Administration of Barack Obama, 2012 / Apr. 15

The President’s News Conference With President Juan Manuel Santos Calderon of in Cartagena April 15, 2012

President Santos. Good afternoon to you. I’d that will create synergies for the benefit of the like to announce that we have had a bilateral North American and Latin American peoples. meeting with President Obama and his team. In bilateral relations, I think that we have al- This has been highly productive. Colombia and so made ways as never before, and I’d like to the U.S. have been successful partners in fight- thank you, President Obama, for your perma- ing against the drug trafficking, fighting against nent willingness and not only working with Co- the terrorism, and in defending democracy. lombia, but with Latin America. You said In this meeting, we have made even more something that really touched us, and you— progress. Our countries have moved from be- that was that you did not see Latin America as ing just good friends and partners to become a problem or Latin living in the real allies. We are allies in building a new U.S. as a problem, but the country—as a con- world order. The world of the 20th century is tribution, as a supplement to the dynamics that behind; it is in the past. Now there is a new in- make the U.S. what they are today. And that ternational reality, and we cannot simply be has a lot of value. We would like to thank you passive observers of this reality. Only joint for this. We would like to thank you, not only work of those who share the ideals of freedom as Latin Americans who live south of Rio and democracy made sure a peaceful transition Grande, but those who live—the millions of towards a better world. And we feel that we Latin Americans who live in the U.S. must work together. As for bilateral relations, finally, after work- ing together for a long time in between two We have talked with President Obama countries and their delegations, we can an- about bilateral problems and world problems, nounce today that on May 15, precisely in 1 and we have also worked at the Security Coun- month, the new FTA with the U.S. will be en- cil coordinating our positions. And we have forced, which means that there will be thou- been doing this—and we will do it at the G–20, sands and millions of jobs created for the U.S. where we will meet in a few months, and here and Colombia. It is a dream we had for a lot of in the summit, in this Summit of the Ameri- time. Since I was a Minister of Commerce 20 cas—and we have had very positive results. years ago, we were dreaming of having free And I’m not only saying this as president of the trade with the U.S. And this has become a real- summit, but most of the heads of state and gov- ity today, here in Cartagena, and right here ernment who were present said the same where not so many years ago, about 10 to 12 thing. And one of the reasons why it has been years, the Plan Colombia was launched. so successful was thanks to the presence of We were about to be considered a failed President Obama, who stayed here for 2 state. And today—thanks to the Plan Colombia nights. And we discussed openly and candidly, and thanks to the U.S. and many others and and with respect and cordiality, all problems. thanks to you, President Obama, for your per- Everything was discussed, and that was really manent support that you have always given appreciated by Latin America and the Carib- us—today, we have a very strong democracy bean in a very special fashion. So I’d like to that is producing specific results for our peo- thank you, President Obama. This was part of ples and that has been recognized by the world the success of the summit. as a whole. We all have the feeling that there are enor- Number two, we also agreed with President mous opportunities to work together in a more Obama to work together so as to help Central integrated fashion. North and American countries in fighting against orga- will be able to find the common denominators nized crime and drug trafficking. The

