Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered these remarks in Washington, DC

Secretary Clinton. [H]ello, everyone. I just finished a productive meeting with President Zelaya. We discussed the events of the past nine days and the road ahead. I reiterated to him that the United States supports the restoration of the democratic constitutional order in Honduras. We continue to support regional efforts through the OAS to bring about a peaceful resolution that is consistent with the terms of the Inter-American Democratic Charter.

As President Obama said today, we have taken this position because we respect the universal principle that people should choose their own leaders, whether they are leaders we agree with or not. And I told President Zelaya that we will do everything we can to avoid any further bloodshed, and I conveyed our deep regret over the tragic events that unfolded in the last days.

We call upon all parties to refrain from acts of violence and to seek a peaceful, constitutional, and lasting solution to the serious divisions in Honduras through dialogue. To that end, we have been working with a number of our partners in the hemisphere to create a negotiation, a dialogue that could lead to a peaceful resolution of this situation.

We are supporting the efforts that the OAS has made, but we think there needs to be a specific mediator, and to that end we are supporting President Arias of Costa Rica to serve in this important role. I raised this with President Zelaya, discussed it with him at length. He agreed that President Arias, who not only has a lot of experience going back many years as a mediator—in fact, won the Nobel Peace Prize for the work he did to resolve the conflict in El Salvador—but is the current president of the Central American Association. So he is the natural person to assume this role.

I spoke with President Arias earlier today, discussed it with him. He is willing to serve as a mediator. And we have received word that the de facto caretaker president, Micheletti, will also agree to President Arias serving in this role.

We hope that this process can begin as soon as possible. It was one of the questions that President Zelaya raised with me, what the timing would be. Based on my conversation with President Arias, I think he is willing to begin immediately.

And it is our hope that through this dialogue mechanism, overseen by President Arias, that there can be a restoration of democratic constitutional order, a peaceful resolution of this matter that will enable the Honduran people to see the restoration of democracy and a more peaceful future going forward.

So I'd be happy to take your questions.

Q. Do you believe that—you use this phrase that is so often used here, “the restoration of the constitutional and democratic order.” One, does that mean that President Zelaya should be restored to his position?

Secondly, do you think it makes any sense for him to try to force his way back into the country, as he did over the weekend when the violence occurred?

And then lastly, does he need to compromise a little on this? Does he need to perhaps give up his plans for a referendum on extending the presidential terms?

Secretary Clinton. Now that we have a mediation process that we hope can begin shortly, I don't want to prejudge what the parties themselves will agree to. There are many different issues that will have to be discussed and resolved. But I think it's fair to let the parties themselves, with President Arias' assistance, sort out all of these issues.

We hope at the end of this mediation there will be a return of democratic constitutional order that is agreed to by all concerned. The exact nature of that, the specifics of it, we will leave to the parties themselves, as I think now is appropriate.

I was heartened that President Zelaya agreed with this. I believe it is a better route for him to follow at this time than to attempt to return in the face of the implacable opposition of the de facto regime. And so instead of another confrontation that might result in the loss of life, let's try the dialogue process and see where that leads, and let's let the parties determine all the various issues as they should. It's their responsibility to do that.

Q. Does the mediation effort now mean that you're going to hold off on making a determination about whether this was, in fact, a coup that statutorily requires you to suspend non-humanitarian aid?

Secretary Clinton. Well, Matt, we have paused in the aid that we think would be affected by the letter of the statute. There is humanitarian aid, and that is a concern for us—the well-being of the people of Honduras. But we've made the decision to basically pause on any further aid. We hope that this mediation process will lead to a rapid resolution, and that would be our preference.

Q. And do you expect President Arias to actually go to Honduras?

Secretary Clinton. No, he's going to conduct it in Costa Rica, and the parties from Honduras, including President Zelaya, will be in Costa Rica for the mediation.

Mr. Kelly. Okay, Nick Kralev, Washington Times.

Q. Madame Secretary, what status— what official status does President Zelaya currently have in the United States? What has he been afforded? And what is the status of the ambassador of Honduras to the—to Washington? Does he represent the de facto government or President Zelaya?

Secretary Clinton. Those are some of the specific questions that President Zelaya is discussing as we speak with Assistant Secretary Tom Shannon, with Dan Restrepo from the National Security Council, and others, because we do want to work this out in the most appropriate manner. The question of their ambassador to us and our ambassador to them is one we need to resolve. I was very pleased that President Zelaya and the foreign minister who was with him both commended us for the role that our ambassador is playing in Honduras, not only in providing security for members of President Zelaya's family, but in being one of the few people who can talk to all sides at this time.

We are obviously going to be guided by the appropriateness of whether to leave our ambassador there going forward. If— President Zelaya believes that he's playing a useful role, so we do not want to abridge that if it could be value-added to this mediation process.

Mr. Kelly. Last question to Ginger Thompson, New York Times.

Q. Madame Secretary, thank you for taking questions. Can you confirm reports that Assistant Secretary Shannon met yesterday, I believe, with Ricardo Maduro, who is representing the delegation that's backing the de facto government, and can you tell us about the nature of those conversations and whether you all continue to have meetings with that delegation?

Secretary Clinton. Well, I'm not going to comment on that because our goal has been to reach the point where I believe we are now, which is to get the parties talking to each other and not through us or through other third parties. There's been, as you know, an enormous amount of contact going on across the hemisphere and, literally, around the world. But it has been my view for several days that the most useful role we could play is to convince all that are directly concerned, not only President Zelaya, but also the de facto regime, the OAS, the UN, everyone, that we needed to have a process where the Hondurans themselves sat down and talked to each other. And that is—that's been my goal, and I believe that we are on the brink of that happening. I'm hoping that it actually occurs soon.

So we have tried through our good offices to get people to this point. And we're very grateful for the willingness of President Arias to serve in this position, and we're also appreciative of the efforts of the OAS as well.

Q. Thank you.

Secretary Hillary Clinton was interviewed by Globovision in Washington, DC

Q. Are you satisfied with the steps taking place in Honduras to resolve their political problems?

Secretary Clinton. I'm very concerned about what happened in Honduras. We are supporting the return of the democratic constitutional order to Honduras. I have just finished meeting with President Zelaya, and I and my team have been working very hard the last nine days to bring about a mediation process so that all who are involved in this from Honduras can sit down and work out their disagreements peacefully.

President Oscar Arias from Costa Rica has stated his willingness to serve as the mediator, and President Zelaya told me he would agree, and the de facto caretaker president, Micheletti, has said he would agree. So we're hoping that the mediation process will begin in Costa Rica very soon and that the parties will put everything on the table and that we will have a peaceful resolution to this very unfortunate situation.

Q. For the Obama Administration, what would you consider the most sensitive topic regarding Latin America?

Secretary Clinton. I think that there are so many issues that join us together as neighbors in this hemisphere, and we are concerned about the economic situation. We want to help Latin America and individual countries be able to handle the economic global recession. We would like to get economic growth going again and have it more equitably distributed so that more people have a chance to lift themselves and their children out of poverty.

We are concerned about the ongoing threat to sovereign governments from criminal cartels. The narcotraffickers and the gangs and the other elements like militias that support these criminal organizations pose a grave threat to the stability and sovereignty and democracy of nations in our hemisphere.

Q. If I mentioned to you issues like separation of power, human rights, political freedom, freedom of speech, civil and political rights, which one would you consider the weakest or the most fragile of states in Latin America?

Secretary Clinton. Well, you have just listed many of the most important concerns that we have about our hemisphere. We think it's imperative that people's rights be respected, that there be separation of powers, and that different institutions within countries' governments have clearly defined roles that they are able to exercise.

We support freedom of expression throughout our hemisphere. We are against the arbitrary use and abuse of power that would lead to political prisoners being confined. Because everything that you have mentioned is part of what makes up a vibrant democracy. Democracy is not just about elections. Democracy is about how governments are organized, whether they are able to protect the rights of minorities, whether people of different political persuasions have the right to speak out without fear of being persecuted, whether there's an independent judiciary and an independent press.

All of these are parts of what make democracies dynamic and lasting. So whenever one of those is under attack, others are often under attack as well.

Q. Considering that freedom of speech is a duty in the development of institutional order and the democratic practice in Latin America, what will be an official U.S. call if our government, the Venezuelan Government, shut down permanently an independent media and it continues to chase journalists, both legally and by official rhetoric?

Secretary Clinton. Well, let me say that for the United States, freedom of speech, freedom of expression, freedom of the press is a fundamental value. Now, I have been in politics for a very long time, and I probably have been subjected to as much press criticism as anyone you can find. And yet, I know that this is an important part of our democracy. When you're in politics sometimes and you think you're trying to do what is right for the people who you represent, it is easy to look at anyone who criticizes you as being out of bounds and that they have no right to do that.

But you cannot let the political concerns of any party or candidate or elected official undermine the freedom of expression. Because at the end of the process, whoever is elected and whoever is in office needs constructive criticism. Otherwise you are—it's like you're talking to yourself: Am I doing a good job? Oh, yes, you're doing a good job.

Q. Right.

Secretary Clinton. That's not a way to run a democracy. So we are very supportive of the freedom of speech, press, the media, individuals, political parties. And I do think that in your country, like other countries, there has to be protection for the press against political opposition.

Q. We are living in a multipolar world. We see new political alliance and new economical partnerships. In this regard, how do you perceive the liaison between Iran and Venezuela?

