Details From Today's White House Press Conference

Here is a quick rundown of President Obama and South Korean President Lee’s joint press conference this afternoon. This is the first State Visit from a South Korean President in thirteen years.

President Obama (from opening remarks):
Says trade pact with South Korea will produce 11 Billion in exports, protects workers and intellectual property and labor rights — Will maintain a strong presence in Asia — N Korea is a threat to both of our nations — Both nations support the democratic transitions including Libya/

Korean President Lee:
This agreement will strengthen our relations—Agreed to strengthen cooperation via the G-20 for Europe. We will remain in complete agreement with North Korea. We have met 6 times in the last three years. Next March in South Korea we will have the next Nuclear Weapons summit.

President Obama:
On plot to kill Saudi Ambassador:
What we know is an individual of Iranian-American decent—he had direct links and paid by indivuals in the Iranian govt. We would not be bringing a case unless we had the support of the facts for an indictment. This is a pattern of reckless behavior by the Iranian government.  This is one of a series of steps they (the Iranians) have taken. – Outside of International norms—we will assure that Iran is further isolated.  Iran’s economy is in a much more difficult state than it was years ago. Similarity to how North Korea and Iran operate. Iran is willing to prop up Syrian regime at a time when they are killing their own citizens.

Korean President Lee
On North Korea:

North Korea the only way to ensure happiness for its people is to abandon its nuclear ambitions. We speak with one voice between our two governments:

On Pipeline from Russia through North Korea:
Pipeline with Russia. We are discussing if the gas can travel through North Korea. We are discussing it with North Korea. It would be beneficial for all parties involved. This involves security measures. This will not happen any time soon.

President Obama
On Iran:
Iranian issue—the Attorney General has put forth the facts. We know there were people in the Iranian government who were aware of the plot. Will let the AG comment on the specifics. Iran should answer the international community as to why anyone in their government is engaging in these activities.

On the Jobs Bill:
The single thing we can do for the economy is to put people back to work. These proposals have historically been supported by the Republicans as well as Democrats. When it comes to infrastructure anyone in Washington should agree to. We are going to have votes on each part of the bill-putting teachers back in the classroom, rebuilding roads. Each time we are going to as Republicans to pass the bill. The passing of the trade bill shows that we are happy to work with Republicans. Frankly, we have not seen a lot of ideas coming from the Republicans.  We are not going to wait around and play the usual political games.  We are not going to create a lot of theater. People want action. Show us the plan that would put people back to work. I have not seen it.

On Free Trade Deals and Arab Spring:
President Lee assures me that the FTA will pass the Korean parliament.
On Arab Spring: deep longing on the part of the people for freedom and opportunity — The human spirit will defeat repressive governments. The people of North Korea have been suffering under repressive policies for a long time. People are looking forward to determining their own destiny. I do not think the people are any exception. They see the progress that has been made in South Korea.