Press Release
☷Secretary Antony J Blinken With Darius Rochebin of LCI TF1 United States Department of State
U.S. Department of State ( By Press Release office)
Apr 04,2024
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Definitely , it would be a major shift for us with consequences . But our focus is on preventing any such escalation and avoiding a larger conflict . But at the same time , we have to support Ukraine because the Russians are still being aggressive and causing a lot of damage there . It ' s not just a threat to Ukraine , but to Europe too . SECRETARY BLINKEN: We ' re not excluding Russia or Putin , it ' s their actions and policies that determine their relations with the world . If their policies change , then anything is possible . But as of now , we haven ' t seen any evidence of that . Putin once again , very directly , even at a summit , Secretary Blinken: I hope there will come a day , hopefully sooner rather than later , when our relations with Russia will be quite different from what they are now . Unfortunately , that ' s not the case , and it ' s because of Mr . Putin ' s policies . QUESTION: So , just to clarify , he ' s not a pariah forever . Not necessarily . Secretary Blinken: Russia is not a pariah , and for us , it ' s not so much about the individuals , the personalities , but rather the policies pursued by a country . QUESTION: Mr . Secretary of State , there ' s obviously another major crisis in the Middle East , and it ' s no secret that you disagree with Benjamin Netanyahu . We won ' t go into the details , but in your opinion , how dangerous is the strong - arm approach he ' s taking? Secretary Blinken: Israel faces an extraordinary challenge . It ' s what to do after the attack on October 7 , the day after . How to coexist with Hamas and the continuous danger it poses . It was not only normal , but almost obligatory , to respond in a way that prevents another October 7 from happening . And let ' s not forget that Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005 . There have been attacks by Hamas on Israel in 2008 , 2009 , 2011 , 2014 , 2021 , and 2023 . At the same time , we have consistently expressed our support for Israel ' s right to self - defense and to prevent another October 7 . But the way Israel carries out this mission is also important . QUESTION: Is it too brutal? Secretary Blinken: The loss of life , the suffering of children , women , and men caught in the middle of this conflict , the damage is devastating . At the same time , the fact that humanitarian aid is insufficient for the people of Gaza is a danger and an urgent necessity . QUESTION: Antony Blinken , we understand the need for security for Israel . But we also need to give hope to the Palestinians . Some say they will unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state right from the start . Today , the Prime Minister of Spain says he might do so . Emmanuel Macron has stated that this is a tool that can be used when the time is right . Do you agree with this opinion? Secretary Blinken: Our desire , our goal , is the establishment of a Palestinian state because we firmly believe— QUESTION: But it seems like a distant goal . Secretary Blinken: Especially today , it may appear distant . Even before October 7 , it seemed very far away . QUESTION: But does that mean that the act of saying , "Okay , we already recognize it , now we ' re making this political statement of obviously protecting Israel , but at the same time recognizing a Palestinian state"?In many cases , compromises are necessary in the Middle East and Ukraine . Will there ever be a need for a territorial compromise , like in Donbass and Crimea? Or should we stick to international law? For us , the desire and will of the Ukrainian people are what matter . It ' s up to them to decide , and we ' ll support them . However , we believe that Russia has suffered a strategic defeat in Ukraine . They are weaker militarily , economically , and diplomatically . Ukraine is united against Russia , and Europe has reduced its dependence on Russian energy . NATO has also grown stronger with new members . We already know this . We also believe that Ukraine has the capacity to be a strong state in various aspects . The path is there , but we need the support of the United States , France , and Europe . One last thing , Antony Blinken . Thank you for speaking French here at the U . S . residence . Thomas Jefferson , one of the Founding Fathers , used the phrase "the United States , Empire of Liberty . " Some people still see the U . S . as an imperial power . The war in Iraq and NSA wiretaps come to mind . But you say no . I would say a little bit or maybe more . Imperial , no . We have no desire to conquer or keep territory . In hindsight , there are interventions where we would have made different choices . Yes , I have regrets , like many people , about Iraq . But I want to emphasize that we are also defenders of freedom for Western Europe . We know that you need us . Is it possible for there to be a real agreement between Palestinians and Israelis , instead of one imposed by other countries? It ' s important for major countries to show leadership in reaching this goal . Let me give you an example . Israel wants to have a normal relationship with Saudi Arabia , which would be historic and extraordinary . We ' re working on it , but we need calm in Gaza and an agreement on a Palestinian state to make it a reality . Are you still the world ' s policeman , Secretary Blinken? I believe two things . First , we need to work together with other countries to solve problems that affect the American people and the French . Alone , we can ' t handle all these problems . But I also believe that without the commitment of the United States , it will be harder to manage and achieve common goals . So , our priority is to build partnerships and improve coordination . This starts with our long - standing ally , France , but any country willing to play by the international rules is a partner , and we ' re ready for it . Thank you , Mr . Secretary of State .
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