The G20 was created in December 1999 in response to the financial crises affecting the emerging countries in the late 1990s. The initial aim was to have the finance ministers and central bank governors of the industrialised and emerging countries meet once a year to facilitate international economic policy cooperation.
Confronted with the deepest economic and financial crisis since World War II, the G20 went into high gear in late 2008 at the initiative of France, the holder of the rotating EU presidency at the time. What emerged was an economic steering body that brought together the world’s major political leaders at the highest level. At the pioneering Washington Summit in November 2008, heads of States and governments agreed on an extraordinary plan of action to prevent the financial system and the global economy from collapsing.
The 7th G20 Summit will be held on June 18-19, 2012 in Los Cabos, Mexico.
G2012 Mexico: http://www.g20.org/en
Monday, June 18 , 2012
All Times Eastern
7:00 AM
8:00 AM
9:00 AM
10:00 AM
11:00 AM
11:05 AM
President Obama attends a bilateral meeting with President Calderón of Mexico.
Local Event Time: 9:05 AM MDT
Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos Resort, Los Cabos, Mexico
Pool Spray at the Bottom
12:00 PM
12:15 PM
President Obama attends a bilateral meeting with Russian President Putin
Local Event Time: 10:15 PM MDT
Esperanza Resort, Los Cabos, Mexico
Pool Spray at the Bottom
1:00 PM
2:00 PM
2:15 PM
Vice President Biden attends a campaign fundraiser
Local Event Time: 1:15 PM CDT
Chicago Cut Steakhouse, Chicago, IL
3:00 PM
4:00 PM
4:15 PM
Dr. Biden delivers remarks at the 2012 National Conference on Volunteering and Service
Chicago, IL
4:45 PM
President Obama arrives at the Convention Center and participates in the official arrival greet with President Calderón of Mexico.
Local Event Time: 2:45 PM MDT
Convention Center, Los Cabos, Mexico
Travel Pool Coverage
5:00 PM
President Obama attends the first G-20 plenary session.
Local Event Time: 3:00 PM MDT
Convention Center, Los Cabos, Mexico
6:00 PM
7:00 PM
8:00 PM
8:15 PM
President Obama participates in the official photo with leaders.
Local Event Time: 6:15 PM MDT
Convention Center, Los Cabos, Mexico
Travel Pool Coverage
8:45 PM
President Obama participates in a working dinner with G-20 leaders.
Local Event Time: 6:45 PM MDT
Convention Center, Los Cabos, Mexico
Closed Press
9:00 PM
10:00 PM
June 18, 2012
WhiteHouse.gov http://www.whitehouse.gov/live
11:30 AM EDT
White House Champions of Change: Head Start
—-
CNN http://live.cnn.com
12:30 PM ET
State Department briefing
The State Department holds a briefing with reporters. Topics expected to be discussed include the situations in Syria and Iran.
4:45 PM ET
Leaders arrive for G-20 Summit
Mexican President Felipe Calderon welcomes President Obama and others for the G-20 Summit in Los Cabos, Mexico.
5:00 PM ET
G-20 Summit talks begin in Mexico
The first plenary session of the G-20 Summit gets under way in Los Cabos, Mexico.
—-
CSPAN http://www.cspan.org/
12:30 PM ET
State Department briefing
The State Department holds a briefing with reporters. Topics expected to be discussed include the situations in Syria and Iran.
—–
G2012 Mexico http://www.g20.org/en
4:45 PM ET
President Obama arrives at the Convention Center and participates in the official arrival greet with President Calderón of Mexico.
Convention Center, Los Cabos, Mexico
8:15 PM ET
President Obama participates in the official photo with leaders.
Convention Center, Los Cabos, Mexico
.
7th G20 in Los Cabos, Mexico
G20 Foreign Ministers’ Informal Meeting
The Mexican Presidency of the G20 held an Informal Meeting of Foreign Ministers on Global Governance issues in Los Cabos, Mexico, on 19-20 February 2012. The purpose of this meeting was to draw on G20 Foreign Ministers’ multilateral experience and global vision in order to explore the ways in which G20 member countries can contribute more effectively to address key challenges in global governance.
Overview
In recent decades, as the process of globalization continues to unfold, economic, social and political events have become increasingly interconnected throughout the world. As a result of this growing interdependence, global challenges are today not only more numerous, but also more pressing and need a global approach for their solution.
The multilateral system, based on universal representation, has the legitimacy, expertise and resources to address those challenges. Nonetheless, the system faces institutional challenges and fragmented mandates that hinder the possibility of effectively accomplishing its purposes and objectives. Moreover, it is frequently mentioned that important negotiations appear to be stagnant or have not made enough progress.
For more:http://www.g20.org/en/g20-foreign-ministers-informal-meeting
http://www.g20.org/en/home
7th G20 in Los Cabos, Mexico
June 18
President Obama will meet with Mexican President Calderone
President Obama will hold a bilateral meeting with Russian
President Putin
President Obama will join the other world leaders in the G20 meetings
June 19
President Obama will join the other world leaders in the G20 meetings
President Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao hold a meeting in the afternoon
President Obama will hold a press conference
World Leaders Gather in Mexico for G20 Summit
June 18, 2012 Greg Flakus – VOAnews
LOS CABOS, Mexico – The leaders of 19 nations and the European Union, known as the Group of 20, are gathering at the Mexican beach resort Los Cabos for a two-day summit, to be held Monday and Tuesday, with worries about economic crises in several European countries overshadowing most other issues. Officials from G20 working groups say the drive to help needy countries remains a major focus of the summit.
Mariachi musicians greeted delegations from around the world as they arrived at one of Mexico’s most luxurious beach resort areas. But, although much of their work in the next two days will take place in hotels and conference halls within view of the beaches, the leaders attending this summit will be spending much of their time talking about the debt problems facing Greece, Spain and Italy.
The G20 host, Mexican President Felipe Calderon, says participants in the summit should firm up their pledges to the International Monetary Fund of more money to deal with the debt crisis. G20 nations promised to provide more than $400 billion in new loans in April, but several have yet to follow up on that pledge.
Representatives from some non-governmental organizations are worried that the G20 focus on the problems of relatively rich nations in Europe might detract from efforts to help poor, non-industrialized countries where most of the world’s neediest people reside.
“The last two summits have been dominated by the Eurozone crisis, by Greece, and that means that there is very little agenda time for other issues,” said Christina Weller, lead economic analyst for London-based Catholic Agency for Overseas Development.
Weller argues that G20 leaders would be helping their own countries by doing more to help the millions of people in developing nations who cannot participate in the global economy. She says poverty is more than a moral blight.
“It is also an economic problem. It lowers demand. That is where the growth should be is in those markets and if you tackle poverty, everybody benefits,” said Weller.
For more: http://www.voanews.com/content/world-leaders-gather-in-mexico-for-g20-summit/1212286.html
President Obama is in Los Cabos for the G20 Summit
Matt Compton June 18, 2012 11:48 AM EDT
This week, President Obama is in Mexico for a meeting of the G20 — a gathering of the world’s major advanced and emerging economies.
