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A new government-backed review finds that there is substantially more evidence for behavior therapy in treating autism than even just a few years ago.
In a report released this month, Vanderbilt University researchers combed research journals to assess what's known about the effectiveness of behavioral interventions for children with autism through age 12. The review, produced for the federal government's Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, is an update to a 2011 report.
Since that time, there has been a significant uptick in quality studies looking at the impact of various behavioral interventions, the researchers said. The current review assessed 65 studies of which 19 were considered to be good quality. By comparison, just two of the 45 studies on behavioral interventions included in the 2011 report met that threshold.
In particular, early intervention that is intensive and based on the principles of applied behavior analysis "can significantly affect the development of some children with ASD," the report found.
Beyond ABA-based therapies, the researchers indicated that training programs for moms and dads did improve parenting behaviors, but there was less evidence regarding the impact on children's development. Cognitive behavioral therapy, social skills interventions and play-based approaches also have some support, the review indicated.
"We are finding more solid evidence, based on higher quality studies, that these early intensive behavioral interventions can be effective for young children on the autism spectrum, especially related to their cognitive and language skills," said Amy Weitlauf of Vanderbilt who led the review. "But the individual response to these treatments often varies from child to child."
More research is needed to better understand why some children with autism are more receptive than others to various interventions, Weitlauf said.
More in Autism »
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Comments (11 Responses)
"But the individual response to these treatments often varies from child to child." This caveat has been used for 50 years. If it doesn't work, it's not our fault, there's something wrong with the child. Catherine Lord worked with Lovaas, and did a long term study that showed it had no advantage over any other type of therapy for the10% of kids will advance beyond initial assessments. She is a protegee of the man who began all the fuss. She feels a happy autistic child is a better goal than a miserable child who "is indistinguishable from his [non-autistic] peers."
Funny, that.
sorry but ABA is not enough especially when you have a child with debilitating, chronic GI problems, seizures or severe sensory disturbance that inhibits their ability to function. Research from respected establishments like UC Davis MIND Institute, Johns Hopkins, Arkansas Childrens Hospital and Caltech show an underlying neuro-immune problem, neuroinflammation and a difference in gut microbiota/dysbiosis in children with autism. Autism is MEDICAL!! So, beyond ABA, substantial investments should be made in medical treatment options for those who seek it.
A reminder: young children are not the only segment of the population which may benefit from behavioural intervention. Indeed, an argument is often made against funding ABA-type intervention for 8 or nine year old children is that the "window of opportunity" has passed. That is bogus, but the reality gets lost in the early-intervention publicity.
When the entire body of relevant scientific evidence is considered, there is actually much more support for applied behavior analysis (ABA) interventions (as opposed to those that are said to be "based on" ABA) to build skills in people with ASD of all ages than is described in the AHRQ reports.
Honestly that is just wonderful, but what can I do with that but sulk. Sulk that my child is not funded, that the programs in the area are few and cost is unaffordable, and that even after the $3000.00 deductible I have almost reached for my child (not to mention all of the out of pocket therapies that could not be submitted pre-diagnoses, and uncovered) I will pay hundreds out of pocket monthly for a treatment like this. We are broke and treading water! As if we had a choice. My son was just denied state funding and the only way I can understand it is that they have specific tests they except and regardless of other proof of occurring behaviors across two or more settings they keep those gates tight. So yes, my child has a impressive IQ on certain testing, he still has significant ASD, ADHD and can't function in public, wanders off into unsafe areas without regard for safety or supervision, and needs to sit in a cart if I dare take him to the store, needs constant prompting, assistance and accommodations for daily functioning skills such as eating with utensils, dressing, brushing teeth all at the age of almost six years old. I am preaching to the choir I know, but the church won't hear it!
ABA has been amazing at helping my son!
Lovaas claimed a 47% success rate back in 1987 when he used only non-professionals.
Today, no one talks about the rate of successful outocmes even though, they now require a BCBA.
For some reason, no one is saying anything about the fact that 47% success rate probably never happened. Can anyone claim and prove that there is at least 1% success rate????
This article talks about "significantly affecitng the development…" but it says nothing about "recovery" as Lovaas et al. (including Tristram Smith who is mentioned in the "review") had originally claimed.
The studies and results are welcomed. However, we have heard that ABA has a lot of valuable results. It is time for us to move ahead and talk about availability of services. I want to know when are we going to focus on making ABA more assessable to low-income families.
I work as a job developer with adults with all types and functioning levels of intellectual/developmental disabilities, including some "on the spectrum." Human behavior in general can be very complex so assisting ASD individuals with behavior issues can be absolutely one of the most challenging tasks ever, given the difficulty of knowing for certain where the problem is coming from. Just to get them to a point of functioning vocationally can be extremely difficult. And then depending on the severity of their condition, paid employment may never happen.
I believe in the benefits of mainstream behavioral therapy and techniques, and have seen them work successfully. One-size, however, does not fit all! Any support professionals involved must consider this when dealing with ASD or any other I/D disability. A holistic approach (including medical) is the only way when behavioral issues cannot be solved using mainstream techniques. And using a more holistic approach takes time and money; and time and money or funding is at a premium. And many parents and caregivers, who are the main support system may barely have the time, much less the kind of money required to get the best care, whether or not they've been approved and receive funding from their respective State of residence and/or receive SSI funding.
So hopefully, as more research is done, ASD can be treated more successfully during childhood so these difficulties can be dealt with and solved or at least successfully managed before moving into adulthood, which then brings on even more challenges and need for professional and financial support. As readers of Disability Scoop know, many millions of people across the country are on a long waiting list for services and families and caregivers are stressed to the max (financially and emotionally) while waiting, and others can't even get on the list…and are "pulling their hair out" and struggle to maintain daily life. It shouldn't be, but it is.
Early Intensive Behavorial Interventions treamnets has been great for those who it has helped. However, as we know EIBI treatments has not always worked for some children with ASD The big questions still remain the same. What new EIBI treatments can be implemented to help all children with ASD or what can ABA do better to help those children who have not showed any signs of improvements in thier cognitive or social ability during time frame of participating in a EIBI program.
For those that are interested in ABA, but treading water and can't afford it, I advise you to check out Neurological Re-organization or NR Therapy. We've seen HUGE, HUGE gains in MANY children in the state of MI. A NR therapist travels to MI to assess children individually and give parents their children's "program". Our son started this in kindergarten – within just a few weeks he was making more progress than we EVER saw in YEARS of OT and floor-time therapy. This therapy helps to provide new neuro connections in the brain- it's amazing! Also much cheaper than ABA and shows improvement on EVERY child that uses it. Unfortunately, there is a large percentage of children that use ABA that do not recover or get significantly better- just the opposite of NR therapy. Google Sarge Goodchild for amazing story of someone who recovered using this therapy- he once had the diagnosis of MR, CP, and the worst seizure disorder that Boston Children's Hospital had ever seen. Today he helps kids and adults and has spoken at Autism One.


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Each scrapwood piece is one-of-a-kind and variations will occur. The white version of the table will always be as pictured.
FIxated = Matte finish (2 coats of water based lacquer)
- Product: Scrapwood T-Leg Oval Table
- Brand: Piet Hein Eek
- Retailer: The Future Perfect
- Designer: Piet Hein Eek
Have an opinion? Care to comment? We'd love to hear what you have to say.

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Celebrating our residents: Mayor of Hove Bernard Jordan
Getting to know our residents and the fascinating tiny details about their lives is at the heart of our personalised care approach at Gracewell Healthcare.
Many of our residents have lived extraordinary lives and have fantastic stories to tell and in this blog we're delighted to share with you Bernard Jordan's amazing story.
Bernard, who has lived at The Pines since January, enjoyed an impressive political career and was Mayor of Hove from 1995 to 1996.
Bernard with a photo of himself as Mayor
90-year-old Bernard has lived in Hove his whole life. He served in the Second World War in the Royal Navy and upon returning married his sweetheart, Irene, and began his professional calling.
Bernard looks back on his career modestly and believed he was very fortunate to serve his community.
"I was able to take my chance, serve the people of my town and do a job I loved. I am very proud of what I was able to do.
"For anyone who is interested in becoming Mayor you must be prepared to work hard."
The former Mayor says the highlight of his working-life was meeting the 'Iron Lady' herself, Margaret Thatcher.
"It was definitely one of my favourite memories. She was an amazingly strong lady. When she visited Brighton I got the chance to meet her and it was a very proud moment for me."
In 1999 Bernard was presented with a special award for his dedication as a local councillor for 34 years.
Bernard still has a keen interest in politics and also loves supporting his favourite football team, Brighton and Hove Albion.
UPDATE 16th June 2014 – Its Bernies 90th Birthday today, read about it here and see the story of his amazing life http://blog.gracewell.co.uk/happy-90th-birthday-bernard-jordan/


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Blue Just RightTuesday, February 11th, 2014
Well it's time I finished off the Color Series that I began last year spotlighting various hues and I thought I'd save the "best" for last :) As you know I'm a passionate lover of all shades of blue, I find it hard to not use this color when planning a project or room design.
Blue is universally pleasing and possesses calming properties. In paler hues blue is serene, in deeper tones, dramatic and powerful. The spotlight today is on some favorite blue spaces from light to dark.
better homes & gardens
These bedrooms are tranquil when layered with pale blues. Touches of gold and modern furnishings keep the look luxurious and sophisticated.
atlanta homes magazine / muse interiors
Pale blue paint or shades with a touch of gray add an airy aesthetic to a sitting room or bedroom and look lovely with white, wood tones, antiques, or any metallic sheen from silver leaf to brass.
better homes & gardens / phoebe howard / better homes & gardens
Watery blue green tiles and striped roman shades lend a coastal feel to this white Cape Cod kitchen.
Sheila Bridges held nothing back when she chose aqua blue cabinets (Benjamin Moore 'Hemlock') and metallic wallpaper for her kitchen, the result is both exotic and elegant.


