We have a direct economic interest in the peaceful resolutions of the maritime disputes.

We want respect for human rights because that is not only our values, but it is also important for a stable country.

We want the countries to resolve them peacefully through direct negotiations.

The importance of our special relationship with Palau is most clearly manifested in the U.S. defense posture in the Asia-Pacific region.

The countries you are headed to are important U.S. partners in building regional stability and prosperity.

Senator Whitehouse has taken a very strong interest on these issues.

It is hard to have a sustainable democracy with that type of economic circumstance.

As you know, President Obama has the rebalance to Asia agenda.

By funding and ratifying this agreement, we will be meeting our commitments and demonstrating to Palau that our commitments are important.

I think your offices can help improve the relationship between two of our closest allies in the region.

As one of my first requests under your response to the chairman, will you use your office, the best that we can, to help resolve these open cases?

It was a remarkable opportunity. What Senator Menendez said about your uncle is absolutely true.

Well, Mr. Chairman, you are absolutely right, it is an easy question, but when you start to hear the requests from Members of the United States Senate we hope that your respect will continue.

As Senator Menendez said, this is a commitment of the entire family.

We are very appreciative of that, and the Diet's taken action to pass the necessary laws.

The Federal workforce has not had a better champion than you, and the Federal workforce... needs some champions.

I particularly want to acknowledge Senator McCain, on this day, where, as you might have seen, the Russian courts held Mr. Magnitsky guilty of certain crimes; whereas, the international community knows full well that Mr. Magnitsky was the…

We have the opportunity to make those advancements as we have their attention at the bargaining table.