We very much urge that democratic elections be held as soon as possible, which is a commitment military officials have made.
Again, what we're doing is encouraging everyone to have, first, the coup leaders act out on their commitments and restore democratic rule as quickly as possible. That's the one that usually comes into play when a situation like this happens.
CASEY: Since I wasn't aware that the meeting took place, Mr.
We want to see that done in accordance with the wishes of both communities in a manner that's acceptable to both of them.
Officials are saying that the move is justified because the U. We can talk to world leaders, and we do.
That said, our understanding is that the statute does give the Iraqi Council of Ministers the legal authority to replace judges in this case. may have had with either the Thai Government or the Prime Minister's government or the coup leaders?
CASEY: Good afternoon, everybody. We think it is important that those forces transition as quickly as possible to a UN-led mission as has been called for. Certainly we wish that that had not occurred in the first place. I think I've already answered.
And that's the role of the United States, as far as I'm concerned.
But we do think it's one that's best left to their own judgments. CASEY: Oh, I opened the door, didn't it?
Again, what we're doing is encouraging everyone to have, first, the coup leaders act out on their commitments and restore democratic rule as quickly as possible. CASEY: Well, I don't think you'll find it surprising that we disagree with the views that were expressed in President Chavez's remarks.
We had far-reaching discussion, encompassing bilateral issues, regional and international.
The President, of course, met with President Abbas today, and the Secretary was there for that.
What we believe is important and appropriate is for representatives of all religions to work together to help promote tolerance and to promote a culture of freedom of religion. CASEY: I haven't seen those remarks, Mr.
That person is in the form of Mr. I think really the best place to have the specifics of this decision explained are with Prime Minister Maliki's government and his officials. He and I have talked about this issue in the past.
And our hope is that this process continues move forward. But again it is something we're going to have to look at.
The determinations and the specifics of that are things that we need to let the Thai people work out and resolve, and I am simply not in a position to do that for them. CASEY: Well, first of all, this is an Iraqi process and it is governed by the Iraqi High Tribunal statute.
We want to see that done in accordance with the wishes of both communities in a manner that's acceptable to both of them. CASEY: You know I don't have specific figures on foreign assistance. There are issues that you can look at within that Religious Freedom Report that talk about issues related to the Ecumenical Patriarch, but I don't have anything new to add on that for you.