MR KIRBY: Don’t really have a topper today, but I do want to welcome a group of fellows
MR KIRBY: Don’t really have a topper today, but I do want to welcome a group of fellows

that we have in the back there – the Pickering Fellows.
that we have in the back there – the Pickering Fellows.

Thanks for coming, everybody.
Thanks for coming, everybody.

It’s good to have you there, including Oriana -- where are you?
It’s good to have you there, including Oriana -- where are you?

QUESTION: (Laughter.)
QUESTION: (Laughter.)

MR KIRBY: There you are – who works for us.
MR KIRBY: There you are – who works for us.

The Pickering Fellowship funded by the Department of State and administered by the Woodrow Wilson
The Pickering Fellowship funded by the Department of State and administered by the Woodrow Wilson

National Fellowship Foundation is designed to attract outstanding individuals from all
National Fellowship Foundation is designed to attract outstanding individuals from all

ethnic, racial, and social backgrounds who have an interest in pursuing a Foreign Service
ethnic, racial, and social backgrounds who have an interest in pursuing a Foreign Service

career.
career.

Upon successful completion of this two-year graduate school program, the fellows will
Upon successful completion of this two-year graduate school program, the fellows will

make a commitment to a minimum of five years of service and an appointment as a Foreign
make a commitment to a minimum of five years of service and an appointment as a Foreign

Service officer.
Service officer.

So congratulations to all of you.
So congratulations to all of you.

We’re glad to have you here.
We’re glad to have you here.

Looking at your backgrounds – just briefly – it was pretty clear to me that I would
Looking at your backgrounds – just briefly – it was pretty clear to me that I would

never have qualified for this program, so it’s good to have you here.
never have qualified for this program, so it’s good to have you here.

(Laughter.)
(Laughter.)

And with that, we’ll go to questions.
And with that, we’ll go to questions.

David?
David?

QUESTION: Yeah.
QUESTION: Yeah.

Thank you.
Thank you.

I wondered if I could just start with the OPM issue – report in the paper this morning
I wondered if I could just start with the OPM issue – report in the paper this morning

was saying the Administration has decided not to publicly apportion blame for this attack.
was saying the Administration has decided not to publicly apportion blame for this attack.

Is that correct?
Is that correct?

MR KIRBY: Well, I’ve seen the press report.
MR KIRBY: Well, I’ve seen the press report.

It wouldn’t be for the State Department to speak on that matter one way or the other.
It wouldn’t be for the State Department to speak on that matter one way or the other.

Where our focus is on – Secretary Kerry’s focus is on making sure that the State Department
Where our focus is on – Secretary Kerry’s focus is on making sure that the State Department

systems are as secure and as protected as they can be in cyberspace.
systems are as secure and as protected as they can be in cyberspace.

But again, this is all principally a law enforcement matter and I would refer you to – that question
But again, this is all principally a law enforcement matter and I would refer you to – that question

to the Department of Justice.
to the Department of Justice.

QUESTION: Just to follow-up, if a decision were made not to identify the perpetrator,
QUESTION: Just to follow-up, if a decision were made not to identify the perpetrator,

is it still possible that action could be taken against the perpetrator?
is it still possible that action could be taken against the perpetrator?

MR KIRBY: Well, I’m not going to speculate about actions that may or may not be taken
MR KIRBY: Well, I’m not going to speculate about actions that may or may not be taken

here.
here.

What I can tell you is that in terms of actions, we’re always looking for ways to improve
What I can tell you is that in terms of actions, we’re always looking for ways to improve

our cybersecurity, and obviously a breach of this magnitude naturally forces you to
our cybersecurity, and obviously a breach of this magnitude naturally forces you to

take a look at that and to try to do that.
take a look at that and to try to do that.

So we will, but as I think you can also understand we don’t talk about too much of the details
So we will, but as I think you can also understand we don’t talk about too much of the details

when it comes to cybersecurity and the actions that we will or won’t take.
when it comes to cybersecurity and the actions that we will or won’t take.

