Q: Does the United States put any restrictions on U.S. citizens traveling to North Korea? A: While the United States government does not restrict travel to North Korea, the Department of State warns U.S. citizens against entering North Korea without first having received a explicit official permission and an entry visa from the Government of North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea).

The United States stands in solidarity with our South Korean allies and the international community in condemnation of North Korea's artillery attack against the island of Yeongpyong on November 23. The United States calls upon the DPRK to cease its provocative and irresponsible actions against its neighbors, fully abide by the terms of the Armistice, and adhere to its international obligations.

Special Representative for North Korea Policy Ambassador Stephen Bosworth is leading an interagency delegation to Asia to consult with counterparts from the Republic of Korea, Japan, and China on North Korean issues. The delegation departed from Washington on the morning of November 20, will arrive in Seoul on November 21, travel to Tokyo on November 22, and depart for Beijing November 23.

On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I commend the Government of Benin for hosting this international symposium honoring the 50th anniversary of independence for 17 Francophone African countries. On this historic occasion, African leaders from government, business, and civil society have a unique opportunity to discuss the challenges of the last 50 years and share ideas about the way forward.

The UN Security Council's condemnation of North Korea's attack on the South Korean ship Cheonan sends a clear message that such irresponsible and provocative behavior is a threat to peace and security in the region and will not be tolerated. Attacks on the Republic of Korea are unacceptable and the United States joins the Security Council in calling for North Korea to uphold the Korean Armistice Agreement.

The United States is pleased to announce an initial contribution of $200 million toward the 2010 operations of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The contribution will support UNHCR efforts worldwide. These activities include refugee returns to Afghanistan and Burundi; local integration and third-country resettlement of refugees; and protection and provisions of water, shelter, food, healthcare, and education to people under UNHCR's care.

Ambassador Robert King, Special Envoy for North Korean Human Rights Issues, will visit South Korea from January 11-14 and Japan on January 15. This will be Ambassador King's first visit to the region since being confirmed by the Senate in November 2009.

The United States welcomes the continued engagement between Chad and Sudan to normalize relations as discussed during meetings last week with Chadian Foreign Minister Moussa Faki and Sudanese Presidential Advisor Dr. Ghazi Salahuddin. The United States is encouraged by the decision of these two neighboring countries to implement their 2006 bilateral Security Protocol.

QUESTION: You know, Ian, there are so many different questions about these – this attempted bombing thing, but I think there's one big one that stands out, which is after everything – you know, he goes to the Embassy, tells all this stuff about his son, he's put on the watch list.

The United States is deeply concerned about reports that the National Assembly passed the Southern Sudan referendum bill with language added by the NCP that is different than that agreed to by NCP and SPLM leadership. Reneging on the agreement negotiated on December 13^th by the two parties undermines the peace process, jeopardizes CPA implementation, and risks sparking renewed political hostilities between the parties.

In response to President Tandja's refusal to relinquish his mandate, the United States is suspending its non-humanitarian assistance to the Government of Niger. The Secretary of State has imposed travel restrictions on certain members of the Government of Niger, as well as other individuals who support policies or actions that undermine Niger's return to constitutional rule.

U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan Scott Gration will travel to Khartoum and Juba, Sudan; Stuttgart, Germany; and Brussels, Belgium from December 12-19, 2009. Special Envoy Gration will travel to Khartoum and Juba, Sudan, to meet with officials from the National Congress Party (NCP) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) on resolving disputes over fundamental issues of CPA implementation.

Madagascar has been a leader in the utilization of the trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) since becoming eligible in October 2000. The Act requires the President to annually designate countries as eligible to receive the benefits of AGOA if they have established, or are making continual progress in certain criteria, including the rule of law and political pluralism.

The United States condemns the use of violence against and detentions of peaceful protestors and opposition political figures by Sudanese authorities on December 7, 2009 in Omdurman, Sudan. We condemn all acts of violence in Sudan and call for restraint and dialogue among all parties.

The United States condemns in the strongest terms the December 3^rd suicide bombing in Mogadishu. At a university gathering, a suicide bomber murdered 22 students, teachers, journalists, and others. Three ministers of the Transitional Federal Government were among those killed.

The United States welcomes the publication of the new draft constitution by Kenya’s Committee of Experts. On my visit this summer, I urged Kenya’s people and leaders to move forward with the reform agenda that is so important to Kenya’s future.

The United States Special Envoy to Sudan, Scott Gration, has just returned from a November 16-November 23 trip to Sudan. He traveled to the areas of Khartoum, Abyei, and Darfur. In Khartoum, the two parties to the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) —the National Congress Party (NCP) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM)—continue their discussions to resolve key outstanding issues relating to the 2010 national elections and the 2011 referenda in Southern Sudan and Abyei.

U.S. and South African officials recently discussed a broad array of nonproliferation-related issues, including nonproliferation challenges, nuclear security and smuggling, export controls, biosafety and biosecurity, and cooperation on nuclear energy, during meetings November 9-12 in Pretoria, South Africa.

The United States is disappointed at the recent announcement that presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire, scheduled for November 29, will again be delayed. In the past year Cote d’Ivoire has made significant progress on voter registration/identification, and it is imperative that all parties take every measure to ensure that elections are held without further delay.

MR. KELLY: Okay. What can I do you for? QUESTION: No questions. (Laughter.) MR. KELLY: Okay. (Laughter.) It’s great to see you all, though, I must say. It’s been a few days. Who wants to start? QUESTION: Does anyone want to start with Iran? MR. KELLY: Mr. Dombey, you want to start? QUESTION: I have a question.