It was, I thought, a great opportunity for those countries who have participated in NATO to point out the continuing relevance of our alliance.

Well, I know that the Marshall Islands is already experiencing the effects of climate change and that it is having an impact on rising sea levels, contamination of water, damage to homes and crops.

Unfortunately, Turkey has called on the major international oil and gas companies to withdraw their bids to seek a license for development of those gas deposits in Cyprus.

And if I am confirmed, I will do my best to listen; to understand the interests of all the stakeholders in this issue; and to work with our international partners, with the Congress, and with the government and the people of Kosovo to work…

One of the things that was touted in Chicago and that is talked about to address those fiscal challenges is the new Smart Defense Initiative.

So clearly, this is an issue that is going to require sustained engagement, leadership, and contacts.

We all thank you for taking on these very important jobs and look forward to hearing from you this afternoon.

Is there a general acceptance now by the Kosovars that those monasteries are important historical and religious--I don't want to use the term 'artifacts'--religious symbols?

the more we make sure that the regime and the people who are persecuting their opposition in Ukraine should know that they are under watch and their course of action should be changed.

So we ought to be directing assistance to them so that they can do the job that we know they can do.

We will continue to follow what goes on in the Ukraine very closely.

We ought to be saying something sooner rather than later.