Ben Cardin

So we want you to give this the highest priority in trying to resolve.

For a democracy, that is an issue that is a major, major concern.

It is imperative that we maintain favorable relationships with all of our regional partners, including Palau.

The Obama administration is taking a strong leadership not just in the United States but internationally.

I think it is very important the President has been very actively engaged in the regional organizations, including ASEAN.

The problem in Timor-Leste is more with the police and excessive use of force.

In part because of our efforts, in part mostly because of the efforts of the Indonesian Armed Forces and the court system and the political leadership, there has been quite considerable improvement in the human rights performance of the…

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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 United States has a very strong position that these issues must be resolved peacefully with direct negotiations among the parties.

We strongly support your statement about accountability of those missing in action and that we get full accounts of all of our service men.

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