Last week, Ben Rhodes — the deputy national security advisor for strategic communications and speechwriting — sat down to give us preview of what to expect.
June 18, 2012
U.S. Women vs. Japan Women
7 a.m. ET
Orjans Vall Stadium
Halmstad, Sweden
U.S. Women’s National Team Defeats Japan 4-1 in Penultimate Tune-Up for the 2012 Olympics
June 18, 2012 ussoccer
The U.S. Women’s National Team picked up a big win in its second-to-last exhibition match before the 2012 Olympics, defeating Japan 4-1 in a highly entertaining match-up as forwards Alex Morgan and Abby Wambach scored twice each. With two victories in Sweden, the USA takes the title of the Volvo Winners Cup with a match between Japan and Sweden still remaining on June 20 in Gothenburg.
HALMSTAD, Sweden (June 18, 2012) – The U.S. Women’s National Team picked up a big win in its second-to-last exhibition match before the 2012 Olympics, defeating Japan 4-1 in a highly entertaining match-up as forwards Alex Morgan and Abby Wambach scored twice each. With two victories in Sweden, the USA takes the title of the Volvo Winners Cup with a match between Japan and Sweden still remaining on June 20 in Gothenburg.
The U.S. team will now head into a week-long break before coming together for its Olympic Send-Off game on June 30 against Canada at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. MT and more than 11,500 tickets have been sold (tickets). The match will be broadcast live on NBC.
Morgan showed early that it would be a great afternoon for the United States in the third match of the year between the two 2011 Women’s FIFA World Cup finalists. Her goal on the cusp of the third minute shocked Japan and set the tone for the rest of the match. Wambach made it 2-0 just six minutes later as the USA scored on two of its first three shots of the game and created a bushel of dangerous chances throughout the 90 minutes. The USA fired 19 shots to Japan’s nine, and while the Japanese had seven corner kicks to the USA’s one, the Americans put 11 shots on goal while Japan had just two.
Japan pulled a goal back on a spectacular diving header in the 28th minute, but the Americans put the game away with two more goals after the break, the first on a splendid individual effort from Morgan and the second on a Wambach header.
“I think we had the ability to play to a lot of strengths today” said U.S. WNT head coach Pia Sundhage. “Abby had a great game, Alex Morgan had a great game as well, and so did the midfield. We changed the wing players a little bit [from the Sweden game] and we dominated the midfield which is a hard thing to do against Japan, who keeps the ball all the time. I think they were dangerous, but we also we controlled the game for the most part and in the defense as well. The back four did a great job with the six up front.”
For more: http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Womens-National-Team/2012/06/WNT-Defeats-Defending-World-Cup-Champion-Japan-41.aspx
*honk*
G20 might be a little more cheerful now that Greece has voted to accept bailout!
Hey Kat!
Hey CR!
What a relief.
Truly!
Good Monday morning everyone! I HOPE that you have a good day!
NAHB Housing Market Index Improves To 29, After Last Month Revised Down
6/18/12 By Eric Platt | Business Insider – 29 minutes ago
The housing market improved somewhat in June, new data out of the National Association of Home Builders shows.
The group’s key Housing Market Index increased one point to 29, after last month’s reading was revised down to 28.
“This month’s modest uptick in builder confidence comes on the heels of a four-point gain in May and is reflective of the continued, gradual improvement we are seeing in many individual housing markets as more buyers decide to take advantage of today’s low prices and interest rates,” NAHB Chairman Barry Rutenberg says.
Ten-to-one still isn’t good enough for Romney
Jun 18, 2012 9:13 AM EDT By Steve Benen – maddowblog
Arguably the most important moment of the Republican presidential nominating process wasn’t a gaffe or an attack — it was a question that didn’t even require anyone to say anything at all.
At a debate for the eight GOP candidates in mid-August, Fox News’ Bret Baier asked the Republican field whether they could accept a debt-reduction deal in which they received $10 in spending cuts for every $1 in tax increases. All eight candidates said such a compromise simply wouldn’t be good enough.
Looking back, Jon Huntsman regrets the incident. As of yesterday, Mitt Romney doesn’t.
For those who can’t watch clips online, CBS’s Bob Schieffer asked about this on “Face the Nation” yesterday, and Romney was as obstinate as he was last summer, even when talking about a 10-to-1 compromise in his favor.
“I do feel that way. Government is big and getting larger…. The only solution to taming an out-of-control spending government is to cut spending and my policies reduce the rate of spending.”
It’s important to appreciate just how ridiculous this is.
For more and the video: http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/06/18/12279764-ten-to-one-still-isnt-good-enough-for-romney
Benen is devastating in this. “…. (Romney) doesn’t have the foggiest idea how to shape a coherent approach to fiscal sanity.”
11:05 AM ET
President Obama attends a bilateral meeting with President Calderón of Mexico.
Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos Resort, Los Cabos, Mexico
June 18, 2012
Remarks by President Obama and President Calderon After Bilateral Meeting
American Grand Los Cabos Resort
Los Cabos, Mexico
9:29 A.M. MDT
PRESIDENT CALDERÓN: (As interpreted.) Good morning, Mr. President, President Barack Obama, President of the United States; distinguished members of the delegations, and distinguished members of media. Thank you for being with us today.
First I would like to say that it is very important for me to be able to share great news with you. But before doing that, I would like to thank personally, and on behalf of the Mexican nation, President Barack Obama for his valuable decision by executive order to give an opportunity for young people who were not born in the United States but who arrived in that great nation before they were 16 years of age, or who are studying in university, or who have served in the United States armed forces, for them not to be deported for at least a period of two years, so this is a clear and certain situation for them.
We believe that this is very just. It’s a humanitarian action. And it’s an unprecedented action in our opinion. And in this sense, Mr. President, we would like to thank you for the valor and courage that you had in implementing this action. I am sure that many, many families in the United States of America are thankful to you as well.
I’d also like to inform you that President Barack Obama and I have had a very fruitful meeting. We have touched upon issues of great relevance for the success of the G20 summit. But there’s one topic of the greatest importance that we’d like to share with you, and that is that the United States, together with the other eight countries that make up the TPP — the Trans-Pacific Partnership — have welcomed Mexico for it to join the negotiations of this initiative.
The Trans-Pacific Partnership is an expansion of the trade agreement that was known initially as P-4, and that began in 2006 by Brunei, Chile, New Zealand and Singapore. And this commercial trade initiative was added into by Australia, the United States, Malaysia, Peru, and Vietnam afterwards. So this is one of the free trade initiatives that’s most ambitious in the world and would foster integration of the Asia Pacific region, one of the regions with the greatest dynamism in the world. And this region negotiating the TPP represents 26 — of the world’s GDP, 15 percent of exports and 12 of imports.
But most importantly, at this time of recession in some areas of the world, of a slowdown in others, the TPP, or Trans-Pacific Partnership, perhaps represents the greatest potential area of growth in an entire decade. So this is a great piece of news for Mexicans because it implies jobs and economic growth for at least the next two decades.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/06/18/remarks-president-obama-and-president-calderon-after-bilateral-meeting
Press Briefing from by Jay Carney and Ben Rhodes
Published on Jun 20, 2012 by whitehouse
Jay Carney and Ben Rhodes hold a press briefing at the G-20 meeting in Los Cabos, Mexico. June 18, 2012.