Secretary Clinton. Well, I think that we have seen in the last weeks that Iran has not respected its own democracy. It has taken actions against its own citizens for peacefully protesting what they viewed as irregularities in the voting process. And I think it is not a very smart position to align oneself with a regime that is being rejected by so many of their own people. We obviously are concerned about Iran's regime, the pursuit of nuclear weapons, which would be very destabilizing in the Middle East and beyond, the support for terrorism that Iran still pursues.

We are willing to engage, so we would never tell another country you cannot do business with the regime of Iran in order to figure out ways of helping to change their behavior. But we think it is not in the best interest of the world to be doing business with Iran to promote the regime. That is not smart. And so even though we are cautiously pursuing a policy of engagement, we are doing it with our eyes opened. And we understand that given the problems that Iran has just demonstrated, it may not be possible, in which case, we would ask the world to join us in imposing even stricter sanctions on Iran to try to change the behavior of the regime.

Q. Talking about business, is your Administration satisfied with our legal framework to secure and protect the American investment in Venezuela?

Secretary Clinton. Well, we believe that there needs to be a dialogue between the United States and Venezuela on a range of issues. As you know, we have returned our ambassador to Venezuela. We have been pleased to receive an ambassador from Venezuela because we want to have that kind of dialogue. We want to be able to discuss what we view as concerns, and one of them is the legal order for doing business in Venezuela.

We think that Venezuela, like many countries, can benefit, as we do in our own country, from foreign investment, from people bringing in capital to improve business and the climate for business. And we would like to see a better relationship between our two countries.

Q. Nowadays in Latin America, we are facing a new challenge because we have a president elected by their people trying to change their law in order to stay in power, which, at the end, in my opinion, it weak[en]s their institution and minimize[s] the balance of power.

Secretary Clinton. Well, as a general principle, I agree that anyone who stays in power for too long, even if they are initially elected in a free and democratic election, runs the risk of taking on too much power. That is not good for a democracy. And part of what we hope we will see over the next months in Venezuela is a recognition that you can be a very strong leader and have very strong opinions without trying to take on too much power and trying to silence all your critics.

I always have believed that you are stronger when you learn from those who criticize you and when you try to persuade people peacefully to come to your point of view. So I think there are ways that the current government in Venezuela could maintain a very strong presence without, in any way, raising questions about the commitment to democracy.

Q. Okay. Going back to your Administration, how would you describe the Obama strategy to deal with the inoculation of this new 21 century socialist raising in the most weak and poor countries in Latin America?

Secretary Clinton. Well, first, I think you have to ask yourself, why does this happen? And part of the reason it happens is because Latin America does have the largest wealth gap in the world. The gap between the richest and the poorest in Latin America is very wide. So there's a genuine concern on the part of many people—how do we get more income into the hands of the people at the bottom and help them have a better life?

I think there are a lot of ways of doing that, but it hasn't worked yet the way that many people had hoped. So there's a level of legitimate questioning—what do we need to do differently? But I'm one who believes that you should be very cautious about how you proceed because there are always unintended consequences. And I don't think using democracy to undermine democracy is a good idea. I don't think that being in a position of authority and then trying to prevent others from having the right to express themselves is a good idea.

Q. The quote “freedom for Cuba and the Cuban people” (inaudible) a possibility for you under Castro political authority?

Secretary Clinton. Well, as you know, we are engaged in discussions with the Government of Cuba about matters that we believe are important—migration, for example. But we have made it very clear that we could not do much more in dealing with Cuba unless Cuba changes. The political prisoners need to be released. Free and fair elections need to be held. I've always believed that if you think you're doing a good job for people, then go out and try to persuade them to vote for you in an honest, free, and fair election. So we are opening up dialogue with Cuba, but we are very clear that we want to see some fundamental changes within the Cuban regime.

Q. Finally, are we going to see a picture with President Obama and President Chavez at the Oval Office shortly?

Secretary Clinton. Well, as you know, I think President Obama was quite surprised when he was given the book. But we're trying to lower the temperature. We want to make it clear that there are ways for us to have a conversation with people we don't agree with on many issues. We don't want to see interference with other countries' internal affairs. We want to see a vibrant democracy that reflects the very best that countries have to offer. We would like very much to see leaders being effective in helping to create greater economic opportunity for poor people.

But we think there are ways that that can work that are not anti-democratic that would be very effective in enlisting the opinion of people and the support of people, but leaving room for constructive and legitimate criticism. And that's what we would like to see. We certainly live with that in our own country, and it's worked pretty well for us for a very long time. So I would hope that it could be viewed as a good idea for others as well.

Q. Thank you very much for the interview.

Secretary Clinton. Thank you, sir.

Secretary Hillary Clinton, Secretary Patricia Espinosa Cantellano, and Minister Lawrence Cannon delivered these remarks in Washington, DC

Secretary Clinton. Well, good afternoon, and I'm delighted to be here alongside my counterparts and colleagues from our neighbors to the north and the south, Canadian Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon, Mexican Foreign Secretary Patricia Espinosa. Each of them have hosted me in their countries, and I am so pleased that they could be here today for this important trilateral consultation.

This is an example of what I was speaking about yesterday in my speech, the kind of partnership that the United States is very committed to not only building, but in this case, really deepening and broadening. The partnership between our nations and our entire North American region has such enormous potential to enhance safety and opportunity for our citizens as well as health and prosperity. And we are focused upon our shared assets and values, particularly our dynamic economies and our creative hardworking citizens, to make North America the most prosperous, safest, and competitive region in the world.

We had an excellent series of discussions that each of us, in turn, led. And we really focused on concrete ways we can work together to capitalize on our strengths and address our common concerns. We discussed the upcoming North American Leaders' Summit that will be hosted in Mexico by President Calderon. President Obama plans to attend. And Foreign Minister Espinosa can share with you some very specific details in a moment.

We discussed a range of global issues that affect us as well as closer to home; particularly the political crisis in Honduras. We reaffirmed our commitment to restore constitutional and democratic order, and underscored our support for the dialogue process that was started by President Arias. We support a peaceful, negotiated resolution and urge other countries to play a positive role in achieving that outcome, and to refrain from any actions that could lead to violence.

We reviewed our joint response to this spring's H1N1 outbreak, and I want to commend publicly the Government of Mexico, as I said in our private meetings. Mexico's leadership in the face of the H1N1 crisis, its openness and transparency, its sharing of information set a real model. It also was part of a prior agreement that had been entered into by our three countries where we did agree to work together in the face of such a challenge. We believe that our cross-government, cross-border communication were instrumental in minimizing the spread of the illness. Now we understand that the flu is seasonal. It's likely to come back this fall in North America. And we want to enhance our vigilance and collaboration and build on the strong relationships already established.

This meeting was extremely successful from my perspective because the more we can coordinate, the more we can present a united front in world venues like the G-20 or APEC, other places where we have membership, the more we can do for our individual countries and for our mutual future.

So with that, let me turn to Secretary Espinosa and invite her to make some remarks.

Foreign Minister Espinosa. Thank you, Secretary.

Friends from the media, ladies and gentlemen, it is a pleasure to be here with you today for this very fruitful meeting that was held today between the foreign ministries of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. First of all, I would like to thank Secretary Clinton for her hospitality and her willingness to hold this meeting, which is a very important event for our three countries.

This event, as Secretary Clinton has pointed out, focused on addressing the issues that affect the three countries in our region, North America. This is very important in order to make progress in terms of preparing for the upcoming leaders' summit that, as I was saying this morning, will take place in Guadalajara in Mexico on the 9th and 10th of August. We, the Mexican people, are very honored and very fortunate to be hosts for that important meeting.

During our conversations, I expressed my agreement with Secretary Clinton as well as Minister Lawrence Cannon from Canada. We agreed on the importance of continuing to push forward in our region with mechanisms for cooperation that respond to a very clear mandate from our leaders. We should make use of our positive experience in trilateral cooperation. We should have a more strategic approach, a deeper approach, and also an approach that allows us to truly have results for families in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico so that they may benefit from our relationship.

I feel that it is very important that this meeting between the foreign ministers has allowed us to expand on the regional and global agenda. This is a definitive moment internationally. So consultations between the three countries of North America are extremely important so that we can be more influential and so that we can promote the values that we share, as Secretary Clinton has stated. We have agreed to push forward with this engagement, to have a systematic approach to this engagement, so that we can contribute in a more significant fashion toward building a world that is more fair, that is cleaner, and that is more balanced.

As far as world and hemispheric issues, I would like to comment on the issue of Honduras. We all agree on the importance of the fact that the constitutional order was broken. We have all condemned and completely rejected that fracture of constitutional order. It is important to reach a negotiated solution that is based on dialogue. And in that sense, we firmly support the efforts to mediate by President Arias of Costa Rica, and we have expressed our interest and our desire in having a process that allows for a return to democracy in Honduras without any blood being spilled, without any type of violence.

The three countries of this region, we all face common problems, and we have common solutions. Moreover, the challenges of our time demand coordinated action with our neighbors, our partners and our friends. As a proof of our need to work together, to work jointly, we have the health emergency that took place in North America caused by the H1N1 epidemic. And I would like to thank the words of Secretary Clinton for her recognition of President Calderon's decisions.

And at the same time, I would like to say that we saw this as a shared problem, and our agencies acted in a coordinated fashion and we were able to confirm that in order to address a crisis like that, we need to work together, as is the case with the international economic crisis, where Mexico, the United States, and Canada have achieved an important consultation process on that topic.

