REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP AND MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION SHEIKH ABDULLAH BIN ZAYED AL NAHYAN OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES BEFORE BILATERAL MEETING Oval Office

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 15, 2020   REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP  AND MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION SHEIKH ABDULLAH BIN ZAYED AL NAHYAN OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES BEFORE BILATERAL MEETING   Oval Office     11:27 A.M. EDT        PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Well, thank you very much.  It’s great to be with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of UAE; that’s United Arab Emirates.  And -- and great friends of ours.  Fantastic friends.  And it’s our honor to have you be leading the path, leading the way.         Your country is a great country with a great leader and a warrior, and smart.  Respected all over the world.  So this was a natural, and having you be signing and doing the agreement today.         So, in 72 years, they’ve done two agreements, and we’ve done two, as you know, in a period of a month.  And I will say, because of your leadership and because of the fact that you are leading the way, we have many countries in your region and your part of the world that will be very quickly signing up also.  They, frankly, would have been here today if we wanted it to happen.  But we’ll be signing others.  And this can really lead to peace -- real peace in the Middle East for the first time.         We’ve taken a very different path.  You could say it’s a back door, but I call it a smart door, not a back door.  I call it a smart door.  And this was a vision that I had a long time ago.  And we had some incredible representatives, and I want to thank everybody here because your representation was brilliant.         We watched over the years as we were criticized for going this path.  And it just all came together.  And now the same people that critici- -- well, they’ll find something else to criticize because I -- (laughter) -- but we have other things happening that are very good, equally as good -- very important -- worldwide.  Very, very important.        But it’s an honor to have you here.  And say hello to your family and your brother and all of those people that we so respect.  Thank you very much.         MINISTER BIN ZAYED:  As we say in Arabic: Shukran, Mr. President.  We are humbled to represent a nation which is only 48 years old but full of hope, and wants to attract more hope in our region.  Our region has suffered far too long.  And we would like to show our people and our region and the world that there is some good news from our part of the world.        I mean, this is one.  And all the good work we’ve been doing for decades, Mr. President, with your great nation.  We’ve been the strongest trading partner of the United States in the Middle East.         PRESIDENT TRUMP:  That’s right.         MINISTER BIN ZAYED:  We want to continue doing so in all fields.  And this is just a clear message that more should be done between the United States and the UAE.  But now we can do it even with more nations, with Israel --        PRESIDENT TRUMP:  True.        MINISTER BIN ZAYED:  -- and so many more.        PRESIDENT TRUMP:  That’s true.           MINISTER BIN ZAYED:  Thank you, sir, for your leadership.  And if it wasn’t for that, it would have been far more difficult for all of us to achieve.         PRESIDENT TRUMP:  No, I understand that well.  It was something we felt very strongly about.  And being friends with you, your brother, your family -- you made it happen, and we appreciate it.  And I think your country appreciates it, and the world appreciates it.  So thank you very much.  It's really great.        Any questions, please?        Q    What message would you like the Palestinians to take from today's event, sir?        PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Well, I think they see what's happening, and a lot of countries are joining up.  And, as you know, we don't make payments to them.         We were paying a lot of money to the Palestinians every year, and we were not being treated properly.  They were not saying nice things for many years.  And nobody has ever done this before, but I stopped payment.  It's a term that's used for a lot of things.  It’s called: “We stopped payment.”  Because if they're not going to respect us, or if they're not going to speak well of us, we're not going to be involved.  They, I think, are seeing what's happening, and we've been given very strong signals that they'd like to be a part of what's happening.         So I think we'll see the Palestinians at some point.  But before we see the Palestinians, we’ll see other very important countries come into this transaction.  They'd be here today, frankly, if we wanted them.         So I think that you'll see some very great things happening in the Middle East.  You're going to have peace without blood in the sand.  For years, you had blood in the sand.  That’s all you had -- blood in the sand.  You got nothing for it.  They got nothing for it.  Now you’re going to have peace, and it’ll be a real peace.         And you have the most powerful countries -- as an example, this is a great warring nation, if it wants to be, with a tremendous military -- a powerful military.  And they're really great warriors.  And it was very important that we had you.         And we've had great talks, as you know, with Saudi Arabia -- with the king.  And I think he's going to be terrific.  I think he's got a very open mind.  But I've had very personal talks with the king and the crown prince, and I think their mind is very open.  They’re very much -- I think they're going to come along really well.         So it's an honor to be here.  We're going to have a ceremony outside.        And I just want to say that, being the first -- because you were the first -- being the first, it was very important that you be the first for us because you're leading a path, you're leading a way.  And it's something that people were very surprised at -- I will say that.  Even the biggest optimists were shocked when they heard about this transaction, and shocked in a very positive way.  So I want to thank you for making it all happen.  Thank you very much.        Q    Mr. President, Iran has been critical, as you know, of this agreement.  And we've seen some security incidents in the Middle East over the last 24 hours.  Will you be extending any security guarantees to those who have made peace with Israel?        PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Well, we’re working together, and we’ll see what happens with Iran.  I would say, right after the election -- within a period of a week, maybe a month -- but within a period of -- a very short period.  Within maybe -- I mean, literally, a very short time, you’ll have Iran coming back and saying, “Let's get this whole thing worked out.”        Iran is suffering.  Iran, unfortunately -- I don’t want them to suffer.  But their economy has tanked.  They have a minus-27 GDP.  Nobody has ever heard of a number like that.  I think it’s perhaps a record-setter, but they're down 27 percent.         And I think they want to make a deal, but they'd much rather deal with Sleepy Joe Biden than me, because, you know, we’re going to make a deal, and I’ll make a very fair deal.  And I even suggested, “Wait until after the election.  Make yourself feel good.  Wait until after the election.”         So we’ll see what happens with Iran.  I think Iran will end up being a part of a very large and very, very difficult part of the world.  Look, the Middle East has been a very complex, very difficult part of the world.  We’re making it easier, and we’re making it a lot simpler.  But I think right after our election -- the American election -- if we win, we’ll have a deal with Iran.  I think we’re going to make a deal with Iran.        Q    Mr. President, when do you expect other countries in the region the follow the UAE’s lead and normalize relations with Israel?  And which countries are you targeting in that fashion?        PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Well, I don’t want to say the countries, but we have many of them, and they’ll be coming along rather rapidly; some before the election, perhaps, but a lot of them after.  And, in that case, they won’t be waiting for the election.  I mean, it’s just a question of getting it done.         They are very, very excited about being a part of this.  Some would’ve been a part of it today, in my opinion, if we wanted to, but we didn’t want to press it.  And we wanted to give you the dignity and respect because you were the first one.  You were the first one.         And we have Bahrain here, as you know.  And Bahrain is signing today also.  But we have a list of who’s who; they’ll be signing the deal.  And it’s an incredible thing that’s happening.  It’s come a long way.  Israel has come a long way, and the Middle East has come a long way.  And it’s really good for everyone; it’s not just Israel.  It’s good for everybody.  It’s great for your country.  Great for your country.         And so it’s an honor to be here.  It’s been so well received all over the world.  It’s been a real honor.        Thank you very much.  We’ll see you outside.  Thank you.                                      END                 11:36 A.M. EDT

