Obama talks about Indonesia Samoa and Iran

THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon. Before I comment on todays meeting in Geneva, I want to say a few words about the recent tragic events in the Pacific.

On behalf of the American people, I want to once again extend my deepest condolences to the people of American Samoa and Samoa for the terrible loss of life and the devastation that took place after the recent earthquake and tsunami. Ive spoken to the governor and delegate from American Samoa, and we continue to provide the full support of the federal government for relief efforts there. I have also directed the State Department to provide the assistance necessary to help Samoa recover as well.

Were also deeply moved by the suffering and loss of life thats been caused by the recent earthquake in West Sumatra. And my administration has been in touch with the government of Indonesia to make it clear that the United States stands ready to help in this time of need, and Ive ordered my administration to coordinate with the ongoing relief and recovery efforts there.

Indonesia is an extraordinary country thats known extraordinary hardship from natural disasters. I know firsthand that the Indonesian people are strong and resilient and have the spirit to overcome this enormous challenge. And as they do, they need to know that America will be their friend and partner.

Today, in Geneva, the United States - along with our fellow permanent members of the UN Security Council - namely, Russia, China, France and the United Kingdom, as well as Germany - held talks with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

These meetings came after several months of intense diplomatic effort. Upon taking office, I made it clear that the United States was prepared to join our P5-plus-1 partners as a full participant in talks with Iran. I extended the offer of meaningful engagement to the Iranian government. I committed the United States to a comprehensive effort to strengthen the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, so that all nations have the right to peaceful nuclear power - ...

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• obama
• samoa
• iran
• indonesia
• nuclear
• erathquake
• tsunami
• typhoon