As a region, we have been able to promote our position and we have been able to show that the way out of this crisis that affects everyone is by acting together. We have worked in this joint fashion in order to consolidate the region as a space for trade and economic exchange that is of benefit to all.

We reviewed some general topics within the agenda that will be addressed in Guadalajara by President Barack Obama and President Calderon, as well as Prime Minister Stephen Harper. We looked at the issue of regional competitiveness. We also need to—looked at the way we need to improve the way in which we produce certified transport and market our products, looking toward being more efficient, and with greater security. That is key so that the products of our region can be the most affordable and the ones that are most beneficial to the families of this part of the world, and so that we can compete with other regions of the world.

We have also discussed clean energy, the environment. We discussed actions to take given climate change. These will be the trademarks of the dialogue between the leaders of North America. And we have also expressed that we want this region to become a model for other regions of the world, a model of cooperation on these topics. We should recognize that—we should realize that the threats that our hemisphere faces are threats that go beyond our borders, and that is why our conversation had a significant focus on issues of security.

We have put together a broader concept of security, a concept that goes beyond our already growing cooperation to combat organized crime and other threats that can affect our region. We have looked at a security focus. That means we need to be better prepared for epidemics, for natural disasters. We need to work jointly in a cooperative manner in order to offer all of our communities a place where their peace of mind is ensured.

As you know, Guadalajara will be the first trilateral meeting for president— between President Obama, Prime Minister Harper and President Calderon. We are very pleased with the dynamics of this engagement. Clearly, its objective is to have a greater impetus for our region. That is why the summit at Guadalajara, I am sure, will offer a valuable opportunity for a political dialogue at the highest level under conditions that are propitious to give North America greater influence on world topics.

Once again then, I would like to thank you for your hospitality. I would like to reiterate also the great satisfaction from the Mexican people and government for being host of this important meeting in August.

Foreign Minister Cannon. It—I certainly, at the outset, want to thank Secretary Clinton for hosting this event. It certainly was a pleasure to participate alongside Secretary—with Secretary Espinosa in this meeting, which, of course, provides a timely opportunity to discuss mutual interests and concerns to us as neighbors and advance, of course, the cause of the North American issues that our leaders will take up. (Speaking in French.)

Mexico, the United States, and Canada share the same continent, our population, our economies, our environment, and the same challenges. All this is intimately linked.

Today, Secretary Espinosa and I discussed some of these challenges, as well as the opportunities available to us in an effort to ensure that North America's economy remains prosperous and that our citizens be safe and reach, of course, their full potential. The many areas that were discussed are grounded in the common interests of all North Americans, with distinct voices and a diversity of ideas. We spoke of the future of our continent and its role in the world.

The recent arrival of H1N1 confirms the importance to work together, to take the necessary measures in order to be prepared for such challenges.

We focused on four priority areas for strengthening cooperation: The economy, since the global financial crisis and the recession have significantly affected the economies of our three countries; clean energy, climate change, given our highly integrated continental energy market and shared environment, and the latest commitments made at L'Aquila during the last G-8 meeting; security and citizen safety, given not only the successful trilateral cooperation on H1N1, as I mentioned before, and the lessons learned from it, but as well the growing challenges of transnational organizations and—I'm sorry, transnational organized crime on our continent.

We have also discussed regional challenges and what is at stake in all three countries, and we are working together to find solutions. Our discussion was very productive and pragmatic.

Many of the challenges—of these challenges require a North American solution. So we laid the ground for our three leaders to have a fruitful discussion in the month of August. We are looking forward to President Obama and President Calderon's crucial contributions at the North American Leaders' Summit that Prime Minister Harper will attend.

Merci. Thank you very much.

Secretary Clinton. Thank you. We'd be glad to take your questions.

Moderator. Our first question goes to Jill Dougherty of CNN.

Q. Thank you very much, Madame Secretary. Over the past few days, Madame Secretary, we've been hearing some very strong frustration coming from you about the vetting process. And then also, at the same time, there has been a spate, which I'm sure you've seen, of reports about your allegedly being sidelined by the White House.

And I would ask you, if you could, to set us straight on this. Is the White House actually making it more difficult for you to put the team that you want in place? And then also, how would you describe the impact that you, as the Secretary of State, are having directly on the formation of U.S. foreign policy?

Secretary Clinton. Well, first let me say that I don't think there's anyone who's ever served in government who is not frustrated by the system that our country has. Most governments after they're elected are up and going in a relatively short period of time. We are now six months into our new Administration, and it's not only here, but across the government, we don't have critical positions filled. I think it's pretty obvious that the process has gotten much more complicated, cumbersome, and lengthy, and that is something that I hear from everyone. And it is a matter that I think we're going to have to address. And it's not just this Administration; it's gotten increasingly more difficult.

But it's hard to explain in my position to our foreign counterparts that we don't yet have positions filled that would be the natural interlocutors for their counterparts in other countries. But that's something that we're all frustrated by; it's not in any way limited to myself or even to the State Department or USAID.

I don't really pay a lot of attention to what is said. I really stay focused on the work that I do. I broke my elbow, not my larynx. I have been consistently involved in the shaping and implementation of our foreign policy. And I'm off to India and Thailand tonight. I will be back to co-lead the Strategic and Economic Dialogue with China. I will be meeting with Prime Minister Maliki as we continue to support the transition of Iraq to a better future, and then I will be off to Africa. So I think that I'm just going to do the work and make the contribution. I feel very honored and positive about my working relationship with the White House and in my personal relationship with President Obama.

Mr. Kelly. The next question to Hugues Poulin, Radio Canada.

Q. I would like to ask you about Guantanamo. Canada has one citizen in Guantanamo. He was arrested in Afghanistan many years ago. He's been six years or more now in Guantanamo. He's facing serious charges. But many organizations consider him as a child soldier. They want him back to Canada. Even the judge asked government— Canadian Government to bring him back to Canada. But until now, the Government of Canada refused to do that, even challenged the judge decision, and appeal.

So are you going to ask Canadian Government to bring back Omar Khadr, or are you going to judge him in Guantanamo? I would like to know what's the story now.

Secretary Clinton. Well, as you know, President Obama, immediately upon taking office, recommitted our country to our basic values—prohibiting torture and setting in motion the closure of Guantanamo. There is an extremely rigorous process that is underway that is evaluating each and every one of the detainees. Some have already been released and transferred to either their home countries or other receiving countries. We're going through this in a very thoughtful and diligent manner, so I don't want to comment on any particular case.

But the President and certainly I and our entire Administration are 100 percent committed to the closure of Guantanamo, and to proceeding with the transfer of those who can be transferred, the trial of those who should be tried, and the continuing detention of those who pose a grave threat to not only our country, but people everywhere.

Q. Omar Khadr will be tri[]ed in Guantanamo?

Secretary Clinton. I'm not—no, I'm not commenting on any individual case.

Q. Thank you.

Mr. Kelly. The next question is Jose Diaz, Reforma.

Q. Good afternoon. It's for Madame Secretary Clinton, my question. In a few days, you're going to present a report to the U.S. Congress in reference to the human rights situations in Mexico in the fight against drugs. We understand that you already take the decision, and it's going to be not to withhold the money in the Merida Initiative for the Mexican case.

Lately, it has been a lot of reports in terms of the Mexican military are committing torture and horrible human rights violations in the fight against drugs. My question to you is: Do you believe, with this reported favor of Mexico, don't you think the U.S. would lose moral authority in the human rights situation in terms of violations committed by the U.S. forces, like in Iraq, Afghanistan? And you are—in other words, in—you know, there are few human rights violations in Mexico. But anyway, we have to support the government of Felipe Calderon.

Secretary Clinton. Well, let me say that I know that President Calderon is concerned about these matters. He has made very clear that one of his goals is to make sure that the police forces and the military forces in Mexico are well trained and certainly conduct themselves in a manner that meets all expectations and standards.

So what we see here is an administration under President Calderon locked in a very difficult battle with the most ruthless drug traffickers and criminal cartels anywhere on the planet. And we have worked very closely with his administration to provide additional support for police training, and it is our assessment that the steps taken and the commitment demonstrated by the Calderon administration is deserving of confidence.

Now does that mean that there are not violations or actions that we would find unacceptable? Of course not; that happens in any society. And certainly, we see it in big city police departments, we see it in military actions, and it's not confined to any one country. But what we are evaluating is the level of commitment by the Calderon administration to deal with the challenges that it faces in putting together a police force that is under tremendous pressure—16 police officers killed in the last several days. So of course, there has to be constant reminding of people on the front lines whose families are at risk, whose children are kidnapped, whose lives are endangered, that they must comply with certain standards, and we're absolutely confident that that is the message being delivered by the Calderon administration.

Thank you very much.

Mr. Kelly. Thank you very much.

North American Leaders' Declaration on H1N1

Building on the strong record of our trilateral cooperation during the spring of this year, we will remain vigilant and pledge to continue our close collaboration in addressing the H1N1 pandemic. We agree to work together to ensure that we have effective strategies, grounded in the best available science.

Our governments have worked closely together since the very beginning of this outbreak to protect the health of our citizens. During the onset of the H1N1 outbreak, we worked to implement science and evidence-based measures in our countries and on our borders. These measures were geared to provide an appropriate public health response. Movement across our shared borders is essential to the economic health of our countries. We recognize that highly restrictive measures such as general border closures would be unlikely to prevent the spread of this virus and could aggravate the economic and social consequences of an influenza pandemic.

