1 00:00:03,819 --> 00:00:07,800 All right , good afternoon , 2 00:00:07,809 --> 00:00:10,270 everyone and happy passover to those 3 00:00:10,279 --> 00:00:12,390 who celebrate and have a few items to 4 00:00:12,390 --> 00:00:14,446 pass along at the top and then we'll 5 00:00:14,446 --> 00:00:16,668 take your questions as you saw over the 6 00:00:16,668 --> 00:00:18,890 weekend . Secretary Austin welcomed the 7 00:00:18,890 --> 00:00:20,723 passage of the national security 8 00:00:20,723 --> 00:00:22,335 supplemental by the House of 9 00:00:22,335 --> 00:00:24,335 Representatives on Saturday , which 10 00:00:24,335 --> 00:00:23,969 will help the Department of Defense 11 00:00:23,979 --> 00:00:26,239 support Ukraine and Israel bolster 12 00:00:26,250 --> 00:00:28,690 security in the Indo Pacific and stand 13 00:00:28,700 --> 00:00:30,589 firm with our allies and partners 14 00:00:30,589 --> 00:00:32,700 around the world . In his statement , 15 00:00:32,700 --> 00:00:34,644 he highlighted that the bipartisan 16 00:00:34,644 --> 00:00:36,756 legislation will allow the department 17 00:00:36,756 --> 00:00:38,422 to surge life saving security 18 00:00:38,422 --> 00:00:40,311 assistance to help Ukraine defend 19 00:00:40,311 --> 00:00:42,200 itself from Russia's aggression . 20 00:00:42,419 --> 00:00:44,586 Support Israel's defense from Iran and 21 00:00:44,590 --> 00:00:46,860 its proxies and increase the flow of 22 00:00:46,869 --> 00:00:48,939 urgently needed humanitarian aid to 23 00:00:48,950 --> 00:00:51,283 suffering Palestinian civilians in Gaza . 24 00:00:51,799 --> 00:00:53,966 We remain hopeful for quick passage by 25 00:00:53,966 --> 00:00:56,132 the Senate and subsequent signing into 26 00:00:56,132 --> 00:00:58,580 law by the president . Separately , 27 00:00:58,590 --> 00:01:00,701 Secretary Austin spoke today by phone 28 00:01:00,701 --> 00:01:02,923 with the Greek Minister of Defense Nico 29 00:01:02,923 --> 00:01:04,868 ST and UK , Secretary of State for 30 00:01:04,868 --> 00:01:07,400 Defense Grat chaps and separate calls 31 00:01:07,410 --> 00:01:09,220 to discuss a variety of topics 32 00:01:09,250 --> 00:01:11,430 concerning mutual security interests . 33 00:01:11,569 --> 00:01:13,347 Full readouts will be posted on 34 00:01:13,347 --> 00:01:16,080 defense.gov later today . Additionally , 35 00:01:16,089 --> 00:01:18,200 Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense 36 00:01:18,200 --> 00:01:20,200 for European and NATO policy , Lisa 37 00:01:20,200 --> 00:01:22,180 Sawyer and State Secretary of the 38 00:01:22,190 --> 00:01:24,134 Ministry of Defense for the Slovak 39 00:01:24,134 --> 00:01:26,900 Republic , Igor Mali co chaired the US 40 00:01:26,910 --> 00:01:28,910 Slovakia high level defense group . 41 00:01:28,910 --> 00:01:31,132 Today at the Slovak Ministry of Defense 42 00:01:31,132 --> 00:01:33,839 in Bratislava , Slovakia , participants 43 00:01:33,849 --> 00:01:36,160 discussed a range of issues related to 44 00:01:36,169 --> 00:01:38,169 the global security environment and 45 00:01:38,169 --> 00:01:39,669 shared their commitment to 46 00:01:39,669 --> 00:01:41,780 strengthening the NATO Alliance ahead 47 00:01:41,780 --> 00:01:43,891 of the 75th anniversary NATO summit . 48 00:01:43,891 --> 00:01:46,400 July 9 through 11 in Washington DC . 49 00:01:46,660 --> 00:01:48,919 Full readout has been posted to the DOD 50 00:01:48,930 --> 00:01:52,050 website switching gears us army , 51 00:01:52,059 --> 00:01:54,059 Southern European task force Africa 52 00:01:54,059 --> 00:01:56,290 along with the Zambian army are co 53 00:01:56,300 --> 00:01:58,467 hosting the African Land Forces Summit 54 00:01:58,467 --> 00:02:02,360 2024 April 22 through 26 in Livingstone , 55 00:02:02,370 --> 00:02:04,779 Zambia . The summit brings together 56 00:02:04,790 --> 00:02:07,069 over 40 land force military chiefs from 57 00:02:07,080 --> 00:02:09,570 across Africa , other European partner 58 00:02:09,580 --> 00:02:11,580 nations along with academic thought 59 00:02:11,580 --> 00:02:13,636 leaders and government officials for 60 00:02:13,636 --> 00:02:15,802 candid dialogue to discuss and develop 61 00:02:15,802 --> 00:02:18,740 cooper solution . The theme for this 62 00:02:18,750 --> 00:02:20,917 year's summit is regional solutions to 63 00:02:20,919 --> 00:02:23,100 transnational problems . At the 64 00:02:23,110 --> 00:02:25,277 conclusion of the summit dod will sign 65 00:02:25,277 --> 00:02:27,110 the two newest state partnership 66 00:02:27,110 --> 00:02:28,999 programs between North Carolina , 67 00:02:28,999 --> 00:02:31,139 Zambia and Malawi . For more 68 00:02:31,149 --> 00:02:33,205 information , I would refer you to a 69 00:02:33,205 --> 00:02:36,240 public affairs . Finally , on April 22 70 00:02:36,250 --> 00:02:38,306 Iran Malign militia groups conducted 71 00:02:38,306 --> 00:02:40,850 two uns unsuccessful attacks on US . 72 00:02:40,860 --> 00:02:43,179 Forces in Iraq and Syria . These are 73 00:02:43,190 --> 00:02:44,912 the first attacks on coalition 74 00:02:44,912 --> 00:02:47,350 facilities since February 4th . These 75 00:02:47,360 --> 00:02:49,190 attacks put coalition and Iraqi 76 00:02:49,199 --> 00:02:51,270 personnel at risk . We call on the 77 00:02:51,279 --> 00:02:53,001 government of Iraq to take all 78 00:02:53,001 --> 00:02:55,223 necessary steps to ensure the safety of 79 00:02:55,223 --> 00:02:57,335 us , forces in Iraq and Syria against 80 00:02:57,335 --> 00:02:59,390 attacks from these groups . If these 81 00:02:59,390 --> 00:03:01,612 attacks continue , we will not hesitate 82 00:03:01,612 --> 00:03:03,835 to defend our forces as we have done in 83 00:03:03,835 --> 00:03:06,057 the past . And with that , I'd be happy 84 00:03:06,057 --> 00:03:08,112 to take your questions . We'll go to 85 00:03:08,112 --> 00:03:10,279 Lida Baldur A P Thank you , Pat . Um , 86 00:03:10,279 --> 00:03:13,179 two questions . One . Can you give us 87 00:03:13,190 --> 00:03:16,720 an idea how quickly the US will be able 88 00:03:16,729 --> 00:03:19,320 to get any of the military aid to 89 00:03:19,330 --> 00:03:22,440 Ukraine once this bill makes , it's , 90 00:03:22,449 --> 00:03:24,282 it's clearly on its path and the 91 00:03:24,289 --> 00:03:26,233 president is expected to sign it . 