned on effective programs and initiatives, drawn from impact evaluations, the gender innovation labs, and other bank led partnerships, which can inform the efforts of Equal Futures partners.  UN Women will work with the Equal Futures Partnership in the areas of economic and political empowerment and ending violence against women through technical advice, knowledge and capacity development, facilitating and sharing of best practices, and supporting implementation of commitments at the country level.  UN Women will use its Knowledge Gateway to disseminate experience coming from the Partnership.

JOINING THE PARTNERSHIP

Countries committed to promoting women’s political and economic participation are welcome to join the Equal Futures Partnership.  Government representatives and other interested stakeholders may email EqualFutures@state.gov for more information.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
September 22, 2014

Readout of the Vice President's Call with Polish Prime Minister Ewa Kopacz

Vice President Joe Biden spoke today with Polish Prime Minister Ewa Kopacz. The Vice President congratulated Prime Minister Kopacz on her government’s swearing in and pledged to continue close consultation on a range of bilateral and global issues. The Vice President underscored that Poland is one of the United States’ closest allies and thanked Prime Minister Kopacz for Poland’s contributions to international security, and for its leadership on the crisis in Ukraine. He also underscored the need to further strengthen bilateral commercial relations, and noted that Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker would be leading a delegation of the President’s Export Council to Poland on September 28-30.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 22, 2014

Readout of the President’s Call with Prime Minister John Key of New Zealand

The President called Prime Minister Key late last evening to congratulate him on his third electoral victory.  The President noted the strength of the U.S.-New Zealand relationship and said he looked forward to working with Prime Minister Key in the coming months and years to address shared opportunities, interests, and concerns.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 21, 2014

Readout of the President's Calls with Dr. Ghani and Dr. Abdullah of Afghanistan

The President spoke with Dr. Ashraf Ghani and Dr. Abdullah Abdullah earlier today to congratulate them on concluding their agreement for a government of national unity and safeguarding the first democratic and peaceful transfer of leadership in Afghanistan’s history.                                            

The President thanked Drs. Ghani and Abdullah for their leadership and willingness to partner to advance Afghanistan's national interests. 

The President reaffirmed the United States’ strategic partnership with Afghanistan and commitment to continue its support to the new Afghan government.

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The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 21, 2014

Statement by NSC Spokesperson Caitlin Hayden on the One-Year Anniversary of the Westgate Mall Attack in Nairobi, Kenya

Today marks the one-year anniversary of the horrific al-Shabaab terrorist attack at the Westgate Shopping Mall in Nairobi, Kenya, which killed 67 innocent people and wounded some 200 others.   We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed or injured.  The United States and Kenya stand together in the fight against al-Shabaab and like-minded terrorist groups.  As a strong and enduring partner, we will continue to support the Kenyan people in their efforts to improve their security and confront terrorism.   These cowardly acts of our adversaries will not shake our resolve.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 21, 2014

Statement by the Press Secretary on Signing of a Political Agreement Regarding the Electoral Crisis in Afghanistan

 

The United States applauds presidential candidates Dr. Abdullah Abdullah and Dr. Ashraf Ghani for signing an agreement on the formation of a government of national unity.  Signing this political agreement helps bring closure to Afghanistan’s political crisis, and restores confidence in the way forward. We support this agreement and stand ready to work with the next administration to ensure its success.

As the two Afghan candidates recognized in their August 8 Joint Declaration, the people of Afghanistan deserve an effective and legitimate government to realize a better future for their country.   Millions of Afghans braved insecurity and threats to vote for Dr. Abdullah and Dr. Ghani, and this agreement respects the Afghan people’s collective determination. Reaching this agreement required difficult choices, partnership and compromise on the part of both candidates, and the outcome of their talks prioritizes the recognized needs of the Afghan nation ahead of politics or individual power.

This agreement marks an important opportunity for unity and increased stability in Afghanistan.  We continue to call on all Afghans – including political, religious, and civil society leaders -- to support this agreement and to come together in calling for cooperation and calm.

Respect for the democratic process is the only viable path for Afghanistan to continue its progress toward a secure and stable future, and ensure the continued support of the United States and the international community.  We look forward to resolution of the electoral process with the announcement of the election outcome, the inauguration of a new President and appointment of a Chief Executive, and the conclusion of the Bilateral Security Agreement and NATO Status Of Forces Agreement that will enable and reinforce our strategic partnership and our commitment to support a future of stability for Afghanistan.

 

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The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 20, 2014

President Obama and the First Lady to Travel to New York, NY

Washington, DC – On Tuesday, September 23, the President and the First Lady will travel to New York City for the 69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). In the afternoon, the President will deliver remarks at the Climate Summit 2014. Afterward, the President will deliver remarks at the Clinton Global Initiative 2014 Annual Meeting. In the evening, the President will attend a DSCC event. Afterward, the President and First Lady will attend a reception for visiting Heads of State and Government. The President and First Lady will remain overnight in New York City.

On Wednesday, September 24, the President will address the United Nations General Assembly. The First Lady will also attend. In the afternoon, the President will meet with Sam Kutesa, President of the United Nations General Assembly. Afterward, the President will attend a luncheon hosted by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Later in the afternoon, the President will chair a United Nations Security Council summit on foreign terrorist fighters. Afterward, the President will attend a meeting of the Open Government Partnership. The President and First Lady will remain overnight in New York City.