We continue to study the severity and progression of the virus both here and in other parts of the world to help inform future public health decisions, including the use of vaccine, antiviral, and non-pharmaceutical interventions. Through regular communications; exchange of scientific knowledge, expert personnel, and clinical data; and shared access to laboratory facilities, we have been working to promote the health of the people of our three nations. In anticipation of a possible fall wave of flu due to the 2009 H1N1 virus, we will look to enhance our exchange of information, ensure common understanding on the effectiveness of public health measures, and share expertise through technical assistance and capacity building. We will continue to do everything we can to ensure that our people have timely and accurate information, and that our citizens are as prepared as they can be. In this regard, we will focus our attention on mitigating the effects of the outbreak in our communities. We encourage all families in North America to learn more about the simple steps they can take to prevent the spread of the flu, including frequent hand washing with soap and water, coughing into your sleeve, and staying home when sick to help prevent illness and the spread of the virus to others.

We know that cooperation and communication between nations, governments, citizens, and domestic and international organizations are the most effective ways to ensure that we are all protected. The strong collaboration between our countries allowed us to have a more secure North America region. We are proud that our countries have collaborated so effectively to this point, and we are firmly committed to continuing to work together in the months ahead. We will continue to work collaboratively with the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization and support their leadership in facilitating international and regional collaboration in addressing this global issue.

North American Leaders' Declaration on Climate Change and Clean Energy

We, the leaders of North America reaffirm the urgency and necessity of taking aggressive action on climate change. We stress that the experience developed during the last 15 years in the North American region on environmental cooperation, sustainable development, and clean energy research, development, and deployment constitutes a valuable platform for climate change action, and we resolve to make use of the opportunities offered by existing bilateral and trilateral institutions.

We recognize the broad scientific view that the increase in global average temperature above pre-industrial levels ought not to exceed 2 degrees C, we support a global goal of reducing global emissions by at least 50% compared to 1990 or more recent years by 2050, with developed countries reducing emissions by at least 80% compared to 1990 or more recent years by 2050.

We share a vision for a low-carbon North America, which we believe will strengthen the political momentum behind a successful outcome at the 15th Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC meeting this December, and support our national and global efforts to combat climate change. To achieve our low-carbon development goals, and consistent with our respective circumstances and capacities, we agree to the following:

* We will work together as we set and implement our own ambitious mid-term and long-term goals to reduce national and North American emissions;

* We will work together to develop our respective low-carbon growth plans;

* We underscore the importance of developing and strengthening financial instruments to support mitigation and adaptation actions and welcome in this regard the proposal by Mexico of a Green Fund. We will conduct further work on the proposal and will consider other views presented for scaling-up financing from both public and private sources;

* We will cooperate and exchange experiences in climate change adaptation in order to better integrate adaptation into national, sub-national, and sectoral planning to reduce vulnerabilities to climate change;

* We will develop comparable approaches to measuring, reporting, and verifying emissions reductions, including cooperating in implementing facility-level greenhouse gas reporting throughout the region;

* We will build capacity and infrastructure with a view to facilitate future cooperation in emissions trading systems, building on our current respective work in this area; and

* We will collaborate on climate friendly and low-carbon technologies, including building a smart grid in North America for more efficient and reliable electricity inter-connections, as well as regional cooperation on carbon capture and storage.

* Working in key sectors can help accomplish our emission reduction goals. With this in mind, we will:

* Work together under the Montreal Protocol to phase down the use of HFCs and bring about significant reductions of this potent greenhouse gas;

* Cooperate in sustainably managing our landscapes for GHG benefits, including protecting and enhancing our forests, wetlands, croplands and other carbon sinks, as well as developing appropriate methodologies to quantify, manage and implement programs for emission reductions in this sector;

* Reduce transportation emissions, including by striving to achieve carbonneutral growth in the North American aviation sector in the context of global action;

* Pursue a framework to align energy efficiency standards in the three countries in support of improved national energy efficiency and environmental objectives; and

* Work to reduce GHG emissions in the oil and gas sector, and promote best practices in reducing fugitive emissions and the venting and flaring of natural gas.

In order to facilitate these actions, we will work cooperatively to develop and follow up on a Trilateral Working Plan and submit a report of results at our next North American Leaders Summit in 2010.

Joint Statement by North American Leaders

We, the leaders of North America, have come together in Guadalajara to promote the global competitiveness of our region, foster the well-being of our citizens, and make our countries more secure. We build our collaboration on the understanding that our deepening ties are a source of strength and that challenges and opportunities in one North American country can and do affect us all. North American cooperation is rooted in shared values, complementary strengths, and the dynamism of our peoples. We are confident that working together we can help our societies thrive in the challenging, competitive, and promising century ahead.

North America's coordinated response to the initial outbreak of the H1N1 flu virus has proven to be a global example of cooperation. We set an example of a joint, responsible, and transparent response, enabling other regions to react quickly to protect their populations. Through planning and foresight, we were quickly able to put effective health measures in place. We will remain vigilant and commit ourselves to continued and deepened cooperation. We will work together to learn from recent experiences and prepare North America for the upcoming influenza season, including building up our public health capacities and facilitating efficient information sharing among our countries.

Promoting recovery from the current global economic crisis is a priority for each of us. By working together, we will accelerate recovery and job creation, and build a strong base for long-term prosperity. We look forward to the coming G20 Summit in Pittsburgh and will join efforts to ensure that the G20 continues to advance effective global responses to the crisis, including working to strengthen international financial institutions that are vital to assisting countries to restore economic vibrancy. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) plays a crucial role in mitigating the effects of the crisis in the Americas, particularly for the most vulnerable citizens of our Hemisphere. We support an accelerated review of the IDB to ensure it has sufficient short-term lending capacity.

Our integrated economies are an engine of growth. We are investing in border infrastructure, including advanced technology, to create truly modern borders to facilitate trade and the smooth operation of supply chains, while protecting our security. Building on these investments, we will work together to strengthen the resilience of our critical infrastructure, which transcends borders and sustains the well-being of our communities and economies. We will cooperate in the protection of intellectual property rights to facilitate the development of innovative economies. We commend the progress achieved on reducing unnecessary regulatory differences and have instructed our respective Ministers to continue this work by building on the previous efforts, developing focused priorities and a specific timeline.

North American trade is a vital component of our economic well-being and we pledge to abide by our international responsibilities and avoid protectionist measures. We reiterate our commitment to reinvigorate our trading relationship and to ensure that the benefits of our economic relationship are widely shared and sustainable. We will seek to promote respect for labour rights and protection of the environment with a continuing dialogue to address the functioning of the Labor and Environmental side agreements. This dialogue must result in mutually agreeable and cooperative activities with the aim to enhance the well-being and prosperity of our citizens and the economic recovery of our countries.

We recognize climate change as one of the most daunting and pressing challenges of our time and a solution requires ambitious and coordinated efforts by all nations. Building on our respective national efforts, we will show leadership by working swiftly and responsibly to combat climate change as a region and to achieve a successful outcome at the 15th Conference of the Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. We also recognize that the competitiveness of our region and our sustainable growth requires a greater reliance on clean energy technologies and secure and reliable energy supplies across North America. Today, in agreeing to the “North American Leaders' Declaration on Climate Change and Clean Energy”, we reaffirm our political commitment to work collaboratively to combat climate change.

Transnational criminal networks threaten all three of our countries. To dismantle them and to make our populations more secure, we will continue to deepen cooperation built upon the principles of shared responsibility, the strengthening of national institutions, and respect for our respective national legal frameworks. Canada and the United States recognize the commitment and the sacrifices of the Mexican people and Government as they confront the cartels threatening society, and we pledge to them our continued support. Our three governments recognize that we cannot limit our efforts to North America alone, and we have agreed to instruct our respective Ministers to strive for greater cooperation and coordination as we work to promote security and institutional development with our neighbors in Central America and the Caribbean.

We are deeply committed to helping strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law throughout the Americas. We support a leading role for the Organization of American States (OAS) as we work together to strengthen implementation of the Inter-American Democratic Charter. We have thoroughly discussed the coup in Honduras and reaffirm our support for the San José Accord and the ongoing OAS effort to seek a peaceful resolution of the political crisis—a resolution which restores democratic governance and the rule of law and respects the rights of all Hondurans.

We recognize and embrace citizen participation as an integral part of our work together in North America. We welcome the contributions of businesses, both large and small, and those of civil society groups, non-governmental organizations, academics, experts, and others. We have asked our Ministers to engage in such consultations as they work to realize the goals we have set for ourselves here in Guadalajara.

President Calderón and President Obama welcome Prime Minister Harper's offer to host the next North American Leaders' Summit in 2010. We will continue to work through this North American Leaders' Summit process, in an inclusive and transparent manner, for the common benefit of the people of Mexico, Canada, and the United States.

President Barack Obama, President Jose Calderón, and Prime Minister Stephen Harper delivered these remarks in Guadalajara, Mexico

President Calderón. Ladies and gentlemen, representatives of the media, national as well as international. The leaders from the United States, Canada and Mexico have completed two fruitful workdays for the benefit for our co-nationals. The leaders for North America share the vision and insight for the regional community that is safe, secure, and competitive, that can face successfully the challenges of the present and the future.

We coincide in pointing out that in an age marked by globalization, the challenges can only be overcome jointly— thus the importance of keeping the dialogue, trust and cooperation amongst our three countries. Americans, Canadians, and Mexicans have reiterated that the values upon which our societies are founded are democracy, freedom, justice, and respect of human rights.

