John D. Negroponte: “You need to keep your eye on the funding for those programs so that it doesn't atrophy or disappear.”

We oppose the threat or use of force to resolve the disputes, as well as any action that hinders freedom of navigation.

In the absence of such international recognition and legal certainty, U.S. companies are unlikely to secure the necessary financing and insurance to exploit energy resources on the extended shelf.

I want to state categorically at the outset my conviction that United States support for U.N. peacekeeping operations is in the overwhelming national security interest of our country.

For the benefit of our country, I hope this is the year we finally become party to the Law of the Sea.