 

President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Nominate and Appoint the Following Individuals to Key Administration Posts

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 15, 2020 President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Nominate and Appoint the Following Individuals to Key Administration Posts   Today, President Donald J. Trump announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key positions in his Administration: Nathan A. Simington, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Federal Communications Commission.   Nathan A. Simington is currently a Senior Advisor in the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) specializing in network and telecommunications policy. Among his many responsibilities across the telecommunications industry, he works on 5G security and secure supply chains, the American Broadband Initiative, and is NTIA’s representative to the Government Advisory Committee of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers.   Prior to his appointment at NTIA, Mr. Simington was Senior Counsel to Brightstar Corporation, a leading international company in the wireless industry.  In this role, he negotiated deals with companies across the spectrum of the telecommunications and internet industry, including most of the world’s leading wireless carriers. As the head lawyer on the advanced mobility products team, he spearheaded numerous international transactions in the devices, towers and services fields and forged strong relationships with leading telecom equipment manufacturers.  Prior to his career with Brightstar, Mr. Simington was an attorney in private practice with prominent national and international law firms.   Mr. Simington was also a Presser Fellow in Bucharest in 2005. He earned his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School, two Masters Degrees from the University of Rochester, and his Bachelor’s Degree from Lawrence University. Originally from Saskatoon, Canada, he became an American citizen in 2017. He currently lives with his wife and three children in McLean, Virginia.   Lieutenant General Eric P. Wendt, of California, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the State of Qatar.   Lieutenant General Eric P. Wendt currently serves as Commander of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Special Operations Headquarters. During his more than 34 years of active duty in the United States Army, he has served on multiple combat deployments and held several senior command positions, commanding organizations with thousands of personnel, including military, civilian, and interagency personnel.   Lt. General Wendt speaks Arabic and lived in the Middle East from 2017-2019, working for the United States Department of State and performing duties in multiple countries in the region, including Qatar, while leading an eight-country coalition as the United States Security Coordinator, Israel-Palestinian Authority. He also served as the Chief of Staff of the United States Pacific Command and as Commanding General for the United States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School.   Lieutenant General Wendt earned his B.A. from the University of California, Santa Barbara and his M.A. from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, where he also later completed a Senior Service College Postgraduate Academic Fellowship.  He is a recipient of numerous military awards and honors, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal and the Bronze Star Medal with two oak leaf clusters.   Michael Rigas, of Massachusetts, to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget.   Michael Rigas currently serves as the Acting Director of the United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM). He also recently served as the Acting Deputy Director for Management of the United States Office of Management and Budget (OMB).   Mr. Rigas was nominated by President Trump and in March 2018 was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate to be Deputy Director of OPM. At OPM, he has overseen the successful effort to eliminate a background investigation backlog of over half a million investigations and has helped facilitate the transfer of the National Background Investigation Bureau from OPM to the Department of Defense.   Mr. Rigas has over 25 years of professional experience in the private, public and non-profit sectors, including with Mellon Financial Corporation and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.  He earned his M.A. in Public Administration from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and his B.A. and M.A. in Economics from Boston University.   Joyce Campbell Giuffra, of New York, to be a Member of the National Council on the Arts.   Joyce Campbell Giuffra has held senior positions in government, corporate public relations, and nonprofit organizations. Mrs. Giuffra was previously a Director of Corporate Affairs at Burson-Marsteller, a leading global public relations firm. She has long been active in the arts, with a particular interest in arts education. She also served as a Trustee for American Ballet Theatre, The School of American Ballet, and the Professional Children’s School in New York City.    Mrs. Giuffra also previously served as Deputy Press Secretary for Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole. Prior to her service in the United States Senate, Mrs. Giuffra was an Assistant Press Secretary in Office of Media Affairs at the White House under President George H.W. Bush.   Mrs. Giuffra lives in New York City and Southampton, New York. She earned her A.B. with honors in American Government and Political Philosophy from Dartmouth College.     ---     Today, President Donald J. Trump announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to key positions in his Administration:   Arthur Kleinschmidt, Ph.D., of Louisiana, to be Deputy Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy.   Alejandro Sanchez, of Florida, to be a Member of the President’s Export Council.   Vinson X. Palathingal, of Virginia, to be a Member of the President’s Export Council.   David Tamasi, of Massachusetts, to be a Member of the Cultural Property Advisory Committee.   Eduardo Verastegui, of Florida, to be a Member of the President’s Advisory Commission on Hispanic Prosperity.   Steven Gatena, of California, to be a Member of the National Infrastructure Advisory Council.   Dr. Rick Rader, of Tennessee, to be a Member of the National Council on Disability.