Our three nations have reiterated our decision to combat in the struggle of the transnational organized crime in order to bring about more security to our communities. The struggles we have led in Mexico for the rule of law and the security of our Mexican people forces us to stop the traffic of weapons and of money that go from north to south that strengthen and nourish organized crime gangs. The notion of responsibility, co-responsibility, accountability, the exchange of information, and the building of our institutions should be the guidelines for our cooperation.

In this international crisis context, the three states that make up the North American region have to take the leadership and foster and boost the necessary measures to recover our economic growth. In our task we have had to implement countercyclical measures in the three countries that have been put into action. And in a coordinated manner we can stabilize our economies and bring about trustworthiness and certainty in regard to the future of the global economy.

It is also necessary to build our financial international institutions such as the World Fund, the International Monetary Fund, which are fundamental to guarantee the flow of the financial resources. In the case of Latin America, the support that will enable us to recapitalize the Inter-American Bank for Development will be the best action for help and commitment in regard to the poor countries in the region on behalf of the North American countries.

I am certain that at the next G20 meeting that shall take place in Pittsburgh, United States, will be a great opportunity to build the necessary agreements to reform these organizations that are key in the recovery of our economies and our reprisal. I thank President Obama for fostering this meeting in Pittsburgh.

And likewise, the United States, Mexico and Canada have tools to restart our agreements. We recognize that it is essential to abide by NAFTA and to resolve the pending topics that impede us to reach greater regional competitiveness. And it is important to see how we are going to fulfill our commitments in regard to the environment and in regard to our labor domains linked to the commercial agreements, the trade agreements we have amongst our countries. I am convinced that only in tapping the advantages offered by our economic complementary—(inaudible)—in terms of interest— labor, technology, and natural resources— we shall be successful in a world that is ferociously competing.

At this summit we have reached important agreements such as boosting the standardization of the regulations and certifications of our products, as well as the sanitary procedures and—fight for sanitary procedures that can be simplified, as well as increasing without any losses, increasing the economic competitiveness of our region. The objective is to have secure and efficient conditions. These procedures to be implemented with no bureaucratic or far-fetched red tape in our offices. And this will diminish, decrease the prices for the staples and food, and improve the competitiveness of our economies.

On the other hand, on the bilateral aspect, Mexico and the United States will launch modernization initiatives at our common borders with determined terms in order to promote the regional competitiveness actions. And Mexico commends and is pleased to say that we're going to inaugurate the first international bridge that is currently being built after so many years between the United States and Mexico.

The United States, Mexico and Canada have coincided in the importance to face the repercussions of pragmatic change. The cost is very high but the price we shall pay for lack of action is not to be calculated—cannot possibly be calculated. We coincide that we have to foster the global agreement in Copenhagen and the instrumentation for a green fund that will finance and support mitigation and adaptation actions in regard to the global— (inaudible)—of climatic change. We need to make progress in regard to clean energies and technologies as well as the development of our carbon market in order to have a regional market.

North America has to be recognized as a responsible region and must set the example for the world in terms of environmental cooperation amongst countries with different levels of development.

Cooperation and solidarity amongst the North American region has to prevail at all moments, and thus it was demonstrated last April when our three countries faced the emergence of this new virus, H1N1. And working together, we showed our highest expressions of responsibility, accountability and transparency. And because we alerted timely the other regions in the hemisphere, they had the opportunity to implement preventive measures in order to abate the propagation of the virus and to avoid as far as possible its lethal repercussions.

H1N1, as we know, will be back this winter. We are getting prepared, all three countries, to face in a responsible manner this contingency and abate its impact for our people.

First Minister, Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, at this summit the representatives of the United States, Canada, and Mexico have held an open and straightforward dialogue as countries that share values, that were to consolidate the right conditions for development and that have been able to found a successful society based on brotherly and responsible relationships. We believe in a North American region that is united, that is prosperous and wealthy, that is able to build a better future for the forthcoming generations.

And I want to give the floor now to Mr. Stephen Harper, Prime Minister for Canada.

Prime Minister Harper. Thank you, President Calderón. Thank you to the Mexican people for their hospitality, for their warmth. And thank you to President Obama for your straightforward exchanges—so positive on our priorities. These—(inaudible)—consisted mainly of the economy, health, and security in the North American region, and focused on energy, environment, and climate change in regard to the North American economy and the global economy.

And thanks to the solid results in Canada with regard to financial regulations and fiscal actions—have been very positive contribution. It's been important that since we are getting close to the G20 meeting, we have to underscore that countries have to go on with the reinforcement of their financial national/international institutions and to take the timely financial measures and to keep the markets open and to resist against protectionism.

In regard to the health domain and in regard to the influenza H1N1, it has been a threat, but the excellent cooperation amongst our three countries has helped to restrain the repercussions of this outbreak and we shall focus on that even more.

In regard to security, Canada recognizes the courageous commitment taken by President Calderón to combat organized crime in Mexico. We commend him for his efforts and his actions have touched all of us.

And we are still making the greatest efforts in Canada to find a pacific resolution for Honduras. We have to restate the democratic government and the rule of law in that country.

In regard to the energy and climate change, and since our economies are integrated, we have discussed about the importance of working together on a North American focus against climate change and in order to assure and guarantee a new international covenant that is efficient and truly global.

And to finish, Canada, the United States and Mexico are good neighbors and good friends, too. As sovereign countries in a modern world, we are independent and interdependent both, and I can't wait to see you at the G20 and to welcome you at the summit in Canada for the Leaders of North America next year.

Thanks also to President Obama for candid and constructive exchanges on our priority issues. Those priority issues fitted into three broad categories: the economy; North American health and security; and energy, environment and climate change.

On the economy, because of Canada's strong record of financial regulation and fiscal management, we provided an informed voice at these meetings. As we approach the G20 summit in Pittsburgh, we continue to emphasize the countries must strengthen financial regulations and institutions, continue to implement timely economic stimulus, and maintain open markets to resist protectionism.

On North America health and security, we talked about our shared and effective response thus far to H1N1. It is a cross-border threat to all of us. The excellent cooperation among these—our three countries was effectiveness in helping to manage the initial outbreak, and we will continue our cooperative efforts.

On security, Canada recognizes the courageous commitment of President Calderón in taking on the drug traffickers. We are supporting these efforts, as it is a shared challenge for all of us in North America.

Also, on international peace and security, Canada supports ongoing OAS efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the political crisis in Honduras. We must restore both democratic governance and the rule of law.

Sorry, excuse me, I just about missed energy and climate change. Given the integrated nature of our economies, we did talk at some length about the importance of working together on a North American approach to climate change, and also on doing our best to ensure that out of Copenhagen and going forward we reach an effective and genuinely international new world protocol on greenhouse gas emissions.

To conclude, Canada, the United States and Mexico are good neighbors and also good friends. As sovereign countries in a modern world, we are both independent and interdependent. I'm looking forward to seeing both President Calderón and President Obama at the G20; looking forward to hosting both of you next year at Canada's summit in our great country.

Thank you.

President Obama. Good morning and buenos días. I want to thank my great friend, President Calderón, for his hospitality and for hosting us at this important summit, as well as my good friend, Prime Minister Stephen Harper. And I want to thank the people of Guadalajara and Mexico for the incredible warmth they've shown us on this, my second trip to Mexico as President.

Here in Mexico, the word is “juntos.” And in Canada it's “ensemble.” But no matter how you say it, we come here today—three nations, one continent— because of the challenges and opportunities that we will be facing together.

Like our magnificent surroundings today, this city could not be a more fitting venue. Here in Guadalajara we see all the richness of Mexico's heritage—its arts, its architecture, its vitality and its culture. And we also see all the possibilities of Mexico's future—the innovation, hightech industries and entrepreneurship that makes this one of our hemisphere's most dynamic cities.

Here in Guadalajara we also see our continent coming together—Mexicans, Canadians, Americans—as tourists, as neighbors, educators and business partners; each bringing their unique traditions; each bound by mutual respect. Indeed, in the 21st century, North America is defined not simply by our borders, but by our bonds. And that is the spirit that defined the very productive summit that we had here today.

First, we agreed that we had to work together to restore our common prosperity. The global recession has cost jobs and hurt families from Toronto to Toledo to Tijuana. So we renew our commitment to work together in Ottawa, Washington and Mexico City. Building on our progress at the G8 and G20 summits, we agreed to continue to take aggressive, coordinated action to restore economic growth and create jobs for our workers, including workers in the North American auto industry.

Because so much of our common prosperity and millions of jobs depend on trade that flows across our borders—billions of dollars worth of trade every day—we reaffirmed the need to reject protectionism. We recommitted ourselves to the infrastructure investments, the common-sense regulations and intellectual property protections upon which trade thrives. We are among each other's largest trading partners. As we work together towards lasting prosperity, we need to expand that trade, not restrict it.

I would note that our common prosperity also depends on orderly, legal migration. All three of our nations have been enriched by our ties of family and community. I think of my own brother-in law who's Canadian. I think of the many Mexican Americans from Jalisco who found a home in Los Angeles and Texas and in my hometown of Chicago. At the same time, Americans, Mexicans and Canadians all expect their borders to be safe and secure. And that is why my administration will continue to work to fix America's broken immigration system in a way that is in keeping with our traditions of being both a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants.