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UFC 154: Francis Carmont vs Tom Lawlor
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Location: Pensacola, FL
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Round 1 - Referee Phillippe Chartier is the referee for this middleweight fight. Lawlor immediately closing distance, and clinches up quick against cage. Carmont looking to prevent double undercooks, works for plumb and ties up and arm. Lawlor wings a punch with free arm, and Carmont knees. Lawlor has a leg and lifts, but Carmont is a big dude. Carmont gets a shot off close, but Lawlor won't give him space. A brief spin, and it's Lawlor pressing again. Chartier separates them and Carmont lands two heavy body kicks. Carmont pawing the jab. Lawlor tries to com over top, and then charges for a takedown. His trip misses, and he's working for a double against the cage. Carmont threatens with a kimura to reverse, and Lawlor peels out. Body kick from Carmont, and Lawlor charges again. Lawlor unsuccessful getting fight down, and we're in open range. Body kick for Carmont. Lawlor punches in and lands an uppercut. Carmont trying to corner Lawlor. Lawlor retreats. Carmont ducks under for a takedown, and Lawlor slaps on a guillotine choke. Carmont working Lawlor's legs to ease pressure. After a few tense seconds, it's clear Lawlor doesn't have the position, and Carmont frees himself. The round ends with that. MMAjunkie.com scores the round 10-9 for Lawlor.
Round 2 - Lawlor pressing in again. Carmont doing a little voguing. Lawlor throws a right then dodges away. A straight left lands for filthy. Carmont misses with right hand but lands a heavy knee that backs Lawlor off. He's back in, and lands a straight left and goes for the clinch. Back against the cage, and Lawlor is driving for a takedown. He ain't got it, and peels off. Carmont's outstretched arms trying to keep distance, and he pays with a hard right hand. Carmont trying to corner Lawlor. Right hand counter lands for Carmont, but he's shoved back against fence. Crowd not liking this one bit. Lawlor gives space, and Carmont fires off a few shots. Lawlor ducks under and nabs the takedown. Against cage, he works punches from the top. Carmont rights himself and takes a few knees. Carmont tries to threaten with a kimura. Lawlor turns the corner and takes them to the mat. Carmont gets his legs up for a triangle, but Lawlor swings around to side control. When Carmont pitches forward, Lawlor goes with the guillotine again. And again, he doesn't have the leverage. Carmont escapes, postures up and fires down big shots before being kicked off as the bell sounds. Another round in the bag for Lawlor, 10-9, who improves his lead to 20-18.
Round 3 - Probably the most punching yet between the two, with Carmont going with powerful kicks and Lawlor working his straight left. Carmont leaps with a knee and gets driven to the fence. Lawlor working a single-leg. Carmont fires back with a knee. Booing. Chartier separates them and Lawlor fires a few straight lefts. High kick from Carmont blocked. Carmont stalking in. Now working the jab as Lawlor presses. Carmont misses a shot and Lawlor ducks into the clinch, but no takedown attempts. Carmont fakes a level change and Lawlor takes it as a green light to press them into the cage. Carmont with short elbows to the bent-over Lawlor, who's now working a single. Carmont defends, and throws a knee. Another knee, and Lawlor drives. Carmont escapes and tries to set up a straight right. His outstretched arm is a distraction, but Lawlor gets around it with a right hand. Return kicks are blocked. Lawlor takes a leg kick. Lawlor gets a straight left. Nice body kick for Carmont. Left scores again for Lawlor, who presses to the fence. Carmont bucks him off briefly, but round ends with Lawlor in dominant position against cage. MMAjunkie.com scores the frame 10-9 for Lawlor, giving him the 30-27 decision.
Francis Carmont def. Tom Lawlor via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
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Research Links
JimTrenary.com - Jim Trenary Automotive Group - Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac and GMC in Troy, O'Fallon, and Union.
GM.com - Check out the list of newest Cars coming out like the 2010 Volt
Chevy.com - 2010 New Chevy Cars, Trucks and SUV's Promotions and Warranty information.
OnStar - Explore the world's most comprehensive in-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system — available on more than 50 GM models
60 Day Satisfation Guarantee - Review all Warranty and Rebates information about the Promotion
Kelly Blue Book - Value your Used Trade-in or See your New Car Value.
CarFax - Used Car Vin Check, Auto History Check, Vin Number Lookup
Edmunds.com - Research New and Used Cars for consumer Ratings and Value
Black Book - Another great source for Valuing your New Vehicle or Used car Trade.
GM ReInvention - Learn about the changing of GM
Wikipedia- Read about History of GM and current valuable information.
GMFacebook - Join us with 1 Million Fans and Counting!


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Death Toll in Kiev Rises to at Least 70
Ukraine forces fire on protesters, White House is "outraged."
Drone Gives Dramatic View of Ukraine Chaos
Video shows Kiev after a night of violence between police and anti-government protesters.
Deadly Anger in Ukraine: Can a Political Deal Calm These Passions?
Images of the fiery and deadly protests in Kiev.
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For your home library, work office, or living areas, choose the size and style that best suits your room decor. Wood laminate bookcases offer elegance and warmth, provide versatility, and are suited for multiple uses. Metal and composite bookcases are the choice for a more modern look.
Choose from a variety of wood choices such as mahogany and cherry that offer durable, sturdy surfaces and frames. In addition, these bookcases can add a touch of warmth to both the home or office, and are sure to stand the test of time. Metal bookcases with a durable, baked enamel finish come in a selection of colors such as gray or putty, and are made from commercial-grade, quality steel, meaning they will last for generations.
Available in shelf quantities from 1 to 15 and in a variety of types including standard, free-standing, wall shelves, leaning, and corner units, you can choose the ideal fit for almost any type of space you're looking to fill. When it comes to your decorating needs, pick bookcases from dozens of colors, materials, and finishes to perfectly complement the decor of your home or office space. A dark mahogany creates a touch of tradition for more formal spaces. Industrial wood finishes enhance the look of modern lofts. The versatility in terms of space and decor will also make it easier for you to choose additional pieces such as desks for your office or home space.
Whether the bookcase will serve as the centerpiece of your personal library or office, or provide a more functional use around the home, choose wood laminates for a warmer atmosphere or metal and composite bookcases for a contemporary elegance.


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San Francisco Opera's "The Barber of Seville" opens next week at War Memorial Opera House is "elegant, effervescent and deliciously funny," according to San Jose Mercury News. Tickets are 50% off to select performances of Rossini's comic masterpiece that proves love conquers all.
All tickets are 50% off, for Tuesday-Thursday performances -- $16.50-$156 (reg. $33-$312) -- and Friday-Saturday performances -- $33.50-$178.50 (reg. $67-$357) -- for the following dates:
Note: The $16.50 lead rate is available on all weeknight performances except for Wednesday, Nov. 13. That is an Opera Vision performance with seats starting at $40.50.
In the laugh-out-loud comedy, Figaro, the barber, must ensure that Count Almaviva can marry lovely Rosina before her old guardian drags her to the altar himself.
Travelzoo Tip: Enjoy dinner before the show at Palio, voted Best Italian by Bay Area A-List readers, with this dinner for two deal for $59.
Please go to your email and confirm your subscription.


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Sorry, the book that you are looking for is not available right now.
We did a search for other books with a similar title, however there were no matches. You can try selecting from a similar category, click on the author's name, or use the search box above to find your book.
Prepare your child for reading!
Skills include:
Series: School Zone I Know It Deluxe Workbooks Ser.
Audience: Children
For Ages: 6 - 8 years old
For Grades: 1 - 3
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Number Of Pages: 64
Published: 1st June 2010
Publisher: Hinkler Books Pty, Limited
Country of Publication: AU
Dimensions (cm): 54.610 x 69.850 x 1.270
Weight (kg): 0.24
Edition Number: 1


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If you took advantage of the great deal on the LeapFrog LeapPad1 or already have a LeapFrog LeapPad1 Explorer, LeapFrog LeapPad2 Explorer, or LeapFrog Explorer you may want to take advantage of today's game sale. Get select games, normally priced $24.99, for only $12.50!
These games work with LeapPad1, LeapPas2, and Leapster Explorer game systems.
- LeapFrog Explorer Learning Game Pixar Pals
- LeapFrog Explorer Learning Game: Olivia
- LeapFrog Explorer Learning Game: Letter Factory
This deal ships free with Super Saver Shipping when you purchase $25 or more worth of participating products. For more ways to save, cash in your Swag Bucks for a FREE Amazon gift card.
More Ways to Save:
- Deals on Amazon
- Retail Sales & Coupons
- Bargains Online
- Grocery Shopping
- Promotional Codes
- One Day Sales


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Baby Name MeaningsSearch 30,000 Unique Baby Name Meanings
The name Octavio is a baby boy name.
Latin Meaning:
The name Octavio is a Latin baby name. In Latin the meaning of the name Octavio is: Eighth.
American Meaning:
The name Octavio is an American baby name. In American the meaning of the name Octavio is: Eighth.
People with this name have a deep inner desire to express their own power in a concrete manner and thus achieve something great for humanity.Expression Number: 4
People with this name tend to be orderly and dedicated to building their lives on a solid foundation of order and service. They value truth, justice, and discipline, and may be quick-tempered with those who do not. Their practical nature makes them good at managing and saving money, and at building things in the material world. Because of their focus on order and practicality, they may seem overly cautious and conservative at times.
SheKnows Media ‐ Family
Popular Baby Name Articles
Mommalogues: The only time it's OK to give a baby a 'weird' nameSome people put a lot of thought into naming their...
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Ali Larter welcomes a baby girl: Find out her vintage baby nameActress Ali Larter welcomed a baby girl on Thursday with...
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30,000 baby names with their meanings, popular baby boy and baby girl names, pregnancy advice, baby names book...


text: The Hollmann Beletage has just twenty-five modern and comfortably furnished rooms (most of them with large, open baths). This is not large, but it is still enough to be a standout among Vienna's hotels. The Hollmann – named after its founder, the former chef, baker, and actor Robert Hollmann – is simply different and more individual than other hotels. For example, guests do not congregate in some anonymous lobby, but rather in the "Living Room", furnished with a piano and library. And instead of the daily battle at the breakfast buffet, guests are served a multi-course breakfast in a kitchen-like dining room. And as if this weren't enough: you can enjoy a movie night with friends in the hotel's own home cinema, bask in the Garden of Eden atmosphere of the rooftop terrace, or take advantage of the sauna or saunarium in the Mini-Spa, which is equipped with an open fireplace. And just around the corner is Hollmann Salon, an award-winning restaurant that is every bit as unconventional as the hotel, and which is situated in one of Vienna's most beautiful Baroque courtyards. All of this, plus the extraordinary location in the historic city centre, only a two-minute walk from St. Stephen's Cathedral, even elicited praise from the New York Times. The greatest tribute to the hotel, however, has been paid by the Viennese, who are known for being critical. Because so many of the local residents wanted to spend a night at the Hollmann Beletage, a special package was created for them called "Viennese Lovers". It includes an overnight stay, a candlelight dinner, prosecco and flowers, and breakfast in the room until 11 a.m.