Next Up…
11:30 AM EDT
White House Champions of Change: Head Start
On Monday, June 18, the White House will honor individuals from Head Start programs across the country who have demonstrated a commitment to delivering on the promise of Head Start in their local communities. Over 45 years after its inception, Head Start continues to serve as a national laboratory for how we think about educating and caring for our youngest, most vulnerable children.
The White House
WhiteHouse.gov http://www.whitehouse.gov/live
Champions of Change: Head Start
Published on Jun 18, 2012 by whitehouse
The White House Office of Public Engagement honors 11 individuals from Head Start programs across the country who have demonstrated a commitment to delivering on the promise of Head Start in their local communities. Over 45 years after its inception, Head Start continues to serve as a national laboratory for how we think about educating and caring for our youngest, most vulnerable children. June 18, 2012.
Good morning CR and everyone. HOPE you all have a terrific Monday.
Please join me in lighting a candle for our President, First Family and the Nation.
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=PBO
Good Monday morning and thank you Jackie!
53 now!
12:15 PM ET
President Obama attends a bilateral meeting with Russian President Putin
Esperanza Resort, Los Cabos, Mexico
June 18, 2012
Joint Statement by the President of the United States of America Barack Obama and the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin
The United States of America and the Russian Federation confirm our commitment to strengthening close and cooperative relations for the benefit of the peoples of our countries, international peace, global prosperity, and security. In recent years, we have laid a solid foundation for expanding our bilateral interaction in a variety of areas. Today we agree to continue this work guided by the principles of the rule of law, respect for human rights, equality, and mutual respect.
One of the key tasks on our shared agenda is the expansion of trade and investment relations, which should foster mutual economic growth and prosperity. To this end, we have agreed to prioritize the expansion and diversification of our bilateral trade and investment through nondiscriminatory access to our markets based on international rules.
An important step in this direction is Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), which has become possible thanks to our joint efforts. In order for WTO rules and mechanisms to apply to our bilateral trade, the Obama Administration is working closely with the U.S. Congress to terminate, as soon as possible, application of the Jackson-Vanik Amendment with respect to Russia and extend Permanent Normal Trade Relations to the Russian Federation. The United States has also welcomed and offered its support to Russia’s pursuit of membership in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/06/18/joint-statement-president-united-states-america-barack-obama-and-preside
June 18, 2012
Notice — Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation Created by the Accumulation of Weapons-Usable Fissile Material in the Territory of the Russian Federation
NOTICE
- – - – - – -
CONTINUATION OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY WITH RESPECT
TO THE RISK OF NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION CREATED BY THE
ACCUMULATION OF WEAPONS-USABLE FISSILE MATERIAL IN THE
TERRITORY OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
On June 21, 2000, the President issued Executive Order 13159 (the “order”) blocking property and interests in property of the Government of the Russian Federation that are in the United States, that hereafter come within the United States, or that are or hereafter come within the possession or control of United States persons that are directly related to the implementation of the Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Russian Federation Concerning the Disposition of Highly Enriched Uranium Extracted from Nuclear Weapons, dated February 18, 1993, and related contracts and agreements (collectively, the “HEU Agreements”). The HEU Agreements allow for the downblending of highly enriched uranium derived from nuclear weapons to low enriched uranium for peaceful commercial purposes. The order invoked the authority, inter alia, of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706) and declared a national emergency to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States posed by the risk of nuclear proliferation created by the accumulation of a large volume of weapons-usable fissile material in the territory of the Russian Federation.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/06/18/notice-continuation-national-emergency-respect-risk-nuclear-proliferatio
June 18, 2012
Message — Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation Created by the Accumulation of Weapons-Usable Fissile Material in the Territory of the Russian Federation
TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:
Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, within 90 days prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date. In accordance with this provision, I have sent to the Federal Register for publication the enclosed notice stating that the emergency declared in Executive Order 13159 of June 21, 2000, with respect to the risk of nuclear proliferation created by the accumulation of a large volume of weapons-usable fissile material in the territory of the Russian Federation is to continue beyond June 21, 2012.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/06/18/message-continuation-national-emergency-respect-risk-nuclear-proliferati
Good and HOPEful Monday, CR and all friends!
>^..^<
Good and HOPEful Monday Kat!
Calderon thanks Obama for immigration action
By JENNIFER EPSTEIN | 6/18/12 12:46 PM EDT
LOS CABOS, Mexico — Mexican President Felipe Calderon praised President Obama on Monday for taking “unprecedented” action in moving to stop deportations of young illegal immigrants brought to the United States as children.
Calderon said Obama’s move took “valor and courage” and that he’s sure many families in the United States are appreciative of the president’s action.
2:15 PM ET
Vice President Biden attends a campaign fundraiser
Chicago Cut Steakhouse, Chicago, IL
Next Up…
4:45 PM ET
President Obama arrives at the Convention Center and participates in the official arrival greet with President Calderón of Mexico.
Convention Center, Los Cabos, Mexico
CNN http://live.cnn.com
G2012 Mexico http://www.g20.org/en
Reforming Unemployment Insurance to Protect Jobs and Incomes for American Workers
Katharine Abraham and Jason Furman June 18, 2012 01:45 PM EDT
In his inaugural address, President Obama praised workers who “would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job.” But in most states, our unemployment insurance (UI) system discourages reducing hours in this way. A worker who is laid off has access to UI benefits that temporarily cover part of lost wages, but a worker whose hours are reduced has no such access, creating an incentive for layoffs while leaving workers who face an involuntary reduction in their hours with no protection or support. Today the Department of Labor is issuing guidance on new legislation that will help to address these problems. This guidance is part of a series of important UI reforms designed to contribute to job creation and job placement that the President proposed in the American Jobs Act, were signed into law in February and are now being implemented.
Programs in some states that allow workers whose hours have been cut to claim pro-rated UI benefits—so-called short-time compensation or work sharing programs—help to keep workers on the job. President Obama has long advocated the expansion of work sharing to help employers and their workers. It’s an idea that has been supported by economists across the political spectrum. The President’s proposal to expand the number of states with work-sharing programs, and increase employer awareness of the benefits of work sharing, was included in both his FY 2012 and 2013 Budgets, and in last September’s American Jobs Act. That proposal was signed into law on a bipartisan basis as part of the February extension of the payroll tax cut, and is being implemented today through guidance released by the Labor Department.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/06/18/reforming-unemployment-insurance-protect-jobs-and-incomes-american-workers
Hey CR and friends. This is great for the unemployed. Thanks for the thread and the links to the G20.
Hey COS!
4:15 PM ET
Dr. Biden delivers remarks at the 2012 National Conference on Volunteering and Service
Chicago, IL
5:00 PM ET
President Obama attends the first G-20 plenary session.
