Obama chooses William Daley as chief of staff

.S. President Barack Obama (L) welcomes newly appointed White House Chief of Staff William Daley (L) after making an announcement about the position in the East Room of the White House January 6, 2010 in Washington, DC. Daley, formerly with JP Morgan Chase, replaces Rahm Emanuel who resigned in October. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

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WASHINGTON, Jan 06 (KATAKAMI /AP)  – President Barack Obama named veteran political manager William Daley to be his new chief of staff Thursday, selecting a centrist with Wall Street ties to help navigate a newly divided Congress and a looming re-election.

“Few Americans can boast the breadth of experience that Bill brings to this job,” Obama told reporters in the East Room as Daley, 62, stood at his side.

“But most of all, I know Bill to be somebody who cares deeply about this country, believes in its promise, and considers no calling higher and more important than serving the American people,” the president said.

The appointment represented the most significant move in a far-reaching and ongoing staff shakeup that included the departure of Obama’s press secretary and several key deputies and economic advisers. It came the day after Republicans officially assumed control of the House and increased their numbers in the Senate.

Daley, who served as commerce secretary for President Bill Clinton, offers criteria Obama wants for the new environment in Washington: an outsider’s perspective, credibility with the business community, familiarity with the ways of the Cabinet and experience in navigating divided government.

U.S. President Barack Obama (C) thanks interim White House Chief of Staff Pete Rouse (L) while announcing the new White House Chief of Staff William Daley (R) in the East Room of the White House January 6, 2011 in Washington, DC. Daley, formerly with JP Morgan Chase, replaces Rahm Emanuel who resigned in October. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

“I’m convinced that he’ll help us in our mission of growing our economy and moving America forward,” Obama said.

Daley made a pledge to the president: “This team will not let you down — nor the nation.”

Daley replaces Pete Rouse, the interim chief of the last three months and a behind-the-scenes Obama adviser who did not want the position permanently and recommended Daley for it. Rouse, who received warm praise from Obama and sustained applause from staffers watching in the East Room, will remain as a counselor to the president, an elevated position from his former job as senior adviser.

Daley was expected to start as chief of staff within the next couple of weeks. His brother, Richard Daley, is the mayor of Chicago, the post that Obama’s first chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, left his job in October to seek. The Daley brothers are sons of Richard J. Daley, who was Chicago’s mayor from 1955 to his death in 1976.

Although Chicago is also Obama’s hometown, the president has not had a close relationship with his new chief of staff. But Obama alluded to the Daley political legacy, joking that he “has a smidgen of awareness of how our system of government and politics works. You might say it is a genetic trait.”

Daley will assume one of the most important and influential jobs in American government as an adviser and gatekeeper to Obama. He will be thrust into the heart of national politics just as Obama adapts to a new reality in Washington, with Republicans working to gut his signature health care law and pushing for major cuts in spending.

Although Daley has not sought elective office himself, he has long been immersed in politics.

He helped Clinton pass the North American Free Trade Agreement before joining his Cabinet. Later, he ran Al Gore’s 2000 presidential campaign and the historic recount effort that ended with Gore conceding the race to George W. Bush.

When Obama launched his presidential campaign, the Daley family put aside its deep connections to Bill and Hillary Rodham Clinton and endorsed the young Illinois senator. Until then, Obama and the Daleys had largely operated separately in Illinois politics — not helping each other much but not attacking each other, either. After Obama’s victory, Daley helped oversee the presidential transition.

Daley, a lawyer and banker, now serves as Midwest chairman of JPMorgan Chase. His appointment could raise questions about the White House’s closeness with Wall Street just as Obama is eager to enforce reforms that benefit the little guy.

Liberal groups reacted negatively to the announcement, with MoveOn.org calling it “troubling” because of Daley’s “close ties to the big banks and big business.” By contrast, the choice won praise from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which Obama has recently begun to woo after clashes with business groups. The chamber called Daley “a man of stature and extraordinary experience in government, business, trade negotiations and global affairs.”