92 00:03:26,233 --> 00:03:28,345 There have been concerns expressed by 93 00:03:28,345 --> 00:03:30,289 Ukrainian forces that even if it's 94 00:03:30,289 --> 00:03:32,178 approved now it's going to take a 95 00:03:32,178 --> 00:03:34,400 really long time to get there . Can you 96 00:03:34,400 --> 00:03:36,511 give an estimate how quickly some aid 97 00:03:36,511 --> 00:03:38,400 can get there ? And then I have a 98 00:03:38,400 --> 00:03:40,567 separate question . Sure . I mean , in 99 00:03:40,567 --> 00:03:42,567 general terms , I would say that we 100 00:03:42,567 --> 00:03:44,733 would expect to be able to deliver aid 101 00:03:44,733 --> 00:03:47,029 within days . Um You know , of course , 102 00:03:47,039 --> 00:03:49,589 uh and I will caveat this by saying I 103 00:03:49,600 --> 00:03:51,711 don't have anything to announce right 104 00:03:51,711 --> 00:03:53,711 now in terms of what that aid could 105 00:03:53,711 --> 00:03:55,767 look like . Um you know , we need to 106 00:03:55,767 --> 00:03:58,089 have a , a law first . Um but uh 107 00:03:58,100 --> 00:04:00,490 depending on what that aid is . Uh And 108 00:04:00,500 --> 00:04:02,444 as you've seen in the past , uh we 109 00:04:02,444 --> 00:04:05,389 provide a variety of aid , um you know , 110 00:04:05,399 --> 00:04:07,455 anticipating this , uh we're , we're 111 00:04:07,455 --> 00:04:09,677 doing everything we can to lean forward 112 00:04:09,677 --> 00:04:11,510 to be able to provide additional 113 00:04:11,510 --> 00:04:13,399 security assistance to Ukraine as 114 00:04:13,399 --> 00:04:15,510 quickly as possible , so much more to 115 00:04:15,510 --> 00:04:17,399 follow uh in the days ahead . But 116 00:04:17,399 --> 00:04:19,399 needless to say , we understand the 117 00:04:19,399 --> 00:04:21,343 importance and the urgency and are 118 00:04:21,343 --> 00:04:23,566 doing everything we can to be poised to 119 00:04:23,566 --> 00:04:25,732 respond quickly . And then just on the 120 00:04:25,732 --> 00:04:28,829 um pier and causeway , can you say 121 00:04:28,839 --> 00:04:31,880 whether or not the US military has done 122 00:04:31,890 --> 00:04:34,450 any construction or any development at 123 00:04:34,459 --> 00:04:37,079 all yet , or is it still sort of 124 00:04:37,089 --> 00:04:39,959 waiting for the final security aid , et 125 00:04:39,970 --> 00:04:42,440 cetera to get worked out ? So , as I 126 00:04:42,450 --> 00:04:45,609 understand it , uh as of right now , uh 127 00:04:45,619 --> 00:04:48,359 there has been no physical construction 128 00:04:48,369 --> 00:04:50,339 of the , the temporary pier or the 129 00:04:50,350 --> 00:04:53,980 causeway . Um As we've discussed , you 130 00:04:53,989 --> 00:04:56,049 know , there is a uh for lack of a 131 00:04:56,059 --> 00:04:58,059 better term sort of a , a checklist 132 00:04:58,059 --> 00:05:00,226 that one's going to follow uh in order 133 00:05:00,226 --> 00:05:02,337 to implement this capability . Uh And 134 00:05:02,337 --> 00:05:04,640 as central command and US army central 135 00:05:04,649 --> 00:05:07,820 goes through that checklist , uh we are 136 00:05:07,829 --> 00:05:09,940 uh positioned to begin construction 137 00:05:09,950 --> 00:05:12,549 very soon in the very near future . Um 138 00:05:12,559 --> 00:05:14,859 But you want to do those steps in order 139 00:05:14,869 --> 00:05:17,450 so that by the time you are uh erecting 140 00:05:17,459 --> 00:05:20,140 this causeway and temporary pier that 141 00:05:20,149 --> 00:05:22,371 all the pieces are in place uh and that 142 00:05:22,371 --> 00:05:24,316 you can begin operating . So we're 143 00:05:24,316 --> 00:05:26,619 still uh based on all indications on 144 00:05:26,630 --> 00:05:28,959 track uh to see and you know , uh 145 00:05:28,970 --> 00:05:31,192 operating capability by the end of this 146 00:05:31,192 --> 00:05:33,359 month or early May , uh We'll keep you 147 00:05:33,359 --> 00:05:35,880 updated on that . Um General Ryder 148 00:05:36,089 --> 00:05:38,809 would the US military like to stay in 149 00:05:39,320 --> 00:05:41,549 and keep its base in . And what are the 150 00:05:41,559 --> 00:05:43,615 implications if it is forced to pull 151 00:05:43,615 --> 00:05:46,459 out ? Um Well , I , I mean , what I 152 00:05:46,470 --> 00:05:49,589 would say is that um we can confirm uh 153 00:05:49,600 --> 00:05:51,959 that discussions have begun between the 154 00:05:51,970 --> 00:05:54,399 United States and for the orderly 155 00:05:54,410 --> 00:05:56,950 withdrawal of US forces from the 156 00:05:56,959 --> 00:05:59,869 country um in , in the near future . Uh 157 00:05:59,880 --> 00:06:02,047 The Department of Defense will provide 158 00:06:02,047 --> 00:06:04,102 a small delegation from the Pentagon 159 00:06:04,102 --> 00:06:06,324 and us Africa command to participate in 160 00:06:06,324 --> 00:06:09,119 those discussions . Um So , you know , 161 00:06:09,130 --> 00:06:11,241 I'll leave it there for now . I don't 162 00:06:11,241 --> 00:06:13,519 want to get ahead of those discussions . 