463 Apr. 15 / Administration of Barack Obama, 2012 experience that we have gathered through Plan people of Colombia and Cartagena for your Colombia, together with the , is unbelievable hospitality. This is a beautiful something that we have the obligation of shar- city. And I’m going to do my best to bring Mi- ing with our brothers in Central America who chelle and the girls back to come visit. are going through difficult times. So that is a This will be remembered as a summit that reason why we have decided to strengthen and brought the nations of our hemisphere closer improve joint assistance mechanisms for these together, and it will be remembered that we countries. advanced the prosperity and the security and Number three, we have agreed to work to- dignity of our peoples. And I believe it will be gether so as to ensure energy interconnection remembered that our progress was made pos- of the whole continent. And this is something sible in no small part by the outstanding com- we discussed during the summit, but it con- mitment and leadership of President Santos cerns us very specifically here. Both the U.S. and his team. So, Juan Manuel, muchas gra- and Colombia may contribute to that intercon- cias. nection. I am dreaming that at some point in As I said to my fellow leaders yesterday, time no individual living in the Americas will there was a time not so long ago when few be out of this interconnection, because that could have imagined holding a summit like this will help us a lot in fighting against the poverty in Colombia. That we have and that the sum- and for development. mit was such a success is a tribute to the re- Number four, we would like to thank the markable transformation that’s occurred in this American Government for a decision, which is Nation. There’s a level of security that’s not that as of now visas given to will be been seen in decades. Citizens are reclaiming extended to 10 years, which is a proof of trust their communities. The economy is growing, as in the country. And we would like to thank you you can see in the skylines of Cartagena and very much for this not only on behalf of the Bogota. Democratic institutions are being Government, but on behalf of the 46 million strengthened. In Colombia today, there’s Colombians and the millions of Colombians hope. who would love to go to the U.S. And this progress, once unthinkable, is a And that is why I think that we are strength- tribute to Colombian leaders, including Presi- ening this wonderful relations that we have al- dent Santos. It’s a testament to the extraordi- ways had with the United States and with you nary courage and sacrifices of Colombian secu- personally, President Obama. You have not on- rity forces and the Colombian people. And ly an ally, but a friend. You can count on us. now, as conflict begins to recede, this nation is And let’s continue working together. We’ve embracing a new task: consolidating the gains been able to attain many goals up to date, and it has won and building a just and durable I’m sure that we will be able to be more suc- peace that unlocks Colombia’s incredible po- cessful in the future. tential. So again, on behalf of these 46 million peo- Today I pledged to President Santos that as ple in Colombia and all Latin Americans, thank Colombia forges its future, Colombia will con- you very much. Thank you very much for your tinue to have a strong partner in the United interest. Thank you very much for coming to States. When we met for the first time 2 years the summit and to this bilateral meeting. I ago, we agreed to take the partnership be- think this has been a very important step for- tween our two countries to a new level. This is ward in trying to work together in the Ameri- part of my broader commitment in the Ameri- cas and the U.S. and Colombia. Thank you cas to seek partnerships of equality that are very much. based on mutual interest and mutual respect. President Obama. Well, thank you, Presi- Here in Colombia and across the region, that’s dent Santos, for those warm words. Most of all, exactly what we’ve done. And today President thank you and thanks to the First Lady and the Santos and I reviewed our progress and, I’m

464 Administration of Barack Obama, 2012 / Apr. 15 pleased to say, reached agreement on several cludes supporting President Santos’s very am- new initiatives. bitious reform agenda, including reparations First, as has already been mentioned, we’re for victims and land reform. And this afternoon moving ahead with our landmark trade agree- I look forward to joining President Santos as he ment. In our meeting at the White House last presents land titles to two Afro-Colombian year, we approved an action plan to ensure the communities, advancing the vision of a Colom- protection of labor rights. We all know that bia that is just and equitable. more work still needs to be done, but we’ve As Colombia grows stronger at home, it’s in- made significant progress. And as a result, and creasingly playing a leadership role across the given the actions taken by President Santos region, a third area where we’re deepening our and the Colombian legislature, I can announce partnership. Colombia has shared its expertise that the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement in security by training police officers in coun- will enter into force next month on May 15. tries from Latin America to Afghanistan. To- As I’ve said before, this agreement is a win day President Santos and I agreed that our two for both our countries. It’s a win for the United countries will work together to support our States by increasing our exports by more than partners in Central America as they pursue a $1 billion, supporting thousands of U.S. jobs, regional strategy to improve the security of and helping to achieve my goal of doubling their citizens. U.S. exports. It’s a win for Colombia by giving And this is just one more example of how you even greater access to the largest market Colombia is contributing to security and peace for your exports: the United States of America. beyond its borders, including as a current And I’d add that this agreement is a win for our member of the U.N. Security Council. I want workers and the environment because of the to take this opportunity to salute Colombian strong protections it has for both, commit- leadership, from supporting the recovery in ments that we are going to fulfill. So, President Haiti to supporting sanctions against Iran, to Santos, thank you for your partnership in get- standing up for the rights and freedoms of peo- ting this done. ple in the Middle East and North Africa. And Colombia’s economic progress puts this na- this week in Brazil, we’ll join nations from tion on the path to join the ranks of developed around the world in advancing the open gov- nations. President Santos has made it a goal to ernment that empowers citizens and makes seek membership in the Organisation for Eco- governments more accountable. nomic Co-operation and Development. And Finally, I’m very pleased that we’re deepen- today I can announce that when Colombia is ing the ties between our peoples. As it now ready to seek it, the United States will strongly stands, visas for Colombians to visit the United support Colombia’s candidacy for the OECD. States expire after 5 years. As was just men- Moreover, we will actively encourage other tioned, I’m announcing that these visas for Co- members of the OECD to join us in support- lombians will now be valid for 10 years, and this ing Colombia’s membership, which would be will make it easier for more Colombians to visit another symbol of Colombia’s transformation. and experience the United States. And this is Alongside our deeper economic coopera- one more very tangible example of Colombia’s tion, we’re strengthening our security coopera- transformation and the transformation in the tion. The United States has been proud to relationship between our two countries. stand with the Colombian people in their fight So again, President Santos, thank you to you against a terrorist insurgency that took the lives for your leadership. Thank you to the people of of so many innocent civilians. I reaffirmed to Cartagena and the people of Colombia for this President Santos that the United States will outstanding summit and your great hospitality, continue to stand with Colombia shoulder to the warmth that you’ve extended us and the shoulder as you work to end this conflict and other leaders who gathered here. It makes me build a just and lasting peace. And that in- very confident about Colombia’s future.