QUESTION: Just a follow-up on that.
QUESTION: Just a follow-up on that.

Can you talk about whether you guys are looking at this and considering actions in a very
Can you talk about whether you guys are looking at this and considering actions in a very

different manner because this was an attack on a government institution?
different manner because this was an attack on a government institution?

That was one of the points raised in the report.
That was one of the points raised in the report.

I mean, we talked a lot about the five PLA operatives who were named and indicted however
I mean, we talked a lot about the five PLA operatives who were named and indicted however

long ago it was now, but that was a very pointed response.
long ago it was now, but that was a very pointed response.

So I mean, is that – and that was economic espionage.
So I mean, is that – and that was economic espionage.

So are you treating this case differently as a whole of administration response?
So are you treating this case differently as a whole of administration response?

MR KIRBY: Well, that’s really a – the outcomes here – the investigation and the
MR KIRBY: Well, that’s really a – the outcomes here – the investigation and the

outcomes are really more for the Justice Department to speak to, and I just won’t – it wouldn’t
outcomes are really more for the Justice Department to speak to, and I just won’t – it wouldn’t

be prudent, wouldn’t be appropriate for me to speculate now one way or the other what,
be prudent, wouldn’t be appropriate for me to speculate now one way or the other what,

if any, actions would result here from this.
if any, actions would result here from this.

QUESTION: But the State Department does play a role in responses to – in cyber --
QUESTION: But the State Department does play a role in responses to – in cyber --

MR KIRBY: Sure, we play a role but this is really for the Justice Department to speak
MR KIRBY: Sure, we play a role but this is really for the Justice Department to speak

to.
to.

QUESTION: All right.
QUESTION: All right.

MR KIRBY: Yeah, Pam.
MR KIRBY: Yeah, Pam.

QUESTION: Iran nuclear.
QUESTION: Iran nuclear.

MR KIRBY: Yeah.
MR KIRBY: Yeah.

QUESTION: Do you have any additional information concerning these reports, and also concerns
QUESTION: Do you have any additional information concerning these reports, and also concerns

raised by some lawmakers that there are some secret side deals from the Iran nuclear agreement
raised by some lawmakers that there are some secret side deals from the Iran nuclear agreement

– one dealing with inspections at Parchin and the other one dealing with how information
– one dealing with inspections at Parchin and the other one dealing with how information

is shared concerning possible military dimensions.
is shared concerning possible military dimensions.

MR KIRBY: Yeah, sure.
MR KIRBY: Yeah, sure.

I think I addressed a little bit of this yesterday, but Congress has what we have, and what’s
I think I addressed a little bit of this yesterday, but Congress has what we have, and what’s

being asked for here are IAEA documents or material that is not in our possession.
being asked for here are IAEA documents or material that is not in our possession.

There’s no side deals; there’s no secret deals, between Iran and the IAEA, that the
There’s no side deals; there’s no secret deals, between Iran and the IAEA, that the

P5+1 has not been briefed on in detail.
P5+1 has not been briefed on in detail.

These kinds of technical arrangements with the IAEA are a matter of standard practice,
These kinds of technical arrangements with the IAEA are a matter of standard practice,

that they’re not released publicly or to other states.
that they’re not released publicly or to other states.

But our experts are familiar and comfortable with the contents, which we would be happy
But our experts are familiar and comfortable with the contents, which we would be happy

to discuss with Congress in a classified setting.
to discuss with Congress in a classified setting.

Yes.
Yes.

QUESTION: Has there been any outreach to the lawmakers who raised these concerns initially
QUESTION: Has there been any outreach to the lawmakers who raised these concerns initially

with the additional information that you just provided?
with the additional information that you just provided?

MR KIRBY: Well, I think the concerns were raised in a press release that was put out
MR KIRBY: Well, I think the concerns were raised in a press release that was put out

last night by Senator Cotton.
last night by Senator Cotton.

