English

President reaffirmed situation in Somalia as "unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States constituted by the deterioration of the security situation and the persistence of violence in Somalia, acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea off the coast of Somalia, which have repeatedly been the subject of United Nations Security Council resolutions, and violations of the arms embargo imposed by the United Nations Security Council."

Assistant Secretaryès remarks on three areas: 1) progress made implementing the European Phased Adaptive Approach (or EPAA) and NATO missile defense; 2) cooperation on missile defense with allies and partners outside of Europe, and 3) a few points on Russia and missile defense.

Remarks on achievements of the recent round of talks under the Strategic Dialogue framework between Algerian delegation and the U.S. Administration. Discussion focused on four critical sets of issues: energy and commerce; security collaboration; education and cultural exchanges; and the political cooperation.

Rival Central African Republic (CAR) groups have signed a ceasefire deal in an effort to provide the country with a political solution. The agreements aim to end years of fighting involving mostly Muslim Seleka and mostly Christian Anti-Balaka coalition groups, as well as government forces. There will be a second round of talks between the two leaders in Nairobi, but no timeframe has been given.