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You never know what you will find at Brimfield, the huge antiques and collectibles show in Brimfield, Massachusetts. That's where Worthologist Thom Pattie met and interviewed collector and author, Bob Eckstein, who is fascinated with snowmen. Eckstein has more than 1200 snowman items in his collection including many antique items. Now he has turned his fascination with snowmen into a book, "The History of the Snowman."
WorthPoint – Discover Your Hidden Wealth


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36 U.S. Code § 70510 - Service of process
Source(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1354.)
|Revised Section
|Source (U.S. Code)
|Source (Statutes at Large)
|Aug. 24, 1954, ch. 911, § 5(b), 68 Stat. 798.
The words "at all times" and "authorized" are omitted as unnecessary. The words "the business address of the agent" are substituted for "at such business address" for clarity and consistency in the revised title.
LII has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references LII.


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Stock Market Closes Week After 5 Year High For S&P
Palabras clave
Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on January... Fotografía de noticiasBolsa de Nueva York,Ciudad de Nueva York,Comercio,Corredor de bolsa,EE.UU.,Finanzas,Horizontal,Lugar famoso internacional,Mercado bursátil,Negocio,Negocio corporativo,TrabajarPhotographer Spencer PlattCollection: Getty Images News 2013 Getty ImagesNEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 18: Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on January 18, 2013 in New York City. A day after the Standard & Poor's 500-index rose to its highest level in five years, The Dow Jones industrial average was fluctuating between small losses and gains in morning trading. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)


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Automated Manifest System (AMS)
The Automated Manifest System (AMS) is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) multi-modular cargo inventory control and release notification system. AMS interfaces directly with Customs Cargo Selectivity and In-Bond systems, and indirectly with Automated Broker Interface (ABI), allowing faster identification and release of low risk shipments. AMS speeds the flow of cargo and entry processing and provides participants with electronic authorization to move cargo release prior to arrival. AMS facilitates the intermodal movement and delivery of cargo by rail and trucks through the In-bond system. Carriers, port authorities, service bureaus, freight forwarders and container freight stations can participate in AMS. AMS reduces reliance on paper documents and speeds the processing of manifest and waybill data. As a result, cargo remains on the dock for less time, participants realize faster tracking, and Customs provides better service to the importing community.
For details on Sea, Air and Rail AMS, go to: www.cbp.gov and enter Automated Manifest System (AMS) in the "Search" field. You can also call the Automated Commercial System (ACS) Client Representative Branch at (703) 650-3500.
Sea AMS
Sea AMS allows participants to transmit manifest data electronically prior to vessel arrival. CBP can then determine in advance whether the shipment merits examination or immediate release. Upon notification from CBP, the carrier can make decisions on staging cargo and the importer can arrange for examination, release and distribution of the merchandise. All this can be accomplished before the vessel arrives. Sea AMS allows you to communicate with other AMS participants, other government agencies, container freight stations, and non-vessel commercial carriers.
With Sea AMS you can:
Air AMS
Air AMS allows carriers to "arrive" an in-bond shipment and to file in-bond, permit to proceed, and local transfers electronically. The carrier obtains notifications of releases, in-bond authorizations, general order, permit to proceed, and local transfer authorization upon flight departure or arrival from the last foreign port. Air waybill data can be transmitted in any sequence. Carriers have the option to transmit bills at random or group them by flight. Amendments to any air waybill information can also be transmitted electronically through AMS. Air AMS increases data reliability and electronic enforcement capability by standardizing the way the trade community and CBP communicate.
With Air AMS you can:
Freight Forwarders and Deconsolidators can:
Rail AMS
Rail AMS is a cargo release notification system for rail carriers. Using a unique bill of lading number, the rail carrier electronically transmits bill information to CBP. When all bills on a train are assigned, the rail carrier transmits a "consist" of the bills and containers in standing car order. This allows Customs an opportunity to review the submitted documentation and determine, in advance, whether the merchandise merits examination or release. The carrier, upon receiving a release from Customs, is able to make decisions on staging cargo, and the importer can arrange for examination, release, and further distribution of the merchandise. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has access to Rail AMS to review manifest data electronically and perform other functions. Similar capability is planned for other agencies.
With Rail AMS you can:


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Manning has some unfinished business
Thu, 2015-03-05 15:48
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The longer Peyton Manning talked about his former team, the hotter he became.
He wasn't mad. Just cold.
Shaun Hill got his job back, finally. Then he got the best of Peyton Manning.
After eight weeks on the bench, the journeyman was ready.
The reviews came quickly and unanimously.
"Brady's Better!" the crowd chanted midway through the fourth quarter.
Franklin Banner-Tribune
P.O. Box 566, Franklin, LA 70538
Phone: 337-828-3706
Fax: 337-828-2874
Morgan City Daily Review
P.O. Box 948, Morgan City, LA 70381
Phone: 985-384-8370
Fax: 985-384-4255


text: 0 Celebrity Celebrity Pictures of the Day Back to article: Celebrity Pictures: Rihanna, Little Mix, Iron Man 3 0 Previous Next Sarah Harding leaves the Lounge Lover bar in Shoreditch, East London. The Girls Aloud star was arrested last week for using her mobile phone while driving and failing to stop for police. Copyright: WENN 12 of 59 Previous Next


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- Northern New York Newspapers
- Watertown
- Ogdensburg
- Massena-Potsdam
- Lowville
- Carthage
- Malone
- NNY Business
- NNY Living
- NNY Ads
DEKALB JUNCTION The town of DeKalb wants to buy St. Henrys Catholic Church, 27 Gibbons St., for a library and other community activities.
We want to provide more opportunities in the town and this is a good way to do it, Supervisor Larry D. Denesha said.
St. Henrys parish merged with Cantons St. Marys Church about eight years ago. After the merger, the Diocese of Ogdensburg changed the status of St. Henrys Church from a parish to an oratory, which means the building could still be used as a house of prayer but no longer would be used for regular Sunday Masses.
St. Marys offered the church to the town for $10,500.
We said unanimously we would be foolish not to purchase it, Mr. Denesha said.
St. Marys is interested in selling buildings that are not being used in order to spend less on utilities, insurance and maintenance, the Rev. Douglas J. Lucia said.
Were trying to downsize our properties and put our money into programming, he said.
The town extended a purchase offer, which must be approved by state Supreme Court.
The town has been considering how to create a library in partnership with the Richville Library, since a survey on ways to revitalize the community showed great interest in it, Mr. Denesha said.
There really wasnt any place that was appropriate, he said. St. Henrys would fit the bill for the library. There was the potential for so many things.
The town hall is cramped, so the town might use some of the space for town functions. The church – which is within walking distance of a complex for senior citizens also could be a place for performances.
Itll be a benefit to everybody, Mr. Denesha said.
He said the building is in good shape, although some roof work may be needed. The church has requested the stained-glass windows, so the town will replace those if the sale goes through.
Johnson Newspapers writer Susan Mende contributed to this report.
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text: Opened the Pepper Rye I bought (NAS). They should call this one Denny Green Rye because . . . it was what I thought it was . . . http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SWmQbk5h86w . . . Stuff is LDI, tastes LDI, that being said, for 26 and a 100 proof, not bad, very minty with a hint of pickle. Made a nice Manhatten, wasn't bad straight up. In my opinion if your short Willet 4 yr or don't want to drop the extra 10, this is pretty much an easy substitute minus 10 to 15 proof points.