Convention Center, Los Cabos, Mexico
June 18, 2012
Notice — Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to North Korea
NOTICE
- – - – - – -
CONTINUATION OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY WITH
RESPECT TO NORTH KOREA
On June 26, 2008, by Executive Order 13466, the President declared a national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States constituted by the existence and risk of proliferation of weapons-usable fissile material on the Korean Peninsula. The President also found that it was necessary to maintain certain restrictions with respect to North Korea that would otherwise have been lifted pursuant to Proclamation 8271 of June 26, 2008, which terminated the exercise of authorities under the Trading with the Enemy Act (50 U.S.C. App. 1-44) with respect to North Korea.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/06/18/notice-continuation-national-emergency-respect-north-korea
June 18, 2012
Message — Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to North Korea
TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:
Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, within 90 days prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date. In accordance with this provision, I have sent to the Federal Register for publication the enclosed notice stating that the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13466 of June 26, 2008, expanded in scope in Executive Order 13551 of August 30, 2010, and addressed further in Executive Order 13570 of April 18, 2011, is to continue in effect beyond June 26, 2012.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/06/18/message-continuation-national-emergency-respect-north-korea
June 16, 2012
Statement by the Vice President on the Death of Crown Prince Nayif bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia
I was saddened to learn of the passing of Crown Prince Nayif bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, who, as Minister of the Interior for almost 40 years, made an historic contribution to the security of the Kingdom and to its strong partnership with the United States in the fight against terrorism. I was honored to be received by Crown Prince Nayif in Riyadh last October and had looked forward to welcoming him to the United States. I offer my deepest condolences to King Abdullah, the royal family and the people of Saudi Arabia.
June 18, 2012
Statement by the President on the Selection of Prince Salman bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud as Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia
I congratulate King Abdullah and the Saudi people on the selection of Prince Salman bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud as Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As Governor of Riyadh and then Minister of Defense, Crown Prince Salman has served his country with dedication and honor over the past five decades. I had the pleasure of receiving him at the White House this April and know that he is a man of deep faith who is committed to improving the lives of the people of Saudi Arabia and to the security of the region. The United States looks forward to continuing our strong relationship with Crown Prince Salman in his new capacity as we deepen the longstanding partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia.
8:15 PM ET
President Obama participates in the official photo with leaders.
Convention Center, Los Cabos, Mexico
8:45 PM ET
President Obama participates in a working dinner with G-20 leaders.
Convention Center, Los Cabos, Mexico
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
All Times Eastern
7:00 AM
8:00 AM
9:00 AM
10:00 AM
10:10 AM
First Lady Obama speaks to Obama volunteers at a campaign event
Henderson, NV
11:00 AM
President Obama attends the second G-20 plenary session.
Local Event Time: 9:00AM MDT
Convention Center
Closed Press
12:00 PM
1:00 PM
1:30 PM
President Obama attends the third G-20 plenary session
Local Event Time: 11:30AM MDT
Convention Center
Closed Press
2:00 PM
2:15 PM
Vice President Biden delivers remarks at the 40th Annual International Convention of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
Los Angeles, California
Local Event Time: 11:15AM PDT
Open Press
3:00 PM
3:45 PM
President Obama attends a working lunch.
Local Event Time: 1:45PM MDT
Convention Center
Closed Press
4:00 PM
5:00 PM
5:20 PM
President Obama attends the closing ceremony of the G-20 Summit.
Local Event Time: 3:20PM MDT
Convention Center
Closed Press
5:45 PM
President Obama holds a bilateral meeting with President Hu of China.
Local Event Time: 3:45PM MDT
Convention Center
Pool Spray at the Top
6:00 PM
6:30 PM
Vice President Biden attends a campaign event
Local Event Time: 3:30PM PDT
Sacramento, CA
7:00 PM
7:30 PM
President Obama holds a press conference.
Local Event Time: 5:30PM MDT
Convention Center
Open to pre-credentialed media
8:00 PM
8:40 PM
President Obama departs Los Cabos, Mexico.
Local Event Time: 6:40PM MDT
Los Cabos International Airport
Travel Pool Coverage
9:00 PM
10:00 PM
11:00 PM
12:00 AM
1:00 AM
1:05 AM
President Obama arrives in Washington, D.C.
1:20 AM
President Obama arrives at the White House.
June 19, 2012
WhiteHouse.gov http://www.whitehouse.gov/live
2:15 PM ET
Vice President Biden Speaks at the 40th Annual International Convention of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
Los Angeles, California (Audio Only)
7:30 PM ET
President Obama holds a press conference with reporters at the conclusion of the G-20 Summit
Los Cabos, Mexico.
—-
CNN http://live.cnn.com
10:00 AM ET
Title IX equity hearing
Tennis great Billie Jean King and former NASA astronaut Mae Jemison testify before a Senate committee on the 40th anniversary of Title IX.
1:00 PM ET
Pentagon briefing
Press Secretary George Little and Deputy Assistant Defense Secretary Capt. John Kirby hold a briefing with reporters at the Pentagon.
4:00 PM ET
State Department: 2012 Trafficking Report
7:30 PM ET
President Obama holds a press conference with reporters at the conclusion of the G-20 Summit
Los Cabos, Mexico.
—-
CSPAN http://www.cspan.org/
10:00 AM ET
MedPAC Head Testifies on Medicare Payment Biannual Report
The head of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) will testify Tuesday on the commission’s Medicare payment report released this month http://www.c-span.org/Events/MedPAC-Head-Testifies-on-Medicare-Payment-Biannual-Report/10737431697/
10:00 AM ET
Title IX equity hearing
Tennis great Billie Jean King and former NASA astronaut Mae Jemison testify before a Senate committee on the 40th anniversary of Title IX http://www.c-span.org/Events/Senate-HELP-Examines-Impact-of-Title-IX/10737431701/
1:00 PM ET
Pentagon briefing
Press Secretary George Little and Deputy Assistant Defense Secretary Capt. John Kirby hold a briefing with reporters at the Pentagon.
4:00 PM ET
State Department: 2012 Trafficking Report http://www.c-span.org/Events/State-Dept-Releases-Human-Trafficking-Report/10737431698/
7:30 PM ET
President Obama holds a press conference with reporters at the conclusion of the G-20 Summit
Los Cabos, Mexico. http://www.c-span.org/Events/Pres-Obama-Holds-Press-Conference-at-Close-of-G20-Summit/10737431746/
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G2012 Mexico http://www.g20.org/en
5:20 PM ET
President Obama attends the closing ceremony of the G-20 Summit.
5:45 PM ET
President Obama holds a bilateral meeting with President Hu of China.
7:30 PM ET
President Obama holds a press conference with reporters at the conclusion of the G-20 Summit
Los Cabos, Mexico.
Juneteenth Celebration
It is the name for a holiday celebrating June 19, 1865, the day when Union soldiers arrived in Texas and spread the word that President Lincoln had delivered his Emancipation Procalamation. News traveled so slowly in those days that Texas did not hear of Lincoln’s Proclamation, which he gave on January 1, 1863, until more than two years after it was issued!
The proclamation declared “that all persons held as slaves” within the rebellious states “are, and henceforward shall be free.” Thus, the Emancipation Proclamation was limited in many ways. It applied only to states that had seceded from the Union, leaving slavery untouched in the loyal border states. It also expressly exempted parts of the Confederacy that had already come under Northern control. Most important, the freedom it promised depended upon Union military victory.
