SECRETARY CLINTON: We agreed today that the formation of the new Syrian Opposition Coalition
is an important step forward and will help us better target our assistance.
Today, I am pleased to announce that the United States is providing an additional $30 million
in humanitarian assistance to help get much-needed food to hungry people inside Syria and to
refugees who have fled to Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq, which brings our total
humanitarian assistance to $200 million.
There's been a lot of conversation, as you might expect, Bob, but no concern whatsoever
being expressed to us, because the mission has been set forth.
It is being carried out.
FOREIGN MINISTER CARR: Ashleigh Gillon, Sky News.
QUESTION: Secretary Clinton, on China, you've written this communique that you'd like to
see China exhibit greater military transparency, and you encourage that.
How will that happen?
And considering Chinese state media reacted negatively to the Northern Territory troop
announcement, do you expect China will get uncomfortable with the United States having
an increased presence in the Indian Ocean?
And on that front, what exactly is America's wish list when it comes to (inaudible) and
increased access to those northern airbases?
Do you have a timeframe on that?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, first, let me state the obvious, that the United States and Australia
have been close allies and friends for decades, and we have not only security ties, but commercial
ties, personal ties, cultural ties.
And our relationship between the two of us is among the strongest of any two countries
in the world.
By the same token, we both recognize that increased cooperation from China is mutually
beneficial.
So this is not a zero-sum competition.
Rather, it is up to the United States and Australia to lead the way in demonstrating
that the strong relationship between us can also help foster strong, healthy relations
with China, because the entire region will benefit from a peaceful rise of China.
And, as I've said many times, we welcome a strong and prosperous China that plays a constructive
and greater role in world affairs.
But we also want to see China act in fair and transparent ways that respect international
norms and standards, follows international law, protects the fundamental freedoms and
human rights of its people and all people.
And the Pacific is big enough for all of us.
And we stand to benefit from increased cooperation across the Asia Pacific region, as long as
there is a level playing field and everybody knows what the rules are and everybody is
held to the same standards.
With respect to specific questions, I think that the ministers, particularly Minister
Smith and Minister Panetta, have addressed those questions.
But we are very comfortable that our relationship is a positive one that should contribute to
greater peace and prosperity in the region.
And we want all nations to be part of that.
FOREIGN MINISTER CARR: I would just add that there is no news in this communique that will
surprise China or any other nation in the region.
Next question, David Brunnstrom, Reuters.
QUESTION: Can you hear me, ma'am?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Yes.
QUESTION: Secretary Clinton, please.
On Syria, I was just wondering if there is any point at which the United States could
follow France in fully recognizing the Syrian coalition.
I would also (inaudible) perhaps in the future, to provide lethal aid.
Are there any conditions on that?
And on the Burma, I wonder if I could ask whether concerns have eased to the extent
that the United States can consider lifting more sanctions, or they're still worried,
for example, about thier links with North Korea and also on the Rohingyan issue.
There are reports that there have been organized killings of Rohingyas.
Thank you.
SECRETARY CLINTON: First, with respect to Syria, we congratulate and welcome the new
Syrian Opposition Coalition on the progress that they have made in Doha to broaden and
unify the opposition leadership to make it a more effective, representative body that
will truly reflect the aspirations of the Syrian people and have credibility with those
inside Syria who are doing the fighting and demonstrating, the dying, and dealing with
the continuing assault from the Assad regime.
We have long called for this kind of organization.
The United States was deeply involved in the work that went on leading up to and at Doha.
Now we want to see that momentum maintained.
Specifically, we urge them to finalize the organizational arrangements to support the
commitments that they made in Doha, and to begin influencing events on the ground in
Syria.
As the Syrian opposition takes these steps and demonstrates its effectiveness in advancing
the cause of a unified, democratic, pluralistic Syria, we will be prepared to work with them
to deliver assistance to the Syrian people.
So good beginning, highly welcomed by us and others, and we want to see the steps taken
that have been promised.
And we stand ready to assist this new opposition in standing itself up and representing the
Syrian people to the regime and the international community.
Regarding Burma, I very much look forward to returning with President Obama.
When I first visited Nay Pyi Taw and Rangoon last December, we pledged that the United
States would respond to positive reform steps that were taken by the government with steps
of our own.
And the President's visit next week speaks to how far we have come in this action-for-action
approach that we outlined.
We have matched the reforms taken by having full diplomatic relations, exchanging ambassadors,
allowing new U.S. investment in Burma, as well as the export of U.S. financial services,
and supporting assistance from the international financial institutions.
And let me say that Australia has been an indispensable and strong partner in this process.
The reforms have a long way to go.
The future is not certain.
But we are making progress, and we want to see that progress continue.
The President will have the opportunity to discuss the path forward in detail.
And, of course, one of the items on the agenda will be the ongoing conflict in Rakhine State.
We've condemned that violence.
We've called for calm and a meaningful dialogue to address the legitimate needs that are at
the base of these underlying issues.
And certainly we expect the Burmese authorities to ensure the security and safety of all the
people in the area, and to act expeditiously, both to stop violence and investigate it,
and bring those responsible to justice.
So we have a lot to talk about when we visit with the President.
We're looking forward to it.
FOREIGN MINISTER CARR: Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.