As you know, Secretary Kerry, Secretary Moniz, Secretary Lew will be briefing members of
As you know, Secretary Kerry, Secretary Moniz, Secretary Lew will be briefing members of

Congress today in closed briefings – both the House and the Senate side – and there
Congress today in closed briefings – both the House and the Senate side – and there

will be ample opportunity there to talk about this issue.
will be ample opportunity there to talk about this issue.

But as it – as I said, it’s primarily these are issues between Iran and the IAEA.
But as it – as I said, it’s primarily these are issues between Iran and the IAEA.

These technical agreements are never shared outside the state in question in the IAEA,
These technical agreements are never shared outside the state in question in the IAEA,

but we have been briefed on them and are more than comfortable in a classified setting discussing
but we have been briefed on them and are more than comfortable in a classified setting discussing

that.
that.

And should that be of interest today, I’m absolutely certain that Secretary Kerry would
And should that be of interest today, I’m absolutely certain that Secretary Kerry would

be willing to talk about it, as well as Secretary Moniz.
be willing to talk about it, as well as Secretary Moniz.

Yeah.
Yeah.

QUESTION: Yes, please.
QUESTION: Yes, please.

Just to clarify, you mentioned that the Congress has what we have.
Just to clarify, you mentioned that the Congress has what we have.

And in the same time you mentioned yesterday and today in a TV appearance that you transferred
And in the same time you mentioned yesterday and today in a TV appearance that you transferred

to the Congress all the documents that you have regarding this issue.
to the Congress all the documents that you have regarding this issue.

Can you describe it?
Can you describe it?

I mean, what is it?
I mean, what is it?

I mean, it’s like it is detailed or it’s just – I assume it’s not --
I mean, it’s like it is detailed or it’s just – I assume it’s not --

MR KIRBY: It’s the entire set of documents that go along with the deal to include the
MR KIRBY: It’s the entire set of documents that go along with the deal to include the

annexes and a verification assessment.
annexes and a verification assessment.

QUESTION: It’s all the technical, the financial part and everything?
QUESTION: It’s all the technical, the financial part and everything?

MR KIRBY: It’s – everything that we have about this deal has been provided to Congress.
MR KIRBY: It’s – everything that we have about this deal has been provided to Congress.

And I would point out that much of it is already available to all of you online.
And I would point out that much of it is already available to all of you online.

QUESTION: It’s not the 158 pages, right?
QUESTION: It’s not the 158 pages, right?

It’s more than that, right?
It’s more than that, right?

MR KIRBY: There is some additional information provided there, yeah, but a lot of it’s
MR KIRBY: There is some additional information provided there, yeah, but a lot of it’s

already been made publicly available.
already been made publicly available.

But yes, everything is up there.
But yes, everything is up there.

It got there on Sunday.
It got there on Sunday.

Yes.
Yes.

QUESTION: On Nigeria?
QUESTION: On Nigeria?

MR KIRBY: Nigeria.
MR KIRBY: Nigeria.

QUESTION: The Nigerian president this morning was at the U.S. Institute of Peace and he
QUESTION: The Nigerian president this morning was at the U.S. Institute of Peace and he

gave a talk, and his country’s LGBT rights record was not something that was discussed.
gave a talk, and his country’s LGBT rights record was not something that was discussed.

So I’m curious to know if the Secretary raised that issue with his meeting with President
So I’m curious to know if the Secretary raised that issue with his meeting with President

Buhari, which I think was today, if I’m correct, right?
Buhari, which I think was today, if I’m correct, right?

Or was it yesterday?
Or was it yesterday?

MR KIRBY: The meeting was yesterday.
MR KIRBY: The meeting was yesterday.

QUESTION: Yesterday, I’m sorry.
QUESTION: Yesterday, I’m sorry.