Although Juneteenth has been informally celebrated each year since 1865, it wasn’t until June 3, 1979, that Texas became the first state to proclaim Emancipation Day (Juneteenth) an official state holiday. But it is much more than a holiday. Juneteenth has become a day for African Americans to celebrate their freedom, culture, and achievements. It is a day for all Americans to celebrate African American history and rejoice in their freedom.
Source: http://www.americaslibrary.gov/es/tx/es_tx_june_1.html
June 19, 2012
President Obama delivered remarks on the celebration of Juneteenth
On this day in 1865, two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, word finally reached the people of Galveston, Texas that the Civil War was over. All enslaved men, women and children were now free.
Though it would take decades of struggle and collective effort before African Americans were granted equal treatment and protection under the law, Juneteenth is recognized by Americans everywhere as a symbolic milestone in our journey toward a more perfect union.
With the recent ground breaking of the first Smithsonian Museum dedicated to African American History and Culture, and the dedication of a monument to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the National Mall, this Juneteenth offers another opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come as a nation. And it’s also a chance to recommit ourselves to the ongoing work of guaranteeing liberty and equal rights for all Americans.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012 – 8:30am to 5:00pm
Save the date for Startup Vermont’s first ever conference. Hosted by IBM the full day program will foster connections and collaboration between Vermont entrepreneurs and small businesses and some of Vermont’s larger businesses. Come listen to best practice collaborative presentations from IBM, Biotek, Allscripts, Hampton Direct and others. Attend breakout sessions on specific topics helpful to growing your business. Three specific industries: 1) Technology, 2) Consumer Products and 3) Food Systems/Farm to Plate. Attendance will be limited and there will be no registration on the day of the event so sign up now. This is a great opportunity to network with key members of Vermont’s entrepreneurial community.
Location:
IBM Facility
Essex Junction
Vermont
For more: http://vt.s.co/event/startup-vermont-partnership-conference-connecting-business-sharing-experience-growing-vermonts
First Lady Michelle Obama Talks Let’s Move! & ‘American Grown’ On ‘Live! with Kelly’ Show
JUNE 18, 2012 obamafoodorama.blogspot
First Lady Michelle Obama appeared on ABC talk show LIVE! with Kelly on Monday morning, discussing her new book, watching a veggie-based cooking demo, and demonstrating her pro Double-Dutch jump rope skills. Mrs. Obama traveled to New York to tape the show on May 30th, as part of a TV book tour for the publication of American Grown: The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America.
Clad in a floral top, a green cardigan, and bright blue trousers, Mrs. Obama discussed American Grown with host Kelly Ripa and guest co-host Bryant Gumbel before they were joined by “Iron Chef” Mark Forgione, who owns American Cut, a steakhouse in Atlanta. He took the “LIVE’s White House Garden Challenge,” cooking Crostini with Lavender and Chive Blossoms and a salad “made with vegetables straight from the White House garden,” according to Ripa.
For the entire article and video: http://obamafoodorama.blogspot.com/2012/06/first-lady-michelle-obama-talks-lets.html
Book TV: Michelle Obama, “American Grown”
Published on Jun 18, 2012 by BookTV
First Lady Michelle Obama signs her book, American Grown: The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America at Barnes & Noble in Washington, D.C.
First Lady Obama To Speak In Henderson
Jun 14, 2012 9:50 AM PDT By Nicole Benson,8newsnow
LAS VEGAS — First Lady Michelle Obama is scheduled to speak to Obama campaign volunteers at 4:10 p.m. June 19 in Henderson. 8 News NOW will have the latest at noon and online at 8newsnow.com.
June 19, 2012
Remarks by the First Lady at a Campaign Event
Henderson Convention Center
Henderson, Nevada
4:36 P.M. PDT
MRS. OBAMA: Yes! (Applause.) Whoa! Thank you so much. (Applause.) All right, I like it. You all are fired up, right? (Applause.) And ready to go. Four more years! (Applause.)
Thank you all so much — you’re so sweet. (Laughter.) Let me tell you, I am thrilled — thrilled to be here today, truly. Let me start by just saying a few thank-yous. Let’s begin with Theresa. Let’s give her a round of applause for that wonderful introduction. (Applause.) And to all of our nurses here who are just making sure that we all keep it together. So let’s give them all a round of applause. (Applause.)
And I know there were a few people who came on before me. I want to thank Wendy for getting everyone fired up. And I also want to thank Ashton, Erin, Helen*, Pastor Trujillo for their remarks earlier and for everything they’re doing for our campaign. (Applause.)
And your Mayor — good Mayor and your First Lady are here today. Mayor Hafen is here. I got a chance to meet them both. (Applause.) How are you? He’s nice and tall, so we can see him. But where is your wife? She’s smaller. (Laughter.) And she is here. (Laughter.) The State Party Chair, Roberta Lange, is here. (Applause.) And one of our good friends, Senator Steven Horsford and his family are here. (Applause.) He is going to make an outstanding member of Congress. They are a terrific family. We are so proud of them. (Applause.)
And finally, I want to thank all of you, because you all are extraordinary volunteers and organizers. Thank you for everything that you do, day in and day out, to make this campaign possible — truly. I know it’s warm in here, so you guys hang in there. But I know that you are doing all of the hard work — you’re knocking on those doors, you’re making those calls. More importantly, you’re registering voters all throughout the state.
And I want to thank you for giving folks the information they need about the issues they care about. And I want you to know, truly, that the grassroots work that you all are doing to get people focused and fired up -– that work is at the core of this campaign. It is truly what is going to make the difference. That’s how we did it four years ago, and let me tell you, that’s how we’re going to do it again this time around as well. (Applause.)
And I say this to all our volunteers: I know that the work that you’re doing, it is not easy. I know that you all are putting in those long hours. And I know that you’re doing it in spite of your busy lives. I know that you all — Amen — have your own families to raise and your jobs to do. Many of you are finishing school, getting your education together.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/06/19/remarks-first-lady-campaign-event
Housing starts fall in May, permits up sharply
A home is seen padlocked and boarded up in Brentwood, New York February 10, 2012. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton
6/19/12 By Jason Lange – Reuters – 17 minutes ago
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Housing starts fell in May from a 3-1/2 year high although permits to build new homes rose sharply, suggesting a nascent housing recovery remains on track.
The Commerce Department said on Tuesday that groundbreaking on new homes dropped 4.8 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 708,000 units.
The reading, which is prone to significant revisions, was below the median forecast in a Reuters poll of a 720,000-unit rate.
Revisions to data from prior months were more upbeat. April’s starts were revised up to a 744,000-unit pace from a previously reported 717,000 unit rate. That was the highest reading since October 2008.
America’s weak housing market has dragged on growth in the economy for the last six years, but signs of insipient recovery have led many economists to predict a reversal in that trend this year.
New permits for building homes jumped 7.9 percent to a 780,000-unit pace. That was the highest since September 2008 and well above analysts’ forecasts.
“Several aspects of the report paints a somewhat brighter picture than the headline suggests,” said Peter Newland, an economist at Barclays in New York.
