SECRETARY POMPEO: Good morning, everyone. Before I recap today’s ministerial, I want to address the ISIS-K claimed attack in Afghanistan.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Well, thank you very much. And, Prime Minister Modi, this has been a very special visit -- unforgettable, extraordinary. What can you say? Very, very wonderful to be with you. Thank you very much.
In light of threats posed by COVID-19, the United States reiterates its calls for the Assad regime to take concrete steps to protect the fate of thousands of civilians, including U.S. citizens, being held arbitrarily in overcrowded and inhumane conditions in regime detention centers. These conditions are prime for the quick spread of the virus which would have devastating impacts on vulnerable detainees who are already in poor health after months or even years of torture, malnutrition, and lack of access to medical care.
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus:
Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke yesterday with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. Secretary Pompeo and the Crown Prince expressed their deep concern over COVID-19 and the need for all countries to work together to contain the pandemic. Secretary Pompeo and the Crown Prince focused on the need to maintain stability in global energy markets amid the worldwide response.
We strongly condemn the recent attack on Zarifa Ghafari, the mayor of Maidan Shar, Wardak province. We are relieved that she and her fellow passengers survived this cowardly attack unharmed.
The Department of State is rising to meet the historic challenge posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, every day, all over the world. We have no higher duty than to protect American citizens, and have launched an unprecedented global effort to bring home our citizens from every corner of the globe.
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – March 24, 2020
San Diego – A Russian-based cyber platform known as DEER.IO was shut down by the FBI today, and its suspected administrator – alleged Russian hacker Kirill Victorovich Firsov - was arrested and charged with crimes related to the hacking of U.S. companies for customers’ personal information.
Supreme Leader Khamenei’s fabrications regarding the Wuhan Virus are dangerous and they put Iranians and people around the world at greater risk. Facts matter. Here are a few the Iranian regime would like to keep from the world:
MODERATOR ONE: Okay, at the end of the opening remarks, if you want to ask a question, please send me a text message at [redacted] and I will add you to the queue. With that, I’ll turn it over to [Moderator Two].
“I also want to call attention to the Iranian regime’s misinformation campaign surrounding the origination of the Wuhan virus. Instead of focusing on the needs of the Iranian people and accepting genuine offers of support, senior Iranians lied about the Wuhan virus outbreak for weeks.”
