Most of my white hair came from dealing with Russia, Bill Burns says. In dealing with Russia, firmness and consistency important, and working in coordination with allies and partners. Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Missouri), suggests he will vote in favor of Burns' nomination.
Angus King joins Roy Blunt in saying he looks forward to working with Bill Burns as CIA director.
John Cornyn (R-Texas) opens his question thanking Bill Burns for saying yes to President Biden
Seems to throw him a soft ball as a last question. Cornyn: Do you think Iran can ever be trusted with a nuclear weapon? Burns: No, sir. Think we need to continue doing everything we can (to prevent that).
Got on this late, missed Rubio and Warner, but most of the Senators so far seem very sympatico with Burns and respectful of his experience, temperament, and priorities.
Sen. Ben Sasse (R- Nebraska) says many of them are worried about what he calls John Kerry's undefined role as climate czar because Chinese President Xi is going to lie.
Burns: China cooperation with US on climate issues not a favor to us, in their interest, important for us to be clear eyed on that and sure Sec. Kerry will be.
Sen. Bob Casey (D-Penn) notes Bill Burns' father roots from Scranton, Pennsylvania. says has resonance for him (as well as for Biden.)
Chair Warner trying to figure out why it sounds like a wind storm going on across the mics
Cotton asks and Burns commits to ensure care for a specific unit that I missed.
Cotton asks for Burns to commit not to resurrect efforts to prosecute or block promotions of intelligence officers involved in programs approved at time by DOJ guidance. Burns does.
Cotton asks about Iran ballistic missile program, will Burns commit to provide realistic assessment even if contradicts admin's preferred policy approach
Burns: yes, will be my obligation.
Burns on Iran: need comprehensive strategy...mindful of fact even if Iran returns to full compliance with Iran nuclear agreement and US does as well, ...that then needs to be platform for building longer, stronger nuclear constraints and dealing with these other issues
in answer to Sen. Gillibrand.
Open session of nomination hearing concludes with Mark Warner noting few candidates come before their committee with bipartisan endorsements of the likes of James Baker and Leon Panetta. Seems clear Burns will be confirmed w/ big bipartisan #s.
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Think there's a risk that Iran could be overplaying its hand, steps taking in recent months more provocative, risk table flipped Iran lose status as aggrieved party, @BrewerEricM
Despite recent atmosphere of crisis, it is clear that Iran is ready for a meeting to talk, says @Hannahkaviani
thread: IAEA DG Grossi, speaking to @NTI_WMD, says of the understanding reached in Iran Sunday: Came in the end to what I described as a reasonable result in the form of the public statement which establishes a bilateral temporary technical understanding between the IAEA & Iran
whereby we will be able to conduct necessary verification and monitoring activities for a period of up to 3 months...We need to recognize we are confronted with a new reality. It is our conviction, in doing what we did, we can facilitate a smooth return to the previous situation
if that is possible after the consultations that are going to take place.
We facilitated an easier atmosphere and time for the indispensable diplomacy to take place in the coming (weeks and) days in order to bring some stability to the situation that needs it very, very badly
🧵Borrell: We also discussed the situation with Iran, and the worrying recent developments in the nuclear field. We need to bring back full implementation of the JCPOA, both as regards nuclear commitments & when it comes to sanctions lifting. This is the only way forward, &is in
“the interest of global & regional security.
I can tell you that intense diplomatic contacts are ongoing these days, including with the United States. As JCPOA Coordinator, it is my job to help create space for diplomacy and to find solutions. And the work on this is ongoing.2/3
“I informed the Ministers and I hope that in the next days there will be news.”....
appreciates IAEA chief’s efforts, temporary deal reached:
This gives diplomacy a chance. This gives the possibility of re-starting the process &being able to make everybody sit again at the table
Snr EU official: now with the US responding positively to this idea (for a meeting), we have now certain political momentum...So, in contact w/different parties to see whether it is possible to launch that invitation for an informal meeting. ... depends on a number of factors.
EU off'l cont'd: The meeting should be used for starting the process of getting back on track the JCPOA. This is our ambition. This is what we are working on. That would be the objective. Now we are in a difficult situation as agreement is concerned...
EU off'l contd: So I cannot give you a timeframe...it depends more on events that will be unfolding. Remarkable that the US has shown will to come to meeting...Remarkable that they say yes. A few hours later they sent a letter to president of UN Sec Council (revoking snapback)
Biden, Merkel, Macron join Munich Security Conference virtually…Boris Johnson will join a little later, host says. Noting Biden last year said, "We will be back." "Thank you for keeping that promise."
ordered a halt on withdrawal of US troops from Germany.
US determined to reengage with Europe. To consult with you.
Core proposition: that is that the United States must renew America's enduring advantages so we can meet today's challenges from a position of strength.