For more: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/housing-starts-fall-may-permits-123306952.html;_ylt=A2KJNTuZfeBPpA8AHY_QtDMD
Good Tuesday morning everyone. I HOPE that you have a good day.
10:10 AM ET
First Lady Obama speaks to Obama volunteers at a campaign event
Henderson, NV
Remarks to follow
Good morning CR and everyone. HOPE you all have a great Tuesday.
79 candles lit. Please join me in lighting a candle for our President, First Family, and the Nation.
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=PBO
Good Tuesday morning and thank you Jackie!
11:00 AM ET
President Obama attends the second G-20 plenary session.
June 18, 2012
Joint Statement on the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict
We, the Presidents of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries – France, the Russian Federation, and the United States of America – are united in our resolute commitment to a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The parties to the conflict should not further delay making the important decisions necessary to reach a lasting and peaceful settlement. We regret that the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia did not take the decisive steps that our countries called for in the joint statement at Deauville on May 26, 2011. Nevertheless, the progress that has been achieved should provide the momentum to complete work on the framework for a comprehensive peace.
We call upon the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to fulfill the commitment in their January 23, 2012 joint statement at Sochi to “accelerate” reaching agreement on the Basic Principles for a Settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict. As evidence of their political will, they should refrain from maximalist positions in the negotiations, respect the 1994 ceasefire agreement, and abstain from hostile rhetoric that increases tension. We urge the leaders to be guided by the principles of the Helsinki Final Act – particularly those relating to the non-use of force or the threat of force, territorial integrity, and equal rights and self-determination of peoples – and the elements of a settlement outlined in our countries’ statements at L’Aquila in 2009 and Muskoka in 2010.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/06/18/joint-statement-nagorno-karabakh-conflict
Ask An Expert: How Much Will Refinancing Cost The Taxpayer?
ublished on Jun 19, 2012 by whitehouse
James Parrott, Senior Advisor for the National Economic Council, answers your questions on President Obama’s homeowner refinancing proposal that aims to make it easier for millions of homeowners around the country to refinance their mortgages and save hundreds of dollars each month. It will cut through the red tape will be good for families, good for communities, and good for the country at large. http://www.whitehouse.gov/why-refi
Ask An Expert: Does it Matter Under The Refinancing Proposal if The Property is Underwater?
Published on Jun 19, 2012 by whitehouse
James Parrott, Senior Advisor for the National Economic Council, answers your questions on President Obama’s homeowner refinancing proposal that aims to make it easier for millions of homeowners around the country to refinance their mortgages and save hundreds of dollars each month. It will cut through the red tape will be good for families, good for communities, and good for the country at large. http://www.whitehouse.gov/why-refi
Ask An Expert: Will Interest Rates Under The Refinancing Proposal Compare With The Marketplace?
Published on Jun 19, 2012 by whitehouse
James Parrott, Senior Advisor for the National Economic Council, answers your questions on President Obama’s homeowner refinancing proposal that aims to make it easier for millions of homeowners around the country to refinance their mortgages and save hundreds of dollars each month. It will cut through the red tape will be good for families, good for communities, and good for the country at large. http://www.whitehouse.gov/why-refi
Ask An Expert: Can I Shorten My Term and Lower My Payments Under The Refinancing Proposal?
Published on Jun 19, 2012 by whitehouse
James Parrott, Senior Advisor for the National Economic Council, answers your questions on President Obama’s homeowner refinancing proposal that aims to make it easier for millions of homeowners around the country to refinance their mortgages and save hundreds of dollars each month. It will cut through the red tape will be good for families, good for communities, and good for the country at large. http://www.whitehouse.gov/why-refi
Obama immigration shift a hit with voters, says new poll
6/19/12 By Olivier Knox, Yahoo! News | The Ticket – 1 hr 43 mins ago
President Barack Obama’s high-profile shift on immigration last week — announcing plans to grant temporary legal status to as many as 800,000 undocumented people brought to American soil as children — has the overwhelming support of likely voters in a new Bloomberg poll released Tuesday.
Sixty-four percent of them — and 66% of independents, the frequently up-for-grabs voters thought to decide elections — support the president’s decision. The White House has forcefully (and rather implausibly) denied that Obama sought political gain from his announcement. But as recently as March 2011, he had said publicly that he lacked the power to halt such deportations.
The Bloomberg survey found that just 30 percent of likely voters disagreed with the president’s plan. Fifty-six percent of likely Republican voters opposed it, while 86% of Democrats supported it. Just 26% of independents sided with the Republican majority in the poll.
The results surely cheered Obama’s reelection campaign, which has been working to reassemble the victorious coalition that powered his history-making 2008 win — but faces an uphill fight in the face of deep pessimism about the economy.
For more: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/obama-immigration-shift-hit-voters-says-poll-144334585.html
Cristina Saralegui: Cuidado de Salud en Nevada – Anuncio de Televisión de Obama for America
Uploaded by BarackObamadotcom on Jun 18, 2012
Inscríbete: http://OFA.BO/MRKRTs
Hoy, Obama for América lanza la siguiente serie de anuncios de televisión en español, subrayando el récord del Presidente en los temas de más importancia para la comunidad hispana. En los anuncios Cristina Saralegui presenta los logros del Presidente en temas del cuidado salud y su apoyo a las políticas del Presidente que han fortalecido y beneficiado a las familias y comunidades Latinas.
Los anuncios, que saldrán en Nevada, Colorado y la Florida, son protagonizados por Saralegui, quien discute el historial del Presidente en cuanto al cuidado de salud – - un historial que incluye nuevas reformas al cuidado de salud que permitirán que, para el 2014, 9 millones de hispanos que nunca han tenido seguro lo obtengan, que 736,000 jóvenes hispanos se queden con el seguro médico de sus padres, que fortalecen y protegen el programa Medicare para los 1.2 millones de ancianos que dependen del programa Medicare para pruebas de detección y medicamento asequible, y que impiden que se le niegue cobertura a millones de mujeres y niños por su género o por tener una condición médica preexistente.
1:30 PM ET
President Obama attends the third G-20 plenary session
2:15 PM ET
Vice President Biden delivers remarks at the 40th Annual International Convention of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
Los Angeles, California
Remarks to follow-
3:45 PM ET
President Obama attends a working lunch.
5:20 PM ET
President Obama attends the closing ceremony of the G-20 Summit.
5:45 PM ET
President Obama holds a bilateral meeting with President Hu of China.
June 19, 2012
Remarks by President Obama and President Hu Jintao of China before Bilateral Meeting
Convention Center
Los Cabos, Mexico
4:09 P.M. MDT
PRESIDENT OBAMA: I just want to say that it’s a great pleasure once again to have this bilateral meeting with President Hu.
Over the last several years, as a consequence of not only extensive one-on-one meetings, but also because of the outstanding work that our teams have done through the strategic and economic dialogue, we have been able to really create a new model for practical and constructive and comprehensive relations between our two countries.
Obviously, as two of the largest economies in the world, much of our focus has been on increasing trade and commerce between our two countries in a way that creates mutual benefits, and we have made significant progress in not only our bilateral relations, but also in helping to manage through some very difficult economic crises.