And because our future prosperity also depends on clean energy economies, we built on our bilateral efforts to invest in renewable energy and green jobs, and we recommitted ourselves to the historic goals announced last month in Italy. Nations like the United States and Canada will take the lead by reducing emissions by 80 percent by 2050, and we will work with other nations to cut global emissions in half. Indeed, we made progress toward the concrete goals that will be negotiated at the Copenhagen climate change summit in December. And I again want to commend Mexico for its leadership in curbing greenhouse gas emissions and President Calderón for his innovative proposals to help developing countries build clean, sustainable economies.

Second, we reiterated our abiding commitment to the common safety and security of our people. In response to the H1N1 pandemic, our three governments have worked closely, collaboratively and responsibly. With science as our guide, we resolved to continue taking all necessary preparations and precautions to prepare for the upcoming flu season and protect the health of our people. And this challenge transcends borders and so must our response.

We also resolved to continue confronting the urgent threat to our common security from the drug cartels that are causing so much violence and death in our countries. As I've said on many occasions, I heartily commend President Calderón and his government for their determination and courage in taking on these cartels. And the President reaffirmed his government's commitment to transparency, accountability and human rights as they wage this difficult but necessary fight.

The United States will remain a full partner in this effort. We will work to make sure Mexico has the support it needs to dismantle and defeat the cartels. And the United States will also meet its responsibilities by continuing our efforts to reduce the demand for drugs and continuing to strengthening the security of our shared border—not only to protect the American people, but to stem the illegal southbound flow of American guns and cash that helps fuel this extraordinary violence.

Third, we reaffirmed our abiding commitment to our common values, including peace, democracy and human rights. And in particular, we discussed the coup in Honduras. As has been mentioned, our three nations stand united on this issue. President Zelaya remains the democratically elected president. For the sake of the Honduran people, democratic and constitutional order must be restored. And we will continue to work with others, especially the Organization of American States, to achieve a negotiated and peaceful solution.

And finally, we pledged to continue all these efforts. I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Harper to Washington in September. I look forward to welcoming both my friends at the G20 Summit in Pittsburgh, where I hope to reciprocate President Calderón's hospitality.

Our progress today is a reminder that no nation can meet the challenges of our time on our own. Our common aspirations can only be achieved if we work together. And that's what the nearly half-billion people in North America expect from us, so that's what we will do.

Thank you very much.

Secretary Hillary Clinton and Minister Jaime Bermúdez delivered these remarks in Washington, DC

Secretary Clinton. Well, good afternoon, and it's a great pleasure for me to be able to welcome the foreign minister of Colombia to the State Department. I've had the opportunity of meeting with him before on several different occasions, but it is always an important time when we are able to discuss the many issues between us. Colombia is an important ally of the United States, and our partnership is based on mutual respect and mutual interest, and it's a partnership that enhances the security and prosperity of both of our countries.

Today, the foreign minister and I had a very productive discussion about how we will strengthen and deepen that partnership. We discussed a wide range of common concerns. I asked that we have a chance to really explore our many different agenda items, and I thanked the foreign minister for Colombia's leadership on both regional and global issues, including their contribution in Afghanistan, where Colombian troops will soon be helping the people of Afghanistan build a more peaceful and stable country. We're very grateful for their service and sacrifice. We also greatly appreciate the role Colombian police are playing in Haiti and Colombia's efforts to train security forces in the region, particularly in the Dominican Republic and Guatemala.

We discussed the ongoing situation in Honduras. The United States supports the peaceful restoration of democratic and constitutional order in Honduras, with President Zelaya's return as president to finish his term. We continue to believe in the need for a negotiated solution and feel that President Arias's plan was an excellent one for resolving this crisis. So once again, we call on the parties to avoid steps that increase division and polarization in Honduras and needlessly place people at risk.

The foreign minister and I also discussed the bilateral defense cooperation agreement that our governments hope to sign in the near future. This agreement ensures that appropriate protections are in place for our service members. It will allow us to continue working together to meet the challenges posed by narco-traffickers, terrorists, and other illegal armed groups in Colombia. These threats are real, and the United States is committed to supporting the Government of Colombia in its efforts to provide security for all of its citizens.

I want to be clear about what this agreement does and does not do. First, the agreement does not create U.S. bases in Colombia. It does provide the United States access to Colombian bases, but command and control, administration, and security will be Colombia's responsibility, and any U.S. activity will have to be mutually agreed upon in advance. The United States does not have and does not seek bases inside Colombia.

Second, there will be no significant permanent increase in the U.S. military presence in Colombia. The congressionally mandated cap on the number of U.S. service members and contractors will remain and will be respected.

And third, this agreement does not pertain to other countries. This is about the bilateral cooperation between the United States and Colombia regarding security matters within Colombia.

Our hemisphere faces a number of pressing challenges, from the economic crisis to the climate crisis to public health concerns, such as H1N1 virus, to narcotics trafficking, terrorism, and organized crime. These all demand our attention and our collaboration. And so the United States and Colombia are committed to working together and to making it possible for us to deliver results for the people of our two countries.

So once again, I want to thank the foreign minister for his visit and invite him to say a few words.

Foreign Minister Bermúdez. I want to say good afternoon to everyone, and first of all I want to thank the Secretary of State for hosting me here today along with my delegation. I thank her, as always, for the generosity she shows when we come to visit and for the goodwill in our meetings.

The United States and Colombia enjoy a very close relationship, just as our personal relationship is a close one, and we hope and pray that this will continue in the future for the benefit of both our peoples. We have discussed a very broad, very far-reaching agenda, an agenda that includes all kinds of topics like clean energy, the fight against terrorism, the fight against narco-trafficking, technology. As you all know, Colombia has suffered greatly as a result of narco-trafficking and terrorism, two issues that unfortunately go hand in hand and to a certain degree have become synonymous. This is a very serious threat that we are all facing, and we in Colombia know this full well, unfortunately.

And also unfortunately, many times in different parts of the world, countries speak out against atrocities that are committed or they speak out against the assassination of people as a result of terrorism or narco-trafficking. Unfortunately, not all of them are willing to lend the same hand when it comes to cooperation. In the United States, we have found a partner who provides us with cooperation, who also provides us with very effective friendship and leadership in this area. It is important to be able to carry out efforts such as these everywhere. Drug trafficking is something that we will make sure is going to stop, and it is only when everyone is cooperating that we will be able to achieve this. Colombia wants this completely, and we know that the United States will help us towards this goal, because this is something that is going to be of benefit to all of us, both regionally as well as on our entire continent, and eventually for the entire globe.

Colombia does not just ask for cooperation; we also offer cooperation whenever we can. As I have said, we have suffered, and we have learned from the lessons as a result of this suffering. Therefore, we want to be able to help all those through global programs and anywhere where it is possible for us to provide our experience. We are doing this in Haiti, with Mexico, with Guatemala, with Panama. We are delighted that we will soon be signing agreements with the United States on this very topic, and we hope that we will be able to embrace such agreements regionally as well in the future.

Once Colombia is free of all these scourges that we are now suffering, everyone will benefit as a result. I thank you, Madame Secretary, for this meeting today, for your kind words, and I look forward to continuing to work on our very broad agenda.

Moderator. Next question, Sergio Gómez, from La Prensa.

Q. Madame Secretary and also Mr. Bermúdez, despite the explanations, the agreement has generated some turmoil in the region. Specifically, President Chávez insists that it's an aggressive plan and has announced that he will purchase even more weapons from Russia, and also place around seven new bases in the Colombian border. Do you think this agreement is, like, starting an arms race in the region? Are you concerned about it?

Secretary Clinton. I think I very clearly described what it is and what it isn't. I certainly hope that anyone who is speaking out about the agreement will take the time to understand that this is built on years of agreements between the United States and Colombia. Plan Colombia is a commitment that the United States made going back three administrations, if I'm not mistaken, to assist Colombia in its courageous struggle against the narco-traf-fickers.

And I think what the foreign minister said is really important. We all should be cooperating with one another. We should all be supporting each other in the fight against terrorists and the fight against criminal carters and drug traffickers, because they are so disruptive and damaging to the fabric of society. The assassinations, the intimidation that goes on is not just a threat to the country in which it occurs, but it's a threat to everyone.

So I believe that any fair reading of what it is we are discussing is about our continued commitment to assist Colombia. It has nothing to do with other countries, and I only hope that people will actually take the time to understand that.

Foreign Minister Bermúdez. I just wanted to point out that I want to reiterate that what Colombia needs is more effective mechanisms of cooperation. And this mechanism in particular with the United States is one that we have had for a very long time already. It is building on a number of mechanisms that we have been working on, and so the principles contained therein are very clear: the principle of sovereign equality of states, the principle of non-intervention, and the principle of the territorial integrity of states. These are very important tenets, and I think it would be extremely good to have more agreements not just with the United States, but with other states in the same vein.

Moderator. Last question to Maria Luisa Rossel.

Q. Thank you. Good afternoon, Madame Secretary, (inaudible) Bermúdez.

Madame Secretary, the State Department has said in different occasions that Venezuela has not done enough to cooperate in the fight against drugs in the region. Some experts believe that that's the reason why President Chávez has criticized so much and strongly the agreement that your countries are going to sign sooner. So I wonder if you agree with that opinion, and why other governments, like the Brazilian Government for example, has—also have some concerns about the agreement? Thank you.

Secretary Clinton. Well, I don't want to speak for any other government. They can certainly express their own views. But I do want each person who speaks out about this agreement to understand what it is and to recognize what it is not. It is certainly a bilateral agreement with very clear recognition of territorial integrity and sovereignty and all of the other key principles that the foreign minister mentioned. So I hope that as more is learned, there is not just an awareness of the relationship that the United States and Colombia have had for many, many years and our continuing cooperation on what we view as not just a threat to the two of us, but a threat to the whole region.