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Parking and Transportation Services
Physical Address:
1006 Railroad St. Rm 135
Moscow, ID 83844-4106
Mailing Address:
Parking and Transportation Services
University of Idaho
875 Perimeter Dr. MS 4106
Moscow, ID 83844-4106
Office hours:
M-F, 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Phone: (208) 885-6424
Fax: (208) 885-4219
Prohibited bicycle parking locations also include, but are not limited to the following:
Bicycles parked in violation of these regulations should be reported to Parking and Transportation Services at (208) 885-6424, or email firstname.lastname@example.com.
Impoundment of bicycles without warning may occur when a bicycle is parked in a manner that poses a safety problem, is obstructing access to or from a building, is obstructing access to or from a disability ramp or parking space, is obstructing access in a pedestrian area, or that may potentially harm vegetation on campus. It is at the discretion of Parking and Transportation Services as to whether a bicycle is parked in a harmful or obstructing manner, as mentioned above.
Bicycles parked in violation of prohibited bicycle parking locations but are not posing an immediate safety problem or obstructing access will be tagged with an impound notice. Bicycles that have been tagged, after 24 hours, will be eligible for impound if found parked outside of designated bike racks at ANY LOCATION on campus. If possible, an impound notice will be posted at the location the bicycle was parked.
When a bicycle is impounded, the bicycle lock is cut and will no longer be useable.
Recovering an impounded bicycle. Impounded bicycles will be transported and secured at the Parking Office. Bicycles that are not claimed after 14 days from the date of impound will be turned into Moscow Police Department as found property. Recovering an impounded bicycle will require payment of a $20 recovery fee to Parking and Transportation Services. The individual must provide proof of ownership and correctly identify the bicycle being claimed. Photo identification and a recovery form must be completed and submitted to the Parking Office. The $20 fee is required to cover costs associated with managing bicycles on campus.
Bicycle registration through the Moscow Police Department is strongly recommended for all bicycle owners. In the event a bicycle is stolen or lost, this will assist in relocating the bicycle and may also allow Parking and Transportation Services to identify and contact a bicycle's owner prior to impounding a bicycle.
An abandoned or disabled bicycle, for the purpose of these regulations, is defined as the appearance that the bicycle has not moved from its location for an extended amount of time, or due to dysfunctional or broken parts, cannot be safely operated. This includes, but is not limited to the following:
It is at the discretion of Parking and Transportation Services as to whether a bicycle appears to be abandoned or disabled.
Parking and Transportation Services in conjunction with Facilities Services attempts to locate abandoned or disabled bicycles on campus throughout the year. Impound notices will be tagged on bicycles that appear to be abandoned or disabled. After one week from the date the notice was given, a tagged abandoned or disabled bicycle will be eligible for impoundment. If possible, an impound notice will be posted at the location the bicycle was parked. All impounded abandoned or disabled bicycles will be turned in to the Moscow Police Department as found property.
Bike racks located at University Housing locations will be checked for abandoned or disabled bicycles during the summer months only, in order to allow long-term storage for residents.
Bicycle locks that are reported to Parking and Transportation Services as being locked over an individual's bike, making it impossible for the owner to remove his/her bike will be removed. The owner of the bicycle and lock that was removed will incur an impound fee of $20. Parking employees have the authority to remove bicycle locks for this reason when a request is received.
Bicycle locks are NOT allowed to be locked to bike racks when no bike is present. Locks found attached to bike racks with no bike present will be considered abandoned property and will be cut, removed, and disposed of by Parking and Transportation Services.
The university and/or Parking and Transportation Services are not responsible for damage to property incidental to the removal process. This includes cables, locks and bicycles that are removed for any reason.
Repeat violators of bicycle parking regulations will be subject to escalated fines and may be referred to the Dean of Students and/or Office of Risk Management.
Refer to the University of Idaho Administrative Procedures Manual Section 80.05 A-12 for more information on management of bicycles on campus.


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The FirstStop Advice Service is a national service for housing, care, finance and rights issues for older people, their relatives, friends and professionals, comprising a telephone and email advice service, a website and, through local partners a face to face service which together with local and regional partners provides a seamless service to the user throughout England, with the intention of becoming UK wide in the future. The service is provided by the charity Elderly Accommodation Counsel (EAC) This Policy applies to the work of EAC as it relates to providing the FirstStop Service.
EAC is registered as the Data Controller under the terms of the Data Protection Act 1988. The registration number is Z6813565 and is due for renewal on 10 June 2012.
This registration covers the following services for FirstStop
Data Protection enquiries should be made to the Data Protection Officer, 3rd Floor,89 Albert Embankment London SE1 7TP.
2.1 Anyone processing personal data must comply with the eight enforceable principles of good practice.
2.2 Data must be:
FirstStop is committed to meeting its obligations under the Data Protection Act of 1998. FirstStop Advice will strive to observe the law in all collection and processing of subject data and will meet any subject access request in compliance with the law. FirstStop Advice will only use data in ways relevant to carrying out its legitimate purposes and functions in a way that is not prejudicial to the interests of individuals. FirstStop Advice has adopted a Code of Practice for Sharing Personal Information which we will adhere to when sharing personal personal information between the FirstStop partners.
3.1 Staff providing the FirstStop service will take due care in the collection and storage of any sensitive data and will do their utmost to keep all data accurate, timely and secure. Where notified of changes to personal data, FirstStop will amend records within 20 days of receipt of notification.
3.2 Staff providing the FirstStop service, whether permanent, temporary, or volunteers, must be aware of the requirements of the Data Protection Act when they collect or handle data about an individual and appropriate training will be provided.
3.3 FirstStop Partners providing the FirstStop service must not disclose data except within the Policy and Procedure on disclosures described in Paragraphs 10 and 11.
3.4 Data supplied to outside agencies must always be protected by a written contract.
3.5 All collection and processing must be carried out in good faith.
3.6 FirstStop Advice will keep records of all complaints by data subjects and any subsequent follow up. FirstStop will also keep a record of all data access requests. There will be a repository of all FirstStop statements of Data Protection Law compliance and information about any contacts made with the Data Protection Registrar. This information will be available to staff and data subjects on request.
3.7 FirstStop will inform subjects of any processing, disclosure or transfer that does not fall within FirstStop's purpose in a way that any individual supplying could be expected to understand.
3.8 FirstStop will keep Data Protection notification up to date.
FirstStop will only collect data that is relevant to the carrying out of the legitimate purposes and functions in a way that is not prejudicial to the interests of individuals. All data on individual subjects will be treated in a consistent way.
4.1 Subjects will be informed about how FirstStop will store and use the data at the time of collection. This will require a standard statement to be sent in all written requests for data and correspondence and a similar verbal script will be used for data collection by telephone.
4.2 Where FirstStop intends to use data for its main purposes, of responding to requests for information on care issues for older people, subjects will be deemed to have given their data for this purpose. If other use is to be made of the data, eg for the purpose of undertaking customer satisfaction surveys, they will be offered an opt-out for any mailings beyond this core purpose. FirstStop will honour this opt-out to the best of its ability.
4.3 Data may be collected by the use of a telephone monitoring system which is used to improve both staff training and the quality of the services offered by FirstStop.
4.4 FirstStop will strive to ensure that data collection is as accurate as is possible.
4.5 Data may be stored in many ways such as databases, manual files or Word or Excel files. The data will be collected consistently no matter where the data is to be stored.
5.1 There are various categories of sensitive data relating to individuals. These include (a) racial or ethnic origin (b) physical or mental health (c) lifestyle, (d) sexuality (e) religious or cultural beliefs.
5.2 FirstStop undertakes not to collect sensitive data where it is unnecessary to do so to further FirstStop's purpose of providing an effective information and advice service. One example of these are where a caller is looking for a care home to meet social and cultural needs in relation to their ethnic origin or religious background. Another example is where FirstStop is searching for housing solutions to cater for an older person with dementia.
5.3 FirstStop will strive to ensure that sensitive data is accurately identified on collection. The key questions relating to sensitive data on the CRM client recording system can be easily identified. The other key area of recording sensitive data is within the notes box of the CRM as part of the case history narrative.
6.1 A Data Table will be kept showing all data collection processes/points throughout FirstStop and the type of data collected within each process/point and its usage.
6.2 Staff are responsible for ensuring that all personal and where appropriate sensitive personal data is collected accurately and fully. Staff are responsible for ensuring that sensitive data is identified when collected.
6.3 Staff will obtain permission from the subject that their data will be stored at the time of collection and transferred within the partner organisations providing the FirstStop service on the Customer Relations Management System.
6.4 All personal information should be dated at the time of collection so that records can be archived/anonymised at an appropriate time.
7.1 When personal data,including personal sensitive data is collected by FirstStop the following statement must be included in all written forms, letters and web/email communications:
7.2 First Stop will store and process your data in accordance with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998. FirstStop will not provide your information to any organisations apart from FirstStop partners without your express permission. FirstStop may contact you in relation to customer satisfaction surveys, which are an integral part of our service. Please tick the box or contact us if you do not want your data to be used in this way ?
7.3 Emails transmitted by FirstStop will display the following statement:
'This message contains information that may be privileged or confidential and is the property of FirstStop. It is intended only for the person to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, you are not authorised to read, print, retain, copy, disseminate, distribute, or use this message or any part thereof. If you receive this message in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete all copies of this message.
Email is not a secure communications medium. Please be aware of this when replying.'
8.1 FirstStop will only hold data that is relevant to the carrying out of its legitimate purposes and functions, in a way that is not prejudicial to the interests of individuals. Information will be accurate and timely and will be held in an environment as secure as possible. FirstStop Partners will be responsible for ensuring that all regular data care procedures are fully and conscientiously followed. All manual files and databases will be kept up to date and will be archived or destroyed from 2 years of the last contact (as determined by the nature of the data held. Where data is held in a paper format, procedures for the disposal of confidential waste will apply e.g. shredding.
8.2 Data no longer required for the legitimate purposes of FirstStop will be purged from computer systems from 2 years after the last contact..
All individual data will be kept secure, by regular office security procedures or through the controls over the computer network. Sensitive data will be treated with appropriate security.
8.3 Data processing within FirstStop, including data sharing by FirstStop partners will only take place in accordance with the FirstStop Code of Practice
8.4 Where data is passed to a third party for processing, FirstStop will ensure that a written contract is in place that states that the agent will work within First Stop's data protection policy. Control of the data will not be allowed to move to the third party.
9.1 All forms of data processing should be included in the Data Table. Any changes to data storage or processing to be recorded.
9.2 All staff must take responsibility for following through any data care work required of them to maintain accurate data systems. They are also responsible for any records they keep in any filing systems.
9.3. Archiving policies for data no longer needed in our storage systems will be set up for all data stores. A clear justification must be supplied for personal data to be kept beyond two years.
9.4. Any mailings generated from stored data will observe opt out choices in good faith.
10.1 All paper files containing personal data will be stored in a secure location. We will take all possible steps to prevent unauthorised access to the offices where FirstStop data is kept and due care will be taken to ensure the security of data in lockable filing cabinets. No documents containing personal data must be left on desks or in unlocked cabinets when not in use.
10.2 Any documents that contain personal data will be shredded.
10.3 All possible steps will be taken to maintain effective security for the whole of the computer system. Access to information stored on computer systems, including laptops should be appropriately password protected. Staff and volunteers will take all necessary steps to avoid careless loss of data, including when working remotely.
11.1 FirstStop will not allow personal and sensitive personal data collected from subjects to be disclosed to third parties except in circumstances which meet the requirements of the Data Protection Act. This will be where either the subject has consented to the disclosure, there is a serious risk of harm, where FirstStop receives information which may prevent a crime or assist in the detection of a crime, or where FirstStop is legally obliged to disclose the data.
12.1 Any general disclosure must be recorded in the Data Table held by the Data Protection Officer and that each class of disclosure includes a clear justification as to why the disclosure is taking place.
12.2 Any new disclosure to be made must be checked for suitability with the Data Protection Officer beforehand who may refer to the Data Protection registrar for advice and guidance.
12.3 Any request for data based on a legal requirement, e.g. from Police or other body, must be put in writing and be checked by the Data protection Officer against the advice of the Data Protection Registrar before any data is disclosed.
FirstStop will provide information in response to any reasonable subject access request and will ensure that data is kept in an accessible form to facilitate such subject access.
13.2 FirstStop will make every effort to ensure that immediate action is taken when a data access request is received. The Data Protection Officer will be informed immediately.
13.3 A standard letter (amended as appropriate) will be sent to the subject stating FirstStop policy on subject access. This will promise to provide the required data to the best of FirstStop's ability within 20 days. FirstStop reserves the right to ask for a maximum payment of up to £10.
13.4 A search will be set up by the Data Protection Officer to ensure that all relevant data will be collected and collated ready to present to the subject. This will include all relevant electronic data and manual files. Information on data collection, storage, processing and transfer may also be required and statements will be prepared in advance. All relevant information will be prepared ahead.
13.5 The relevant information will be sent by email or registered post
14.1 FirstStop will respond to any complaints as quickly as possible. Any letter or contact we receive in relation to the Data Protection Act, that questions our policy and/or procedure will be acknowledged within 5 working days, and responded to in full within 25 working days.
14.2 The Data Protection Officer will be advised without delay, of any complaints or queries relating to Data Protection policy or issues (as in 14.1 above)
14.3 Records will be kept of all correspondence for 5 years.
15.1 Notify the Data Protection Officer of the receipt of the complaint / query.
15.2 Copy all relevant documentation to the Data Protection Officer.
15.3 The Data Protection Officer will maintain a record of actions taken by staff to resolve a complaint or query.
15.4 Advise the Data Protection Officer of any further correspondence and developments as they occur.
15.5 On completion, records must be kept for 5 years
The Data Protection Officer will report on all Data Protection matters to the FirstStop Project Management Group on an annual basis, and this report will also go to the Boards of Trustees of the individual FirstStop partner organisations.
FirstStop will convey its policies on Data Protection and Privacy to the public by including the following document on its websites. A printed version will also be available through the Advice Line, by request.
Please see separate Privacy Policy page on this site
This Data Protection Policy will be reviewed on a regular basis.
A partnership agreement between FirstStop and Preston Care & Repair, signed on 1st July 2015, aims to imp
This week sees the launch of an upgrade to EAC's popular online HOOP tool - both the national or universa
The Department has sponsored FirstStop since 2009, and is supporting its expansion during 2015-16.
Comic Relief funded FirstStop's Managing Money Better project, including our housing and care costs toolkit.
Nationwide is funding our 'Live safely and well at home' project including events across the country.
FirstStop is led by the charity Elderly Accommodation Counsel (EAC) working in partnership with other national and local organisations.© 2015 Elderly Accommodation Counsel, 3rd Floor, 89 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7TP. Registered charity number 292552. Company number 1955490.
Web Development by AccuWeb