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Cuba/Falkland Islands coming years, as Cuba begins to look at where it needs to go in order to give its people the President Santos. Thank you. Thank you kind of prosperity and opportunity that it very much. needs, that it starts loosening up some of the Well, there are some questions. I think, constraints within that country. And that’s RCN TV, Juan Carlos, you have a question. something that we will welcome. Q. Presidents, good afternoon. President I’m not somebody who brings to the table Obama, today at the closing of the Summit of here a lot of baggage from the past, and I want the Americas, there was great expectation be- to look at all these problems in a new and fresh cause we never—you never came up with a way. But I also deeply believe in those princi- document that would reflect a decision, and ples that are contained not just in the OAS many people would say that Cuba and the charter, but in the United Nations Charter: Malvinas issue weren’t taken up as they should that respect for individuals, respect for rule of have. Does this have to do in any way with the law, respect for human rights that I think is electoral environment, the electoral context in part of the reason that we’re seeing an incredi- the United States? ble transformation here in Colombia. And to President Santos, today that the And in terms of the Maldives [Malvinas]* or State Department announced a new security the Falklands, whatever your preferred term, plan for the region. What benefits do you see our position on this is that we are going to re- coming from this plan? Thank you very much. main neutral. We have good relations with President Obama. Well, first of all, what it both Argentina and Great Britain, and we are reflects is a lack of consensus among those who looking forward to them being able to continue participated in the summit. The issue of Cuba to dialogue on this issue. But this is not some- I’ve discussed before. Since I came into office, thing that we typically intervene in. we have made changes to our Cuba policy. President Santos. I would just like to repeat We’ve increased remittances that are permissi- something that I said during the press confer- ble from sending money to ence this morning—early this afternoon, saying their families to help support them back home. that the important thing of the summit is that We’ve increased travel by family members to we openly discussed all the issues—all issues. Cuba. And we have discussed in the OAS the This didn’t happen before. There were some pathway whereby Cuba can fully participate in issues that garnered agreement, others that some of these regional forums. But the fact of didn’t. We reached an agreement on the five the matter is, is that Cuba, unlike the other fundamental issues that were identified from countries that are participating, has not yet the very outset, and the discussion on other is- moved to democracy, has not yet observed ba- sues was an open, candid discussion. It was ful- sic human rights. ly respectful and productive, I would say. I am hopeful that a transition begins to take And that is what I—why I believe that in the place inside of Cuba. And I assure you that I aftermath of this summit, we will have a better and the American people will welcome the understanding of these challenges. Some will time when the Cuban people have the freedom be solved in the short term; others in the lon- to live their lives, choose their leaders, and ful- ger term. There are others that we will—natu- ly participate in this global economy and inter- rally won’t be able to resolve. But that is only national institutions. natural. And summits such as these, where 33 We haven’t gotten there yet. But as I indi- countries participate, each one bringing to the cated to President Santos and all the other table their own interests, each one bringing leaders in—sitting around the table, we recog- their own prism through which they look at nize that there may be an opportunity in the things. But the positive thing is that we discuss

* White House correction.