We’ve also been able to cooperate on a range of regional issues relating to the Asia Pacific region, but also with respect to conflict and security challenges around the world.
In the wake of the G20, this will be a good opportunity for us to recap the work that both China and the United States have to do to sustain global economic growth and to make sure that we are creating jobs and opportunity for our citizens.
And I’m also looking forward to having the opportunity to discuss some immediate issues that the world confronts — being able to discuss Iran, North Korea, and the challenges of curbing nuclear proliferation. This will also give us an opportunity to discuss the situation in Syria, and to arrive at a cooperative approach that can end the bloodshed there and lead to the kind of legitimate government that I think we all hope for.
So once again, I want to thank President Hu for his leadership both in the G20 and in helping to nurture the kind of cooperative relationship that we’ve developed. And I look forward very much to our discussion.
PRESIDENT HU: (As interpreted.) I’m delighted to meet with you, Mr. President, again. It’s already our 12th meeting. In March this year, you and I had very close in Seoul, Korea, and over the past three months, the working teams of both countries have been working in real earnest to follow through with the important agreement you and I reached. And we have made new progress in developing a cooperative partnership between China and the United States.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/06/19/remarks-president-obama-and-president-hu-jintao-china-bilateral-meeting
6:30 PM ET
Vice President Biden attends a campaign event
Sacramento, CA
So this is funny: GOP Sen. Scott Brown has withdrawn from the Kennedy Institute debate with Democratic candidate Elizabeth Warren. How come?
Because the KI refused his demand that Vicki Kennedy, widow of the late Senator Ted Kennedy and president of the institute, promise not to endorse anybody during the Senate campaign!
Doesn’t sound to me like he was planning to show up in the first place.
Story here: http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/06/kennedy-institute-rejects-browns-unprecedented-demand-on-vicki-kennedy-for-debate.php
Now Streaming…
7:30 PM ET
President Obama holds a press conference with reporters at the conclusion of the G-20 Summit
Los Cabos, Mexico.
WhiteHouse.gov http://www.whitehouse.gov/live
CNN http://live.cnn.com
CSPAN http://www.c-span.org/Events/Pres-Obama-Holds-Press-Conference-at-Close-of-G20-Summit/10737431746/
G2012 Mexico http://www.g20.org/en
June 20, 2012
Remarks by President Obama at Press Conference After G20 Summit
Convention Center
Los Cabos, Mexico
5:47 P.M. MDT
PRESIDENT OBAMA: I want to begin by thanking my good friend and partner, President Calderon, and the people of Los Cabos and Mexico for their outstanding hospitality and leadership. Mexico is the first Latin American country to host a G20 summit, and this has been another example of Mexico playing a larger role in world affairs, from the global economy to climate change to development.
Since this is my last visit to Mexico during President Calderon’s time in office, I want to say how much I’ve valued Felipe’s friendship and the progress that we’ve made together over the past several years. And building on the spirit here at Los Cabos, I’m absolutely confident that the deep ties between our countries will only grow stronger in the years to come.
Now, over the past three years, these G20 summits have allowed our nations to pull the global economy back from a free fall and put us back on the path of recovery and growth. In the United States, our businesses have created jobs for 27 months in a row — more than 4 million jobs in all — and our highest priority continues to be putting people back to work even faster.
Today, we recognize that there are a wide range of threats to our ongoing global economic recovery and growth. But the one that’s received the most focus obviously and that does have a significant impact on the United States as well as globally is the situation in Europe. As our largest trading partner, slower growth in Europe means slower growth in American jobs. So we have a profound interest in seeing Europe prosper. That’s why I’ve been consulting closely with my European counterparts during this crisis, as we’ve done here at Los Cabos.
I do think it’s important to note, however, that most leaders of the eurozone, the economies are not part of the G20. The challenges facing Europe will not be solved by the G20 or by the United States. The solutions will be debated and decided, appropriately, by the leaders and the people of Europe.
So this has been an opportunity for us to hear from European leaders on the progress they’re making and on their next steps — especially in the wake of the election in Greece, and because they’re heading into the EU summit later this month. It’s also been a chance for the international community, including the United States — the largest economy in the world, and with our own record of responding to financial crises — to stress the importance of decisive action at this moment.
Now, markets around the world as well as governments have been asking if Europe is ready to do what is necessary to hold the eurozone together. Over the last two days European leaders here in Cabos have made it clear that they understand the stakes and they pledged to take the actions needed to address this crisis and restore confidence, stability, and growth. Let me just be a little more specific.
First, our friends in Europe clearly grasp the seriousness of the situation and are moving forward with a heightened sense of urgency. I welcome the important steps that they have already taken to promote growth, financial stability and fiscal responsibility. I’m very pleased that the European leaders here said that they will take all necessary measures to safeguard the integrity and stability of the eurozone, to improve the functioning of the financial markets. This will contribute to breaking the feedback loop between sovereigns and banks, and make sovereign borrowing costs sustainable.
I also welcome the adoption of the fiscal compact and it’s ongoing implementation, assessed on a structural basis, together with a growth strategy which includes structural reforms.
G20 leaders all supported Europe working in partnership with the next Greek government to ensure that they remain on a path to reform and sustainability within the eurozone. Another positive step forward was the eurozone’s commitment to work on a more integrated financial architecture — including banking supervision, resolution, and recapitalization, as well as deposit insurance. Also, in the coming days Spain will lay out the details of its financial support request for its banks restructuring agency, providing clarity to reassure markets on the form and the amount and the structure of support to be approved at the earliest time.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/06/20/remarks-president-obama-press-conference-after-g20-summit
Livestream in Spanish here: http://www.g20mexico.org/#
June 19, 2012
G20 Leaders Declaration (Summary)
1. We, the Leaders of the G20, convened in Los Cabos on 18-19 June 2012.
2. We are united in our resolve to promote growth and jobs.
3. Since we last met, the global recovery has continued to face a number of challenges. Financial market tensions are high.
4. We will act together to strengthen recovery and address financial market tensions.
5. We will work collectively to strengthen demand and restore confidence with a view to support growth and foster financial stability in order to create high quality jobs and opportunities for all of our citizens.
6. Euro Area members of the G20 will take all necessary policy measures to safeguard the integrity and stability of the area, improve the functioning of financial markets and break the feedback loop between sovereigns and banks.
7. We are implementing our structural and regulatory reform agenda to enhance medium-term growth prospects and build more resilient financial systems.
8. Despite the challenges we all face domestically, we have agreed that multilateralism is of even greater importance in the current climate, and remains our best asset to resolve the global economy’s difficulties.
9. Recognizing the impact of the continuing crisis on developing countries, particularly low income countries, we will intensify our efforts to create a more conducive environment for development, including supporting infrastructure investment.
