The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
November 23, 2014

Statement by the President on the Passing of Marion Barry

Michelle and I were saddened to hear of the passing of Marion Barry. Marion was born a sharecropper's son, came of age during the Civil Rights movement, and became a fixture in D.C. politics for decades. As a leader with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, Marion helped advance the cause of civil rights for all. During his decades in elected office in D.C., he put in place historic programs to lift working people out of poverty, expand opportunity, and begin to make real the promise of home rule. Through a storied, at times tumultuous life and career, he earned the love and respect of countless Washingtonians, and Michelle and I extend our deepest sympathies to Marion's family, friends and constituents today.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
November 22, 2014

Statement by NSC Spokesperson Bernadette Meehan on the Nairobi-Bound Bus Attack

The United States condemns in the strongest terms today’s horrific attack in Kenya by the terrorist group al-Shabaab against innocent civilians traveling aboard a Nairobi-bound bus. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the 28 individuals killed. The United States stands with our Kenyan partners in the effort to counter the threat of terrorism and affirms our ongoing commitment to working with all Kenyans to combat these atrocities.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
November 22, 2014

FACT SHEET: Vice President Joe Biden Announces $135 Million in Additional Humanitarian Assistance for Syria Crisis

Vice President Joe Biden announced today in Istanbul, Turkey that the United States is providing nearly $135 million in additional humanitarian assistance to help feed civilians affected by the ongoing conflict in Syria. With this announcement, the United States has provided more than $3 billion in critical humanitarian aid since the start of the crisis, including $222 million for international humanitarian organizations working with the Government of Turkey as they continue to help those affected by the war in Syria.

The new funding will help feed vulnerable people inside Syria; Syrian refugees in Turkey; and Syrian refugees in other neighboring countries. Turkey has generously committed substantial portions of its national resources to hosting an estimated 1.6 million refugees from Syria. The world has watched with great concern as more than 190,000 Syrians from Kobani fled to Turkey in recent weeks. The United States is grateful that Turkey kept its doors open to people fleeing the brutality of ISIL as well as the appalling atrocities committed by the Assad regime.

Of this total new U.S. funding for the Syria crisis, more than $132.8 million will go to the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) and other partners to respond to ongoing emergency food needs inside Syria and in countries hosting Syrian refugees, including Turkey. This includes $63 million for WFP’s operations inside Syria and $70 million for WFP’s operations benefiting Syrian refugees in neighboring countries. WFP’s operations, to which the United States remains the largest donor, feed millions of Syrians every month, including through household food ration deliveries inside Syria and distributions of food vouchers to refugees in neighboring countries.

Nearly $11 million of the new assistance will support the WFP in Turkey. WFP redirected hundreds of tons of food to the Suruc border district in response to the sudden recent influx of refugees and continues to work in close coordination with the Turkish government to feed hundreds of thousands of refugees daily. The new funding also includes nearly $2 million for the Turkish Red Crescent, through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies appeal for Turkey, to provide hot meals for Syrian refugees from Kobani. The work of WFP and the Turkish Red Crescent are critical to meeting the emergency food needs of Syrians seeking shelter in Turkish camps and urban settings.

Inside Syria, U.S. government partners keep people alive by reaching millions of people per month—often at great risk to partner staff—with household food rations and flour for bakeries. In neighboring countries, including Turkey, WFP’s food voucher program bolsters local economies stressed by the influx of Syrian refugees.

U.S. assistance to the Syrian people also includes a commitment to resettle thousands of the most vulnerable to the United States. As the largest resettlement country in the world, and one deeply committed to assisting the Syrian people, the United States will be a major participant in the international effort to resettle Syrian refugees from Turkey and elsewhere. The U.S. refugee resettlement program in Turkey is one of our largest programs worldwide. We intend to admit close to 7,000 refugees from Turkey in the coming year, including Iraqis, Iranians, and a growing number of Syrians.

The United States remains committed to supporting relief agencies working to meet the needs of Syrians throughout the region.

For more detailed information on the U.S. government’s response to the humanitarian crisis in Syria, please visit: www.usaid.gov/crisis/syria.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
November 21, 2014

Readout of the Vice President’s Meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu

Vice President Joe Biden met today with Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu to discuss the fight against ISIL in Iraq and Syria, the Cyprus settlement talks, and energy security. The two leaders agreed on the need to degrade and defeat ISIL, to work towards a political transition in Syria, and provide support for the Iraqi Security Forces and the moderate Syrian opposition.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
November 21, 2014

Readout of the President’s Call with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan

President Obama spoke by phone today with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan to discuss efforts by the United States and Pakistan to advance shared interests in a stable, secure, and prosperous Pakistan and region. President Obama and Prime Minister Sharif reaffirmed the valued relationship between the two countries and the importance of the U.S.-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue as a framework for guiding the bilateral relationship. The two leaders reiterated their commitment to combat terrorism and extremism and to promote peace and stability in the region. The President welcomed Pakistan’s improved relations with the new Afghan government.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
November 21, 2014

Statement by the Press Secretary on the Presidential Determination Pursuant to Section 1245(d)(4)(B) and (C) of the National Defense Authorization Act

Statement by the Press Secretary on the Presidential Determination Pursuant to Section
1245(d)(4)(B) and (C) of the National Defense Authorization Act 
for Fiscal Year 2012

Today, the President made the determination required under section 1245(d)(4)(B) and (C) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 regarding the supply of petroleum and petroleum products from countries other than Iran.

The analysis contained in the Energy Information Administration’s report of October 30, 2014, indicates that oil markets continued to loosen in recent months.  Although substantial global unplanned supply disruptions continue to remove oil from the market, production increases in other countries, particularly in the United States, and weak global demand growth have substantially mitigated oil market tightness and pushed crude oil prices to their lowest level in 4 years.  Global surplus crude oil production capacity has increased in recent months and global crude oil inventories climbed.  The price of Bent crude is below $80 per barrel, more than 25 percent lower than 6 months ago when the last determination was made.

While market conditions suggest that there is sufficient supply to permit additional reductions in purchases or Iranian oil, the United States has committed to pause efforts to further reduce Iran’s crude oil sales during the period of the Joint Plan of Action between the P5+1 and Iran.  In return for this and other limited relief measures, Iran has taken steps that have halted – and in key respects rolled back – progress on its nuclear program.  The International Atomic Energy Agency has verified that Iran is meeting these commitments.

The White House

Office of the First Lady

For Immediate Release
November 21, 2014

White House Announces New Executive Pastry Chef, Susan Morrison

The White House is pleased to announce that Susan E. “Susie” Morrison will serve as the next White House Executive Pastry Chef. Morrison is the seventh person and first woman to serve in this role. She begins just in time to spearhead the always highly anticipated Holiday Gingerbread House. The position was most recently held by William Yosses, who departed earlier this year to create the “Kitchen Garden Laboratory,” a wellness through cooking advocacy group.

As Executive Pastry Chef, Morrison will be responsible for the day to day operation of the pastry kitchen. Morrison will oversee creating and executing the dessert menus for all social events at the White House, including receptions, luncheons and state dinners.

Morrison’s career at the Executive Residence began in 1995 as a contract pastry employee while employed at the Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner Hotel. She was appointed to Assistant Pastry Chef in 2002. During her time working at the White House, Morrison worked with Executive Pastry Chefs Roland Mesnier, Thaddeus Dubois and Bill Yosses. Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford has continued to be a mentor, leader and inspiration for Morrison.

With an avid interest in assuring the health of the bee population and its honey production, Morrison will continue to tend the White House bee hive and support the White House Kitchen Garden. When her work schedule allows, you can find Morrison cycling, running, swimming and surfing.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
November 21, 2014

Presidential Determination -- National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012

November 21, 2014

Presidential Determination
No. 2015-02

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE
                                    THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY
                                    THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY

SUBJECT: Presidential Determination Pursuant to
                  Section 1245(d)(4)(B) and (C) of the
                  National Defense Authorization Act for
                  Fiscal Year 2012

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, after carefully considering the report submitted to the Congress by the Energy Information Administration on October 30, 2014, and other relevant factors, including global economic conditions, increased oil production by certain countries, and the level of spare capacity, I determine, pursuant to section 1245(d)(4)(B) and (C) of theNational Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, Public Law 112-81, and consistent with my prior determinations, that there is a sufficient supply of petroleum and petroleum products from countries other than Iran to permit a significant reduction in the volume of petroleum and petroleum products purchased from Iran by or through foreign financial institutions.

I will continue to monitor this situation closely.

The Secretary of State is hereby authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
November 21, 2014

Statement by the Press Secretary on Holodomor Remembrance Day

Today, we join Ukrainians around the world, including many Ukrainian-Americans, to honor the memory of the millions of Ukrainians starved to death in 1932 and 1933 by the barbaric policies of Stalin’s Soviet Union. The Holodomor, or “death by hunger,” remains one of the gravest atrocities of the last century and is a singularly tragic chapter in Ukrainian history.

While the suffering of the Holodomor was immeasurable, this man-made famine failed to extinguish the unconquerable spirit of the Ukrainian people. As we commemorate this horrific tragedy, we also pay tribute to the enduring strength, courage, and spirit of the people of Ukraine – qualities that Ukrainians continue to draw upon today as, in the face of great adversity, they seek to build a more prosperous, secure, and democratic state.