466 Administration of Barack Obama, 2012 / Apr. 15 these issues candidly and productively, a num- progress that Colombia has made on economic ber of issues that were not even on the table and security issues. Thank you. before. President Obama. Well, first of all, my posi- On the issue of security, with the United tion on Cuba has been consistent. It hasn’t wa- States, we have very close coordination, and vered before I was elected for President the perhaps we don’t have this close relationship first time, it didn’t change after I was elected with any other country in the world. We have for President, it hasn’t changed now. So let me learned mutually from each other. They have repeat, separate and apart from whatever elec- helped us a great deal. As I said before, Plan toral concerns you’re describing: I want the Colombia was launched a few years ago. And people of Cuba, like people throughout this it’s not just the amount of money that was of- hemisphere, to have the opportunity to work, fered through Plan Colombia, it was the quali- to raise their families, to start a business, to ex- ty of the assistance. And to us, that was a very press themselves, to criticize their leaders— important step. And anything that we can do something that we in America take full advan- along that road to improve security in the Unit- tage of—to replace them if they’re not work- ed States and Colombia and to share our expe- ing, which presumably is the aspiration of, I riences will be more than welcome. think, most people throughout Latin America. And as I indicated in an interview earlier, I Cuba/U.S. Secret Service/Narcotrafficking am sometimes puzzled by the degree to which countries that themselves have undergone Q. Thank you, both of you. President enormous transformations, that have known Obama—— the oppression of dictatorship or have found themselves on the wrong side of a ruling elite [At this point, there was feedback from the mi- and have suffered for it, why we would ignore crophone.] that same principle here. But, Jackie [Jackie Calmes, I’m a little close there. Following up on my Times], as you know, I tend to be an optimistic Colombian colleague’s question, could you ad- person. And it is my hope that as Cuba looks at dress—he had referred to the electoral pres- what’s happening in countries like Colombia sures that you face in the United States. Could and Brazil and Chile and throughout the re- you address the issue of how big looms gion, they’re going to start saying to them- in terms of the United States policy towards selves, maybe there’s a new path to take in the Cuba? 21st century. And when that happens, they’re And I wanted to ask quickly about—the is- going to have a welcome hand extended by the sue that has sort of hung over this summit for United States of America. the Americans is the controversy that involved On the Secret Service, these men and wom- members of the detail that is sworn to protect en perform extraordinary service on a day-to- you. What did you—were you angry when you day basis protecting me, my family, U.S. offi- heard about this as you came here? And do you cials. They do very hard work under very feel like there’s any—this is indicative of any stressful circumstances and almost invariably broader cultural problem within the Secret do an outstanding job. And so I’m very grateful Service, such as a leading Republican Con- to the work that they do. gressman suggested? What happened here in Colombia is being And President Santos—which, President investigated by the Director of the Secret Ser- Obama, you could also address this as well— vice. I expect that investigation to be thorough, I’m curious as to why you made drug traffick- and I expect it to be rigorous. If it turns out ing such a prominent part of this summit when that some of the allegations that have been it could be argued that it detracted some from made in the press are confirmed, then of the attention you wanted to bring to the great course, I’ll be angry, because my attitude with