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Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin killed -- BREAKING NEWS
Steve Irwin, also known as The Crocodile Hunter, has been killed. Aussie media and CNN are reporting that he was killed by a stingray barb that went through his chest. He was snorkeling at north Queensland's Batt Reef at the time, where he was filming an underwater documentary. A friend of his told CNN that Irwin accidentally swam up on top of a stingray in the sand and it attacked, out of self defense.
Steve Irwin became a reptile enthusiast at a young age. He was only eight years old when his father moved the family to Queensland and opened up a small reptile park. Irwin took over the family business in 1991 and turned it into the Australia Zoo. According to Wikipedia, The Crocodile Hunter television show was created in 1992 from footage of crocodile trapping/antics on his honeymoon with his American wife, Terri. His outrageous personality made him an instant hit in the United States.
Irwin was 44 years old. He leaves behind a wife, Terri, and two young children, Bob and Bindi.


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The Middle East Digest provides text and audio from the Daily Press Briefing. For the full briefings, please visit daily press briefings.
From the Daily Press Briefing of September 28, 2011
MS. NULAND: The Secretary is meeting with Foreign Minister Amr later this afternoon. They will also have a joint press availability where they will both be able to speak about the meeting, and they'll answer some questions. So I don't want to go too deeply except to say that it is obviously a very important time in Egypt. The Egyptians have just called the dates of the first round of elections later in November. We have a broad and deep relationship, working to support the democratic transition in Egypt that is underway, and I think they'll review all aspects of our bilateral relationship as well as the regional situation and Egypt's relationship with its neighbors, et cetera.
QUESTION: Okay. Okay. Egypt's relationship with one particular neighbor is what I'm interested in. How concerned are you about the situation between Egypt and Israel, and does this complicate peace efforts?
MS. NULAND: Well, I'm sure if asked, the Secretary will speak to this after the meeting, but you know where we have been. We were very concerned at the time of the incident. We made representations to the Egyptian Government, but we have been encouraged by the responsible statements since there – then, both on the Egyptian side and on the Israeli side, seeking to calm relations. And we've been particularly encouraged by high-level statements from the Egyptian side reconfirming its commitments, its longstanding international commitments.
QUESTION: And then this is the last one. On the – domestically within Egypt, there was – you had expressed some concern about the re-imposition of the emergency law. Is that something that's likely to come up?
MS. NULAND: I would guess that that is something that's likely to come up. I think you know where we have been on the emergency law, that we had advocated its cancellation, and we still stand with that.
QUESTION: Just to stay in the region, yesterday you were asked a couple of questions about the nature of U.S.-Israeli contact over the Gilo settlement construction announcement. One, I am aware that you put out a taken question. But can you tell us, one, whether you had any kind of a heads-up from the Israeli Government about this or not? And then I have a second one.
MS. NULAND: I think I don't want to go any further than what we said in our taken question yesterday except to say that we have had consultations with the Israelis on this issue since the announcement at senior levels.
QUESTION: And with – at what levels? I mean, the ambassador or the Secretary or – yesterday, you said you would try to get us – in fact, you said, "Let me get you more detail on who talked to whom." So who talked to whom?
MS. NULAND: Ambassador Oren of Israel spoke to Deputy Secretary Burns and also spoke to Under Secretary of State Sherman yesterday.
QUESTION: And were those telephone conversations or was he asked to come to the building to discuss the matter?
MS. NULAND: They were both in person.
QUESTION: And would it be fair to say – forgive me – was he summoned? Is that an accurate description – or called in?
MS. NULAND: My understanding was that both encounters were already on the books. One was at another event and one was scheduled in the building.
QUESTION: And then the other thing was, did you get a heads-up or not? And the reason I ask that is that we look at these things from the outside. Friday afternoon, the Quartet, of which the United States Government is a member, issued a statement urging both parties to get back to the negotiating table, laying out a timeline, and specifically asking both sides to avoid provocative acts.
As you well know, over the course of many years, "avoid provocative acts," although it's not spelled out, at least one aspect of it on the Israeli side has been settlement construction and to avoid settlement construction. I look at this, one looks at this from the outside. Friday, you make a request; Tuesday, the Israeli Government does something that presumably directly violates what you're encouraging them to do.
So the reason I asked the question about whether there was a heads-up, and I think I explained this in the briefing yesterday, was that if there was a heads-up, maybe that implies that there is some kind of an effort on the Israeli Government's part for you to understand what they're doing and why they're doing it, why Gilos is maybe different. So I think it's a reasonable question as to whether there was a heads-up. It may be that as – I mean, as you know, this is a multistage process, so it may be that you don't expect a heads-up for something that was announced originally in 2009.
So I think it's a fair question to ask whether the Administration at any level, including at the Embassy, had any kind of a heads-up that this was coming just four days after the Quartet statement.
MS. NULAND: Arshad, I understand why you are asking. I am not prepared to go any further in discussing our private diplomatic consultations with the Israelis beyond what the Secretary said publicly very clearly yesterday, and the additional comments that I made today.
QUESTION: Can you explain why? I mean, what is so sensitive about knowing whether or not you had a heads-up?
MS. NULAND: We're trying to get these parties back to the table. We need to do that work behind closed doors and encourage the best movement we can back to the Quartet proposal that's on the table.
QUESTION: Why is it so difficult to go beyond what you had said yesterday --
MS. NULAND: I think I --
QUESTION: -- on the issue of the settlement? I mean, you have a historical position, actually, that claimed that the settlement activities were illegal, but then they became unhelpful and so on. So why is it so difficult to issue a very strong statement saying that we expect the Israelis, our allies and beneficiaries or whatever, to do one-two-three for peace? Why is that so difficult?
MS. NULAND: I think the Secretary issued a very strong statement yesterday, which I'm not able to improve on, frankly.
QUESTION: I wasn't here yesterday for the briefing. I apologize for not being able to torment you then.
MS. NULAND: We missed you.
QUESTION: But I'll try again now, or I'll try to now. You – does the U.S. regard housing units in East Jerusalem, as opposed to the West Bank, as settlement activity?
MS. NULAND: We spoke to this issue yesterday. The Secretary, and obviously from --
QUESTION: You spoke to that specific issue? I'm sorry, was --
MS. NULAND: We spoke to this housing construction in --
QUESTION: The Israelis make a distinction --
MS. NULAND: -- East Jerusalem yesterday.
QUESTION: And do you regard that as settlement activity? The Israelis make a distinction between East Jerusalem and – between Jewish neighborhoods – between construction in Jewish neighborhoods in East Jerusalem and construction in the West Bank, which they say are settlements. They say Jerusalem, East or West, is not home to any settlements. What's the U.S. position on that?
MS. NULAND: The Secretary was very clear yesterday in saying that we --
QUESTION: Well, I'm sorry, she never was asked – she was not asked, nor did she answer that question that I just asked.
MS. NULAND: She was asked how we feel about the construction of these 1,100 units in East Jerusalem, and she said very clearly that we consider it counterproductive.
QUESTION: I understand that, but do you accept the Israeli position that what happens with East Jerusalem is – are not settlements?
MS. NULAND: I'm here to represent the U.S. position, which I think I've just done.
QUESTION: Okay. So you don't take any position on that is what I'm understanding from you. So do you think that regardless of whether they are settlements, as the Palestinians would argue and as many other people would say, in East – whether it's a settlement or not, but the construction there changes the situation on the ground?
MS. NULAND: I think we've said what we wanted to say on this, which is it was counterproductive. I'm not prepared to go any deeper or any broader or change the adjective. I'm sorry.
QUESTION: Can – well, I'm not asking you to change the adjective. I'm just saying that bricks-and-mortar construction on the ground, does that change the situation on the ground?
MS. NULAND: We've said it is counterproductive.
QUESTION: Well, that doesn't – it's counter --
MS. NULAND: I apologize if that's unsatisfactory to you, Matt. It's what I have to say on it.
QUESTION: It's just not an answer to the question. I realize that you're under orders not to say anything, but it's mind-boggling to me how you guys can just kind of say that something is counterproductive when it actually changes the situation on the ground as opposed to something that you absolute – said absolutely does not change the situation on the ground, which is the Palestinian bid for statehood at the UN. And for something that is – that does demonstrably change the situation on the ground, all you're prepared to do is say that it's counterproductive, and yet for something that doesn't change the situation on the ground, you're prepared to use the weight of U.S. veto to stop it. Can you answer --
MS. NULAND: We missed, you, Matt.
QUESTION: Can you answer the question as to why you're responding to the two differently? Is it because you don't have veto power over the Israeli – you don't have any power or persuasion over the Israeli Government?
