The Briefing Room
General Category => National/Breaking News => Topic started by: mystery-ak on March 01, 2014, 10:00:33 pm
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http://www.weeklystandard.com/print/blogs/obama-skips-national-security-team-meeting-russia-ukraine_783659.html (http://www.weeklystandard.com/print/blogs/obama-skips-national-security-team-meeting-russia-ukraine_783659.html)
Obama Skips National Security Team Meeting on Russia, Ukraine
Daniel Halper
March 1, 2014 3:47 PM
A White House official emailed some reporters to say that President Obama's team met today to discuss the ongoing situation on Ukraine. It appears President Obama did not attend.
"The President's national security team met today to receive an update on the situation in Ukraine and discuss potential policy options. We will provide further updates later this afternoon," reads the full statement.
Full statement from WH official pic.twitter.com/xx13P8TsYd
— Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) March 1, 2014
According to Time magazine's Zeke Miller, Obama skipped the meeting. "Obama did not attend the meeting, but WH official says he has been briefed by Susan Rice and his national security team," says Miller.
Obama did not attend the meeting, but WH official says he has been briefed by Susan Rice and his national security team.
— Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) March 1, 2014
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Greta Van Susteren
It is reported that President Obama did not attend today's National Security meeting at the White House. He was briefed later by Susan Rice, but really...should he not have been there to ask questions and discuss it with his team? !! With what is going on in Ukriane and Putin, President Obama skipped it? Stunning, huh?
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Todd Starnes
The Weekly Standard reports that President Obama did not attend a special Saturday meeting of his National Security Team.
Instead, the president attended a White House Film Festival where pool reporters said he socialized with second graders.
May God help the Ukrainians -- because Obama sure won't.
8888crybaby
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May God help the Ukrainians -- because Obama sure won't.
To hell with the Ukranians, I'm more concerned about America and all the things he doesn't do for it.
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Greta Van Susteren
NOTE: (and this is important because of my last posting), it is being reported that President Obama spoke to President Putin today.....
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To hell with the Ukranians, I'm more concerned about America and all the things he doesn't do for it.
By allowing Putin to run roughshod over the Ukrainians clearly hurts us at home. Bill Clinton and John Major of Great Britain signed a treaty with Ukraine in 1994 that we would protect them form this very thing. Are we to ignore it? Who in the world will trust us? Meanwhile, Putin expands his empire, not only in the Crimea, but the Middle East and Latin America. To ignore this is at our mortal peril, in my view.
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By allowing Putin to run roughshod over the Ukrainians clearly hurts us at home. Bill Clinton and John Major of Great Britain signed a treaty with Ukraine in 1994 that we would protect them form this very thing. Are we to ignore it? Who in the world will trust us? Meanwhile, Putin expands his empire, not only in the Crimea, but the Middle East and Latin America. To ignore this is at our mortal peril, in my view.
Completely agree.
Though I have a warm place in my heart for the lovely people of Ukraine and fear for them, our apathetic, narcissist punk president is putting the entire world at risk.
May God protect us ALL!
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Greta Van Susteren
Here is what White House says Pres Obama and Pres Putin discussed:
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 1, 2014
Readout of President Obama’s Call with President Putin
President Obama spoke for 90 minutes this afternoon with President Putin of Russia about the situation in Ukraine. President Obama expressed his deep concern over Russia’s clear violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity, which is a breach of international law, including Russia’s obligations under the UN Charter, and of its 1997 military basing agreement with Ukraine, and which is inconsistent with the 1994 Budapest Memorandum and the Helsinki Final Act. The United States condemns Russia’s military intervention into Ukrainian territory.
The United States calls on Russia to de-escalate tensions by withdrawing its forces back to bases in Crimea and to refrain from any interference elsewhere in Ukraine. We have consistently said that we recognize Russia’s deep historic and cultural ties to Ukraine and the need to protect the rights of ethnic Russian and minority populations within Ukraine. The Ukrainian government has made clear its commitment to protect the rights of all Ukrainians and to abide by Ukraine’s international commitments, and we will continue to urge them to do so.