* Supporting economic stabilization and the global recovery
* Employment and Social Protection
* Trade
* Strengthening the international financial architecture
* Reforming the financial sector and fostering financial inclusion
* Enhancing food security and addressing commodity price volatility
* Meeting the Challenges of Development
* Promoting longer-term prosperity through inclusive green growth
* Intensifying the fight against corruption
* Other paragraphs
* Conclusion
For the entire declaration: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/06/19/g20-leaders-declaration
June 19, 2012
The Los Cabos Growth and Jobs Action Plan
Risks and uncertainty in the global economy have increased substantially. Our collective focus now is to strengthen demand, growth, confidence and financial stability in order to improve employment prospects for all of our citizens. We have agreed today on a globally coordinated economic plan to achieve those goals through our Framework for Strong, Sustainable and Balanced Growth. This plan, which incorporates and extends the Cannes Action Plan, significantly intensifies our efforts to achieve a stronger, more durable recovery. The Los Cabos Growth and Jobs Action Plan starts from the premise that cooperation and coordination will result in better economic outcomes. We are united in our commitment to take strong and decisive action to deliver on the commitments set out below.
We have agreed that, in light of what are perceived to be the most significant risks, our policy actions should focus on:
• Addressing decisively the sovereign debt and banking crisis in the Euro Area. The Euro Area authorities have taken a number of relevant and critical actions that have helped to stabilise the situation, however, significant risks remain and further action is required.
• Ensuring financial stability, including dealing with the potential impacts of deleveraging.
• Boosting demand and economic growth, and reducing persistently high and rising unemployment in many advanced economies, especially among young people.
• Ensuring the pace of fiscal consolidation in advanced economies is appropriate to support the recovery, taking country-specific circumstances into account and, in line with the Toronto Commitments, addressing concerns about medium-term fiscal sustainability.
• Dealing with the possibility that geopolitical risks might lead to a supply-induced sustained spike in oil prices, in an environment of limited spare capacity and modest inventories.
• Ensuring emerging markets maintain a strong and sustainable growth path that contributes to the global recovery and quality job creation.
• Resisting protectionism and keeping markets open.
Our ability to successfully address these risks is influenced by our ability to take stronger actions to promote stability and growth, and reduce ongoing imbalances, including by encouraging the rotation of demand from the public to the private sector in countries with fiscal deficits and from the external to the domestic sector in countries with current account surpluses. We are in full agreement that we need to intensify our efforts to reduce both internal and external imbalances.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/06/19/los-cabos-growth-and-jobs-action-plan
McConnell’s imaginary high crimes
By Steve Benen – Tue Jun 19, 2012 3:34 PM EDT
Late last week, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) spoke at a conservative think tank to make a spirited case against public disclosure in the campaign-finance system. As far as the Republican Leader is concerned, there’s nothing wrong with wealthy interests buying American elections — the real scandal is a proposal to let American voters know who’s doing the buying.
But that’s not the only scandal. Kevin Drum noted what McConnell went on to say later in the day during a Fox News interview.
[T]he Senate’s top Republican also accused the [Obama] administration of improperly using government agencies to exert political pressure.
“What they’re trying to do is intimidate donors to outside groups that are critical of the administration, McConnell said. “The campaign has rifled through donors’ divorce records. They’ve got the IRS, the SEC and other agencies going after contributors trying to frighten people and intimidate them out of exercising their rights to participate in the American political discourse.”
For more: http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/06/19/12302851-mcconnells-imaginary-high-crimes?lite
Benen on McConnell’s bizarre accusation that President Obama has committed impeachable offenses:
“Ideally, folks like McConnell — a man who’s served in the Senate for more than a quarter of a century — would leave garbage attacks to House backbenchers, but that would presuppose a level of decency and decorum that doesn’t exist.”
Hi, CR and Kat and my other friends! Every now and then, I remind myself to come visit – and finally, finally, I am also posting to say hello during “our” re-election campaign! Hope y’all are doing well. Of course, we absolutely MUST get our President and Vice President re-elected … we MUST! I see you guys are doing your part, as usual. Have a happy Obama evening!
Hey Ms Oboomer!!!!
Yes, America needs to re-elect President Obama and to elect more Democrats into Congress so that the additional steps can be taken to protect all the essential programs to help America’s most vunerable!
Secretary Arne Duncan Speaks at the White House Online Summit on Education
Published on Jun 19, 2012 by whitehouse
Secretary of Education Arne Duncan briefs reporters and editors of sites that reach parents, students, and educators across the country at the first ever White House Online Summit on Education.
June 19, 2012
Remarks by Treasury Secretary Geithner
Convention Center
Los Cabos, Mexico
2:33 P.M. MDT
SECRETARY GEITHNER: We’re encouraged by what we’ve heard from the European leaders today and by the broad focus around the world we’re seeing to the need to strengthen economic growth.
The leaders of the G20 met here at obviously what’s a challenging time for the global economy, and this matters a lot to the United States because, because of the crisis in European and the softness you’re seeing in growth outside Europe, that means that in the U.S. we’re not growing as fast as we need to grow.
Now, the leaders today discussed a broad range of reforms and priorities. They reviewed progress on trade, on development, on financial reform and energy. But the focus of the meetings were very much on the crisis in Europe and these broader challenges to economic growth.
And the leaders in Europe are working towards the summit they have at the end of next week. It’s going to be really a critical summit for them. And what they’re trying to do is to design a framework to not just make Europe stronger for the future with reforms to build a stronger set of institutions for fiscal union — banking union — that’s the way they describe it — not just to make sure these economic reforms work over time to strengthen growth in Europe, but what they’re also trying to do is to make sure in the very near term they’re putting in place a set of measures that can help make sure that they’re supporting the financial systems of Europe and they are helping make sure that countries that are undertaking these reforms — like Spain and Italy — can borrow at existing low interest rates.
Both those two things are very important — not just the long-term reforms to build a stronger Europe, but the immediate steps to make sure that they’re stabilizing their financial systems and making sure these reforms can really work.
Now, they’ve laid out a framework with a series of very important key elements, and let me just describe those key elements for you — and you’re going to hear the European leaders speak to those specific changes.
First, they all want to work in partnership with Greece to make sure that Greece is reforming within the European community. That’s very important.
Second, they are designing, as I said, the elements of what they call a financial architecture for a stronger framework to make their financial system work. And what this means is a framework of reforms so they can stand behind their banks, provide capital to the banks that need it, make sure they’re protecting the savings of their depositors. That’s the second key thing — this focus on banking union or a broader financial architecture — financial union.
You saw Spain move — and it’s a very good thing they did this — to make sure they’re committed, to make sure they can get some support of the capital — the banks.
And the third thing is the focus on economic growth, because of course, for these reforms to work in Europe over time, Europe needs to grow faster.
As I said, you’re going to hear more from the European leaders in the coming days about the specific proposals they’re going to put in place. They’re negotiating towards an agreement at their summit at the end of next week.
Now, a solution to this crisis in Europe has got to be made in Europe. And all of us, of course, have a huge interest, a huge stake in the success of their efforts. And we’re going to continue to do everything we can to support them.
Thank you.
END
2:36 P.M. MDT
On Board – Traveling From the G20
Published on Jun 20, 2012 by whitehouse
White House Press Secretary Jay Carney speaks from Air Force 1 on the way back from the G20 summit that was held in Los Cabos, Mexico
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