MS. NULAND: Matt, you know where we are. We've been absolutely clear, the Secretary's been clear, the President's been clear. We want to see --
QUESTION: It just seems to me that --
MS. NULAND: We want to see a Palestinian state living next to Israel, side by side, both states in peace, both states feeling secure. The way to achieve that is to take advantage of the proposal that the Quartet has put on the table. That's the direction that we are working in. We considered this announcement yesterday counterproductive.
QUESTION: Right.
MS. NULAND: We said that very clearly, we said it publicly, we said it privately. Our effort is – continues to be to try to get these parties back to the table.
QUESTION: Well, it sounds as though your response – I'm sure the Israelis are very appreciative of your response. It's very biblical. You've been slapped in the face in your responses; you're going to turn the other cheek and not do anything about it. Is that correct?
MS. NULAND: Kim, did you have something?
QUESTION: On this, yes. Following up on Arshad, it sounds as though the reason why you are unwilling to say whether you got a heads-up from the Israeli Government about this announcement is because you didn't get one, and you – it feels like a slap in the face of the United States, but you don't want to say this publicly because you don't want to embarrass your ally.
MS. NULAND: Again, I'm not going to comment on our private discussion with the Israelis on this except to say that we made the same points privately that we've made publicly here and will continue do so.
QUESTION: On the --
QUESTION: I'm sorry. On the Quartet, I mean, what are the Palestinians telling you if they're talking to American officials at all about whether they will consider this, particularly in light of the Israeli announcement on Gilo?
MS. NULAND: Our understanding is that the Palestinians are studying the proposal, that there are meetings ongoing, in fact, in Ramallah today and tomorrow. We look forward to their formal answer --
QUESTION: Meetings between the Palestinians?
MS. NULAND: Among Palestinians – and that there are also discussions ongoing in Israel, and we look forward to hearing both sides' formal responses to the proposal, and we hope that they both take advantage of the opportunity before them.
QUESTION: Yes. A quick follow-up, Victoria. Are you warning the Israelis against incitement by settlers against the Palestinians? Because there have been ads in, let's say, places like Paris and so on, especially by the JDL France and other groups, even in the United States, that actually call for volunteers to defend the settlers against the Palestinian occupiers. I mean, it's very – quite volatile and blatant and strong kind of incitement. Do you warn the Israelis against such a thing, or do you warn them to tone it down?
MS. NULAND: We've urged both sides to be – to urge calm, to be vigilant with regard to security during this period, and to encourage both Palestinians and Israelis to exercise restraint and to support a process of negotiation.
QUESTION: On this issue but apart from – but completely not having anything to do with settlements, the Security Council today took this next step –
MS. NULAND: Yes.
QUESTION: -- and will meet again on Friday. Can you explain – is the U.S. or any other country, any other member of the Council in a position to stop this from going forward now? If it is, why didn't you stop it today? What do you expect will happen on Friday? And how will the U.S. vote or present its argument on Friday? What's the mechanism for that?
MS. NULAND: The – as we said yesterday, Monday, with this request put forward by the Palestinians, the Security Council has to walk through a number of procedural, legal, analytical hoops. It is now doing that. My understanding is that today's meeting at the UN – and I'd refer you to USUN for more details – was to take the next procedural step, which is to establish the committee – and it's a committee of the whole – to review the application. We have been supportive of the procedural issues going forward. We think this is going to take some time, and we, at the same time, are urging the parties to use this time to avail themselves of the timelines put forward by the Quartet and to get back to negotiations.
QUESTION: Okay. Why – but – so – but you could have stopped it. The Council and this kind of thing operates on a consensus basis, yes? Or it just --
MS. NULAND: I'm going to send you to USUN for exactly how the procedures work up there.
QUESTION: Okay. Well, is there –
MS. NULAND: But we obviously have not had difficulty with the UN working through its procedural and legal analysis.
QUESTION: Okay. Can I –
QUESTION: You have or have not?
MS. NULAND: Have not.
QUESTION: Can I ask why? You've already come out and said you're going to veto this. Why not stop it before it even gets to that stage?
MS. NULAND: Again, there are a lot of steps that have to be taken. There's a lot of consultation going on up there. We continue to make the case in the context of those discussions, but more broadly, that if you care about getting to Palestinian statehood, the place to do this is not in New York --
QUESTION: Right.
MS. NULAND: -- but at the negotiating table. We'll continue to make that case, but we didn't feel it was necessary to block the procedural steps and analytical steps that are ongoing in New York.
QUESTION: Okay. Then can you explain what you expect to happen on Friday or do you, I mean –
MS. NULAND: Again, my –
QUESTION: Some people are presenting it as that there's actually going to be a decision or there could be a vote, yes or no, on this. Is that not your understanding?
MS. NULAND: Our understanding is that there's quite a bit of work ahead, that this committee that was formed today may have its first meeting next week – at the end of this week. But again, I would – going to refer you to USUN for the exact timetable.
QUESTION: Toria, considering that Portugal is on the Security Council, did the Secretary of State discuss this very issue of the vote on the Palestinian issue with the Portuguese foreign minister?
MS. NULAND: She did, and she spoke about it publicly yesterday. So I refer you to her remarks yesterday.
QUESTION: But did she try to persuade them one way or another?
MS. NULAND: They had a very good conversation. I think if you go back to the transcript of their press conference, you'll see that we're very much aligned with Portugal on this issue.
QUESTION: Okay. So you feel that Portugal is in support of the U.S. position on this issue?
MS. NULAND: Again, the Portuguese minister spoke quite eloquently about his own government's position. So I will refer you to his remarks yesterday.
QUESTION: He did, and you just said that the U.S. and Portugal are very much aligned on this issue. The foreign minister, if I'm not mistaken, said in his comments that if there were to be a resumption of negotiations, Portugal as a member of the Council, would be prepared to support an upgrade in Palestinian status at the UN.
MS. NULAND: Again, I'm not –
QUESTION: Is that what you're talking about when you say you're very much – as long as the negotiations have started? That's exactly what he said, and that's exactly what you just said. You said you were very much aligned with the Portuguese.
MS. NULAND: The Portuguese minister obviously speaks for Portugal. The bulk of the discussion between the Secretary and the Portuguese minister was on the importance of getting the parties back to the negotiating table. I think the minister was extremely eloquent about Portugal's support for –
QUESTION: Yes, you –
MS. NULAND: -- the parties coming back to the negotiating table.
QUESTION: He was. But when you say that you are very much aligned with the Portuguese on this, and the Portuguese say that they will support an upgrade in the Palestinian status if there is a resumption of negotiations, does that mean that you are – that's your position as well, when you're very much aligned with them?
MS. NULAND: We are strongly aligned on the importance of getting back to the negotiating table.
QUESTION: (Inaudible) because there are three African members on the Council.
MS. NULAND: Right.
QUESTION: And they had initially taken the position of the African Union. But there has been some sort of stepping back by Gabon and Nigeria in the last week. But now, it seems that the African Union is pressuring these three countries, the few countries along with South Africa, to actually support the Palestinian effort. Are you conversely trying to pressure Nigeria and Gabon to either abstain or vote no?
MS. NULAND: As you saw last week with the President's meetings, the Secretary's meetings, our diplomatic effort has been very intensive not only with all the Security Council members, but with all the countries that our leaders were able to meet with in New York to try to make our case that the best way to a viable settlement is through negotiations. So we will continue to make that case, and we have been making it.
QUESTION: Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu, one of – in his interviews – I believe one of the major networks in the U.S. – stated that Israel has been building settlements in Jerusalem for decades, and the U.S. Administration has been – had been okay with this. And it is the U.S. Administration who changes its policy. Would you be able to tell us that, in fact, the U.S. Administration was okay with the building settlements in Jerusalem in recent decades?
MS. NULAND: I think you know where this Administration is at this time on this issue. Thanks.
QUESTION: Another subject, Syria?
MS. NULAND: Yeah, mm-hmm.
QUESTION: Also at the United Nations, this draft resolution, the Europeans seem to be weakening it or softening the position, apparently removing sanctions in order to get the Russians and the Chinese onboard. I know it's in a state of flux right now because it is a draft, but are you fearful that this is beginning to fall apart?
MS. NULAND: Well, as you know, this was also very much the subject of the Secretary's diplomacy and the President's diplomacy last week at the United Nations to make the case to Security Council members and to others that it's time for the international community to speak strongly with one voice to the Asad regime about its brutality. So we are consulting the EU-4. As you have noted, France, UK, Germany, and Portugal have a new draft resolution that's just been tabled in New York. We are working with them on it. We are also working with other Security Council members on this issue. It came up in the Secretary's meeting with Foreign Minister Lavrov of Russia, it came up in the Secretary's meeting with Foreign Minister Yang of China, that we've really got to send a strong signal.