On Wednesday, the First Lady will deliver the special keynote address at the UN's Global Education First Initiative's (GEFI) high-level event at the UN Headquarters. The UN Secretary-General launched this Initiative in September 2012, with the UN Special Envoy Gordon Brown and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). GEFI aims to accelerate progress towards quality education for all children and young people. With the 2015 deadline for the Millennium Development Goals approaching and discussions on the next set of development goals underway, this event is an important opportunity for leaders around the world to advocate their ambitious vision for quality education for all. The event will feature a conversation among world leaders, highlighting why quality education should be at the heart of the world we want.

On Thursday, September 25, the President will deliver remarks at a United Nations meeting on the Ebola epidemic.  In the afternoon, the President and First Lady will return to the White House.

The arrival and departure of Air Force One in New York are open to pre-credentialed media, but closed to the public.  There will be print pool coverage of the President’s remarks at the DSCC event.  Inquiries regarding credentials for the UN events and Clinton Global Initiative can be directed to those respective organizations.

Members of the media who wish to cover the arrival of Air Force One in New York on September 23 should RSVP HERE by Monday, September 22 at 9:00 AM ET.

Members of the media who wish to cover the departure of Air Force One from New York on September 25 should RSVP HERE by Monday, September 22 at 9:00 AM ET.

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY, NOT FOR REPORTING

All times are Eastern Daylight Time.

TUESDAY, September 23, 2014

Air Force One Arrival

John F. Kennedy Airport

Building 208

New York, NY

Media Coverage:  The arrival of Air Force One is open to pre-credentialed media but closed to the public. 

Air Force One Estimated Arrival Time: 11:30 AM

Media Check-in & Entrance: Gate 2 at 10:30 AM (located on the west side of Building 208).

Directions: Use the Van Wyck Expressway and follow signs toward Kennedy Airport- 678 South / Approaching the airport / take Exit B and yield right at the fork on to 130th Place Road / Take a left at West Hangar Road and continue halfway down the road to Building 208 (if you make it to the guard post you have gone too far). Turn right at the unmarked road directly before building 208. Drive down the road next to building 208 and the parking lot will be at the end on the left side.

All media interested in covering the arrival of Air Force One must be at Building 208 no later than 10:45 AM.

Media pre-set: 7:00 AM – 7:30 AM

Live Truck Parking: All live trucks wishing to cover the arrival of Air Force One must arrive at Gate 2 no later than 7:00 AM to be escorted onto the ramp.

No Access to Equipment: 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM

Media Access: 10:30 AM

Final Media Access: 10:45 AM

Throw (distance from media riser to Air Force One): 150 feet

Cable Run (distance from live truck to media riser): 400 feet

Workspace and power are not available. Wireless Internet is not available.

All names submitted for credentials must be accurate and reflect the identification media presents at checkpoints for entrance.  RSVPs do not guarantee access. You will receive a confirmation e-mail if you will receive a credential to cover the event after the deadline to RSVP has passed.

Media contact for logistical and planning purposes only: Daniel Heller at DHeller_associate@who.eop.gov or 202.503.5701

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY, NOT FOR REPORTING

All times are Eastern Daylight Time.

THURSDAY, September 25, 2014

Air Force One Departure

John F. Kennedy Airport

Building 208

New York, NY

Media Coverage:  The departure of Air Force One is open to pre-credentialed media but closed to the public. 

Air Force One Estimated Departure Time: 2:45 PM

Media Check-in & Entrance: Gate 2 at 1:45 PM (located on the west side of Building 208).

Directions: Use the Van Wyck Expressway and follow signs toward Kennedy Airport- 678 South / Approaching the airport / take Exit B and yield right at the fork on to 130th Place Road / Take a left at West Hangar Road and continue halfway down the road to Building 208 (if you make it to the guard post you have gone too far). Turn right at the unmarked road directly before building 208. Drive down the road next to building 208 and the parking lot will be at the end on the left side.

All media interested in covering the arrival of Air Force One must be at Building 208 no later than 2:00 PM.

Media pre-set: 9:45 AM – 10:15 AM

Live Truck Parking: All live trucks wishing to cover the departure of Air Force One must arrive at Gate 2 no later than 10:15 AM to be escorted onto the ramp.

No Access to Equipment: 10:45 AM – 1:45 PM

Media Access: 1:45 PM

Final Media Access: 2:00 PM

Throw (distance from media riser to Air Force One): 150 feet

Cable Run (distance from live truck to media riser): 400 feet

Workspace and power are not available. Wireless Internet is not available.

All names submitted for credentials must be accurate and reflect the identification media presents at checkpoints for entrance.  RSVPs do not guarantee access. You will receive a confirmation e-mail if you will receive a credential to cover the event after the deadline to RSVP has passed.

Media contact for logistical and planning purposes only: Daniel Heller at DHeller_associate@who.eop.gov or 202.503.5701

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 19, 2014

Letter from the President -- Designating Funds for Overseas Contingency Operations/Global War on Terrorism

Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:)

In accordance with section 114(c) of the Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2015 (CR), I hereby designate for Overseas Contingency Operations/Global War on Terrorism all funding (including the rescission of funds) and contributions from foreign governments so designated by the Congress in sections 114(a) and 149(g) of the CR, respectively, pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, as amended, as outlined in the enclosed list of accounts.

The details of this action are set forth in the enclosed memorandum from the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.  

Sincerely,

BARACK OBAMA