But I would also ask that more countries actually help us, help us in this fight. Don't just stand on the sidelines, and certainly don't contribute to the problems by doing and saying things that undermine the efforts that our governments are taking to try to protect the entire region from the scourge of narcotraffickers.

So I think that people are free to say what they will, but the facts are very clear here. This is a continuation of a partnership that we believe and the Colombians believe have helped to make life better for the people of Colombia. That has nothing—there's nothing more than that; that we want to make it possible, as it now is, for people to be free from intimidation and violence in Colombia, when not so long ago that was—you couldn't say that. And I really applaud the Colombian Government, President Uribe's leadership for what they have done against a really ruthless enemy.

Thank you all.

Moderator. Thank you.

Secretary Hillary Clinton and President Tabaré Vázquez delivered these remarks in Washington, DC

Secretary Clinton. Well, good afternoon, everyone. It is a real honor and a personal pleasure for me to welcome President Vázquez to the State Department. We had a lot to discuss. We are very excited about the opportunity to continue to broaden and deepen our relationship. Uruguay is a valued ally and a longtime friend of the United States.

Our two nations share core democratic values, a wide range of common concerns, and hopes for a peaceful and prosperous future for all of our peoples. I thanked the president for Uruguay's leadership on regional and global challenges, for working within multilateral institutions to spur economic recovery, support the peaceful resolution of conflicts, and strengthen democratic institutions.

I particularly want to recognize Uruguay's first year on the International Atomic Energy Agency board. This organization plays a vital role in maintaining global security and preventing nuclear proliferation, and we are grateful for Uruguay's leadership.

We discussed how we can strengthen our economic and trade relationship, and I also thanked the president for the participation of several Uruguayan businesswomen in Washington next month for a Pathways to Prosperity conference on women's access to markets and finance.

And also, I wish to commend Uruguay for the very high participation in peacekeeping operations that enhance security around the world. We will work together on developing alternative energy and responses to climate change, advancing science and technology, particularly in the area of cancer research, something that the president knows quite a bit about.

So thank you, Mr. President. You have laid a very strong foundation for continued progress between our two countries.

President Vázquez. Thank you so much, Mrs. Clinton. It is my pleasure, it is an honor to stay here with you in this beautiful country.

There's not much that we have to add to what already has been said, but what I wanted to stress is the fact that we've agreed on all the issues that we have discussed and we consider that this meeting today has been a new hallmark in an already longstanding tradition in the relations of our two countries.

And I'd like to take advantage of this instance to make an announcement. At the end of this quarter, we are going to be announcing a collaboration agreement with the NIH, with the Cancer Division of the NIH, to jointly develop trials and to conduct research and to exchange experience in—for the scientific—for scientific research for the two countries.

So once again, we thank you for your kindness in receiving us.

Moderator. We'll take a few questions. First question to Elise Labott from CNN.

Q. Thank you. Mr. President and Madame Secretary, I was wondering if you could give us your thoughts on what seems to be a growing transfer of arms and possibly even an arms race in the region. We've seen a lot of transfers of technology from Iran to Venezuela. The Brazilians just bought a very big package from the French. And I'm wondering if this is alarming to you.

And Madame Secretary, if I might on Afghanistan, you've been meeting with a lot of senators on the Hill. Some are in favor of some more troops in Afghanistan and some are not, as you know. And as you wait for the assessment by General McChrystal and Ambassador Eikenberry, I'm wondering what your thoughts are on the need for more troops in Afghanistan and how that might help or hinder your civilian effort. Thank you.

President Vázquez. Ladies first.

Secretary Clinton. Well, we have expressed concern about the number of Venezuelan arms purchases. They outpace all other countries in South America and certainly raise the question as to whether there is going to be an arms race in the region. So we urge Venezuela to be transparent in its purchases, clear about its purposes. They should be putting in place procedures and practices to ensure that the weapons that they buy are not diverted to insurgent groups or illegal organizations, like drug trafficking gangs and other criminal cartels.

So there is concern that we have expressed and will continue to raise with other countries in the region. And we hope that we can see a change in behavior and attitude on the part of the Venezuelan Government.

President Vázquez. With respect to the arms race, not only is our country worried, but we have already expressed time and again our position against an arms race. We believe that it is quite inconvenient to the region to devote such significant economic resources toward purchasing arms. And—but it's a fact, and we can't deny it, that the countries are buying weapons.

And to make things worse, our region is the region that has the worst distribution of wealth. So with—under those conditions, it is still worse to be devoting those resources to weapons. South America has millions of people living in poverty, and there are thousands of children that die across Latin America and South America because of child diarrhea or diseases that could be prevented.

So because of all these reasons, all that should lead the governments of South America to decide to devote more money to promote health, to promote education and education to prevent diseases; to spend that money, instead of spending it in weapons, spending it in housing, good housing for our people, and to further deepen investment, especially in the field of education.

So we should devote our energies and resources to fight against the real scourges of our societies, that are drug—such as drug trafficking and terrorism. That would be certainly a much better use of our resources.

Secretary Clinton. As to Afghanistan, we are in the midst of reviewing the strategy and the status of our efforts in Afghanistan. That will continue for some time. Everyone is providing their best ideas and making their contributions about the way forward in Afghanistan.

Moderator. Next question to Alejandro Figuerero, Teledoce.

Q. Mrs. Clinton, which are your expectations about the national elections in Uruguay?

Secretary Clinton. Well, we will seek to work collaboratively with any democratically elected government of Uruguay. We have worked productively over the years with governments across the political spectrum. We expect to continue doing so. We think that the United States can and should have a positive relationship with whomever the people of Uruguay elect.

We hope to build on the strong foundation that President Vázquez has left, because it has demonstrated that Uruguay can make great progress against the odds, given the economic downturn, and can bring the people of the country together to decrease poverty and increase social justice. So the policies that have been followed by this current president and his government seem to have worked very well for the people, and we look forward to working with whomever is elected.

Moderator. Next question, Bob Burns from the Associated Press.

Q. Madame Secretary, one question about the P-5+1 talks with Iran that seem to be coming up in a couple of weeks. The Iranians have been quite explicit and unequivocal that they are not interested in talking about their own nuclear program, although they said they are willing to talk about global disarmament. So the question is: Why would you want to go into these talks if they have said in advance that they won't discuss the issue that's of most concern to you?

And if I may add a related question on a nuclear problem, on North Korea, your aides have been saying in recent days that the U.S. is now prepared to talk to North Korea one-on-one, to try to get them to come back into the Six-Party format. Why would you do that? What makes you think that they would change their mind and stop refusing to return? Thank you.

Secretary Clinton. Well, as you know, we and our partners in the P-5+1 have agreed to a meeting on October 1^st. And our delegation will be led by Under Secretary Bill Burns. I think it is important to underscore that we have made clear to the Iranians that any talks we participate in must address the nuclear issue head on. It cannot be ignored. Iran says it has a number of issues that it wishes to discuss with us. But what we are concerned about is discussing with them the questions surrounding their nuclear program and ambitions.

We know that there is no prediction as to what will come from these talks. We have no illusions about the Iranian Government. But the point is to meet and explain to the Iranians, face to face, the choices that Iran has, and to see whether Iran is prepared to engage with us around its nuclear program. The P-5+1 is the forum for addressing the Iranian nuclear program. And we have adopted a two-track approach. We are, on the one hand, working to see whether anything positive can come from this meeting on October 1^st. But we are also working with the international community on consequences that would flow if Iran fails to fulfill their international obligations on their nuclear program.

So this is going to be a fulfillment of President Obama's promise of engagement. We think it is very much worthwhile. But we are not going to be talking for the sake of talking, and we're not engaging in a process that has no purpose or endpoint. So we will wait to see how Iran responds in that face-to-face venue.

With respect to North Korea, we have made it very clear that we support a resumption of the Six-Party Talks. Both Ambassador Bosworth and Ambassador Kim traveled and spoke with our counterparts in the Six-Party process. They agree with us that we have to try to resume the Six-Party dialogue. But they also recognize that one of the ways we perhaps can get North Korea to engage is by explaining, directly and clearly, what the purpose is and what the possible consequences and incentives could be. So we are in the process of exploring that with our partners, but we are totally unified. The United States is not acting in any way that is not part of agreed-upon—an agreed-upon process that has been worked out with the Six-Party members.

Q. You haven't made a decision on North Korea, though?

Secretary Clinton. No.

Moderator. And the last question to Maite Fernandez.

Q. The question is addressed to President Vázquez. After your conversations with Secretary of State Clinton, what are the conclusions that you can draw with regard to future trade relations between the United States with South America as a whole, but also with Uruguay in particular, whether there are going to be any changes in policies, whether it's going to be more open, or what is the outlook?

President Vázquez. What do you say? What do you say?

Secretary Clinton. Well, what I say—is that we are working to try to improve our trade and economic relations. The Trade and Investment Framework Agreement signed in 2007 has been a very successful mechanism for promoting our two countries' economic interests. We will continue to work together. The president mentioned leather goods, woolen goods, lamb. He mentioned very specific products. And we're going to be working together on each of those points.

President Vázquez. So not only did we discuss those general issues, most of our focus was in the bilateral relations of the two countries. And we both expressed our commitment to continue to work jointly, and so that we could improve the existing exchange between the two countries, not only limited to trade and to economic issues, but also to further enhance the other relations—promoting the cultural, scientific, and artistic collaboration.