The White House Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 15, 2020 REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP, PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL, MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION SHEIKH ABDULLAH BIN ZAYED AL NAHYAN OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, AND MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ABDULLATIF BIN RASHID AL ZAYANI OF THE KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN AT THE ABRAHAM ACCORDS SIGNING CEREMONY

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 15, 2020   REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP,  PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL, MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION SHEIKH ABDULLAH BIN ZAYED AL NAHYAN OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, AND MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ABDULLATIF BIN RASHID AL ZAYANI OF THE KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN AT THE ABRAHAM ACCORDS SIGNING CEREMONY   South Lawn     12:54 P.M. EDT        PRESIDENT TRUMP:   Thank you very much.  Please.  Thank you.  The First Lady and I are honored to welcome to the White House Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel and Mrs. Netanyahu.  Thank you so much.  Thank you, Sarah.  (Applause.)  And Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed -- (applause) -- United Arab Emirates, UAE.  Thank you very much.  And Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani of Bahrain.  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you very much.         We’re here this afternoon to change the course of history.  After decades of division and conflict, we mark the dawn of a new Middle East.  Thanks to the great courage of the leaders of these three countries, we take a major stride toward a future in which people of all faiths and backgrounds live together in peace and prosperity.        In a few moments, these visionary leaders will sign the first two peace deals between Israel and the Arab state in more than a quarter century.  In Israel’s entire history, there have previously been only two such agreements.  Now we have achieved two in a single month, and there are more to follow.  (Applause.)        Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain will establish embassies, exchange ambassadors, and begin the cooperate -- and work together so strongly to cooperate as partners across the broad range of sectors, from tourism to trade, and healthcare to security.  They’re going to work together.  They are friends.         The Abraham Accords also open the door for Muslims around the world to visit the historic sites in Israel and to peacefully pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, the third holiest site in Islam.  (Applause.)         Together, these agreements will serve as the foundation for a comprehensive peace across the entire region -- something which nobody thought was possible, certainly not in this day and age; maybe in many decades from now -- but one founded on shared interests, mutual respect, and friendship.        To our honored guests from Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain: Congratulations on this outstanding achievement.  Congratulations.  (Applause.)  Fantastic.         I also want to thank Vice President Mike Pence.  Thank you, Mike.  Great job.  (Applause.)  Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.  Mike, thank you very much.  (Applause.)  National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien.  Robert, thank you.  (Applause.)  Mr. Jared Kushner.  Jared, thank you very much.  (Applause.)  Ambassador Brian Hook.  Thank you very much, Brian.  (Applause.)  Thank you.  Thank you.  And Avi Berkowitz.  Avi, thank you very much.  (Applause.)  I also want to give a very special thanks -- he’s been an incredible Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman.  (Applause.)         That’s a very great group of people, great group of patriots.  They wanted this to happen so badly.  They worked so hard.  And again, nobody thought it could happen.  And they thought it could happen.  They never even doubted it.  So I want to thank you all very much.  Thank you.  (Applause.)         For generations, the people of the Middle East have been held back by old conflicts, hostilities, lies, treacheries.  So many things held them back.  Actually, lies that the Jews and Arabs were enemies and that Al-Aqsa Mosque was under attack.  Constantly, they would say it was under attack.         These lies, passed down from generation to generation, fueled a vicious cycle of terror and violence that spread across the region and all over the world.        These agreements prove that the nations of the region are breaking free from the failed approaches of the past.  Today’s signing sets history on a new course.  And there will be other countries very, very soon that will follow these great leaders.  (Applause.)         The people of the Middle East will no longer allow hatred of Israel to be fomented as an excuse for radicalism or extremism.  So important.  And they’ll no longer allow the great destiny of their region to be denied.        On my first foreign trip as President, I had the honor of addressing the leaders of more than 54 Arab and Muslim nations in Saudi Arabia.        My message that day was very simple: I urged the nations of the Middle East to set aside their differences, unite against the common enemy of civilization, and work together toward the noble aims of security and prosperity.  I offered America’s friendship, I offered America’s help, but I said clearly that the nations of the regions had to decide what kind of a future they wanted for their children, and for their families, and for their nation itself.  No one could make that choice for them; they had to do that themselves.          Today, the world sees that they’re choosing cooperation over conflict, friendship over enmity, prosperity over poverty, and hope over despair.  They are choosing a future in which Arabs and Israelis, Muslims, Jews, and Christians can live together, pray together, and dream together, side by side, in harmony, community, and peace.        Once again, let me congratulate the people of Israel, the people of the United Arab Emirates, and the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain.  God bless you all.  This is an incredible day for the world.  This is a really wonderful and beautiful occasion.         I want to thank all of the members of Congress for being here: senators, congressmen, congresswomen.  We just appreciate it so much.  Everybody wanted to be here.  It’s a very important day for the world.  It’s a very important day for peace.         Before the parties sign the Accords, I’d like to ask Prime Minister Netanyahu to say a few words, followed by the Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and the Foreign Minister of Bahrain.         Thank you very much.  It’s a great honor.  Thank you.  (Applause.)         PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU:  Our dear friend President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, thank you for hosting me, my wife Sarah, and our entire delegation on this historic day.  I want to recognize Vice President Pence, Secretary Pompeo, National Security Advisor O'Brien, and other Cabinet members; Jared Kushner, Avi Berkowitz, Ambassador Friedman, and other members of the President's able peace team; senators, members of Congress; Israeli Ambassador Ron Dermer, his Emirate and Bahraini counterparts; as well as all the dignitaries gathered here on this sunny day.        