President Obama told President Putin that, if Russia has concerns about the treatment of ethnic Russian and minority populations in Ukraine, the appropriate way to address them is peacefully through direct engagement with the government of Ukraine and through the dispatch of international observers under the auspices of the United Nations Security Council or the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). As a member of both organizations, Russia would be able to participate. President Obama urged an immediate effort to initiate a dialogue between Russia and the Ukrainian government, with international facilitation, as appropriate. The United States is prepared to participate.
President Obama made clear that Russia’s continued violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity would negatively impact Russia’s standing in the international community. In the coming hours and days, the United States will urgently consult with allies and partners in the UN Security Council, the North Atlantic Council, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and with the signatories of the Budapest Memorandum. The United States will suspend upcoming participation in preparatory meetings for the G-8. Going forward, Russia’s continued violation of international law will lead to greater political and economic isolation.
The people of Ukraine have the right to determine their own future. President Obama has directed his Administration to continue working urgently with international partners to provide support for the Ukrainian government, including urgent technical and financial assistance. Going forward, we will continue consulting closely with allies and partners, the Ukrainian government and the International Monetary Fund, to provide the new government with significant assistance to secure financial stability, to support needed reforms, to allow Ukraine to conduct successful elections, and to support Ukraine as it pursues a democratic future.
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President Obama spoke for 90 minutes this afternoon with President Putin of Russia
Really? And why do I suspect it was more a matter of Putin telling Obama for 89 minutes what a tool he is, and one minute of Barry O stammering?
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Greta Van Susteren
Here is what White House says Pres Obama and Pres Putin discussed:
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 1, 2014
Readout of President Obama’s Call with President Putin
President Obama spoke for 90 minutes this afternoon with President Putin of Russia about the situation in Ukraine. President Obama expressed his deep concern over Russia’s clear violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity, which is a breach of international law, including Russia’s obligations under the UN Charter, and of its 1997 military basing agreement with Ukraine, and which is inconsistent with the 1994 Budapest Memorandum and the Helsinki Final Act. The United States condemns Russia’s military intervention into Ukrainian territory.
The United States calls on Russia to de-escalate tensions by withdrawing its forces back to bases in Crimea and to refrain from any interference elsewhere in Ukraine. We have consistently said that we recognize Russia’s deep historic and cultural ties to Ukraine and the need to protect the rights of ethnic Russian and minority populations within Ukraine. The Ukrainian government has made clear its commitment to protect the rights of all Ukrainians and to abide by Ukraine’s international commitments, and we will continue to urge them to do so.
President Obama told President Putin that, if Russia has concerns about the treatment of ethnic Russian and minority populations in Ukraine, the appropriate way to address them is peacefully through direct engagement with the government of Ukraine and through the dispatch of international observers under the auspices of the United Nations Security Council or the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). As a member of both organizations, Russia would be able to participate. President Obama urged an immediate effort to initiate a dialogue between Russia and the Ukrainian government, with international facilitation, as appropriate. The United States is prepared to participate.
President Obama made clear that Russia’s continued violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity would negatively impact Russia’s standing in the international community. In the coming hours and days, the United States will urgently consult with allies and partners in the UN Security Council, the North Atlantic Council, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and with the signatories of the Budapest Memorandum. The United States will suspend upcoming participation in preparatory meetings for the G-8. Going forward, Russia’s continued violation of international law will lead to greater political and economic isolation.
The people of Ukraine have the right to determine their own future. President Obama has directed his Administration to continue working urgently with international partners to provide support for the Ukrainian government, including urgent technical and financial assistance. Going forward, we will continue consulting closely with allies and partners, the Ukrainian government and the International Monetary Fund, to provide the new government with significant assistance to secure financial stability, to support needed reforms, to allow Ukraine to conduct successful elections, and to support Ukraine as it pursues a democratic future.
How did they pull him from the campaign trail long enough to do this?
This means nothing. Obama read a script and preached to him and Putin said blow me and hung up the phone.
Obama has lost all credibility and no one trusts him but the fools he pays to say Obaahma at his speeches.
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Greta Van Susteren
NOTE: (and this is important because of my last posting), it is being reported that President Obama spoke to President Putin today.....