467 Apr. 15 / Administration of Barack Obama, 2012 respect to the Secret Service personnel is no proach that, I think, is important back home, different than what I expect out of my delega- making sure that we’re trying to reduce de- tion that’s sitting here. We’re representing the mand, even as we try to choke off supply? people of the United States. And when we And so I’m looking forward to continuing to travel to another country, I expect us to ob- have that conversation. And based on the best serve the highest standards because we’re not evidence and the best ideas out there, hopeful- just representing ourselves, we’re here on be- ly, we can continue to strengthen these efforts. half of our people. And that means that we President Santos. If I understood your ques- conduct ourselves with the utmost dignity and tion correctly, why—it is, why did we place probity. And obviously, what’s been reported drugs on the agenda when there are other doesn’t match up with those standards. But more important things for the summit or again, I think I’ll wait until the full investiga- things that we should highlight about our tion is completed before I pass final judgment. country, such as the progress that we’ve The final point I’ll make, just on the issue achieved economically and in strengthening you raised with President Santos, about the is- our democracy? sue of drug trafficking. I think it is wholly ap- The question is well put, but the answer is in propriate for us to discuss this issue because your court. The media were the ones that Colombia obviously has gone through a placed such a high level of attention on this is- wrenching number of years dealing with this sue. I said many times in the interviews that I issue. It has been successful because of the conducted before this summit, I said I don’t courage and leadership not only of President want this issue to be the summit’s issue; I have Santos and his predecessors, but also because no interest in having this issue as the sole sum- of Colombian security forces. mit issue. This is one of many issues that some But you now have a number of countries in countries want to put on the table for negotia- the region, in Central America and in the Ca- tions. And what I said before is that, fortunately, ribbean, that are smaller, that have fewer re- during this summit there were no issues that sources, and are starting to feel overwhelmed. were left off the table, everything was open, And obviously, we’ve been following what’s and this was one of the issues that was dis- been happening in Mexico and the violence cussed. We discussed it frankly, candidly. We that’s been taking place there as a consequence heard positions from President Obama, from of these narcotraffickers. So I think it wouldn’t the United States, and positions from other make sense for us not to examine what works countries. And they were all laid out on the ta- and what doesn’t and to constantly try to refine ble. And I think this is a positive step, and if we and ask ourselves, is there something we can can find paths that will provide more effective do to prevent violence, to weaken these drug and cheaper mechanisms to fight against drug traffickers, to make sure that they’re not ped- trafficking and organized crime, well, let’s dling this stuff on our kids and they’re not per- work on that. But we—it was never our inten- petrating violence and corrupting institutions tion for this issue to be the issue of the summit. in the region? And I thought it was a good and Caracol Television. useful and frank discussion. As I said a couple of days ago, Jackie, I’m President Obama’s Visit to Colombia/Colom- not somebody who believes that legalization is bia-U.S. Relations/Trade a path to solving this problem. But I do think that we can constantly ask ourselves, are there Q. President Obama, good afternoon. Presi- additional steps we can take to be more cre- dent Santos, good afternoon, sir. President ative? And are there ways that we can combine Obama, you are the first U.S. President who the law enforcement and interdiction ap- comes to Colombia and stays 3 days, 2 nights, proaches that we’ve successfully partnered in the beautiful city of Cartagena. How should with Colombia on with the public health ap- Colombia and the world interpret this gesture?

