The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 16, 2014

Statement by NSC Spokesperson Caitlin Hayden on the Terrorist Attacks in Nairobi, Kenya

The United States condemns today’s despicable terrorist attacks in the Gikoma market area of Nairobi, Kenya, that took the lives of many and injured dozens more.  This is the latest in a series of cowardly attacks on innocent civilians in Kenya, from the capital to the coast.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those who were killed and injured.  As we have for half a century, the United States stands with our Kenyan friends and partners who continue to face adversity with courage and resolve.  We support them in their efforts to confront terrorism in all of its forms.

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The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 16, 2014

Statement by the President on the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia

Tomorrow, as we commemorate the 10th annual International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, we recommit ourselves to the fundamental belief that all people should be treated equally, that they should have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential, and that no one should face violence or discrimination -- no matter who they are or whom they love.

This year, the United States celebrates the 60th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, and the 45th anniversary of the Stonewall riots.  In doing so, we reflect on lessons learned from our own civil rights struggles and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that the human rights of all people are universally protected.

At a time when, tragically, we are seeing increased efforts to criminalize or oppress LGBT persons, we call on partners everywhere to join us in defending the equal rights of our LGBT brothers and sisters, and in ensuring they are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 16, 2014

Statement by the Press Secretary on the Resignation of Dr. Robert Petzel

Today Secretary Shinseki accepted the resignation of Dr. Robert Petzel, Under Secretary for Health in the Department of Veterans Affairs.  The President supports Secretary Shinseki’s decision.   As the President has said, America has a sacred trust with the men and women who have served our country in uniform and he is committed to doing all we can to ensure our veterans have access to timely, quality health care.  He has asked Secretary Shinseki to conduct a review of Veterans Health Administration practices and procedures at its facilities nationwide to ensure better access to care, and that review is ongoing.  This review is one of the many steps the Department of Veterans Affairs is taking to ensure our veterans have confidence in and access to the care and benefits they have earned and deserve.  The President and Secretary Shinseki take the allegations around misconduct very seriously, and Secretary Shinseki has committed to taking appropriate actions based on the findings of the independent VA Office of Inspector General investigation.  Both the President and the Secretary thank Dr. Petzel for his many years of service to veterans. 

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
May 16, 2014

Readout of the Vice President's Call with Iraqi Prime Minister of Nouri al-Maliki

Vice President Biden spoke this morning with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.  The Vice President congratulated the Iraqi people on their participation in the parliamentary elections, and emphasized the importance of a new parliament acting to pull the country together given the many challenges confronting Iraq.  The two leaders spoke about the security situation in Anbar province.  The Vice President stressed the importance of pursuing a holistic approach that includes political outreach as well as security measures consistent with the goal of gaining local support and cooperation.   He welcomed initiatives that are now underway to mobilize the population against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), and strongly urged the Government of Iraq to ensure that their difficult fight against terrorism is conducted in a manner that protects the civilian population and adheres to the rule of law.  The Vice President and the Prime Minister reaffirmed the long-term partnership between Iraq and the United States pursuant to the Strategic Framework Agreement, including their commitment to coordination in the fight against ISIL, which represents a threat to the entire region.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 16, 2014

Readout of the President’s Call with Prime Ministerial Candidate Narendra Modi of India

The President called Prime Ministerial candidate and Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi today to congratulate him on the Bharatiya Janata Party’s success in India’s historic election.  The President noted he looks forward to working closely with Mr. Modi to fulfill the extraordinary promise of the U.S.-India strategic partnership, and they agreed to continue expanding and deepening the wide-ranging cooperation between our two democracies.  The President invited Narendra Modi to visit Washington at a mutually agreeable time to further strengthen our bilateral relationship.

 

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 16, 2014

Statement by the President on the 60th Anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education Ruling

Tomorrow marks 60 years since the Supreme Court handed down its landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, the first major step in dismantling the “separate but equal” doctrine that justified Jim Crow.  As we commemorate this historic anniversary, we recommit ourselves to the long struggle to stamp out bigotry and racism in all their forms.  We reaffirm our belief that all children deserve an education worthy of their promise.  And we remember that change did not come overnight – that it took many years and a nationwide movement to fully realize the dream of civil rights for all of God’s children.  We will never forget the men, women, and children who took extraordinary risks  in order to make our country more fair and more free.  Today, it falls on us to honor their legacy by taking our place in their march, and doing our part to perfect the union we love. 

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 16, 2014

Readout of the President’s Call with President Hollande of France

President Obama spoke with French President Hollande today about the situation in Ukraine.  The Presidents underscored that Russia will face significant additional costs if it continues its provocative and destabilizing behavior.  President Obama praised the Ukrainian government’s efforts to unify the country by holding free and fair presidential elections on May 25 that will lead to an inclusive constitutional reform process.  The two Leaders also discussed the situation in Nigeria and the upcoming May 17 regional conference in Paris that aims to improve regional cooperation to combat the terrorist threat posed by Boko Haram.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 16, 2014

Statement by the Press Secretary on H.R. 4120, H.R. 4192

On Friday, May 16, 2014, the President signed into law:

H.R. 4120, which extends the authority of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Inc., to construct the National Law Enforcement Museum on Federal lands in the District of Columbia; and

H.R. 4192, which allows for human occupancy of penthouses built above the statutory height limits of buildings in the District of Columbia.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 16, 2014

Readout of the President’s Call with President Gul of Turkey

President Obama called President Abdullah Gul of Turkey today to offer his heartfelt condolences on behalf of the American people to the Turkish people on the tragic accident at the Soma mine.  President Obama expressed that our prayers are with the families and loved ones of those suffering from this accident.  The President offered that the United States stands ready to provide any assistance that could help those affected, and he reaffirmed the importance we place on our relationship with Turkey, a strong friend and NATO ally. 

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
May 15, 2014

Readout of the Vice President’s Meeting With Chinese People’s Liberation Army Chief of General Staff Fang Fenghui

Today the Vice President met with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Chief of General Staff Fang Fenghui at the White House.  The Vice President and General Fang affirmed the importance of and the need to maintain momentum in the development of U.S.-China military-to-military relations.  The Vice President underscored the United States’ serious concern about China’s unilateral actions in waters disputed with Vietnam.  The Vice President reaffirmed that while the United States does not take a position on the competing territorial claims, no nation should take provocative steps to advance claims over disputed areas in a manner that undermines peace and stability in the region.  The Vice President and General Fang also discussed the importance of the U.S.-China relationship in the context of addressing a range of regional and global challenges.