163 00:06:13,519 --> 00:06:15,686 Um You know , clearly when it comes to 164 00:06:15,686 --> 00:06:19,079 uh Western Africa and the Soal , um we 165 00:06:19,089 --> 00:06:21,170 are going to continue to monitor for 166 00:06:21,179 --> 00:06:23,068 potential threats throughout that 167 00:06:23,068 --> 00:06:25,369 region in order to protect us personnel 168 00:06:25,380 --> 00:06:27,679 assets in our interests to include the 169 00:06:27,690 --> 00:06:29,929 welfare of our partners . Uh And we're 170 00:06:29,940 --> 00:06:31,662 going to continue to work with 171 00:06:31,662 --> 00:06:33,884 countries throughout the region uh When 172 00:06:33,884 --> 00:06:35,884 it comes to addressing uh terrorism 173 00:06:35,884 --> 00:06:38,051 threats throughout the region . Do you 174 00:06:38,051 --> 00:06:39,996 believe that Russia and the Wagner 175 00:06:39,996 --> 00:06:41,829 group had an influence on the uh 176 00:06:41,829 --> 00:06:45,769 Nigerian government in deciding to uh 177 00:06:45,779 --> 00:06:48,390 ask the US military to leave ? Uh I , I 178 00:06:48,399 --> 00:06:50,566 really think that's a question that uh 179 00:06:50,799 --> 00:06:53,309 has to address . Uh again , you know , 180 00:06:53,320 --> 00:06:55,487 we're , we're having these discussions 181 00:06:55,487 --> 00:06:57,042 right now with our Nigerian 182 00:06:57,042 --> 00:06:59,209 counterparts . Uh And we'll definitely 183 00:06:59,209 --> 00:07:01,376 keep you updated . Thank you , Jenny . 184 00:07:01,376 --> 00:07:03,700 Thank you , General . Uh Two questions 185 00:07:03,980 --> 00:07:06,809 to the United States and South Korea 186 00:07:06,820 --> 00:07:09,399 defense cost sharing negotiation 187 00:07:09,410 --> 00:07:13,019 meeting is currently being in Hawaii . 188 00:07:13,649 --> 00:07:16,850 How do you view the possibility of 189 00:07:16,859 --> 00:07:20,700 changing cost sharing ? Um Yeah , I 190 00:07:20,709 --> 00:07:22,876 appreciate the question , Jane , I , I 191 00:07:22,876 --> 00:07:24,931 don't have any updates on that now . 192 00:07:24,931 --> 00:07:26,931 Certainly we'll , we'll need to let 193 00:07:26,931 --> 00:07:29,042 that meeting take its course . Um But 194 00:07:29,042 --> 00:07:29,019 as we have more to provide and 195 00:07:29,029 --> 00:07:31,440 certainly get that for you . There is a 196 00:07:31,630 --> 00:07:34,609 president election year this year with 197 00:07:34,619 --> 00:07:38,584 the to sharing matter will be done in 198 00:07:38,595 --> 00:07:41,304 this year or I just don't have any 199 00:07:41,315 --> 00:07:44,244 information on that one more in North 200 00:07:44,255 --> 00:07:47,345 Korea . Last weekend , North Korea 201 00:07:47,394 --> 00:07:50,945 launched the several pal missile and 202 00:07:50,954 --> 00:07:54,015 Kim Jong Un declared that this was a 203 00:07:54,024 --> 00:07:57,174 tactical nuclear and nuclear 204 00:07:57,184 --> 00:08:01,135 counter attack exercises . What is the 205 00:08:01,144 --> 00:08:03,989 Pentagon's position on this ? Well , as 206 00:08:04,000 --> 00:08:05,889 you know , we continue to consult 207 00:08:05,889 --> 00:08:08,140 closely with our allies in the Republic 208 00:08:08,149 --> 00:08:10,149 of Korea and Japan when it comes to 209 00:08:10,149 --> 00:08:12,519 regional security and stability issues 210 00:08:12,730 --> 00:08:15,220 uh to include uh you know , claims by 211 00:08:15,230 --> 00:08:17,260 North Korea to that effect . And so 212 00:08:17,269 --> 00:08:19,269 we'll continue to work together and 213 00:08:19,269 --> 00:08:21,102 closely on those issues uh As we 214 00:08:21,102 --> 00:08:23,213 support each other to deter potential 215 00:08:23,260 --> 00:08:25,799 conflict uh and threats to the region . 216 00:08:25,809 --> 00:08:28,089 Let me go to Natasha . Thanks Pat . Um 217 00:08:28,100 --> 00:08:30,378 Just a clarifying question on the pier . 218 00:08:30,378 --> 00:08:33,590 So , are all of the necessary vessels 219 00:08:33,599 --> 00:08:35,710 uh to construct the pier and causeway 220 00:08:35,710 --> 00:08:38,000 already in theater or are we still 221 00:08:38,010 --> 00:08:40,232 waiting for some of them to transit the 222 00:08:40,232 --> 00:08:42,399 Atlantic and get there before they can 223 00:08:42,399 --> 00:08:44,732 start construction . And if they're all , 224 00:08:44,732 --> 00:08:46,843 there are they just all on standby at 225 00:08:46,843 --> 00:08:48,843 this point just waiting um to begin 226 00:08:48,843 --> 00:08:51,010 construction . Uh As I understand it , 227 00:08:51,010 --> 00:08:53,232 all the necessary vessels are uh within 228 00:08:53,232 --> 00:08:56,369 the uh Mediterranean uh region 229 00:08:56,549 --> 00:08:59,450 and uh standing by , as I mentioned to 230 00:08:59,460 --> 00:09:01,682 begin construction when given the order 231 00:09:01,682 --> 00:09:04,369 to do that again . Um You know , there , 232 00:09:04,380 --> 00:09:06,570 there is a process and procedure that 233 00:09:06,580 --> 00:09:08,636 will have to be followed . Uh And as 234 00:09:08,636 --> 00:09:10,469 we've gone through and , and our 235 00:09:10,469 --> 00:09:12,636 planners have worked through the , the 236 00:09:12,636 --> 00:09:14,636 details of all the things one would 237 00:09:14,636 --> 00:09:16,524 expect to include security on the 238 00:09:16,524 --> 00:09:18,909 ground , co ordination with partners 239 00:09:18,919 --> 00:09:21,086 that will be supporting this effort to 240 00:09:21,086 --> 00:09:23,700 include NGO S working with USA ID . Um 241 00:09:23,710 --> 00:09:25,969 There , there's a very specific uh 242 00:09:25,979 --> 00:09:28,090 process and timeline that needs to be 243 00:09:28,090 --> 00:09:30,257 implemented . And so as I again , as I 244 00:09:30,257 --> 00:09:32,423 understand it , we're on track at this 245 00:09:32,423 --> 00:09:34,646 point to implement that 11 follow up on 246 00:09:34,646 --> 00:09:36,590 the pier also . So when the aid is 247 00:09:36,590 --> 00:09:38,701 loaded from Cyprus and it goes to the 248 00:09:38,701 --> 00:09:40,479 pier , is it going to be the US 249 00:09:40,479 --> 00:09:43,359 military exclusively transporting that 250 00:09:43,369 --> 00:09:45,450 aid from Cyprus to the pier or is it 251 00:09:45,460 --> 00:09:48,159 also gonna be commercial vessels ? Sure . 