468 Administration of Barack Obama, 2012 / Apr. 15

Is it an acknowledgment of the levels of securi- And let me just mention, I know you asked ty that we have here? Is it a gesture of trust in the question of President Santos, but on the is- what President Santos has done? Or can we in- sue of small businesses, one of the things that I terpret it as a new phase beginning in relation- brought to the summit was a proposal that, I ships—the relations between two countries? think, people are embracing throughout the And, President Santos, there are small-busi- region, and that is that we begin to focus more nesspeople who are very concerned about the on small and medium-sized businesses, on FTA. And what is your plan to deal with that, women’s businesses, making sure that the ben- Mr. President? efits of trade don’t just go to the largest compa- President Obama. Well, I think the answer nies, but also go to smaller entrepreneurs and is all of the above. It is—this represents my businesspeople. confidence in the security of Colombia and the Because in today’s globalized world there’s progress that’s been made. It represents my an opportunity for a small business or a medi- confidence in President Santos and the work um-sized business to access a global market- that we’ve done together, as a culmination of place and grow rapidly, and that means more the efforts that we began when we first met a jobs here in Colombia, and that means more couple of years ago. It highlights the deliver- jobs in the United States. So we don’t want ables coming out of this summit, not just the trade to just be taking place at this layer up free trade agreement, but all the other work here. We want it to be taking place at every that has been done, such as the increase in the level because we think that’s going to be good for both our economies. length of visitor visas. And it is consistent with the approach that I indicated I would take President Santos. You asked me about what when I first came into office when it comes to contingency plan we had to help companies Latin America and Central America. and people who were going to be adversely af- fected by the FTA. All free trade agreements This is a fast-growing part of the world. It is have winners and they have losers, and in this our—one of our largest trading partners, the case, we have many more winners than losers. entire region. We have , Employment wins. We will create jobs in Co- Americans who originate from the Dominican lombia. We estimate that more than 500,000 Republic, from Guatemala, from Mexico, who jobs will be created. We will benefit economic are constantly contributing to the vitality and growth. We will—we have estimated that be- the strength of the United States. And so there tween .5 and 1 percent will be added to our is a natural bond that already exists. And it’s growth rate over the long term, and that will be important that our governments build on that translated into benefits for the economy—for natural bond for the mutual benefit of both na- the Colombians. And we estimate that every- tions. body will benefit from this. And my expectation is, is that we will contin- Obviously, there are some sectors that don’t ue to see the progress that’s been made in this traditionally benefit. But small and medium summit in subsequent meetings that we have enterprises can be the ones that benefit the with Colombia. And I think that Colombia in- most. That happened in Peru, for example, creasingly, precisely because it went through when the Peru-U.S. FTA—we saw a major up- difficult times over these last several years, can tick of the number of SMEs that benefited end up being a role model for a lot of countries from this free trade agreement. We hope that around the region. Because they’ll see: You that happens in Colombia as well, because thus know what, there’s hope—even in the midst of far, Colombia has per capita exports which are violence, even in the midst of difficulty— very low. But we still have the great potential there’s the possibility of breaking through to to bolster our free trade and our exports in the other side and achieving greater citizen se- those sectors that are vulnerable—which have curity and greater prosperity. been identified as vulnerable—are the focus of

469 Apr. 15 / Administration of Barack Obama, 2012 a series of policies and efforts that will help country on Earth—we were able to give oppor- them weather the storm, to be transformed, to tunity to everybody. That’s what the American be more competitive, and to be able to face the Dream was all about. competition that will open up with this new So when we have debates now about our tax FTA. That has happened with every free trade policy, when we have debates now about the agreement that has been signed in the past. Buffett rule that we’ve been talking about, What’s important is that the final results yields where we say if you make a million dollars a more benefits than otherwise. And we have no year or more you shouldn’t pay a lower tax rate doubts that in this case, it will have more bene- than your secretary, that is not an argument fits for everyone. about redistribution. That is an argument about growth. Because the history of the Unit- U.S. and Global Economy/Iran ed States is we grow best when our growth is broad-based. We grow best when our middle Q. Thank you, sir. Yesterday the President class is strong. We grow best when everybody of Brazil was talking about the importance not has opportunity. And that means that some- only of growing the economic pie, but making body who has a great idea and is selling a great sure that it’s divided more equitably. I wonder product or service, we want them to get rich. how you think that applies within the United That’s great. But we also want to make sure States, where the idea of spreading the wealth that we as a society are investing in that young around isn’t always warmly greeted, and how, kid who comes from a poor family, who has in- for example, with this free trade agreement, credible talent and might be able to get rich as you make sure that the benefits are widely well. shared. And if I may, sir, on an unrelated topic, if I could get your reaction to the Prime Minis- And that means we’ve got to build good ter Netanyahu’s comments that the P–5-plus-1 schools, and we’ve got to make sure that that had given Iran a freebie with this additional child can go to college. And we also want to time. make sure that we keep our scientific edge, And for President Santos, what responsibili- and that means we’ve got to invest in basic re- ty do you believe the countries of Latin Ameri- search. And that means that we’ve got to have ca, especially those that have become more some basic safety net, because people are more democratic, have for helping to bring Cuba in- willing to take risks that are required for the to the democratic fold? free market to work if they know that if they President Obama. The goal of any govern- fall on hardship, if something happens, that ment should be to create security for its citi- there’s still some floor that they can’t fall be- zens and to give them opportunity to achieve neath and that they’ll be able to retire with prosperity and to pass that prosperity on to some dignity and some respect. their kids. And I’m a strong believer that the And so one of the things that we’re going to free market is the best tool ever invented to be talking about over the next several months create wealth. as we debate the budget and Government But what’s true in every country is that we spending and the proper role of Government, always have to think about whether every sin- is just—I want everybody to remember, I’m gle person is getting a fair shot, where they ac- going to say this repeatedly—this is not an ar- tually have opportunity. Is everybody doing gument about taking from A to give to B. This their fair share to support the common efforts is not a redistributionist argument that we’re that are required to create a platform for making. We’re making an argument about how growth? Is everybody playing by the same set do we grow the economy so that it’s going to be of rules? And I think the history of the United prospering in this competitive 21st-century en- States, the reason we became an economic su- vironment. And the only way we’re going to do perpower is because—not always perfectly, not that is if people like me, who have been incred- always consistently, but better than any other ibly blessed, are willing to give a little bit back

