Category: Sep2013

WASHINGTON, DC—In his weekly address, President Obama followed up on his speech to the nation on Tuesday and said there is the possibility for a diplomatic solution in Syria, partially because of the credible threat of U.S. military force.  Russia has joined the international community in pushing Syria to give up its chemical weapons—which were…

I welcome the progress made between the United States and Russia through our talks in Geneva, which represents an important, concrete step toward the goal of moving Syria’s chemical weapons under international control so that they may ultimately be destroyed. This framework provides the opportunity for the elimination of Syrian chemical weapons in a transparent,…

Oval Office 2:25 P.M. EDT PRESIDENT OBAMA:  It’s a great pleasure to welcome our friend, the Amir of Kuwait, to the Oval Office.  Kuwait is one of our most important partners in the region, and we have a very strong bilateral defense agreement, as well as working together on a whole range of economic and…

WASHINGTON, DC – After more than four years working for the Administration, Gene B. Sperling, Director of the National Economic Council and Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, will be departing the White House on January 1, 2014.  The President announced today that he will appoint Jeffrey Zients, former Acting Director of the Office…

The President will travel to Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia and the Philippines from October 6 – 12 as part of his ongoing commitment to increase U.S. political, economic and security engagement with the Asia Pacific. In Indonesia, he will attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders meeting.   APEC is the region’s leading forum for…

Cabinet Room 11:17 A.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT:  Well, obviously we’re missing a few members of our Cabinet here today.  In particular, John Kerry is overseas meeting on a topic that we’ve been spending a lot of time on over the last several weeks — the situation in Syria and how we can make sure that…

Watertown High School Watertown, Wisconsin 2:43 P.M. CDT MRS. OBAMA:  Thank you, everyone.  (Applause.)  Thank you so much.  Oh, what a warm welcome.  Thank you.  And thank you, guys.  Rest yourselves.  (Laughter.)  We’ve got a lot of water partying to do here today. Let me start by of course thanking Mitch for that very kind…

Watertown High School Watertown, Wisconsin 3:16 P.M. CDT MRS. OBAMA:  Oh, my God — you guys look amazing.  (Applause.)  Go Goslings!  (Applause.)  Let me just tell you I feel so good about being here.  You guys have been just amazing. And I just want to say, first of all, thank you.  Thank you for being…

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key Administration posts: Cynthia H. Akuetteh – Ambassador to the Gabonese Republic and the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Department of State Eric T. Schultz – Ambassador to the Republic of Zambia, Department of State David J. Arroyo…

The President called Prime Minister-elect Tony Abbott last night to congratulate him and the Opposition Coalition for his success in the Australia federal election on September 7.  The President and Mr. Abbott discussed their grave concern about the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian government, and the viability of the Russian proposal to put…