Secretary Clinton. Thank you all very much.

President Vázquez. Thank you so much.

Secretary Hillary Clinton and President Óscar Arias Sánchez delivered these remarks in New York, NY

Secretary Clinton. Well, it is always an honor to meet with President Arias and exchange views on a lot of the issues that not only affect our hemisphere but, indeed, the entire world, because he is a global leader (inaudible) respected across the planet.

Today, of course, we talked about Honduras and the return of President Zelaya. Certainly, the United States supports the San Jose Accords that President Arias negotiated, but it's imperative that dialogue begin, that there be a channel of communication between President Zelaya and the de facto regime in Honduras. And it's also imperative that the return of President Zelaya does not lead to any conflict or violence, but instead, that everyone act in a peaceful way to try to find some common ground.

Once again, the Costa Ricans will be using their good offices to try to encourage that to occur, because now that President Zelaya is back, it would be opportune to restore him to his position under appropriate circumstances, get on with the election that is currently scheduled for November, have a peaceful transition of presidential authority, and get Honduras back to constitutional and democratic order in a very—on a very clear path toward that goal.

So that's what we are hoping to see, but let me turn now to President Arias.

President Arias. I think this is the best opportunity, the best time, now that Zelaya is back in his country (inaudible) to sign the San Jose Accord. It's all we have on the table. There is no B plan. And when we wrote this San Jose Accords, it was after listening to everybody (inaudible).

Perhaps the main difficulty has been for Zelaya to be accepted by the de facto government (inaudible) constitutional president of Honduras. But now that he's back, we just have to put more pressure (inaudible) the whole world, the Europeans, and (inaudible) the U.S. has been very helpful (inaudible) a lot of pressure on the de facto government, as well as lot of Latin America. But I think it is now the right time for them to sign it.

Q. Was his return counterproductive? A question to both of you: Do you think that his return is setting talks back?

President Arias. No. I mean, I'm sorry, I didn't—

Q. Would you say the return is counterproductive?

President Arias. No, I don't see it (inaudible). I mean, if he's back—I don't know, he got in, but I think it makes it easier to (inaudible) for us to put some more pressure on the de facto government to sign the San Jose Accord and—well, there is need for more dialogue, for sure. That dialogue can take place in Tegucigalpa or in San Jose, Costa Rica, if it was necessary. But the main difficulty has been Zelaya's return. Now that he's back, it's going to be much easier.

Q. Do you see a danger that the de facto government may act against President Zelaya? I mean, after all, these are the people who hustled him onto a plane in the middle of the night. Have you sought to warn the de facto government against taking actions against (inaudible) or doing anything else to interfere with his ability to speak?

Secretary Clinton. Well, we have certainly communicated very directly our expectation that there will be order and no provocation on either side. This is not just a one-sided request. It goes to both sides. Both sides have supporters who need to be restrained and careful in their actions in the days ahead.

But as President Arias said, now is the moment for the two sides to try to work out an agreement to the benefit of the people of Honduras. And as President Arias said, it's hard to think about how they will come up with something other than the San Jose Accords. They're—they represent an enormous amount of time, effort, and participation by both sides.

But the important thing is that they begin the dialogue. And if they can come up with their own agreement, we would be fine with that. We just want to see this matter resolved peacefully, with an understanding that there will be the remainder of President Zelaya's term to be respected, that the elections can go on, that there will be a peaceful transfer of power. I think everyone knows what the milestones need to be. It's just a question of persuading and convincing and using our best efforts to try to get both sides to reach that point.

Q. Have you warned them today that (inaudible)?

Secretary Clinton. Well, we have. We have warned—we have spoken directly to multiple parties and very clearly said that there had to be calm and peace in the streets. I think that the government imposed a curfew, we just learned, to try to get people off the streets so that there couldn't be unforeseen developments. But there ultimately in the next hours has to be some effort to bring the parties together to resolve this between them.

Q. Would it make sense for President Arias to go himself to make sure that things do go smoothly? It seems that the risks are high. On one hand, you've got pressure to solve the problem, but you also have the risk that it could all backfire.

President Arias. Yes, I would be willing to go, but if both sides, both parties, ask me to go to Tegucigalpa, I would (inaudible).

Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered these remarks in New York, NY

Secretary Clinton. Thank you very much and good morning. We are absolutely delighted to be part of this launch of the Inter-American Social Protection Network. And I am one of those who will have to leave shortly after our presentations, but I am delighted to see so many of our team from the State Department and USAID who will be here, because this is a primary commitment of the United States.

I'm always pleased to be with President Bachelet anywhere, and of course, Chile is a prime example of what we're trying to achieve in social development, and of course, to Luis Alberto Moreno and the Inter-American Development Bank and to OAS—and please give my regards to the Secretary General if I'm not here when he comes to speak—and of course, to be with our mayor, Mayor Bloomberg, who has taken these ideas and begun to implement them here in New York.

This Inter-American Social Protection Network will help facilitate our efforts to share best practices, to try to determine how we help lift up the people of our hemisphere. We do not have the poorest people in the world, but we have a disproportionate number of poor people, and we have the largest gap between the rich and the poor of anywhere in the world.

So although we've been making progress, and I see representatives of the countries that have really focused on trying to lift people out of poverty, we have a long way to go. And the United States is committed to the alleviation and mitigation of poverty and to providing opportunities for individuals to fulfill their own God-given potentials. And this network gives us a chance to coordinate closely, to learn from each other, to implement what works elsewhere given our own particular approach. Now we can exchange ideas, we can have the opportunities that Mayor Bloomberg has seized to demonstrate whether these ideas work universally.

New York City, of course, is a crossroads for the entire world. And the first conditional cash transfer program in the United States was launched by Mayor Bloomberg after he saw for himself the results in Mexico. Millions of Mexican families have gotten a boost toward better education, health, nutrition, long-term stability. Opportunity NYC intends to do the same for the poor within our own city.

And I think it's important to look at the overall impact of what Chile has done. President Bachelet's leadership on social and economic development has helped to make Chile an example as to how democracy can deliver significant, sustainable benefits. Because one of the side effects of what we're talking about today is to show that democracy can deliver.

We are in a crisis of democracy in many places in the world. And I see my friend, Congressman Sam Farr, nodding his head. Elections do not make democracies. They are a necessary condition for people to be able to select their own leaders. But then those leaders can't just have one election and that's it, or one election and back to the old ways. We have to figure out how democracy delivers.

And I think if you look at what has been happening in the social development arena in Latin America, we have a story to tell. And it's a story that may not be in the headlines of the sensational activities that are going on, but it is a story that can change lives. And we've seen, in remote villages and big cities alike, governments experimenting with innovative approaches to fighting poverty. And conditional cash transfer programs are one example of this wave of innovation right here in our hemisphere.

They couple two critical forces— responsibility and opportunity—by giving small amounts of money to parents to visit a doctor for a checkup or to keep a child in school. And with these incentives, governments are making it possible for people to invest in their futures even when their incomes are just a few dollars a day. It isn't charity; it's an investment. And it's an investment in every nation's greatest resource, our people. These conditional cash transfers have given citizens a feeling of ownership and promise about their future. And we have seen the evidence of them taking steps to actually think differently about themselves, to behave differently, to have different expectations for themselves and their families, and the results are promising.

According to the World Bank, conditional cash transfer programs have reduced national poverty rates by 8 percent in Ecuador and Mexico, nearly 5 percent in Jamaica, and 3 percent in Brazil. In Colombia, the conditional cash transfer program has led to higher birth weights and improved child nutrition. And I'm delighted that President Uribe will be speaking to the conference later. In Mexico, anemia is down. Children whose mothers received prenatal nutrition assistance are, on average, taller than children whose mothers were not in the program. That's a significant change within less than one generation.

Mexico has achieved several other gains as well. The number of families that start small businesses has increased significantly, and so has school attendance. Mexico has taken on the school dropout crisis among girls by paying parents more if their daughters stay in school. And as a result, the dropout gap between boys and girls has begun to close among participating families.

Furthermore, an analysis by the World Bank of several conditional cash transfer programs indicates a lead to a decrease in child labor, an increase in preventative healthcare, and they have actually helped to cushion the poorest families from the shock of the global economic crisis. So we're seeing positive outcomes. Now we know these are not, as they say, a silver bullet. They don't work in every country, in every community, on every count. But in many places, they are working, and it gives those extra incentives that people are needing.

So let's work together in this network to determine what we can do to enhance the results from these programs and then let's figure out what are the institutional supports that need to be put into place. Sending more children to school doesn't help if we don't have qualified teachers or adequate materials. When students graduate, if they don't have a job in their community, they may migrate out instead of taking their talents and investing back in their own community.

So we have a lot to do on infrastructure and industry and good governance and delivery of services. But I think it has to operate on both ends simultaneously, from the grassroots up and from the top down, because governments have to be held responsible as we see us doing so with individuals in these programs. And I know that you'll hear from President Bachelet and Mayor Bloomberg, but I'm very proud that it's New York City which is pioneering this approach in our country. I had eight wonderful years representing this city and this state. And if it can make it here, it can make it anywhere, Mr. Mayor.

So the United States is proud to be a member of the Inter-American community, and we are committed to the long-term success of this social protection network. We believe that this network will help fulfill the promise embodied in the democratic charter that our country signed eight years ago. And together, we will lift more young people and old alike out of poverty, give more children a chance at that better future, strengthen democracy, and deliver results for people who need us to do so. Thank you all very much.