470 Administration of Barack Obama, 2012 / Apr. 15 so that the next generation coming along can something away or a freebie would indicate succeed as well. And the more people that suc- that Iran has gotten something. In fact, they’ve ceed, the better off the country is going to be. got some of the toughest sanctions that they’re With respect to the Iranian talks, I’ve been going to be facing coming up in just a few very clear on this. Iran has violated U.N. Secu- months if they don’t take advantage of these rity Council resolutions. They’re the only talks. I hope they do. country that’s a member of the Non-Prolifera- Was there a—you guys ask too many ques- tion Treaty, the NPT, that cannot convince the tions. I start forgetting. international community that they are abiding President Santos. by the rules governing the NPT. And not just President Santos. Any foreign policy has a the United States, but the world community is formula: Interests plus principles equals a for- now imposing some of the toughest sanctions eign policy. So how do you combine these in- that we’ve ever seen, and there are more to terests and principles, and how you defend come. And it is my view that it would be con- those principles is what makes a foreign policy. trary to the security interests of the United In our case and in the case of many coun- States and destabilizing for the world and the tries—countries that believe in freedom and region, if Iran pursues, develops, obtains a nu- democracy—we have the obligation to make clear weapon. So I’ve been very clear, and I’ve sure that those principles are applied in every been talking about this quite a bit lately. form possible and in every place possible. What I’ve also been clear about is that the But there are different formulas to defend best way to resolve this issue is diplomatically and apply those principles as well. There are and my belief that we still have a window in certain paths that are more effective than oth- which to resolve this conflict diplomatically. ers. In some cases, sanctions may work. Gener- That window is closing, and Iran needs to take advantage of it. But it is absolutely the right ally, they don’t, but they may work in some cas- thing to do for the U.S. Government, working es. In some other cases, it has been proven that in concert with the other permanent members sanctions are not the solution, and in these cas- of the Security Council, with Germany, with es, we need to then pursue the defense of the rest of the world community, to pursue this those principles through other ways. path. And in our case, Colombia and other Latin Part of the reason we’ve been able to build a American countries that believe in democracy strong international coalition that isolates Iran and believe in freedom, we have the obligation around the nuclear issue is because the world to pursue those principles following the most has confidence that I’ve been sincere and my effective paths. And I believe that that can administration has been sincere about giving yield the best results. Iran an opportunity to pursue peaceful nuclear President Obama. Thank you very much, ev- energy while foreclosing the pursuit of a nucle- erybody. ar weapon. That strengthens our hand. That’s President Santos. Muchas gracias. part of the reason why we’ve been able to exe- cute on these strong sanctions. And we’re go- NOTE: The President’s news conference began ing to keep on seeing if we make progress. at 4:30 p.m. in the Courtyard at Casa de Hues- Now, the clock is ticking. And I’ve been very pedes. In his remarks, the President referred clear to Iran and to our negotiating partners to Maria Clemencia Rodriguez de Santos, wife that we’re not going to have these talks just of President Santos. A reporter referred to drag out in a stalling process. But so far, at President Dilma Rousseff of Brazil; and Prime least, we haven’t given away anything other Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel. Presi- than the opportunity for us to negotiate and dent Santos and some reporters spoke in Span- see if Iran comes to the table in good faith. ish, and their remarks were translated by an in- And the notion that somehow we’ve given terpreter.

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