252 00:09:48,169 --> 00:09:50,169 So as I understand it , uh what the 253 00:09:50,169 --> 00:09:52,690 capability , capability capability 254 00:09:52,700 --> 00:09:55,140 allows us to do uh is you have the 255 00:09:55,150 --> 00:09:57,460 temporary pier uh which is of course 256 00:09:57,469 --> 00:09:59,469 several miles offshore uh which can 257 00:09:59,469 --> 00:10:01,469 receive both military and civilian 258 00:10:01,479 --> 00:10:03,940 vessels . Uh But then it's trans loaded 259 00:10:03,950 --> 00:10:06,380 onto the pier , put onto military 260 00:10:06,390 --> 00:10:08,659 vessels , uh logistic support vessels 261 00:10:08,669 --> 00:10:10,780 which are us military . Those are the 262 00:10:10,780 --> 00:10:12,947 vessels that will then take the aid to 263 00:10:12,947 --> 00:10:15,058 the con or to the causeway where it's 264 00:10:15,058 --> 00:10:17,960 then loaded onto non-military trucks , 265 00:10:17,969 --> 00:10:21,770 you know , driven by uh NGO S um that 266 00:10:21,780 --> 00:10:24,320 will then take the aid off the causeway 267 00:10:24,330 --> 00:10:26,274 into an assembly area and then for 268 00:10:26,274 --> 00:10:28,330 further distribution throughout Gaza 269 00:10:28,510 --> 00:10:30,739 will not be driving those trucks as I 270 00:10:30,750 --> 00:10:33,028 understand that is correct . All right , 271 00:10:33,028 --> 00:10:35,306 let me go to the phone here real quick . 272 00:10:35,306 --> 00:10:38,900 Tony Cacio Bloomberg . Hi Pat on on 273 00:10:38,909 --> 00:10:41,669 Ukraine and A P upcoming PD A . What 274 00:10:41,679 --> 00:10:43,799 gives you confidence that the dod is 275 00:10:43,809 --> 00:10:46,070 gonna be able to move within days to 276 00:10:46,080 --> 00:10:47,969 get all this equipment and get it 277 00:10:47,969 --> 00:10:49,858 transported uh in , in transit to 278 00:10:49,858 --> 00:10:51,969 Ukraine . Is it because of the basing 279 00:10:51,969 --> 00:10:54,520 structure already in place and has dod 280 00:10:54,530 --> 00:10:57,109 kind of earmarked a shopping list of 281 00:10:57,119 --> 00:10:59,119 items that you're ready to pull the 282 00:10:59,119 --> 00:11:01,341 trigger on once the president signs the 283 00:11:01,341 --> 00:11:03,675 legislation ? Yeah , thanks Tony . Well , 284 00:11:03,675 --> 00:11:05,619 a as a , you know , as you've been 285 00:11:05,619 --> 00:11:08,799 following , uh thanks to organizations 286 00:11:08,809 --> 00:11:10,865 like the security assistance group , 287 00:11:10,865 --> 00:11:14,000 Ukraine . Uh and plus uh our efforts 288 00:11:14,010 --> 00:11:16,289 with international allies and partners , 289 00:11:16,400 --> 00:11:19,479 we have created a very robust logistics 290 00:11:19,489 --> 00:11:23,049 network to enable the uh the delivery 291 00:11:23,059 --> 00:11:26,929 of aid into Ukraine . Uh So again , uh 292 00:11:27,039 --> 00:11:29,150 you know , more to follow in terms of 293 00:11:29,150 --> 00:11:31,261 what the specific security assistance 294 00:11:31,261 --> 00:11:33,317 will entail . Um but there are , you 295 00:11:33,317 --> 00:11:35,483 know , certain things that of course , 296 00:11:35,483 --> 00:11:37,428 we can uh work to have , get there 297 00:11:37,428 --> 00:11:39,595 faster . Uh And so again , we're gonna 298 00:11:39,595 --> 00:11:41,761 do everything we can to lean forward , 299 00:11:41,761 --> 00:11:44,320 employ that robust logistics network 300 00:11:44,330 --> 00:11:47,530 capability , uh employ the , the 301 00:11:47,539 --> 00:11:49,761 relationships that we've built with our 302 00:11:49,761 --> 00:11:51,983 international allies and partners uh to 303 00:11:51,983 --> 00:11:55,289 get aid there . Quickly . Let me go to 304 00:11:55,299 --> 00:11:57,132 uh Jeff Shole task and purpose . 305 00:11:59,539 --> 00:12:02,039 Uh Thank you . I'm seeing media reports 306 00:12:02,049 --> 00:12:04,760 that the next uh military assistance 307 00:12:04,770 --> 00:12:06,992 package to Ukraine , once the president 308 00:12:06,992 --> 00:12:10,039 signs it will be $1 billion . Now the 309 00:12:10,049 --> 00:12:12,216 Senate has passed closure on this . So 310 00:12:12,216 --> 00:12:14,229 now it's just waiting an up or down 311 00:12:14,239 --> 00:12:17,320 vote is dod at the point where it can 312 00:12:17,330 --> 00:12:20,340 publicly confirm the $1 billion figure . 313 00:12:20,349 --> 00:12:22,682 Thank you . Yeah , thanks , Jeff . I've , 314 00:12:22,682 --> 00:12:24,738 I've seen those press reports . Um I 315 00:12:24,738 --> 00:12:26,905 don't have anything to provide at this 316 00:12:26,905 --> 00:12:29,016 time and of course , I'm not going to 317 00:12:29,016 --> 00:12:28,729 get ahead of the process as you 318 00:12:28,739 --> 00:12:30,739 highlight , we first need the , the 319 00:12:30,739 --> 00:12:32,880 Senate to vote , uh and then Congress 320 00:12:32,890 --> 00:12:34,570 to send the national security 321 00:12:34,580 --> 00:12:37,109 supplemental bill to the president uh 322 00:12:37,119 --> 00:12:39,390 to be signed into law . And so once he 323 00:12:39,400 --> 00:12:41,178 signs that we'll be in a better 324 00:12:41,178 --> 00:12:43,070 position to discuss any potential 325 00:12:43,080 --> 00:12:45,630 security assistance packages uh to 326 00:12:45,640 --> 00:12:47,807 include the details of , of what would 327 00:12:47,807 --> 00:12:49,918 be in that package . Thank you . Come 328 00:12:49,918 --> 00:12:52,029 back into the room here . Yes , sir . 