I want to also express my gratitude for all the Israelis who have worked for years, sometimes in less sunny climes, to bring this date.  And I thank each and every one of you.  Thank you.  (Applause.)         Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. President, this day is a pivot of history.  It heralds a new dawn of peace.  For thousands of years, the Jewish people have prayed for peace.  For decades, the Jewish State has prayed for peace.  And this is why, today, we're filled with such profound gratitude.         I am grateful to you, President Trump, for your decisive leadership.  You have unequivocally stood by Israel's side.  You have boldly confronted the tyrants of Tehran.  You've proposed a realistic vision for peace between Israel and the Palestinians.  And you have successfully brokered the historic peace that we are signing today -- a peace that has broad support in Israel, in America, the Middle East, indeed in the entire world.  (Applause.)         I am grateful to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, of the United Arab Emirates, and to you, Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed.  (Applause.)  I thank you both for your wise leadership and for working with the United States and Israel to expand the circle of peace.  I am grateful -- (applause) -- I am grateful to King Hamad of Bahrain, and to you, Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani, for joining us -- (applause) -- joining us in bringing hope to all the children of Abraham.  (Applause.)         To all of Israel's friends in the Middle East, those who are with us today and those who will join us tomorrow, I say: As-salamu alaykum.  Peace unto thee.  Shalom.  (Applause.)         And you've heard from the President that he is already lining up more and more countries.  This is unimaginable a few years ago.  But with resolve, determination, a fresh look at the way peace is done, this is being achieved.  Thank you, Mr. President.  (Applause.)         Ladies and gentlemen, the people of Israel well know the price of war.  I know the price of war.  I was wounded in battle.  A fellow soldier, a very close friend of mine, died in my arms.  My brother, Yoni, lost his life while leading his soldiers to rescue hostages held by terrorists at Entebbe.        My parents grieve over the loss of Yoni; was unrelieved until their dying day.  And over the years, when I've come to console the families of Israel's fallen soldiers and victims of terror, I have seen that same grief countless times.  And this is why I am so deeply moved to be here today, for those who bear the wounds of war cherish the blessings of peace.  (Applause.)         And the blessings of the peace we make today will be enormous.  First, because this peace will eventually expand to include other Arab states.  And, ultimately, it can end the Arab-Israeli conflict once and for all.  (Applause.)         Second, because the great economic benefits of our partnership will be felt throughout our region, and they will reach every one of our citizens.        And third, because this is not only a peace between leaders, it's a peace between peoples.  Israelis, Emiratis, and Bahrainis are already embracing one another.  We are eager to invest in a future of partnership, prosperity, and peace.  We've already begun to cooperate on combating corona, and I am sure that, together, we can find solutions to many of the problems that afflict our region and beyond.         So despite the many challenges and hardships that we all face, despite all that, let us pause for a moment to appreciate this remarkable day.  Let us rise above any political divide.  Let us put all cynicism aside.  Let us feel, on this day, the pulse of history, for long after the pandemic is gone, the peace we make today will endure.        Ladies and gentlemen, I have devoted my life to securing Israel's place among the nations to ensure the future of the one and only Jewish State.  To accomplish that goal, I work to make Israel strong -- very strong -- for history has taught us that strength brings security, strength brings allies, and ultimately -- and this is something President Trump has said again and again -- ultimately, strength brings peace.  (Applause.)         King David expressed this basic truth thousands of years ago in our eternal capital of Jerusalem.  His prayer immortalized in the Book of Psalms in the Bible echoes from our glorious past and guides us towards a brilliant future.         Adonai oz le'amo yiten; Adonai yevarekh et-amo va'shalom.  May God give strength to His people.  May God bless His people with peace.        Mr. President, distinguished guests, this week is Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.  And what a blessing we bring to this New Year -- a blessing of friendship, a blessing of hope, a blessing of peace.  Thank you.  (Applause.)        MINISTER BIN ZAYED:  Mr. President, Mr. Prime Minister, and my friend, Abdullatif Zayani, distinguished guests: Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.        Let me start by conveying the best regards of the UAE people and the leadership, and especially of Sheikh Mohammed  bin Zayed, to you, Mr. President, and everyone gathered here today.        I'll continue my speech in Arabic, and I'm sure there will be translation to that.        (As interpreted.)  I stand here today to extend a hand of peace and receive a hand of peace.  In our faith, we say, “O God, you are peace, and from you, comes peace.”  The search for peace is an innate principle, yet, principles are effectively realized when they are transformed into action.        Today, we are ready -- we are already witnessing a change in the heart of the Middle East, a change that will send hope around the world.  (Applause.)        This -- this initiative would not have been possible without the efforts of His Excellency President Donald Trump, and his team, who worked hard and sincerely for us all to reach here.  Most notably, my counterpart, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo; and Jared Kushner, Senior Advisor to the President of the United States; and all those who are genuine about the principle of peace in the United States, who have strived to realize this major achievement.  Thank you.  (Applause.)        Your Excellency Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of the State of Israel, thank you for choosing peace and for halting the annexation of Palestinian territories, a decision that reinforces our shared will to achieve a better future for generations to come.        Ladies and gentlemen, we are witnessing today, a new trend that will create a better path for the Middle East.  This peace accord, which is a historic achievement for the United States of America, the State of Israel, and the United Arab Emirates will continue to have a positive impact, as we believe that its reverberations will be reflected on the entire region.        Every option other than peace would signify destruction, poverty, and human suffering.  This new vision -- which is beginning to take shape as we meet today for the future of the region, full of youthful energy -- is not a slogan that we raise for political gain, as everyone looks forward to creating a more stable, prosperous, and secure future.  (Applause.)        At a time when science is prevailing, the region's youth are looking forward to taking part in this great humanitarian movement.  