MR KIRBY: It was a lunch specifically with the Secretary, but there were other discussions
MR KIRBY: It was a lunch specifically with the Secretary, but there were other discussions

here at the State Department.
here at the State Department.

And I can tell you that this issue, the same-sex marriage prohibition in Nigeria, was raised
And I can tell you that this issue, the same-sex marriage prohibition in Nigeria, was raised

with members of the delegation yesterday.
with members of the delegation yesterday.

We made clear then, as we have made clear publicly, our concerns about this legislation
We made clear then, as we have made clear publicly, our concerns about this legislation

and the degree to which it criminalizes in particular homosexuality.
and the degree to which it criminalizes in particular homosexuality.

We’ve been very clear that human rights are gay rights, and gay rights are human rights.
We’ve been very clear that human rights are gay rights, and gay rights are human rights.

And again, we’ll continue to raise this issue going forward.
And again, we’ll continue to raise this issue going forward.

QUESTION: And as a quick follow-up to that question, how much aid does Nigeria receive
QUESTION: And as a quick follow-up to that question, how much aid does Nigeria receive

from the U.S. each year?
from the U.S. each year?

Do you have an exact figure on that?
Do you have an exact figure on that?

Foreign aid.
Foreign aid.

MR KIRBY: I don’t have an exact figure.
MR KIRBY: I don’t have an exact figure.

Let me take that for you.
Let me take that for you.

I don’t have that available to me.
I don’t have that available to me.

But this is – aside from the dollar figure, and I talked about this yesterday after the
But this is – aside from the dollar figure, and I talked about this yesterday after the

lunch, that we want to do what we can to help President Buhari as he begins to form his
lunch, that we want to do what we can to help President Buhari as he begins to form his

government and set the priorities and goals for his administration.
government and set the priorities and goals for his administration.

The discussion yesterday also included economic support, energy sector support, certainly
The discussion yesterday also included economic support, energy sector support, certainly

security support with respect to counterterrorism, particularly Boko Haram.
security support with respect to counterterrorism, particularly Boko Haram.

He has already taken some steps, particularly in the security sector, to try to improve
He has already taken some steps, particularly in the security sector, to try to improve

their ability to go after a group like that.
their ability to go after a group like that.

You know he basically hired all new chiefs of staff for his military services.
You know he basically hired all new chiefs of staff for his military services.

So there’s a lot of work to do, and he was very frank yesterday that he knows he has
So there’s a lot of work to do, and he was very frank yesterday that he knows he has

a lot of work to do.
a lot of work to do.

And he does want the support and help – again, I just – I can get you the dollar figure
And he does want the support and help – again, I just – I can get you the dollar figure

later.
later.

But I suspect that that support will change too over time as the needs in Nigeria are
But I suspect that that support will change too over time as the needs in Nigeria are

better defined going forward under his leadership.
better defined going forward under his leadership.

QUESTION: Thank you.
QUESTION: Thank you.

MR KIRBY: Yeah.
MR KIRBY: Yeah.

Yes.
Yes.

QUESTION: The Japanese Government recently released photos that in the East China Sea
QUESTION: The Japanese Government recently released photos that in the East China Sea

China has been developing a natural gas field.
China has been developing a natural gas field.

Does the U.S. government have any comment on that?
Does the U.S. government have any comment on that?

MR KIRBY: A natural gas field.
MR KIRBY: A natural gas field.

QUESTION: Yes.
QUESTION: Yes.

MR KIRBY: I haven’t seen that particular report, so I would defer comment on this.
MR KIRBY: I haven’t seen that particular report, so I would defer comment on this.

What we have made clear is that we want all the destabilizing activities there to cease,
What we have made clear is that we want all the destabilizing activities there to cease,

and we’re not going to take a position on the claims but we want competing claims to
and we’re not going to take a position on the claims but we want competing claims to

be worked out peacefully and diplomatically.
be worked out peacefully and diplomatically.