As we unite in remembrance of the millions of innocent victims of the Holodomor, we also reaffirm our shared commitment to Ukraine’s bright future, and to promoting respect for the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms that are the birthright of all humankind.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
November 21, 2014

Statements to the Press by Vice President Biden and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko

Presidential Administration Building
Kyiv, Ukraine

3:10 P.M. (Local)

PRESIDENT POROSHENKO: (As interpreted) Dear colleagues, dear friends, first of all, I would like to greet everyone on the Day of Freedom and Dignity that Ukraine marks today for the first time, the first anniversary of our revolution of dignity, and the 10th anniversary of the beginning of the Orange Revolution.

I think that both of these events played a significant role in forming the modern Ukrainian state, not a lesser role than the 24th of October -- August when Ukraine gained its independence. And now that we are fighting a patriotic war, Ukraine requires, as never before, wisdom and consolidation.

I believe it is very symbolic that today we are having the visit of our -- the dear friend of Ukraine, the Vice President of the United States of America, our great friend Joe Biden.

The subject of our negotiations is very broad. It is assistance and coordination by the United States here in Ukraine. In these very difficult times, it is very important. I like the phrase that Mr. Vice President spoke that these six days, the six weeks and six months will probably be of the biggest importance for Ukraine.

And, in fact, within the six days, we have to finish forming the coalition government to find all the compromises, all the factions that participate in the coalition process. And I congratulate everyone that today the factions have signed, in fact, the coalition agreement that paves the way for the quickest possible formation of the government. I completely agree with this estimation. And I absolutely support the necessity of its quickest formation.

Of course, the priority of our negotiations today with the Vice President of the United States was two things. Firstly, the security and defense. And secondly, I would like to say that we agreed that the most agreeable format for the peace process is the format of the Minsk negotiations; a third partite -- three-partite contact group where we have to provide for several key elements of the Minsk peace plan. Those are the immediate cease-fire; creation of a buffer zone; the immediate withdrawal to the separation zone and the withdrawal of armed units and armed machinery; and immediate beginning of negotiations through local elections under Ukrainian active legislation in the temporarily occupied territory in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

The peace plan is needed as never before. Ukraine has been adhering to its obligations that it took upon itself when the Minsk protocol and the Minsk memorandum were signed. And we are now reaching common opinion that these are the basic framework that all the sides have to adhere to. And we have to make everything possible to provide for this. We are very thankful that we are continuing our cooperation in the United States in the defense field. And I am convinced that this is all great assistance to us in implementing the position of protecting the independence and security of our nation.

We have discussed our cooperation in the energy sphere and many other points from atomic energy, to crisis response -- especially for the situation when gas supplies will be put under question. And of course, we have made a great contribution that relevant documents were signed in Brussels. And this is what the energy security of Europe and Ukraine are depending on. And we are providing for that.

And the third point is our cooperation towards reforms. We presented today the main directions of reforms. Most of them were included in the coalition agreement, and the big part were reflected in the 2020 strategy.

Today our representatives, I hope they can make a road show to present our reform program in Europe and the whole world. And we have agreed about a very profound assistance that the United States and our European partners will be able to provide financially and otherwise towards the reforms. This is what Ukraine needs the most today.

We have also agreed on the financial assistance in coordination with the International Monetary Fund. And we expect that right after the government has been formed these processes will soon be completed.

And as for the upcoming days and weeks, coordination and cooperation in the fields of security and reforms -- economics and finance and energy are very effective. Thank you very much for this effective cooperation.

I would like to thank our dear friend of Ukraine, Vice President of the United States, Joe Biden.

THE VICE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Thank you for welcoming me once again. This is my third trip in the last seven months. You must be getting tired of seeing me as often as you do. And counting your trip to Washington, this is the fourth time we’ve met in person. And if anyone measures importance by the effort America is putting into this relationship on making sure that the Ukrainian government, it’s democratically elected leaders, making sure that you have international support. This is a pretty good place to start.

Mr. President, you’ve shown tremendous leadership under extraordinarily difficult conditions. And today, on this day of dignity and remembrance, I want to congratulate all Ukrainians on last month’s successful parliamentary elections -- which were overwhelmingly endorsed by Ukrainians as well as the entire international community as being fair and free. And I want to congratulate you again, Mr. President.

