Ben Cardin actually said...

"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."