Kerry's diplomatic trip

[karynnj]

The article on Kerry in the spotlight mentioned that he was in Afghanistan last weekend. Here are some articles on where he has been.

Afghanistan:

US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry, who met Afghan President Hamid Karzai at the Presidential Place in Kabul, said making the proposed strategic agreement ready to be signed by leaders of the two countries was a major success.

A statement issued from the Presidential Place quoted Kerry as congratulating President Karzai on behalf of the US Senate for finalising on the contents of the much-awaited accord.

Both leaders also discussed the situation in Afghanistan and the region, peace process and Pakistan’s role in this regard. They also conferred on other matters of mutual interest, the statement said.

The statement said President Karzai sought US continued cooperation in strengthening civil service organisations and implementing the basic infrastructure development projects in the country.

http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/international/29-Apr-2012/strategic-accord-a-major-success-john-kerry
(Note this is from the Pakistani "Nation" - not the liberal US one.

UAE:
http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/government/us-senator-john-kerry-visits-uae-1.1016240

Israel:

On the peace process with the PA, Peres said, “Yesterday, Abu Mazen delivered an impressive and encouraging speech. He stated that neither side can afford to wait until after the elections as neither side has the control over the situation and developments of the region. The following months are critical and we must navigate through this period with care and wisdom.”
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Senator Kerry told Peres, “If I can just say to you and to the people of Israel: I hope there is no doubt about President Obama’s seriousness and commitment that Iran should not have and cannot have A nuclear weapon. The President has made it clear that he is not talking about containment he is talking about prevention.” The President replied that he has complete confidence in US President Obama.

During the meeting, Senator Kerry emphasized that Iran is a strategic, not tactical, issue for the US in the framework of the supreme effort to rid the world of the threat of terrorism, and added that even as negotiations are held, the sanctions against Iran have not ended and will not end.

Regarding Egypt, Mr. Peres welcomed Amr Moussa’s remarks to the effect that the peace agreement with Egypt must continue to be upheld, and said that bilateral relations are now being tested. Senator Kerry informed the President that he will visit Egypt immediately after his visit to Israel.

NOTE - Abu Mazen is Palestinian leader Abbas

http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/General+News/126151/President-Peres-Meets-with-US-Senator-John-Kerry.html

Another account:
http://www.jpost.com/IranianThreat/News/Article.aspx?id=268272

Egypt:
http://www.jewishpress.com/news/breaking-news/senator-kerry-in-talks-with-muslim-brothers-presidential-candidate/2012/05/02/
(Interesting article written by what I think is a very conservative, Orthodox Jewish writer - he once wrote for Lubavitch News Service - Lubavitch is a Hasidic Jewish denomination.) I don't understand who they are speaking of in the last few paragraphs, but the main content is given in a positive way.

It is also interesting where Kerry did NOT go. A week or so ago, the Pakistani news was reporting a Kerry visit was planned - and it was denied by Kerry's spokesperson. Today, there is this article that speaks of other officials canceling visits. http://www.deccanherald.com/content/246382/2-top-us-officials-cancel.html

Could this be the administration playing a power game with Pakistan - not playing Pakistan's game?

[Inuca]

1. Thanks for the info

I was wondering what he was doing and where but had to time to dig.

[wisteria]

2. I am thinking what you are thinking.

And, thanks for posting the articles. I don't seem to have the time to keep up with everything anymore.