You need our consensus; therefore, back off, on different issues.

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

I raised the Iranian sanction compliance in all those countries.

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.

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…

The freedom of expression is very much not respected in the country.

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

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

There is a huge environmental challenge in Asia today.

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

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

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

Thank you very much, Mr. Berry.

We are going to put a spotlight on human rights issues.

This is our second hearing on the Rebalance to Asia policy.

It is very clear that this administration is committed to the rebalance in Asia, meaning a stronger U.S. presence in that region on security issues.

we have to be consistent

I would appreciate it if you could also just tell us how sincere you believe the Chinese would be.

I fully agree with that. As we deal with security issues in countries, we should be always promoting good governance values.

I think it has been extremely helpful in understanding the challenges of our policies in this region.

It seems to me that that region is going to be looking at that conference to judge the sincerity of the United States rebalancing strategy as far as security issues in Asia.

It is reasonable for us to insist upon mechanisms to improve good governance as the price of admission for a military-to-military operation.

The fortunes of the United States and our people are inextricably tied to the Asia-Pacific region.