We are pleased that the United Arab Emirates will be part of the momentum towards stability and the growth of human potential in a new, civilized approach that opens wide the doors of opportunity for those who look forward towards peace, prosperity, and the future.         Our societies today possess the foundation of modern human development, such as infrastructure, a solid economy, and scientific achievements that will enable them to advance the future of the Middle East.        The United Arab Emirates believes that the role of the United States in the Middle East is positive.  And this belief is evidenced by the accord that we are signing today at the White House, for which you have taken the lead and will remain a beacon in human history for all peace-loving people around the world.         And as for us in the United Arab Emirates, this accord will enable us to continue to stand by the Palestinian people and realize their hopes for an independent state within a stable and prosperous region.  This accord builds upon previous peace agreements signed by Arab nations with the State of Israel.  The aim of all these treaties is to work towards stability and sustainable development.        In this difficult year, when the world is suffering from the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, my country, the United Arab Emirates, has reinforced its humanitarian commitments established by our nation's founding father, Sheikh Zayed, who taught us that standing with others, regardless of the religious or ethnic affiliation, is a humanitarian duty and a firm principle.  (Applause.)        During this difficult time, the United Arab Emirates, my country, was able to launch the probe -- a probe to Mars.  The Hope Probe indeed represents hope that our region is capable of advancement and progress if governments and people embrace science.  After the United Arab Emirates sent astronaut Hazza al-Mansoori, last year, as the first Arab astronaut to reach the International Space Station and launched a peaceful nuclear power plant, this accord opened up prospects for a comprehensive peace in the region.        Thank you, Mr. President.  (Applause.)        PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Thank you very much.        MINISTER BIN ZAYED:  (As interpreted.)  Ladies and gentlemen, peace requires courage, and shaping the future requires knowledge.  The advancement of nations requires sincerity and persistence.  We have come today to tell the world that this is our approach and that peace is our guiding principle.          Those who begin things in the right way will reap bright achievements with the grace of God.  Thank you.        THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much.  Fantastic.  (Applause.)        MINISTER BIN ZAYED:  With grace of God, sir.        THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much.  Thank you.  Great job.        MINISTER AL ZAYANI:  Mr. President, the First Lady, Prime Minister, your Highness, ladies and gentlemen: Good afternoon.  Today -- today is a truly historic occasion, a moment of hope and opportunity for all the peoples of the Middle East and, in particular, for the millions in our younger generations.        The declaration supporting peace between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the State of Israel is an historic step on the road to genuine and lasting peace, security and prosperity across the region, and for all who live there regardless of religion, sect, ethnicity, or ideology.  (Applause.)        For too long, the Middle East has been set back by conflict and mistrust, causing untold destruction and thwarting the potential of generations of our best and brightest young people. Now I'm convinced we have the opportunity to change that.        Today's declaration was made possible by the vision, courage, and commitment of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa who, supported by -- (applause) -- supported by the people of Bahrain, has protected, institutionalized, and enhanced Bahrain’s centuries-old spirit of coexistence and harmony, and has the wisdom to recognize that genuine cooperation is the most effective means to achieve peace and to safeguard legitimate rights.         Thank you, Your Majesty, for this vision of peace for the region based on trust, respect, and understanding between all faiths, races, and nations.        To our brothers in the United Arab Emirates: I congratulate you on your own momentous peace accord being signed today with Israel.  His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, has shown great leadership and foresight to make peace possible and secure a brighter future for our region.  (Applause.)        For the State of Israel and Prime Minister Netanyahu: We welcome and appreciate these steps from you and your government, recognizing that enduring peace and security is only possible through a genuine engagement that protects the rights and interests of countries and peoples in the region.  (Applause.)        In particular, I want to express my deep appreciation to President Donald Trump -- (applause) -- and his administration.  Mr. President, your statesmanship and tireless efforts have brought us here today and made peace a reality.  (Applause.)        And to Secretary Pompeo, Senior Advisor Jared Kushner, and Special Representative Avi Berkowitz, who have -- (applause) -- and others -- many others -- who have carried out their mandates with dedication and skill.         Ladies and gentlemen, today's agreement is an important first step, and it is now incumbent on us to work urgently and actively to bring about the lasting peace and security our peoples deserve.  A just, comprehensive, and enduring two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict will be the foundation, the bedrock of such peace.        We have shown today -- (applause) -- we have shown today that such a path is possible, even realistic.  What was only dreamed of a few years ago is now achievable, and we can see before us a golden opportunity for peace, security, and prosperity for our region.         Let us together, and with our international partners, waste no time in seizing it.  Thank you.  (Applause.)         PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Good.  Very good.        MINISTER AL ZAYANI:  Thank you, sir.        PRESIDENT TRUMP:  That’s a great job.        MINISTER AL ZAYANI:  Thank you, sir.  Thank you.        PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Beautiful.        MINISTER AL ZAYANI:  Thank you.        ANNOUNCER:  The President of the United States, the Prime Minister of the State of Israel, and His Highness the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates will sign a treaty of peace, diplomatic relations, and full normalization.  They will each sign three copies: one in English, Hebrew, and Arabic.        (The documents are signed.)  (Applause.)        ANNOUNCER:  The President of the United States, the Prime Minister of the State of Israel, and the Minister of the Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain will now sign the declaration of peace.  They will each sign three copies: one in English, Hebrew, and Arabic.        (The documents are signed.)  (Applause.)         ANNOUNCER:  The President of the United States, the Prime Minister of the State of Israel, His Highness the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates, and the Minister of the Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain will now sign Abraham Accords.  They will each sign four copies: one in English, one in Hebrew, and two in Arabic.        (The documents are signed.)  (Applause.)                                       END                 1:37 P.M. EDT