We want a resolution with teeth. We want a resolution that makes absolutely clear to the Asad regime that the violence needs to end, that must have international monitors in Syria, and that there will be consequences. So we are continuing to negotiate that resolution, but we believe the time has more than come for the UN Security Council to speak out, and we are encouraging all of our Security Council partners to, as the Secretary has said, get on the right side of history and help end this violence through strong international actions.
QUESTION: But it sounds like you're not getting very far. I mean, they are --
MS. NULAND: Again, this new draft was just tabled. I think the Secretary was – felt that she was able to have a good airing on this issue, make clear how strongly we feel about it in New York. So let's let the negotiators do their work. But you know what we are looking for.
QUESTION: Can you have a resolution with consequences but not have sanctions imposed on Syria?
MS. NULAND: Again, I don't want to get ahead of the negotiations in New York. We want to send a very, very strong message to the Syrian regime. We want it to have teeth. We want to see other countries join the U.S. and the EU in the strong kinds of sanctions that we've already taken.
QUESTION: But I heard you right that you want it with consequences?
MS. NULAND: We want the Syrian regime to feel consequences if it does not hear the will of the international community.
QUESTION: And when you say consequences, you mean sanctions?
MS. NULAND: Again, you know where we are. We have sanctioned the Syrian Government strongly. So has the EU. We are encouraging all our other partners to do the same.
QUESTION: So consequences in this case means sanctions?
MS. NULAND: We – let's let this --
QUESTION: The reason that I'm asking this, Toria, is that a previous administration used the word "consequences" to mean invasion and taking over. Are you --
MS. NULAND: Thank you for that opportunity to clarify, Matt. You know what we've been saying in Syria, that we do not believe that there is a military solution to this.
QUESTION: So consequences in this case is – just means sanctions?
MS. NULAND: Tightening the noose on the – the economic and political noose on the Syrian regime.
QUESTION: And also on Syria, there has been a call from some in the opposition there for a no-fly zone to be imposed. I'm not exactly quite sure of the details of this, but – and how it would work. And I'm not sure how much Syria has been using air power, if they even have much of an air force beyond the wrecks of MIGs that are on the airport in Damascus. But is this something the U.S. would be prepared to consider?
MS. NULAND: Our sense of this is that the vast majority of those in the Syrian opposition do not want foreign military intervention of any kind. There have been a few calls, as you have cited, but there is no consensus among the Syrian opposition. Our view is that the number one thing that we can do to help them is to get international monitors in there, because this is an environment where there's no press, there's no open reporting of what's going on. We need witnesses so that we can hold Asad to account.
QUESTION: So does that suggest that the Syrian opposition is not yet as mature as, say, the Libyans were? You're not sure that some disparate groups calling for this and that or something else are actually representative of the vast – yet of the broader Syrian public?
MS. NULAND: Our point is that at this moment, our assessment is that the vast majority of those in the Syrian opposition want this to end peacefully, want to react to their government's brutality peacefully, don't want military intervention. So this situation is different, as we've said, than it was in Libya.
QUESTION: So we understand clearly, we asked Mark on Monday, and he suggested that the Syrian demonstrators had the right to defend themselves. So that's, in essence, if they pick up arms to defend themselves, it's something that will be sanctioned by the United States of America?
MS. NULAND: Well, you're getting us into hypotheticals.
QUESTION: I understand. I'm just saying --
MS. NULAND: I think what Mark was referring to is we've said for a long time here --
QUESTION: Right, right.
MS. NULAND: -- that the Syrian opposition has been largely peaceful.
QUESTION: Right.
MS. NULAND: There have now been some incidents of opposition folk taking up arms – very rarely, few and far between when they have. Our assessment is that it's been largely in self-defense and that, again, the vast majority of Syrian opposition want to continue to be postured with that moral authority of being nonviolent. And that's what they are aspiring to.
QUESTION: The reason I ask – and I clarified at the time – there are elements within the Syrian opposition that claim that this support actually goes beyond just that; that in essence, when they say people are – have the right to defend themselves, then there's room to actually evolve into a Libya-like situation where ultimately there will be some sort of military or NATO support forthcoming. Could you comment on that?
MS. NULAND: Again, we don't believe that there is a military solution in Syria. We need a political solution. We need the ability of the opposition to participate in a political transformation towards a democratic future for Syria. That's what they want. That's what we support on their behalf.
QUESTION: Yemen? There was a new report today that Mr. Saleh returned to Saudi Arabia. Do you know anything about that?
MS. NULAND: I think we spoke – returned to Saudi Arabia?
QUESTION: Yes. Today. Yes.
MS. NULAND: No. I had not heard that. That's interesting.
QUESTION: Could you find out --
MS. NULAND: If we have anything more for you on that, we'll let you know.
Please, in the back.
QUESTION: White House said yesterday that aid to Pakistan is always under review. Does that mean in any way that civilian assistance can also be withdrawn in case Pakistan refuses to take action against Haqqani Network?
MS. NULAND: Our posture hasn't changed with regard to civilian assistance. At the current moment, our civilian assistance continues.
QUESTION: And there have been some meetings in Pakistan. Ambassador Munter has been meeting the president and other officials there. Is this an effort to calm down the tempers, particularly after aggressive statements have been made by the Pakistanis as well, and if there have been other contacts between Washington and Islamabad as well?
MS. NULAND: I think we spoke to this yesterday. We are using all of our senior-level channels, including our ambassador. But Secretary Clinton also met with Foreign Minister Khar, and her defense and CIA counterparts have also met with their Pakistani counterparts because we need to work through these issues, frankly. And that's what we're trying to do without a lot of hype and without a lot of rhetoric, and yes, to have a strong working relationship, first and foremost, to deal with the Haqqani Network problem and then to go on on the other counterterrorism issues.
QUESTION: And have you seen an indication that in these meetings that these issues can be resolved?
MS. NULAND: We continue to believe that we can work this through with Pakistan and that we must work it through with Pakistan.
QUESTION: If I could follow up on that --
MS. NULAND: Yeah.
QUESTION: Did Admiral Mullen go too far in calling Haqqani the veritable arm of the ISI? Is that the phrase that this Administration would use?
MS. NULAND: We spoke to this yesterday. Admiral Mullen expressed the views of the Administration that the safe havens that Haqqani exploits are extremely dangerous, that we've got to work on this together. I'm – we're not going to go backwards. We need to go forwards here with the Pakistani Government, and we need to work on this issue together. Pakistanis have suffered greatly from terrorism. Together we have killed and wrapped up more terrorists in Pakistan than anywhere else in the world, and we need to continue to do that.
QUESTION: As part of your effort to go forward, are you trying to temper the impression left my Admiral Mullen's language? Or does the Administration still stand foursquare behind everything he said in Congressional testimony, including that the Haqqani Network is a veritable arm of the ISI?
MS. NULAND: Again, we need to work together on Haqqani with Pakistan. That is what we are working on together. All principals of this government are in touch with their counterparts and will continue to --
QUESTION: But do you stand behind --
QUESTION: How would you define --
QUESTION: Do you stand behind his testimony?
MS. NULAND: We stand behind his conclusion that this safe haven is extremely dangerous, that we must work on it together. Admiral Mullen also made the point that we have no choice, the U.S. and Pakistan, but to tackle this together.
QUESTION: But how would you define – how would the State Department define the relationship between ISI and the Haqqani Network?
MS. NULAND: Again, that's not an issue for this Department. That's an intelligence question.
QUESTION: Mullen also made point of having evidence of ISI's involvement in the Embassy attack in Kabul. so --
MS. NULAND: I'm not going to get into intelligence in any way.
QUESTION: -- what I'm asking is that if there is such evidence, has it been shared with the Pakistani authorities at any level?
MS. NULAND: I'm not going to get into intelligence in any way.
QUESTION: Madam --
QUESTION: Isn't --
QUESTION: But didn't you say yesterday that you were making a strong case to the Pakistanis, or you had made a strong case in this regard?
MS. NULAND: We are making a strong case that this has to be tackled together, but I'm not going to get into any intelligence specifics.
QUESTION: But you just said that that's not an issue for this Department. Any relationship that the ISI may have with Haqqani Network is not an issue for this Department?
MS. NULAND: The issue of our mutual requirement to tackle this threat is obviously something that we are all engaged in and all working on together. But I thought the question was taking me into the activities or lack thereof of the intelligence services of Pakistan, which we're obviously counterparts with the foreign ministry of Pakistan, so --
QUESTION: Well, but – so anything that has to do with intelligence, not only do you not talk about but the building doesn't care about?
MS. NULAND: We're not going to speak about the intelligence (inaudible) --