329 00:12:52,029 --> 00:12:53,751 Thank you . General . Uh State 330 00:12:53,751 --> 00:12:56,429 Department has um , actually published 331 00:12:56,440 --> 00:12:59,390 the annual country report on human 332 00:12:59,400 --> 00:13:02,989 rights practices and in that report , 333 00:13:03,000 --> 00:13:06,030 there was the section for uh Israel 334 00:13:06,039 --> 00:13:09,210 focusing on the Gaza War uh and the 335 00:13:09,219 --> 00:13:11,849 casualties amongst the civilians , 336 00:13:11,859 --> 00:13:14,780 journalists and uh international human 337 00:13:14,789 --> 00:13:17,950 rights workers . Is there any new 338 00:13:17,960 --> 00:13:20,770 precautions that the Pentagon will take 339 00:13:20,780 --> 00:13:24,609 against the uh Israeli army or about 340 00:13:24,619 --> 00:13:28,460 the arms uh uh support that you are 341 00:13:28,469 --> 00:13:31,150 providing to Israel in uh this 342 00:13:31,159 --> 00:13:34,080 framework ? Any restrictions , future 343 00:13:34,090 --> 00:13:36,849 restrictions ? Yeah , thanks . Um I , I 344 00:13:36,859 --> 00:13:39,081 don't have anything to announce today . 345 00:13:39,081 --> 00:13:41,609 Other than again , uh we continue to uh 346 00:13:41,619 --> 00:13:43,969 discuss the importance of civilian 347 00:13:43,979 --> 00:13:46,369 safety and the importance of delivering 348 00:13:46,380 --> 00:13:48,380 humanitarian assistance to those in 349 00:13:48,380 --> 00:13:50,269 need within Gaza with our Israeli 350 00:13:50,269 --> 00:13:52,330 counterparts on nearly every single 351 00:13:52,340 --> 00:13:54,340 conversation that we have and we'll 352 00:13:54,340 --> 00:13:56,507 continue to have those conversations . 353 00:13:56,507 --> 00:13:58,729 Let me go to Missy and then you go . Um 354 00:13:58,729 --> 00:14:01,969 Is it still true that the um dod has 355 00:14:01,979 --> 00:14:04,789 not received a plan from the Israelis 356 00:14:04,799 --> 00:14:07,809 for um their evacuation of 357 00:14:07,820 --> 00:14:11,090 civilians from Rafah or the 358 00:14:11,099 --> 00:14:13,210 military operation that they're gonna 359 00:14:13,210 --> 00:14:15,043 do because now there's been some 360 00:14:15,099 --> 00:14:17,369 reports like from the A P and others 361 00:14:17,380 --> 00:14:19,820 showing that um tent cities being built 362 00:14:19,830 --> 00:14:21,941 up around Han , you know , suggesting 363 00:14:21,941 --> 00:14:24,052 that they're beginning the evacuation 364 00:14:24,052 --> 00:14:26,274 plan . Um Have you guys gotten any more 365 00:14:26,274 --> 00:14:28,441 clear information from the Israelis on 366 00:14:28,441 --> 00:14:30,552 that ? Um Sure . So , you know , with 367 00:14:30,552 --> 00:14:32,774 the caveat that I'd refer you to the ID 368 00:14:32,774 --> 00:14:34,719 F to speak specifically to their , 369 00:14:34,719 --> 00:14:36,774 their operations , um I can tell you 370 00:14:36,774 --> 00:14:38,774 that coming out of the , the recent 371 00:14:38,774 --> 00:14:40,997 meeting uh that was hosted by the White 372 00:14:40,997 --> 00:14:42,886 House , um the US and Israel have 373 00:14:42,886 --> 00:14:44,997 agreed on the shared objective to see 374 00:14:44,997 --> 00:14:47,320 Hamas defeated in Rafah . They shared 375 00:14:47,330 --> 00:14:50,150 their thinking , uh We've shared ours . 376 00:14:50,159 --> 00:14:53,590 Um but um in terms of , um , 377 00:14:54,119 --> 00:14:56,341 you know , what their plan looks like , 378 00:14:56,341 --> 00:14:58,563 uh we still have some concerns in terms 379 00:14:58,563 --> 00:15:00,730 of the various courses of actions . Uh 380 00:15:00,730 --> 00:15:03,210 And so we'll continue to discuss those 381 00:15:03,219 --> 00:15:05,539 uh concerns related to how they're 382 00:15:05,549 --> 00:15:07,549 going to take into account civilian 383 00:15:07,549 --> 00:15:09,771 safety and humanitarian assistance . Um 384 00:15:09,771 --> 00:15:12,000 No indications at this point that any 385 00:15:12,010 --> 00:15:15,080 type of uh major uh ground operation 386 00:15:15,090 --> 00:15:17,520 has begun . Uh And so again , those 387 00:15:17,530 --> 00:15:19,697 conversations will continue to be very 388 00:15:19,697 --> 00:15:21,474 important . Uh And it will also 389 00:15:21,474 --> 00:15:23,474 continue to be something uh that we 390 00:15:23,474 --> 00:15:26,460 feel uh is essential that before any 391 00:15:26,469 --> 00:15:28,691 type of operation , that they're taking 392 00:15:28,691 --> 00:15:30,525 civilian safety and humanitarian 393 00:15:30,525 --> 00:15:34,239 consideration , they did share a plan 394 00:15:34,650 --> 00:15:36,872 um in a way that they hadn't previously 395 00:15:36,872 --> 00:15:39,039 as part of that discussion . I I'm not 396 00:15:39,039 --> 00:15:41,206 aware at this point uh of any detail , 397 00:15:41,815 --> 00:15:45,405 Rafa plan executable credible plan 398 00:15:45,414 --> 00:15:47,636 that's been shared with us . But I know 399 00:15:47,636 --> 00:15:49,692 those conversations continue no plan 400 00:15:49,692 --> 00:15:51,525 either for the evacuation of the 401 00:15:51,525 --> 00:15:53,525 civilians from Rafa or the military 402 00:15:53,525 --> 00:15:55,192 aspect of that operation as I 403 00:15:55,192 --> 00:15:58,174 understand it , no plan that that goes 404 00:15:58,184 --> 00:16:00,344 into the level of detail that would 405 00:16:00,354 --> 00:16:02,465 mitigate our concerns at this point . 