Proclamation on Revision to United States Marine Scientific Research Policy

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 15, 2020

REVISION TO UNITED STATES MARINE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH POLICY   - - - - - - -   BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA   A PROCLAMATION          The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 (Convention) generally reflects customary international law.  Section 3 of Part XIII of the Convention provides that coastal states, in the exercise of their jurisdiction, have the right to regulate, authorize, and conduct marine scientific research in their Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and on their continental shelf.  Marine scientific research in the EEZ or on the continental shelf shall be conducted with the consent of the coastal state.          In Proclamation 5030 of March 10, 1983 (Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States of America), the President announced the establishment of the EEZ of the United States.  The Proclamation asserts the sovereign rights and jurisdiction of the United States in its EEZ and confirms the rights and freedoms of all states, as provided under international law.  In an accompanying Presidential Statement of March 10, 1983 (United States Oceans Policy), the President acknowledged that international law allows coastal states to exercise jurisdiction over marine scientific research in their respective EEZs, but stated that the United States had elected not to do so to the fullest extent permitted under international law, in an effort to encourage such research.  Presidential Decision Directive–36 of April 5, 1995 (United States Policy on Protecting the Ocean Environment), emphasizes that the policy of the United States is to protect and monitor the ocean and coastal environment and conserve living marine resources, recognizing that doing so, in an open and collaborative manner, supports our economic and national security interests.           In Executive Order 13840 of June 19, 2018 (Ocean Policy to Advance the Economic, Security, and Environmental Interests of the United States), I reaffirmed that the United States will continue to promote lawful use of the ocean by agencies, including the Armed Forces, and that the United States will continue to exercise its rights and jurisdiction and perform duties in accordance with applicable international law, including customary international law.  Further, the United States will use the best available ocean-related science and knowledge, in partnership with the science and technology communities, to inform decisions and enhance entrepreneurial opportunities.  In the Presidential Memorandum of November 19, 2019 (Ocean Mapping of the United States Exclusive Economic Zone and the Shoreline and Nearshore of Alaska), I affirmed the importance of understanding our ocean systems and natural resources to our security, economic, and environmental interests.      Likewise, the exercise of jurisdiction by the United States over marine scientific research in its EEZ and on its continental shelf will result in greater access to data collected during such research and will increase maritime domain awareness, thereby reducing potential exposure to security, economic, and environmental risks.      NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim the following:        Section 1.  Policy.  The United States will exercise its right to regulate, authorize, and conduct marine scientific research, with a specific requirement to authorize, in advance, all instances of foreign marine scientific research, in the United States EEZ and on its continental shelf to the extent permitted under international law.        Sec. 2.  Implementation.  The Secretary of State (Secretary) shall have lead responsibility for implementing this proclamation, in consultation with relevant executive departments and agencies (agencies) and with the Ocean Policy Committee established in Executive Order 13840 (Ocean Policy Committee).        Sec. 3.  Intelligence.  The Intelligence Community of the Federal Government shall support the implementation of this proclamation, as appropriate.      Sec. 4.  Information Sharing.  To facilitate the process for reviewing applications for marine scientific research, agencies not part of the Intelligence Community shall share information related to marine scientific research with the Department of State, to the maximum extent authorized by law.        Sec. 5.  Termination.  This proclamation shall remain in effect until terminated by the President.  At any time, but not less frequently than every 2 years from the date of this proclamation, the Secretary may recommend that the President modify or terminate this proclamation.  Any such recommendation by the Secretary shall be coordinated with the National Security Council staff and the Ocean Policy Committee.      Sec. 6.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this proclamation shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:                      (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or                     (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.      (b)  This proclamation shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.      (c)  This proclamation is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.

 

1600 Daily The White House • September 15, 2020 NEW: Major peace deals signed at the White House!

 

The White House • September 15, 2020 NEW: Major peace deals signed at the White House! History was made today at the White House as leaders from Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain met with President Trump and signed the Abraham Accords, which will normalize diplomatic relations between Israel and the two Arab nations.   Before this summer, only two peace deals involving Israel had been negotiated in the last 72 years, with the most recent coming in 1994. During the past month alone, President Trump has helped broker two such agreements.    President Trump: A foundation for peace nobody thought possible!   “Today the world sees that [these nations] are choosing cooperation over conflict, friendship over enmity, prosperity over poverty, and hope over despair,” President Trump said.   “They are choosing a future in which Arabs and Israelis, Muslims, Jews, and Christians can live together, pray together, and dream together.”   The first steps between Israel and both Bahrain and the UAE are an exchange of embassies and ambassadors, as well as the start of direct commercial flights between countries.   Each leader spoke today about the significance of the Abraham Accords in the pursuit of enduring peace in the Middle East: “This day is a pivot of history. It heralds a new dawn of peace,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel said.   “Peace requires courage, and shaping the future requires knowledge,” Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates said. “We have come today to tell the world that this is our approach.”   “Today is a truly historic occasion—a moment of hope and opportunity for all the peoples of the Middle East,” Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani of Bahrain said.   When President Trump took office, the Middle East was fraught with turmoil. Today, a geopolitical transformation is underway. As more and more Arab countries begin to establish direct ties with Israel, the region’s prospects for peace, economic growth, technological innovation, and opportunities for young people will only improve.   “The people of the Middle East will no longer allow hatred of Israel to be fomented as an excuse for radicalism or extremism,” President Trump said.    The Middle East is breaking free from failed approaches of the past   The failed foreign policy approaches of the past only served to stoke division, empower bad actors, and permit violence to spread across the Middle East. The signing of the Abraham Accords today begins a new, brighter chapter that rewards true peace.   Earlier this month, President Trump also announced a historic economic agreement between Serbia and Kosovo. That deal led to a pledge from Serbia to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, while Kosovo has agreed to mutual recognition with Israel.   In other words, President Trump’s bold, creative diplomacy gets real-world results. The ISIS caliphate is destroyed, trust is being restored with America’s allies, extremists are being sidelined, and American troops are coming home from never-ending wars.   “After decades of division and conflict, we mark the dawn of a new Middle East,” President Trump said.    The Abraham Accords are signed in English, Hebrew, and Arabic!    President Trump is leading a transformation in the Middle East Photo of the Day President Trump, Foreign Affairs Minister of Bahrain Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu, and Foreign Affairs Minister of the United Arab Emirates Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan wave after signing the Abraham Accords | September 15, 2020

