Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, September 2, 2022
- 2 years ago
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Good afternoon, everybody. Okay.
So, I’m pleased to announce that on Friday, September 16th, President Biden will welcome South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to the White House. The leaders, building — the leaders, building on their productive call in April and the U.S.-South Africa Strategic Dialogue in August, will reaffirm the importance of our enduring partnerships and discuss opportunities to deepen cooperation on trade and investment, infrastructure, climate and energy, and health. We look forward to a productive visit.
President Biden’s Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Ambassador Mike Hammer, will travel to Ethiopia starting this weekend to engage on the crisis in northern Ethiopia. Special Envoy Hammer will convey that all parties should halt military operations and engage in peace talks.
He — we condemn Eritrea’s reentry into the conflict, the continuing TPLF offensive outside of Tigray, and the Ethiopian government’s airstrikes.
There is no military solution to the conflict. Prior to renewed hostilities, we were encouraged by five months of humanitarian truce, and are now deeply concerned about the seizure of humanitarian assistance of military use.
All parties should exercise restraint. And we urge de-escalation by all actors, particularly so that there can be a resumption of humanitarian relief and basic services to all parties in need.
Last but not least, I also wanted to share some very sad news to report for the press team. This is the final day of our good friend and invaluable colleague Alexandra LaManna’s detail with us.
As you know, we have rotating details from different agencies. Alexandra succeeded Brittany Kaplan at a pivotal time, coming to us from Treasury and taking the lead for the press team on our response to the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, as well as the ensuing attacks on women’s fundamental rights from elected Republicans in Congress and also all over the country.
Her expertise on economic issues has also been a huge asset for us in the Press Office. We’re going to miss her talent, her smarts, her sense of — her sense of strategy, her sense of humor, and her work ethic, which speaks to how lucky we have been to have her on our team.
We’re going miss you, Alex.
Okay. With that, want to take us away?
Q Sure. A couple on the water crisis in Mississippi. Last night, the President said, quote, “We’ve offered every single thing available to Mississippi and the governor has to act.”
Can you elaborate on that a little bit? What does the President think Governor Reeves has to do now that he has not yet done regarding the crisis?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, let me just say a couple of — a couple of things that give you — give you all an update.
So FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is in Jackson, Mississippi, today to assess the ongoing emergency response operations. She will be joined by Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu and other federal offi
So, I’m pleased to announce that on Friday, September 16th, President Biden will welcome South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to the White House. The leaders, building — the leaders, building on their productive call in April and the U.S.-South Africa Strategic Dialogue in August, will reaffirm the importance of our enduring partnerships and discuss opportunities to deepen cooperation on trade and investment, infrastructure, climate and energy, and health. We look forward to a productive visit.
President Biden’s Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Ambassador Mike Hammer, will travel to Ethiopia starting this weekend to engage on the crisis in northern Ethiopia. Special Envoy Hammer will convey that all parties should halt military operations and engage in peace talks.
He — we condemn Eritrea’s reentry into the conflict, the continuing TPLF offensive outside of Tigray, and the Ethiopian government’s airstrikes.
There is no military solution to the conflict. Prior to renewed hostilities, we were encouraged by five months of humanitarian truce, and are now deeply concerned about the seizure of humanitarian assistance of military use.
All parties should exercise restraint. And we urge de-escalation by all actors, particularly so that there can be a resumption of humanitarian relief and basic services to all parties in need.
Last but not least, I also wanted to share some very sad news to report for the press team. This is the final day of our good friend and invaluable colleague Alexandra LaManna’s detail with us.
As you know, we have rotating details from different agencies. Alexandra succeeded Brittany Kaplan at a pivotal time, coming to us from Treasury and taking the lead for the press team on our response to the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, as well as the ensuing attacks on women’s fundamental rights from elected Republicans in Congress and also all over the country.
Her expertise on economic issues has also been a huge asset for us in the Press Office. We’re going to miss her talent, her smarts, her sense of — her sense of strategy, her sense of humor, and her work ethic, which speaks to how lucky we have been to have her on our team.
We’re going miss you, Alex.
Okay. With that, want to take us away?
Q Sure. A couple on the water crisis in Mississippi. Last night, the President said, quote, “We’ve offered every single thing available to Mississippi and the governor has to act.”
Can you elaborate on that a little bit? What does the President think Governor Reeves has to do now that he has not yet done regarding the crisis?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, let me just say a couple of — a couple of things that give you — give you all an update.
So FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is in Jackson, Mississippi, today to assess the ongoing emergency response operations. She will be joined by Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu and other federal offi