Then why wouldn't he be at the meeting to give a first-hand account, and answer questions, about this call?
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... and Putin said blow me...
Obama thought he was getting somewhere at that point.
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Obama thought he was getting somewhere at that point.
Thankfully, Reggie wasn't around to get jealous.
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By allowing Putin to run roughshod over the Ukrainians clearly hurts us at home. Bill Clinton and John Major of Great Britain signed a treaty with Ukraine in 1994 that we would protect them form this very thing. Are we to ignore it? Who in the world will trust us? Meanwhile, Putin expands his empire, not only in the Crimea, but the Middle East and Latin America. To ignore this is at our mortal peril, in my view.
Did that treaty ever get ratified by the Senate? I don't think it did.
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Did that treaty ever get ratified by the Senate? I don't think it did.
Didn't need to be. It was a Memorandum, not a Treaty. More of a gentlemens agreement than legally binding.
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Of course ignore what is going on in the world and think only of what is happening here just like the 1930's. We can't isolate ourselves and survive more so in this day and age since they can reach our shores this time. I doubt we will ever be very powerful again the bible doesn't even mention us in the end times so we are just another country but Russia is mentioned and seems powerful at least till it tries to take over Israel and fails miserably.
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Did that treaty ever get ratified by the Senate? I don't think it did.
Good question. Here is at least one answer:
http://www.rferl.org/content/ukraine-explainer-budapest-memorandum/25280502.html
With tensions rising in Crimea and pro-Russian forces controlling the peninsula's main airports, Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk has called on Russia to "not violate the Budapest Memorandum." So what is the "Budapest Memorandum" and what does it have to do with Crimea?
What exactly is the "Budapest Memorandum"?
The "Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances" is a diplomatic memorandum that was signed in December 1994 by Ukraine, Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
It is not a formal treaty, but rather, a diplomatic document under which signatories made promises to each other as part of the denuclearization of former Soviet republics after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Under the memorandum, Ukraine promised to remove all Soviet-era nuclear weapons from its territory, send them to disarmament facilities in Russia, and sign the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. Ukraine kept these promises.
In return, Russia and the Western signatory countries essentially consecrated the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine as an independent state. They did so by applying the principles of territorial integrity and nonintervention in 1975 Helsinki Final Act -- a Cold War-era treaty signed by 35 states including the Soviet Union -- to an independent post-Soviet Ukraine.
Which principles in the Helsinki Final Act, reiterated in the "Budapest Memorandum," are relevant to the current situation in the Crimea?
In the "Budapest Memorandum," Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States promised that none of them would ever threaten or use force against the territorial integrity or political independence of Ukraine. They also pledged that none of them would ever use economic coercion to subordinate Ukraine to their own interest.
They specifically pledged they would refrain from making each other's territory the object of military occupation or engage in other uses of force in violation of international law.
All sides agreed that no such occupation or acquisition will be recognized as legal and that the signatories would "consult in the event a situation arises which raises a question concerning these commitments."
Is there anything legally binding about the "Budapest Memorandum" regarding Russia's obligations to respect Ukraine's territorial integrity?
"That's actually a much more complex question than it may sound. It is binding in international law, but that doesn't mean it has any means of enforcement," says Barry Kellman is a professor of law and director of the International Weapons Control Center at DePaul University's College of Law.
"The 'Budapest Memorandum' follows the Helsinki Final Act and essentially reiterates its provisions. There are confidence building measures and then a host of other broader obligations – primarily negative obligations. Don't interfere."
Kellman concludes that there are a host of other sources of international law that oblige Russia to respect Ukraine's territorial integrity -- including the provisions of the CSCE treaty and the UN Charter.
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Didn't need to be. It was a Memorandum, not a Treaty. More of a gentlemens agreement than legally binding.
This is Obama we're talking about, not W. Bush, or even Clinton, who both took diplomacy seriously.
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This is Obama we're talking about, not W. Bush, or even Clinton, who both took diplomacy seriously.
Does the Worm take anything seriously about his position? Ever?