This is an important moment -- a chance to make good on the promise of 25 years ago when the Iron Curtain came down; the sacrifices that brave Ukrainians who are even now defending against Russian aggression in the east -- to make good on the efforts of thousands of unsung heroes, civil society activists, ordinary citizens who are trying to preserve a normal life in Donbas, preventing -- preserving their freedom in cities like Mariupol; and of course the promise of those long nights on the Maidan, freezing and facing down sniper fire. You are a remarkable people, the Ukrainian people. You’re a brave people. And you’ve demonstrated that once again to the whole world. And through your courage and your sacrifice, Ukrainians have won -- you’ve won for yourselves a chance to fundamentally alter the history of your country for the better -- much better.

So I want to urge all Ukrainians to seize this moment, take advantage of the momentum of this day, and keep building the democracy that you so desperately and richly deserve to keep moving your country forward.

Today, the President and I discussed all the work that's ahead. We spoke about the threat to Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity posed by Russian aggression. It’s simply unacceptable in the 21st century for countries to attempt to redraw borders by force in Europe, or anywhere for that matter; or to intervene militarily because they don’t like a decision their neighbor has made.

In fact, Russian behavior represents a flagrant violation of the bedrock principles of our international system. Which is why the international community has responded with one voice --amplifying your voice, Mr. President, the voice of all Ukrainians, helping Ukrainians defend their sovereignty and their security and the security of your nation. The international community condemning Russian actions, expanding security assistance to Ukraine, imposing greater and greater costs on Russia for its illegal actions, and refusing to accept the so-called elections held by separatists on November the 2nd.

These weren’t democratic elections. They were a Kremlin-orchestrated farce. And let me say as clearly and categorically as I can, America does not and will not recognize Russian occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea. We do not, will not, and insist others do not accept this illegal annexation.

Now, there’s a different path for Russia and her proxies, a different path they can take. In fact, it’s a path that has already been signed on into paper via the Minsk agreement that the President spoke of; a series of concrete commitments: adhere to the ceasefire, which they are not; restore Ukrainian control over its own borders, with permanent monitoring at the border; remove now illegal military formations, military equipment and militants; and facilitate the release of all hostages. That's what was agreed to by Mr. Putin. None of that has occurred.

If Russia were to fulfill these commitments, and respect Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity, we can begin a rational discussion about sanctions. But that's not what has happened. Instead, we’ve seen more provocative actions, more blatant disregard for the agreement that was signed not long ago by Russia. And so long as that continues, Russia will face rising costs and greater isolation. It’s quite straightforward and simple. There’s a way to change all that. Do what you agreed to do, Mr. Putin.

But as President Poroshenko and I have discussed, even if the guns in the east fell silent tomorrow, Ukraine would still face a struggle for its democratic and economic future here in Kyiv. There’s a lot of work to do in Kyiv. It begins with forming a new government -- in days, not weeks. Form a new government as quickly as possible. It should be done in days not weeks.

Push forward the reform agenda that has been agreed upon and the Ukrainian people -- an agenda that the Ukrainian people have so resoundingly endorsed: stronger democratic institutions; a more accountable government; greater integration with Europe; a more prosperous economy; and resolute efforts to root out the cancer of corruption that has hobbled Ukraine for a long time.

It will face no more consequential mission than confronting corruption. President Poroshenko has shown a seriousness of purpose, and the Rada has passed important anti-corruption legislation. Now the real challenge is seeing it through.

Later today, I’ll be meeting with members of the parliament and civil society to talk about how we, the United States, can work with you -- can work with them, can work together to maintain the momentum in this all-important fight.

The President and I also discussed Ukraine’s economic situation. President Poroshenko and Prime Minister Yatsenyuk have worked very hard to develop a reform program with the IMF. The President and I have met with the IMF, as well, regarding Ukraine. And let me assure you, as Ukraine continues on this course, international partners will step up and help, starting with the United States.

We’re working closely with international institutions to make sure Ukraine has the financial resources and support that it needs. And as we do, we are looking for opportunities to improve Ukraine’s business climate and increase trade and investment. But it all depends on following through on the reforms, which have begun.

And finally I want to make clear America’s commitment to Ukraine is not just about business and governments, it’s personal. It’s grounded in the friendship between our people. And in the next few months, American Peace Corps volunteers will be returning to Ukraine to continue the work they have done for more for than 20 years.

Building a democracy is difficult. Building a democracy takes patience. Building a democracy requires follow-through on the rhetoric that sounds so good when it’s asserted. Hard work, ironclad determination -- these are what is needed. And even then there is no absolute guarantee of success. It’s hard work.

What I can guarantee is that, so long as, Mr. President, you and your colleagues keep faith with your commitment to build a more democratic and prosperous life, you will never be alone. The United States will be at your side -- your partner and your friend.

So, Mr. President, may God bless you and your colleagues and the people of Ukraine, on this important day of dignity. And may God bless the United States of America in being able to continue to help you in your efforts.

Thank you, Mr. President.

END
3:28 P.M. (Local)