The Abraham Accords Declaration

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 15, 2020

The Abraham Accords Declaration

Declaration of Peace, Cooperation, and Constructive Diplomatic and Friendly Relations Between the State of Israel and the Kingdom of Bahrain

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 15, 2020

Declaration of Peace, Cooperation, and Constructive Diplomatic and Friendly Relations Between the State of Israel and the Kingdom of Bahrain

 

Treaty of Peace, Diplomatic Relations, and Full Normalization Between the United Arab Emirates and the State of Israel

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 15, 2020 Treaty of Peace, Diplomatic Relations, and Full Normalization Between the United Arab Emirates and the State of Israel

 

September 15, 2020 REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP AND PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL BEFORE BILATERAL MEETING

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 15, 2020   REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP  AND PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL BEFORE BILATERAL MEETING   Oval Office     12:05 P.M. EDT        PRESIDENT TRUMP:  (A ceremonial gold key is presented.)  This was a special token of affection, given by myself and the First Lady to the Prime Minister and the First Lady of Israel.  And it’s a key -- we call it a key to the White House.  And it’s a key to our country and to our hearts.  And you’ve been an amazing leader for a long period of time.  And this is -- this is, in many respects, the big day, because this is something that’s very special.         We just left UAE and Bahrain.  We’re going to meet outside in a ceremony.  And it’s just a very important event.  And it’s an honor to have you with us, Bibi.  Thank you very much.         PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU:  Thank you, Mr. President.  And I have said -- and this is true -- that you have the key to the hearts of the people of Israel because of all the great things you’ve done for the Jewish State and the Jewish people.  So, thank you.  Thank you.         PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Thank you very much.  Fantastic.  And we look forward to being outside.         Q    Mr. President --        PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Yes, please.  Anybody?        Q    Mr. President, this is a great event -- this is a great event and these are tremendous achievements.  Can you -- we know that Israel is getting a lot.  What is Israel giving back for this --        PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU:  This is the Israeli press that wants to chip away at this.         (Cross-talk.)        PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Well, I think what, really, Israel is getting -- I think what Israel is getting and what we’re all getting, but what Israel is getting more than anything else is peace.  They’re going to have peace.  As you know, UAE -- United Arab Emirates -- is a great warring nation, a very powerful nation in the region.  And they very much wanted to do this.  Mohammed is a tremendous leader, like Bibi is a tremendous leader.  And it was important to have them first very early.         And, you know, the relationship is fantastic.  And a lot of people are surprised to see it.  And, as you know, we have Bahrain and we have many nations ready to follow.  Many nations.        Q    Is Saudi Arabia going to be next?          Q    Can you name them?         PRESIDENT TRUMP:  I can’t -- no, not now, I won’t.  But you’ll see.  We’ll be signing up other nations.  And these are very strong agreements.  These are very strong.  This is really peace.  This is serious peace.  And so I think what Israel gets -- the most important thing that they’re getting, by far, is peace.        (Cross-talk.)        PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Excuse me, one at a time, please.        PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU:  Pick the other one.        PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Who?  Which one?        PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU:  See the woman in the white?  The woman in the white.        PRESIDENT TRUMP:  In the white.  Go ahead.         Q    Yes.  Thank you.  Lital from Channel 20.  Is it possible to know which countries will be following the Emirates?        PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Well, we’ll be announce- --        Q    Will it be Saudi?  Maybe Oman?          PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Yeah, we’re very far down the road with about five countries, five additional countries.  Frankly, I think we could have had them here today.  We thought, out of respect, UAE -- they deserved it.  And Bahrain came immediately after.  They really wanted to do it.  But we'll have at least five or six countries coming along very quickly, and we're already talking to them.        And they want to see peace.  You know, they've been fighting for a long time.  They're tired.  They're warring countries, but they're tired.  They're tired of fighting.  And so you're going to be seeing further announcements.        This is a -- you know, it's a very big day.  I guess they said -- so there were two countries, over a 72-year period, and we did an additional two.  And these are great countries.  We did an additional two in one month.         PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU:  Twenty-nine days.         PRESIDENT TRUMP:  But you'll -- but you're going to see -- you're going to see a lot of very great activity.  It's going to be peace in the Middle East.        Q    Mr. President, will you promote the F-35 deal even if Israel objected?        PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Say it?        Q    Will you promote the F-35 deal even if Israel objected?        PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Yeah, we going -- we’re going to work that out.  We’ll work that out.  That’s -- that's going to be an easy thing.         And, you know, we've fought with UAE four times -- four different wars.  They've been very, very loyal to us.  And we have a better relationship with them now than we ever had in the past.  In fact, in the past, it was very strained.  We have a very good relationship with them.  Yeah, we’ll -- all of that works out.  That's going to be very easy to work out.        Q    Mr. President, should Israel feel less isolated today than they were this last week?  And, Mr. Prime Minister, maybe you can answer that question, as well.        PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Well, I think Israel is not isolated anymore because, I can tell you, we have the two countries, plus you had an additional two, as you know, from many, many years ago.  And now you have a situation where many of the countries -- and I can actually say “most” of the countries, but many of the countries in the Middle East want to sign this deal.         And I think when that happens, hopefully after the election -- because I really believe Iran wants to make a deal.  They've had a very tough time.  Their GDP is down 27 percent because of the sanctions and all of the other things.  And I don't want that to happen.  I don't want -- I want Iran to be a great country, a great nation.  I think that would be a wonderful thing.         But I think -- and I've even said that.  I've said that the representatives of them: “You should wait to see the election, first.”  There is nothing they or China or, probably, Russia would like better than to have Sleepy Joe Biden become the President, because if Sleepy Joe won, they would own the United States, all of them.  China would own the United States.         So I told all of them, I said, “Wait until after the election.”  But after the election, we have to make a better deal.  I do say that.  We're going to make a better deal than we would have.        But, with Iran, they certainly should wait until after the election because, frankly, if Biden wins, they'll make a much better deal.  But I'm going to make a good deal with Iran.  I'm going to make a deal that's great for Iran.  It's going to get them back.  We're going to help them in every way possible.  And Iran will be very happy.  Iran will be very rich and very quickly.  But I think they should wait until after the election.  You understand what I mean by that.  Because a dream for those countries would be Sleepy Joe.        Q    Do you believe you will also broker a deal with the Palestinians?        PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Yeah, I think they'd come along, and they're already -- obviously, we speak to them.  They’ve come a long way.  We used to pay them $750 million a year when I got here.         And I said to people that negotiated with them before, “Why did you pay when they treat the United States with such disrespect?”  They speak so badly.  “Death to America.  Death to Israel.”  I said, “We give them $750 million a year.”  I said, “Why didn’t somebody cut off those payments?”  “Well, we didn’t think it would be appropriate.”  I said, “Well, I do.”  And I cut off the payments to them, as you know.         But other countries give them money.  You're dealing with very rich countries.  And these countries are now all signing with us.  They’re all be signed with us -- all of them.         I spoke with the King of Saudi Arabia.  We had a great conversation, and I think positive things will happen there, too.  He's a great gentleman.  And the Crown Prince -- we spoke with the Crown Prince.         So we've made tremendous strides.  And this is peace in the Middle East without blood all over the sand.  I say it: Right now, it’s been blood all over the sand for -- for decades and decades and decades.  That’s all they do, is they fight and kill people, and nobody gets anything.         And this is -- this is strong peace, really strong peace, far -- and it’s a different way.  We went in the back door, but I call it going in the very smart door.  We went in the smart door, and we’re getting people.  And the Palestinians will absolutely be a member.  I don’t say that with any bravado.  I just tell you the Palestinians will be a member at the right time.  At the right time.         Q    Will they have a state of their selves in your peace?        PRESIDENT TRUMP:  We’re -- we’re working a deal.  We’re talking -- we are talking to the Palestinians.  At the right time, they’ll be joining, too.        Q    And as long as you’re President, is annexation off the table?  Is that something the Emirates know?         PRESIDENT TRUMP:  We don’t want to talk about that right now, but that’s working out very well and very fair and very good for the people that are coming in and for Israel.         And again, Israel wants peace, and they're a great warring nation if they have to be.  You see that.  They have the best equipment; they have the best of everything, but they don’t want this.  After all of these years, even Bibi gets tired of war.  (Laughter.)         But they’ve been, you know -- look, they're a strong nation, a strong power, a strong military nation, but they want to get on with their lives.  Israel wants peace.  They really want peace.  And I give this gentleman a great deal of credit.  He's done a great job.         PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU:  Thank you.  Mr. President, I heard a question from one of the people here: “Does Israel feel isolated?”  Heck no.  We’re breaking out to the entire world because we have a strong, free economy, because we have a strong military, and because we have a strong relationship with the President of the United States and the American people.         And I can tell you that we have a strong relationship throughout the Middle East.  The President intimated how many countries are waiting to join the circle of peace.  You know, Israel doesn’t feel isolated at all.  It’s enjoying the greatest diplomatic triumph of its history.         I think the people who feel isolated are the tyrants of Tehran because of the pressure that the President has applied on them, because of the resistance to this bad Iran deal.  They are under pressure.  And, you know, I hope they’ll all come around.  I hope everyone will come around to the circle of peace.         But, no, we don’t feel isolated at all; quite the contrary.        PRESIDENT TRUMP:  I would say this: There's less isolation right now for Israel than there’s ever been.  I mean, today, they would be less isolated than ever been.         I want to just thank your great Ambassador.  Ron, thank you very much.        AMBASSADOR DERMER:  Thank you.        PRESIDENT TRUMP: How do you feel about isolation?  I think you're starting to see the light, huh?        AMBASSADOR DERMER:  I can imagine what will happen when everyone is courting Israel, if this is what isolation looks like.  (Laughter.)        PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Yeah.  No, it’s good.  We -- we love Israel.  And I’ll tell you what: I have great respect for the countries that have stepped up so beautifully.  And you're going to see that in a little while.  We’re having a ceremony.         And thank you all for being here.  Thank you very much.                                      END                 12:15 P.M. EDT