Besides, he simply doesn't have the courage to make an order and stick by it. Clinton did. GWB certainly did. Clinton was probably the more respected of the two abroad - not only is he a very smooth diplomat, but he had most of the press on his side.
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(https://s1.yimg.com/nn/fp/rsz/030114/images/smush/obamaputincallflickr_635x250_1393715219.jpg)
Keepin' it classy. This is the photo the White House released of Obama talking to Putin. :th_10444:
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(https://s1.yimg.com/nn/fp/rsz/030114/images/smush/obamaputincallflickr_635x250_1393715219.jpg)
Keepin' it classy. This is the photo the White House released of Obama talking to Putin. :th_10444:
This is petty... I hate the colors this misfit used in the Oval Office. Look at the draperies. Awful.
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(https://s1.yimg.com/nn/fp/rsz/030114/images/smush/obamaputincallflickr_635x250_1393715219.jpg)
Keepin' it classy. This is the photo the White House released of Obama talking to Putin. :th_10444:
No one with any brains in the business world conducts a 90-minute phone call w/out either a headset or using speaker phone. This just makes him look like a dufus posing for a photo.
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To hell with the Ukranians, I'm more concerned about America and all the things he doesn't do for it.
YUP.
The commies and muzzies are going for world domination.
Then, after they've cleaned out all the opposition, they'll duke it out for "world leader".
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(http://www.whitehousehistory.org/photographs/white-house-administrations/images/taft-oval-office.jpg)
Recolored Lincoln office?
(http://images.virtualology.com/images/990.jpg)
Dwight D. Eisenhower museum recreation
(http://www.whitehousemuseum.org/west-wing/oval-office/oval-office-1962.jpg)
JFK Oval Office
(http://static.guim.co.uk/Guardian/world/gallery/2008/nov/05/usa/GD9477988@1902,-Washington,-DC,-2853.jpg)
Nixon Oval Office
(http://ts3.mm.bing.net/th?id=HN.608037652576734439&pid=1.7)
Gerald Ford
(http://www.whitehousemuseum.org/west-wing/oval-office/oval-office-1977-meir.jpg)
Carter Oval Office
(http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?id=HN.608047668431814678&pid=1.7)
Ronald Reagan Oval Office (hmmm)
(http://www.whitehousemuseum.org/west-wing/oval-office/oval-office-1990-staff.jpg)
George Bush oval office (What is with the Resolute Desk?)
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JAIb2O1px5Y/TH46Pk8RloI/AAAAAAAABQ0/1oqCKQEJrDA/s1600/Oval+Office+Clinton.jpg)
Clinton Oval Office
(http://www.presidentsrus.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/bush-oval-office.jpg)
GWB Oval Office
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(https://s1.yimg.com/nn/fp/rsz/030114/images/smush/obamaputincallflickr_635x250_1393715219.jpg)
Keepin' it classy. This is the photo the White House released of Obama talking to Putin. :th_10444:
The dead giveaway that this is a staged shot? He is not surrounded by advisors. He would never fly solo on a 90 minute call with Putin. Never.
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Well we don't know how long of that 90mins he was actually talking to Putin or on hold waiting for him.... :whistle:
...and I must say both of the Bush's Ovals were far better than any example given...I think Barbara and Laura had their hand in the design..
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The dead giveaway that this is a staged shot? He is not surrounded by advisors. He would never fly solo on a 90 minute call with Putin. Never.
They released that photo so that he won't be criticized down the road like he was for Benghazi and playing spades with Reggie during the OBL raid. He is nothing but staged and always partisan.
I believe if he were to speak with any world leader in this facet; it would be in the situ room with interpretation and skype ability. This phony picture Obama released would be like us calling someone from a phone booth.
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The dead giveaway that this is a staged shot? He is not surrounded by advisors. He would never fly solo on a 90 minute call with Putin. Never.
Exactly right! Good catch, good call.....
:beer:
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The dead giveaway that this is a staged shot? He is not surrounded by advisors. He would never fly solo on a 90 minute call with Putin. Never.
Frankly, no President should, either, especially in this sort of Russian aggression. I'd expect W. Bush to have his trusted advisers at a conference table during this call, just as I imagine Putin had his people near him, too.