406 00:16:02,635 --> 00:16:06,094 Thank you . Now , the Nigerians have 407 00:16:06,719 --> 00:16:08,941 told the United States that they intend 408 00:16:08,941 --> 00:16:10,960 for the US to withdraw . Where are 409 00:16:10,969 --> 00:16:13,559 these soldiers going to go ? Um Where 410 00:16:13,570 --> 00:16:15,792 are these US , us service members gonna 411 00:16:15,792 --> 00:16:17,903 go is the intent that they'll stay in 412 00:16:17,903 --> 00:16:20,014 Africa . Uh I know that you're at the 413 00:16:20,014 --> 00:16:22,181 initial planning stages , but do you , 414 00:16:22,181 --> 00:16:21,580 does the Pentagon intend for them to 415 00:16:21,590 --> 00:16:24,090 stay on the continent ? Yeah , Carl , I 416 00:16:24,099 --> 00:16:26,419 don't have uh anything for you at this 417 00:16:26,429 --> 00:16:28,540 stage again . We're , we're beginning 418 00:16:28,540 --> 00:16:31,049 these discussions um as I highlighted , 419 00:16:31,059 --> 00:16:34,609 um there is a terrorist threat uh that 420 00:16:34,619 --> 00:16:37,080 exists within the continent of Africa 421 00:16:37,090 --> 00:16:39,210 and certainly in the Sahel region and 422 00:16:39,219 --> 00:16:41,969 in West Africa . And so as we step back 423 00:16:41,979 --> 00:16:44,450 and , and Africom looks uh at that 424 00:16:44,460 --> 00:16:46,571 threat , you know , we'll continue to 425 00:16:46,571 --> 00:16:48,738 work with regional partners to address 426 00:16:48,738 --> 00:16:50,627 how best uh to ensure that we can 427 00:16:50,627 --> 00:16:52,738 continue to do the kinds of things we 428 00:16:52,738 --> 00:16:54,738 do to not only protect our national 429 00:16:54,738 --> 00:16:56,571 interests , but also look at the 430 00:16:56,571 --> 00:16:58,627 collective security of , of regional 431 00:16:58,627 --> 00:17:00,571 partners in Africa . So uh more to 432 00:17:00,571 --> 00:17:02,682 follow when we have it . But uh right 433 00:17:02,682 --> 00:17:04,793 now , I just , I don't have an answer 434 00:17:04,793 --> 00:17:07,016 to that . But if you , if I may , how , 435 00:17:07,016 --> 00:17:08,904 how will you do that ? Because if 436 00:17:08,904 --> 00:17:11,127 there's , if there are no bases in West 437 00:17:11,127 --> 00:17:13,071 Africa , how can the counterterror 438 00:17:13,071 --> 00:17:15,016 mission continue ? Well , I mean , 439 00:17:15,016 --> 00:17:17,349 certainly Africa is a big place , right ? 440 00:17:17,349 --> 00:17:19,571 And uh we're going to work with African 441 00:17:19,571 --> 00:17:21,682 partner nations to continue to assess 442 00:17:21,682 --> 00:17:25,249 uh force posture options in Africa . 443 00:17:25,448 --> 00:17:27,504 Um You know , look at the end of the 444 00:17:27,504 --> 00:17:29,337 day you've seen us uh be able to 445 00:17:29,337 --> 00:17:31,979 conduct uh counterterrorism operations 446 00:17:31,989 --> 00:17:34,100 uh in multiple different ways using a 447 00:17:34,100 --> 00:17:36,156 variety of capabilities . Uh I'm not 448 00:17:36,156 --> 00:17:38,211 gonna go into the specifics of those 449 00:17:38,211 --> 00:17:41,389 but um when you look at uh the 450 00:17:41,399 --> 00:17:44,089 potential threat that groups like uh 451 00:17:44,099 --> 00:17:47,500 ISIS or Al Shabab uh present , 452 00:17:47,910 --> 00:17:50,170 um we're gonna continue to work with 453 00:17:50,180 --> 00:17:52,770 partners in the region that recognize 454 00:17:52,780 --> 00:17:55,219 those being threats . Uh not only to 455 00:17:55,229 --> 00:17:57,007 their people but regionally and 456 00:17:57,007 --> 00:17:59,489 globally uh to address that . Thank you . 457 00:18:00,020 --> 00:18:02,131 Let me go back to the phone here real 458 00:18:02,131 --> 00:18:05,369 quick . Laura Slyman , Politico . Hey , 459 00:18:05,380 --> 00:18:07,380 Pat . My question has actually been 460 00:18:07,380 --> 00:18:09,436 answered . Thank you so much . Thank 461 00:18:09,449 --> 00:18:11,671 you very much . I was actually going to 462 00:18:11,671 --> 00:18:13,782 ask you if you could confirm that the 463 00:18:13,782 --> 00:18:15,727 dod is not against defeat of Hamas 464 00:18:15,727 --> 00:18:17,838 militarily in Rafah , but you already 465 00:18:17,838 --> 00:18:20,005 have . So my question is going to be , 466 00:18:20,005 --> 00:18:22,227 this administration has made it crystal 467 00:18:22,227 --> 00:18:24,338 clear that a major military operation 468 00:18:24,338 --> 00:18:25,949 in Rafah could have terrible 469 00:18:25,949 --> 00:18:27,949 consequences for all those swings . 470 00:18:27,949 --> 00:18:29,893 There are 1.5 million . Um Is that 471 00:18:29,893 --> 00:18:32,189 going to stand still in regardless of 472 00:18:32,199 --> 00:18:34,359 whether there's a proper military 473 00:18:34,369 --> 00:18:37,099 action plan or are you under any 474 00:18:37,109 --> 00:18:39,276 circumstances against a major military 475 00:18:39,276 --> 00:18:41,459 operation in Rafah ? Well , what we're 476 00:18:41,469 --> 00:18:44,150 against is a major military operation 477 00:18:44,160 --> 00:18:47,869 uh where uh civilian safety and 478 00:18:47,880 --> 00:18:49,989 humanitarian assistance isn't taken 479 00:18:50,000 --> 00:18:52,369 into account , right . We , we agree 480 00:18:52,380 --> 00:18:54,829 and we understand the need for Israel 481 00:18:54,839 --> 00:18:57,520 to defeat Hamas to prevent the kinds of 482 00:18:57,530 --> 00:18:59,697 attacks that they conducted on October 483 00:18:59,697 --> 00:19:02,390 7th . Uh And so we again believe that 484 00:19:02,400 --> 00:19:04,511 there are ways to address that threat 485 00:19:04,511 --> 00:19:06,567 while at the same time , taking into 486 00:19:06,567 --> 00:19:08,910 account the significant uh civilian 487 00:19:09,310 --> 00:19:11,900 impact uh that such an operation could 488 00:19:11,910 --> 00:19:14,132 have . And that includes making sure uh 489 00:19:14,140 --> 00:19:16,050 that humanitarian assistance 490 00:19:16,060 --> 00:19:18,282 considerations are taken into account . 