QUESTION: In 2008, Japan and China created a bilateral agreement agreeing not to – agreeing
QUESTION: In 2008, Japan and China created a bilateral agreement agreeing not to – agreeing

to jointly develop gas fields.
to jointly develop gas fields.

Does the U.S. Government have any comment on the breach of that bilateral agreement?
Does the U.S. Government have any comment on the breach of that bilateral agreement?

MR KIRBY: Well, the question presupposes there’s been a breach.
MR KIRBY: Well, the question presupposes there’s been a breach.

I haven’t seen the report that you’re referring to, so I’m not in a position to
I haven’t seen the report that you’re referring to, so I’m not in a position to

answer that specific question.
answer that specific question.

As I said, we want competing claims, whatever they may be, to be worked out between the
As I said, we want competing claims, whatever they may be, to be worked out between the

parties and to be done so peacefully.
parties and to be done so peacefully.

We’re not going to take a position on competing claims, and I don’t suspect that we would
We’re not going to take a position on competing claims, and I don’t suspect that we would

do in this case either.
do in this case either.

QUESTION: Thank you.
QUESTION: Thank you.

MR KIRBY: Yes, Pam.
MR KIRBY: Yes, Pam.

QUESTION: Ethiopia.
QUESTION: Ethiopia.

There are reports out of Ethiopia today of mass arrests of an opposition party group,
There are reports out of Ethiopia today of mass arrests of an opposition party group,

Ethiopian Unity Party.
Ethiopian Unity Party.

And this is presumably in advance of President Obama’s visit to ensure that the demonstrators
And this is presumably in advance of President Obama’s visit to ensure that the demonstrators

do not make an attempt to disrupt his visit.
do not make an attempt to disrupt his visit.

I wanted to find out first of all if State was aware of the arrests, and if so, if there
I wanted to find out first of all if State was aware of the arrests, and if so, if there

had been any contact between embassy officials in Ethiopia and the government about it.
had been any contact between embassy officials in Ethiopia and the government about it.

MR KIRBY: I think beyond press reporting, we’re certainly aware.
MR KIRBY: I think beyond press reporting, we’re certainly aware.

I’m not sure that there’s been any specific outreach about this.
I’m not sure that there’s been any specific outreach about this.

I mean, obviously, our position on proper regard and respect and treatment for opposition
I mean, obviously, our position on proper regard and respect and treatment for opposition

members anywhere is longstanding and consistent, that we value pluralism, we value the right
members anywhere is longstanding and consistent, that we value pluralism, we value the right

of opposition members and civil society citizens to be able to speak their minds and represent
of opposition members and civil society citizens to be able to speak their minds and represent

their views in an inclusive, representative political process.
their views in an inclusive, representative political process.

And so we obviously take a dim view – excuse me – when those rights are being violated.
And so we obviously take a dim view – excuse me – when those rights are being violated.

But I don’t have anything more specific on that case.
But I don’t have anything more specific on that case.

Yeah.
Yeah.

QUESTION: Did you see the one on Cambodia about the jailing of 11 opposition party members
QUESTION: Did you see the one on Cambodia about the jailing of 11 opposition party members

for insurrections?
for insurrections?

MR KIRBY: Did you just get that on your Twitter feed?
MR KIRBY: Did you just get that on your Twitter feed?

QUESTION: No, no, I saw it earlier, but -- MR KIRBY: I haven’t seen the report.
QUESTION: No, no, I saw it earlier, but -- MR KIRBY: I haven’t seen the report.

QUESTION: Okay.
QUESTION: Okay.

MR KIRBY: I haven’t seen the report.
MR KIRBY: I haven’t seen the report.

Yes, Samir.
Yes, Samir.

QUESTION: An update on the situation in Yemen: There’s a report today that the forces loyal
QUESTION: An update on the situation in Yemen: There’s a report today that the forces loyal

to President Hadi took over the city of Aden.
to President Hadi took over the city of Aden.