QUESTION: I mean, but it is an issue for this building. At least I would hope if the ISI has got a relationship with the Haqqani Network, that's something that the State Department is concerned about, if one exists. Whether you're going to talk about it or not is another question, but it certainly – it better be an issue for this building, no?
MS. NULAND: The issue of tackling counterterrorism in Pakistan is very much an issue for this building.
QUESTION: Can I go back to Yemen if there's nothing more on this?
QUESTION: Madam --
MS. NULAND: I think we have one more from Goyal.
QUESTION: Yes. You said Pakistanis have suffered a lot or a great deal of terrorism. But they're the one who created it, number one. Number two, as far as what Admiral Mullen is saying, that U.S. has no choice, do you believe that U.S. has no choice after knowing that the hub of terrorism and the safe haven is Pakistan, and you have no choice?
MS. NULAND: The U.S. and Pakistan need to work on these issues together. It's a threat to both of them, and we are committed to working on these issues together.
Can we --
QUESTION: And also – oh, I'm sorry. Also Pakistan had warned yesterday any action – unilateral action taken by the U.S. against Pakistan will be face consequences and U.S. will pay a heavy price. Do you have any comments on that?
MS. NULAND: Goyal, I think you know where we are. Our strong preference and our intention is to try to handle these issues together with Pakistan.
QUESTION: And finally, is that a lot of think tanks are saying – and also foreign – finance minister of Pakistan was speaking at this Atlantic Council and he said that U.S. aid, $500 million is really like nothing. But what I'm asking you is: Are you – has he met anybody here as far as U.S. aid is concerned?
MS. NULAND: What – the Pakistani finance minister --
QUESTION: Yes, ma'am.
MS. NULAND: -- to my knowledge has not met anybody in the State Department. He may have met Ambassador Grossman, but I can check on that.
QUESTION: He told us that he met Thomas Nides.
MS. NULAND: Oh, that makes sense. Yeah. He may well have met the Deputy Secretary, Nides.
QUESTION: Yeah.
MS. NULAND: We'll check on that for you.
QUESTION: And one more, just finally. I'm sorry to interrupt you. Where do we go – or where U.S. goes from here now or as far as China-Pakistan alliance, one that used to be Pakistan-U.S. alliance? I mean, are you worried or are you supporting it? Are you concerned about this?
MS. NULAND: China also works closely with the United States on issues of counterterrorism. China and Pakistan work together on issues of counterterrorism. So we share an interest, all three countries, in working on these problems. This is part of why we established with our Turkish partners this Global Counterterrorism Forum, so we all need to continue to fight this fight.
QUESTION: And now Pakistan is seeking Chinese help to tackle down – tackle out the Haqqani Network, not the U.S. help.
MS. NULAND: That's an issue between the two of them. We are continuing to also try to work with Pakistan on the Haqqani problem.
QUESTION: Thank you.
QUESTION: Iran.
MS. NULAND: Please, back here.
QUESTION: There are some reports that China, Russia, and Iran is trying to build a new missile defense shield against NATO shield. Any comment on that? Is --
MS. NULAND: I have not seen those reports. I think you know where we are in our consultations with Russia. We would very much like to have missile defense cooperation both bilaterally with Russia and between NATO and Russia, and we have been consulting extensively on how we might be able to go forward with that. These are defensive systems, so they are designed to defend against aggression.
QUESTION: And last, any update about the U.S. mediation on Turkish-Israeli crisis? Because in Israel press, there are some reports that Ambassador to Tel Aviv Dan Shapiro has been involved now with this issue. Any update for us on this matter?
MS. NULAND: I think all U.S. officials who talk to Turkish interlocutors or Israeli interlocutors have been saying the same thing, which is that both of these countries are strong allies of the United States, and we want to see them improve their bilateral relationship.
QUESTION: Kind of out of left field, but Iran yesterday – or rather the official IRNA news agency quoted the head of Iran's navy as saying or as raising the prospect that Iran might send military ships close to the U.S. borders, presumably the Atlantic. Do you have any reason to believe that Iran actually intends to do this, any evidence that they have ships that can go that far? And are you worried about this?
MS. NULAND: We saw those reports. I'd simply say that, given the limited size and capability of the Iranian navy, they would be far better off focusing on the challenges closer to home, including reducing the potential for naval incidents in the Gulf and playing a constructive role in freedom of navigation and maritime issues at home and helping to counteract piracy in the Gulf of Aden, which is a far more close-to-home issue for them.
QUESTION: To your knowledge, are the Iranians involved at all in the counter-piracy initiatives, not just in the Gulf of Aden, but further down into the Indian Ocean?
MS. NULAND: To my knowledge, they are not involved in these multilateral efforts, U.S.-EU, U.S.-NATO.
QUESTION: Would they be welcome to such, if they wanted to, as you just suggested, put their small fleet of whatever ships they have to --
MS. NULAND: I think that if they took a stronger role off their own coast in countering piracy, as I've just said, we would all welcome that.
QUESTION: Can I go back to Yemen for a second?
MS. NULAND: Yeah.
QUESTION: Are you aware or has there been any contact between either President Saleh or members of his government since his return to – not – I don't know about this thing about him going back – but since he went back from Saudi to Yemen?
MS. NULAND: U.S. contact with members of his government?
QUESTION: Yes.
MS. NULAND: I believe that our Embassy there is in ongoing contact with members of his government as we continue to try to encourage, with or without his actually doing the necessary deed, which is to accept the GCC proposal. We're trying to encourage that dialogue between the government and the opposition on a road forward.
QUESTION: Did the Secretary have an opportunity – have the opportunity – because if she did, she didn't take it – to meet with Foreign Minister Al-Qirbi when he was in New York?
MS. NULAND: She didn't have a bilateral meeting with him. Whether she saw him on the margins of any of these other meetings, I don't know.
QUESTION: Is it possible to find out --
MS. NULAND: Yes.
QUESTION: -- if she did actually, even if it was just a pull-aside?
MS. NULAND: It is.
QUESTION: Thank you.
MS. NULAND: Jill.
QUESTION: Just one on Haqqani. It's kind of specific, but there was an MIA – Bowe, I think it is, Bergdahl – who is believed to be held by Haqqani, probably in Pakistan. And the question is: Does that influence or weigh upon the decision to list them as a terrorist organization?
MS. NULAND: With regard to the issue of whether to move from where we've been, which is to designate major kingpins of the Haqqani Network, to a blanket designation, as we said yesterday, that issue is under review. That review is based on the terrorist activities of the Haqqani Network. So obviously, if there are activities against specific Americans, that's part of the dossier. But we're continuing to look at the issue.
QUESTION: According to several news reports today, Turkish research – gas research ship and accompanying several Turkish ships as close as 80 kilometers from the American Noble Energy, where it is drilling in south of Cyprus. How do you view this tension? It's – according to captain of the Turkish ship, is – he can see the – Noble Energy platform from where they stand. Have you raised this issue with Turkish Government recently? This just happened today.
MS. NULAND: I can't speak to this issue that may or may not have happened today. You know where we have been on this issue. We continue to support the UN-led mediation on Cyprus, and we discourage any rhetoric or action that could negatively affect a peaceful settlement. I would note that there has recently been a request for the UN to engage in some sort of mediation on a revenue-sharing agreement for natural gas developed off of Cyprus, and we understand that the UN is considering that request, and we would consider that it would be quite constructive if the two communities could begin to work on deescalating tensions in a way similar to that.
QUESTION: Turkish side sees these gas exploration plants of the south as blocked to the direct negotiations for unification of the island. You just cited as well or indirectly as – UN position. What's the U.S. position on these – one side's gas drilling projects? Do you think it helps for the reunification process or it hurts?
MS. NULAND: I think we've spoken to this many times. We want to see a peaceful settlement of this issue under UN mediation. We want to see the island's resources shared between the communities. We are interested in this proposal for UN mediation of revenue-sharing. Overall, though, we would like to see a de-escalation of rhetoric and tension so that the UN process can move forward in a good environment.
QUESTION: Actually, European Union officials have suggested today that this issue can go to International Court, to The Hague. Can you support this idea?
MS. NULAND: Again, we would support some sort of mediation, but we – our fundamental issue is that the – we need a resolution of these longstanding Cyprus issues under the UN's auspices.
QUESTION: Is there any difference between UN and – European Union and U.S. approach to the issue? Because the – today, the Cyprus side has been frustrated by the approach of the European Union officials because they suggested The Hague for solution to this problem. But U.S. side has supported to Cyprus and supported these drilling activities as (inaudible) measures for the Cyprus, and it – you saw as a right of the Noble Energy in the Cyprus. Is there any differences – difference between European Union and U.S. approach to this issue?
MS. NULAND: I think if there is a dispute reconciliation resolution mechanism that could be agreed on by all concerned parties, that would ensure that the communities were able to share the resources. That would be something that we would be supportive of. But again, we're pleased to see that people are talking about resolving this dispute peacefully, deescalating the rhetoric, and more generally, putting our energy into supporting the UN process for Cyprus reconciliation.
QUESTION: Could you clarify --
MS. NULAND: I think we've done it on this issue. Thanks, guys, very much. Appreciate it.


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