491 00:19:18,282 --> 00:19:20,227 Civilian safety considerations are 492 00:19:20,227 --> 00:19:22,116 taken into account . And so those 493 00:19:22,116 --> 00:19:24,338 conversations continue with our Israeli 494 00:19:24,338 --> 00:19:26,709 partners and we will continue to make 495 00:19:26,719 --> 00:19:28,910 those points . So provided that those 496 00:19:28,920 --> 00:19:31,680 concerns are heeded . Those suggestions 497 00:19:31,689 --> 00:19:33,856 are heeded by the Israeli government , 498 00:19:33,856 --> 00:19:36,670 the Israeli military that could be a go 499 00:19:36,680 --> 00:19:39,310 from the East point of view for the 500 00:19:39,319 --> 00:19:41,375 major military operation . Uh Well , 501 00:19:41,375 --> 00:19:43,597 you know , that's really a question for 502 00:19:43,597 --> 00:19:45,763 Israel to address . Uh again , I think 503 00:19:45,763 --> 00:19:47,541 we've made our points and we'll 504 00:19:47,541 --> 00:19:49,597 continue to make those points at the 505 00:19:49,597 --> 00:19:51,763 end of the day . What we don't want to 506 00:19:51,763 --> 00:19:53,930 see is more suffering among the people 507 00:19:53,930 --> 00:19:55,930 of Gaza who have been caught in the 508 00:19:55,930 --> 00:19:58,152 crossfire uh in this fight with Hamas . 509 00:19:58,152 --> 00:20:00,319 So thank you . Yes , sir . Thank you , 510 00:20:00,319 --> 00:20:02,430 general . As you pointed out a moment 511 00:20:02,430 --> 00:20:04,652 ago , militia groups in Iraq conduct an 512 00:20:04,652 --> 00:20:06,486 attack on us person . The attack 513 00:20:06,486 --> 00:20:08,708 happened sometime after the Iraqi Prime 514 00:20:08,708 --> 00:20:10,819 Minister returning from Washington to 515 00:20:10,819 --> 00:20:12,819 Baghdad . So do you think the Iraqi 516 00:20:12,819 --> 00:20:15,280 government has a power or has a 517 00:20:15,290 --> 00:20:17,939 willingness to rein in the groups ? Uh 518 00:20:17,989 --> 00:20:20,045 Well , look , I Iraq is an important 519 00:20:20,045 --> 00:20:22,300 partner . Uh And we very much value uh 520 00:20:22,310 --> 00:20:25,140 their contributions to uh addressing 521 00:20:25,150 --> 00:20:27,550 regional threats . Um You know , I'm 522 00:20:27,560 --> 00:20:29,227 not gonna speak for the Iraqi 523 00:20:29,227 --> 00:20:31,449 government and I'll just leave my words 524 00:20:31,449 --> 00:20:33,671 where I where I left them . Thank you , 525 00:20:33,671 --> 00:20:35,616 sir . Thanks Beth . Uh I wanted to 526 00:20:35,616 --> 00:20:37,727 follow up on Natasha's question about 527 00:20:37,727 --> 00:20:40,004 the aid going from Cyprus to the p the , 528 00:20:40,004 --> 00:20:42,520 the first link from Cyprus where it'll 529 00:20:42,530 --> 00:20:44,586 be screened before put on the ship , 530 00:20:44,586 --> 00:20:46,586 it'll be on us military ships going 531 00:20:46,586 --> 00:20:48,752 from . This is a question . Will it be 532 00:20:48,752 --> 00:20:50,641 on us ? Military ships going from 533 00:20:50,641 --> 00:20:52,949 Cyprus to the pier or there'll be 534 00:20:52,959 --> 00:20:55,479 civilian ships as well ? Yeah , again , 535 00:20:55,489 --> 00:20:58,359 as I understand it , uh the pier that 536 00:20:58,369 --> 00:21:00,699 the floating temporary pier will be 537 00:21:00,709 --> 00:21:02,640 able to receive both civilian and 538 00:21:02,650 --> 00:21:05,250 military vessels that can can unload , 539 00:21:05,260 --> 00:21:08,000 right ? So , yeah , thank you . Ok , 540 00:21:08,010 --> 00:21:10,066 let me uh just do a couple more from 541 00:21:10,066 --> 00:21:12,010 the phone here . Uh JJ Green WTO P 542 00:21:13,880 --> 00:21:15,824 General . Thanks for doing this um 543 00:21:15,824 --> 00:21:18,260 question regarding Ukraine . Um Are you 544 00:21:18,270 --> 00:21:21,449 able to say at all uh anything about 545 00:21:21,459 --> 00:21:23,709 what the supplemental is gonna give 546 00:21:23,719 --> 00:21:26,640 them in terms of uh equipment , weapons , 547 00:21:26,650 --> 00:21:29,410 et cetera ? And how significant will 548 00:21:29,420 --> 00:21:32,079 this be for them in this fight that 549 00:21:32,089 --> 00:21:35,040 they're facing now ? Yeah , thanks JJ . 550 00:21:35,050 --> 00:21:37,272 Uh again , as I highlighted , I'm , I'm 551 00:21:37,272 --> 00:21:39,272 not able to go into uh specifics or 552 00:21:39,272 --> 00:21:41,272 preview anything at this time until 553 00:21:41,272 --> 00:21:43,494 after , you know , we're in a situation 554 00:21:43,494 --> 00:21:45,606 where the supplemental is signed into 555 00:21:45,606 --> 00:21:47,606 law and the , and the president has 556 00:21:47,606 --> 00:21:49,828 authorized a a drawdown . Um I will say 557 00:21:49,828 --> 00:21:53,500 again uh that uh this security 558 00:21:53,510 --> 00:21:56,699 assistance package will be based on 559 00:21:56,939 --> 00:21:59,680 Ukraine's most urgent needs . Uh Again , 560 00:21:59,689 --> 00:22:02,010 without getting into , to details . Uh 561 00:22:02,020 --> 00:22:04,709 I , I think it's a good assumption to 562 00:22:04,719 --> 00:22:07,280 expect that it'll include uh air 563 00:22:07,290 --> 00:22:09,489 defense capabilities as well as 564 00:22:09,500 --> 00:22:13,250 artillery ammunition . Um But uh we're 565 00:22:13,260 --> 00:22:15,316 going to continue as we've done from 566 00:22:15,316 --> 00:22:17,316 the very beginning to stay in close 567 00:22:17,316 --> 00:22:19,093 contact with Ukraine , with our 568 00:22:19,093 --> 00:22:21,149 international allies and partners to 569 00:22:21,149 --> 00:22:23,149 ensure that we understand what they 570 00:22:23,149 --> 00:22:25,371 need the most right now . Uh to be able 571 00:22:25,371 --> 00:22:27,538 to , to rush that to them so much more 572 00:22:27,538 --> 00:22:30,430 to follow . I'm sorry , just one quick 573 00:22:30,439 --> 00:22:32,550 clarification pat . I just wanna make 574 00:22:32,550 --> 00:22:34,661 sure I got your sentence right . When 575 00:22:34,661 --> 00:22:36,661 um when John was asking about , you 576 00:22:36,661 --> 00:22:38,606 said discussions have begun for an 577 00:22:38,606 --> 00:22:40,828 orderly withdrawal and you said sort of 578 00:22:40,828 --> 00:22:42,939 in the near future , is it withdrawal 579 00:22:42,939 --> 00:22:44,828 in the near future or in the near 580 00:22:44,828 --> 00:22:46,995 future ? You , the Pentagon is sending 581 00:22:46,995 --> 00:22:49,106 the delegation so that the delegation 582 00:22:49,106 --> 00:22:51,719 is what's in the near future ? Ok . Ok . 