MR KIRBY: Yeah.
MR KIRBY: Yeah.

Well, I mean, I think what I’d say, Samir, is the same we’ve been saying.
Well, I mean, I think what I’d say, Samir, is the same we’ve been saying.

It’s a fluid situation there, and I’m not in a position to confirm whether – the
It’s a fluid situation there, and I’m not in a position to confirm whether – the

degree to which Aden has been retaken or not.
degree to which Aden has been retaken or not.

We do understand that anti-Houthi resistance fighters have certainly taken over some parts
We do understand that anti-Houthi resistance fighters have certainly taken over some parts

of Aden.
of Aden.

I’m not prepared to give you a battlefield assessment about what percentage that might
I’m not prepared to give you a battlefield assessment about what percentage that might

be.
be.

It’s a very, very fluid situation.
It’s a very, very fluid situation.

We did note, I think, and welcomed the report yesterday that a World Food Program ship was
We did note, I think, and welcomed the report yesterday that a World Food Program ship was

able to dock in Aden.
able to dock in Aden.

That’s a helpful thing.
That’s a helpful thing.

Now it’s really important that everybody, all parties, make sure that that aid gets
Now it’s really important that everybody, all parties, make sure that that aid gets

to where it needs to go.
to where it needs to go.

So we’re watching it real closely, and again, just too soon to tell exactly where this is
So we’re watching it real closely, and again, just too soon to tell exactly where this is

going to go.
going to go.

What we really want to see – and we’ve said this from the outset – is a political
What we really want to see – and we’ve said this from the outset – is a political

process led by the UN that gets all parties to the table and achieves a political solution
process led by the UN that gets all parties to the table and achieves a political solution

to the violence there.
to the violence there.

QUESTION: Sir?
QUESTION: Sir?

MR KIRBY: Yeah.
MR KIRBY: Yeah.

QUESTION: I’m trying to figure out, I mean, between what you want to see and what is done
QUESTION: I’m trying to figure out, I mean, between what you want to see and what is done

regarding political process.
regarding political process.

Is there anything done, any steps in the last few weeks or few days?
Is there anything done, any steps in the last few weeks or few days?

Or we just – we are waiting till the battle is settled and somehow the new reality is
Or we just – we are waiting till the battle is settled and somehow the new reality is

there?
there?

MR KIRBY: No, I mean, we talked about this earlier, that the first UN-led meeting was
MR KIRBY: No, I mean, we talked about this earlier, that the first UN-led meeting was

an important first step.
an important first step.

But we -- QUESTION: But it failed, I think.
But we -- QUESTION: But it failed, I think.

MR KIRBY: Well, it didn’t resolve the – all the issues.
MR KIRBY: Well, it didn’t resolve the – all the issues.

I have to tell you that I’m not sure that not everybody expected that it would.
I have to tell you that I’m not sure that not everybody expected that it would.

This is a complicated issue.
This is a complicated issue.

What we were glad to see was that the meeting was held, and we encourage there to be more
What we were glad to see was that the meeting was held, and we encourage there to be more

such meetings.
such meetings.

That requires the necessary people coming together and sitting at the table, all the
That requires the necessary people coming together and sitting at the table, all the

parties, and working it out.
parties, and working it out.

So I still think we want to see that process continue.
So I still think we want to see that process continue.

As for what you’re talking about in Aden, again, it’s very fluid right now, and we’re
As for what you’re talking about in Aden, again, it’s very fluid right now, and we’re

just not in a position right now to be able to judge in which way this is going to go.
just not in a position right now to be able to judge in which way this is going to go.

QUESTION: Are you – I mean, a while ago, Under Secretary Patterson met people from
QUESTION: Are you – I mean, a while ago, Under Secretary Patterson met people from

Houthis in Muscat, I think.
Houthis in Muscat, I think.