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Frankly, no President should, either, especially in this sort of Russian aggression. I'd expect W. Bush to have his trusted advisers at a conference table during this call, just as I imagine Putin had his people near him, too.
Does this mean that when things inevitably go wrong and he is looking for someone to blame, we can just wave the picture in his face and laugh at him?
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Greta Van Susteren
Here is what White House says Pres Obama and Pres Putin discussed:
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 1, 2014
Readout of President Obama’s Call with President Putin
President Obama spoke for 90 minutes this afternoon with President Putin of Russia about the situation in Ukraine. President Obama expressed his deep concern over Russia’s clear violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity, which is a breach of international law, including Russia’s obligations under the UN Charter, and of its 1997 military basing agreement with Ukraine, and which is inconsistent with the 1994 Budapest Memorandum and the Helsinki Final Act. The United States condemns Russia’s military intervention into Ukrainian territory.
The United States calls on Russia to de-escalate tensions by withdrawing its forces back to bases in Crimea and to refrain from any interference elsewhere in Ukraine. We have consistently said that we recognize Russia’s deep historic and cultural ties to Ukraine and the need to protect the rights of ethnic Russian and minority populations within Ukraine. The Ukrainian government has made clear its commitment to protect the rights of all Ukrainians and to abide by Ukraine’s international commitments, and we will continue to urge them to do so.
President Obama told President Putin that, if Russia has concerns about the treatment of ethnic Russian and minority populations in Ukraine, the appropriate way to address them is peacefully through direct engagement with the government of Ukraine and through the dispatch of international observers under the auspices of the United Nations Security Council or the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). As a member of both organizations, Russia would be able to participate. President Obama urged an immediate effort to initiate a dialogue between Russia and the Ukrainian government, with international facilitation, as appropriate. The United States is prepared to participate.
President Obama made clear that Russia’s continued violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity would negatively impact Russia’s standing in the international community. In the coming hours and days, the United States will urgently consult with allies and partners in the UN Security Council, the North Atlantic Council, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and with the signatories of the Budapest Memorandum. The United States will suspend upcoming participation in preparatory meetings for the G-8. Going forward, Russia’s continued violation of international law will lead to greater political and economic isolation.
The people of Ukraine have the right to determine their own future. President Obama has directed his Administration to continue working urgently with international partners to provide support for the Ukrainian government, including urgent technical and financial assistance. Going forward, we will continue consulting closely with allies and partners, the Ukrainian government and the International Monetary Fund, to provide the new government with significant assistance to secure financial stability, to support needed reforms, to allow Ukraine to conduct successful elections, and to support Ukraine as it pursues a democratic future.
Did Numbnuts mention the 1994 Treaty that requires the Brits and us to go to Ukraine's aid? I seriously doubt it. To paraphrase O'Reilly and Caius Iulius Caesar, with Obozo it's "Veni. Vidi, Bloviati".
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Wearin' some real he-man dungarees, though, so that's a plus.
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Krauthammer's Take: Obama Tells the World We Aren't Going to Do Anything About Invasion of Ukraine - YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9v0GS0Ho0Mk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9v0GS0Ho0Mk)
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Judge Janine skewered him tonight
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Really? And why do I suspect it was more a matter of Putin telling Obama for 89 minutes what a tool he is, and one minute of Barry O stammering?
It was more likely 89 minutes of Obama talking about himself and one minute of Putin telling him to take a hike. :woohoo:
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Does the Worm take anything seriously about his position? Ever?
Besides, he simply doesn't have the courage to make an order and stick by it. Clinton did. GWB certainly did. Clinton was probably the more respected of the two abroad - not only is he a very smooth diplomat, but he had most of the press on his side.
Let us not forget Obama told Holder to ignore any law he doesn't like so why wouldn't he do the same here? To Obama, anything not approved by he or his under-gods is without merit and not worthy of protecting. :Obounce:
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Judge Janine skewered him tonight
I watched that. She's terrific.
Thought OMG.....hope Barry or Michelle didn't see it.
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Obama Skips National Security Team Meeting on Russia, Ukraine
It would be newsworthy if he actually attended a Security Meeting.