583 00:22:51,729 --> 00:22:53,785 Let me go to uh Jared , I'll monitor 584 00:22:57,760 --> 00:22:59,760 ipad . My question has been asked . 585 00:22:59,760 --> 00:23:02,093 Thank you . Time for just a couple more . 586 00:23:02,093 --> 00:23:03,982 Yes , sir . Thank you , sir . Two 587 00:23:03,982 --> 00:23:06,219 questions , please . One if department 588 00:23:06,229 --> 00:23:08,890 knew that uh last week state Department 589 00:23:08,900 --> 00:23:12,780 sanctions for uh companies in 590 00:23:12,790 --> 00:23:14,623 China and be Belarus , they were 591 00:23:14,623 --> 00:23:17,839 supplying uh missile parts to Pakistan . 592 00:23:18,020 --> 00:23:20,131 And when was the department new ? And 593 00:23:20,140 --> 00:23:23,479 how you think this will affect the US 594 00:23:23,489 --> 00:23:25,045 Pakistan ability to build a 595 00:23:25,045 --> 00:23:28,699 relationship or uh whatever uh is 596 00:23:29,199 --> 00:23:33,189 uh bis uh parts ? Yeah , I'm , I'm 597 00:23:33,199 --> 00:23:35,829 afraid I , I don't have any information 598 00:23:35,839 --> 00:23:38,061 to , to provide on that . Um you know , 599 00:23:38,061 --> 00:23:40,420 clearly , uh as you know , uh we , we 600 00:23:40,430 --> 00:23:43,550 maintain a uh a good relationship with 601 00:23:43,560 --> 00:23:45,338 Pakistan . Uh they're important 602 00:23:45,338 --> 00:23:47,560 security partner in the region . Uh And 603 00:23:47,560 --> 00:23:49,782 so , um you know , we'll again continue 604 00:23:49,782 --> 00:23:51,838 to have those conversations and make 605 00:23:51,838 --> 00:23:53,782 sure that we can second question . 606 00:23:53,782 --> 00:23:56,060 Thank you . Uh As far as this aid to 607 00:23:56,069 --> 00:23:58,449 Taiwan is concerned from this package 608 00:23:58,459 --> 00:24:01,770 for Israel , Ukraine and Taiwan , how 609 00:24:01,780 --> 00:24:04,280 do you think China will react ? Because 610 00:24:04,290 --> 00:24:06,012 in the past China have already 611 00:24:06,012 --> 00:24:08,234 threatened the United States . If there 612 00:24:08,234 --> 00:24:11,040 is any uh aid to Taiwan , as well as 613 00:24:11,050 --> 00:24:13,380 military aid or any kind of aid the 614 00:24:13,390 --> 00:24:16,589 relations will affect ? Yeah , I'm not 615 00:24:16,599 --> 00:24:20,079 gonna speculate or speak for uh the PR 616 00:24:20,089 --> 00:24:22,256 C uh when it comes to their behavior . 617 00:24:22,256 --> 00:24:24,478 Uh Again , our focus is on working with 618 00:24:24,478 --> 00:24:26,478 like minded partners throughout the 619 00:24:26,478 --> 00:24:28,589 region to ensure security , stability 620 00:24:28,589 --> 00:24:30,311 and prosperity . Last question 621 00:24:30,311 --> 00:24:31,922 yesterday , um how long will 622 00:24:31,922 --> 00:24:34,680 construction on the causeway take ? Um 623 00:24:34,689 --> 00:24:36,911 You , we'll have much more for you here 624 00:24:36,911 --> 00:24:39,189 in the days ahead . But as I mentioned , 625 00:24:39,189 --> 00:24:41,411 uh right now , we're on track uh to see 626 00:24:41,411 --> 00:24:43,560 the temporary peer uh be operational 627 00:24:43,569 --> 00:24:45,680 either at the end of this month or in 628 00:24:45,680 --> 00:24:47,847 early May . So , all right , Lou , you 629 00:24:47,847 --> 00:24:50,069 convince me , I , I apologize for being 630 00:24:50,069 --> 00:24:53,380 the last one . And following up on uh 631 00:24:53,390 --> 00:24:56,869 Natasha's question , um actually , I'm 632 00:24:56,880 --> 00:24:59,250 sorry , Tony Capacious question . Uh 633 00:24:59,270 --> 00:25:03,189 the um the flow of weapons you 634 00:25:03,199 --> 00:25:05,540 described that there's a robust system 635 00:25:05,550 --> 00:25:07,920 in place to get assistance to Ukraine 636 00:25:08,400 --> 00:25:11,400 in the past has the United States used 637 00:25:11,410 --> 00:25:14,920 um systems that were placed in Europe 638 00:25:14,930 --> 00:25:17,900 ahead of time ahead of PDAs . Um And 639 00:25:17,910 --> 00:25:20,077 then they could get there quickly . Is 640 00:25:20,077 --> 00:25:22,188 that something that potentially could 641 00:25:22,188 --> 00:25:24,390 be uh done here ? In other words , to 642 00:25:24,400 --> 00:25:28,319 shorten the gap time between approval 643 00:25:28,329 --> 00:25:30,770 delivery , things like that , um You 644 00:25:30,780 --> 00:25:32,780 know , we , we without getting into 645 00:25:32,780 --> 00:25:35,359 specifics , uh we use a variety of 646 00:25:35,369 --> 00:25:39,160 means uh to , to get capabilities into 647 00:25:39,170 --> 00:25:42,479 Ukraine uh to include from pre existing 648 00:25:42,489 --> 00:25:45,469 uh storage facilities that are located 649 00:25:45,819 --> 00:25:47,770 uh in lots of different places to 650 00:25:47,780 --> 00:25:49,849 include Europe . So I certainly have 651 00:25:49,859 --> 00:25:52,040 many means at our disposal uh to be 652 00:25:52,050 --> 00:25:54,229 able to meet their security assistance 653 00:25:54,239 --> 00:25:56,319 requirements uh once approved . So , 654 00:25:57,040 --> 00:25:58,929 all right . Thank you very much , 655 00:25:58,929 --> 00:25:58,810 everybody . Appreciate it .