Are you still in touch with them, or are you trying to be in touch with them, or it’s
Are you still in touch with them, or are you trying to be in touch with them, or it’s

like that was the deal for to get one of the hostages?
like that was the deal for to get one of the hostages?

MR KIRBY: I can’t rule out that there won’t be additional such meetings.
MR KIRBY: I can’t rule out that there won’t be additional such meetings.

I don’t have any to read out to you, any additional contact to read out today.
I don’t have any to read out to you, any additional contact to read out today.

And again, I won’t – I wouldn’t rule it out going forward.
And again, I won’t – I wouldn’t rule it out going forward.

What we really want to do in everything that we’re doing is make sure that we’re in
What we really want to do in everything that we’re doing is make sure that we’re in

support of the UN process, and that’s really – that’s the vehicle that we believe is
support of the UN process, and that’s really – that’s the vehicle that we believe is

best suited to deal with political progress there in Yemen.
best suited to deal with political progress there in Yemen.

Yes.
Yes.

QUESTION: It’s been reported that North Korea has upgraded some of its missile towers
QUESTION: It’s been reported that North Korea has upgraded some of its missile towers

and that there will be a possible launch in October.
and that there will be a possible launch in October.

Do you have any comment on that?
Do you have any comment on that?

MR KIRBY: I haven’t seen those reports.
MR KIRBY: I haven’t seen those reports.

Nothing has changed about our call for what North Korea’s commitments ought to be and
Nothing has changed about our call for what North Korea’s commitments ought to be and

should be, and we continue to stress that destabilizing activities, whether they’re
should be, and we continue to stress that destabilizing activities, whether they’re

shows of force or otherwise, are unhelpful to peace and security on the peninsula.
shows of force or otherwise, are unhelpful to peace and security on the peninsula.

Yeah.
Yeah.

QUESTION: Yes, please, regarding Iraq.
QUESTION: Yes, please, regarding Iraq.

MR KIRBY: Yeah.
MR KIRBY: Yeah.

QUESTION: I mean, I don’t know if you say anything about the F-16.
QUESTION: I mean, I don’t know if you say anything about the F-16.

They received a set, a new set of F-16 -- MR KIRBY: Four of them, yeah.
They received a set, a new set of F-16 -- MR KIRBY: Four of them, yeah.

QUESTION: Yeah.
QUESTION: Yeah.

I mean, do you have anything to say about that?
I mean, do you have anything to say about that?

MR KIRBY: Well, I mean, I can acknowledge.
MR KIRBY: Well, I mean, I can acknowledge.

I think they had arrival – they had an arrival ceremony for these four F-16s.
I think they had arrival – they had an arrival ceremony for these four F-16s.

QUESTION: And the ambassador was there, I think.
QUESTION: And the ambassador was there, I think.

MR KIRBY: Yeah.
MR KIRBY: Yeah.

We talked about this before, that they were on the way to Iraq, that they’re – it’s
We talked about this before, that they were on the way to Iraq, that they’re – it’s

Iraqi property.
Iraqi property.

And I’ll leave it to the Iraqi Government to speak to when and if these aircraft might
And I’ll leave it to the Iraqi Government to speak to when and if these aircraft might

be flying combat sorties, but they’re there for the defense of sovereign Iraqi territory.
be flying combat sorties, but they’re there for the defense of sovereign Iraqi territory.

Our role was, of course, meeting the procurement need but also doing some of the training in
Our role was, of course, meeting the procurement need but also doing some of the training in

Arizona.
Arizona.

QUESTION: So the other question regarding the news report today in Washington Post front
QUESTION: So the other question regarding the news report today in Washington Post front

page that Haditha than any other city can be one of the having the highest dam, and
page that Haditha than any other city can be one of the having the highest dam, and

hydroelectric project may fall to the ISIL.
hydroelectric project may fall to the ISIL.

Do you have anything?
Do you have anything?

Do you have any assessment of -- MR KIRBY: Well, I’m reticent to get into
Do you have any assessment of -- MR KIRBY: Well, I’m reticent to get into

battlefield assessments here from this particular podium.
battlefield assessments here from this particular podium.

I would refer you to DOD to speak to conditions on the ground and threats and challenges in
I would refer you to DOD to speak to conditions on the ground and threats and challenges in

that regard.
that regard.

That wouldn’t be appropriate for me to speak to here.
That wouldn’t be appropriate for me to speak to here.

Okay.
Okay.

Well, this will be the shortest briefing in history.
Well, this will be the shortest briefing in history.

(Laughter.)
(Laughter.)

QUESTION: Just one quick question following on his question in terms of the F-16s in Iraq.
QUESTION: Just one quick question following on his question in terms of the F-16s in Iraq.

Is there any agreement that stipulates that – or limits their use in different parts
Is there any agreement that stipulates that – or limits their use in different parts

of Iraq, i.e. the Kurdish region or other regions that are – people concerned about
of Iraq, i.e. the Kurdish region or other regions that are – people concerned about

their use?
their use?

MR KIRBY: I mean, there’s restrictions that are placed on these kinds of sales in terms
MR KIRBY: I mean, there’s restrictions that are placed on these kinds of sales in terms

of how it could be used, but I’m not aware of any restrictions in terms of geographically
of how it could be used, but I’m not aware of any restrictions in terms of geographically

where it can be used.
where it can be used.

They are – they belong to the Iraqi Government right now and they’re designed to help the
They are – they belong to the Iraqi Government right now and they’re designed to help the

Iraqi Government defend itself and its sovereignty.
Iraqi Government defend itself and its sovereignty.

And what exactly mission parameters that are put on that would be up to the Iraqi Government
And what exactly mission parameters that are put on that would be up to the Iraqi Government

to pursue.
to pursue.

They’re not to be used for sectarian purposes.
They’re not to be used for sectarian purposes.

They’re to be used for the defense of Iraqi territory.
They’re to be used for the defense of Iraqi territory.

And Prime Minister Abadi certainly knows that and will observe that.
And Prime Minister Abadi certainly knows that and will observe that.

We’re not worried about that.
We’re not worried about that.

As for geographic limitations, I’m not aware of any.
As for geographic limitations, I’m not aware of any.

Yeah.
Yeah.

QUESTION: Can I ask a question on Turkey?
QUESTION: Can I ask a question on Turkey?

MR KIRBY: Sure.
MR KIRBY: Sure.

QUESTION: Two Turkish police officers today killed by pro-Kurdish PKK militants in retaliation
QUESTION: Two Turkish police officers today killed by pro-Kurdish PKK militants in retaliation

to latest ISIS bombings in Turkey.
to latest ISIS bombings in Turkey.

Do you have any comments on that?
Do you have any comments on that?

MR KIRBY: You guys are seeing reports I haven’t seen.
MR KIRBY: You guys are seeing reports I haven’t seen.

If it’s true, obviously, that’s very, very troubling, and our thoughts and prayers
If it’s true, obviously, that’s very, very troubling, and our thoughts and prayers

will go out to the victims and the families.
will go out to the victims and the families.

Turkey is, again, a stalwart ally in this fight against ISIL; been very, very supportive,
Turkey is, again, a stalwart ally in this fight against ISIL; been very, very supportive,

very cooperative.
very cooperative.

We’re always looking for ways to deepen that cooperation.
We’re always looking for ways to deepen that cooperation.

I don’t have any specific details on this, but obviously, if it’s true, it’s heartbreaking
I don’t have any specific details on this, but obviously, if it’s true, it’s heartbreaking

for those families, for one, and certainly concerning with respect to ISIL and the threat
for those families, for one, and certainly concerning with respect to ISIL and the threat

that it continues to pose.
that it continues to pose.

Thanks, everybody.
Thanks, everybody.