The reactions underscored Obama’s determination to play to the middle as he ramps up for his re-election fight in 2012, even if it means alienating allies on the left.

Daley laid out his political ideology last year upon joining the board of Third Way, a moderate Democratic think tank.

“We must acknowledge that the left’s agenda has not won the support of a majority of Americans — and, based on that recognition, we must steer a more moderate course,” he said at the time.

Obama is ushering in changes across his senior leadership — the result of internal staff fatigue, a need to shift energy and people to Obama’s re-election campaign, and an adaptation to the fresh limits on Obama’s power. Although many of the names of the players may not be familiar to the electorate, the collective personnel changes will influence not just Obama but the national agenda.

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs announced Wednesday he was resigning by early February, senior adviser David Axelrod will be leaving soon, and both of Obama’s deputy chiefs of staff, Jim Messina and Mona Sutphen, are exiting soon, too. David Plouffe, a key member of Obama’s inner circle as his former presidential campaign manager, will be joining the senior staff of the White House on Monday.

Daley emerged as a natural candidate for the chief of staff post, particularly after other internal candidates ended up in other positions. He is close to some of those in Obama’s orbit, including Axelrod, Emanuel and senior presidential adviser Valerie Jarrett.  (*)

PM Netanyahu: Israel agreed to new settlement freeze, but U.S. retracted offer

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a meeting with the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee at the Knesset (Israeli parliament) in Jerusalem on January 3, 2011. (Photo by MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP/Getty Images)

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PM blames Palestinians for deadlock in peace talks, says U.S. officials due to arrive in Israel to push forward talks on core issues.

January 03, 2011 (KATAKAMI / HAARETZ) --- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that he had agreed to the U.S. suggestion of a three-month extension to the West Bank settlement freeze, but the Americans were the ones who retracted the offer.

"The United States asked us to consider extending the freeze by three months, and the truth is that we were prepared to do so," Netanyahu said while speaking before the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.

Netanyahu said that contrary to what was reported, Israel did not refuse extending the freeze on West Bank settlements by three months, saying it was eventually the "United States who decided against that direction, rightfully, in my opinion."

In early December, the Obama administration announced that Washington was "ending the contacts to try to achieve another moratorium" after months of heavy negotiations to offer Israel a series of U.S. guarantees in exchange for the freeze.

"I told Obama that I am prepared to go with this to the cabinet and that I will be able to enforce the move, but then I received the surprising phone call from the Americans who said they no longer demand that Israel extends the freeze," Netanyahu explained.

"The Americans were right in saying that the settlement freeze will lead to a dead end, in which we would have entered an endless path of settlement freezes, but despite it all I agreed to go through with it," he emphasized.

Netanyahu told MKs that U.S. officials will arrive in Israel in mid-January in order to push forward the peace process and discuss core issues in talks with Palestinians.

Moreover, Netanyahu again reiterated his stance that the Palestinians were responsible for the deadlock in peace talks.

"During the cabinet meeting on Sunday, I called on Abu Mazen [Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas], to hold direct negotiations, but I got no answer," he said.

"We took many actions in order to move the peace process forward but the Palestinians did not even advance one millimeter despite the settlement freeze. The Palestinians entered talks only toward the end of the freeze and the only subject they wanted to discuss was an extension of the freeze."

Netanyahu also noted the Palestinians' attempts to pursue unilateral statehood, saying that these moves will fail and will not yield any results.

"We are aware of their steps – even the congress opposed these unilateral steps and it seems that the Americans will not be partners to a forced agreement," he said.  (*)

Medvedev congratulates Obama on Christmas, New Year

FILE : Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev

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MOSCOW, December 31 (KATAKAMI / Itar-Tass) -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev sent congratulatory messages on Christmas and New Year to his U.S. counterpart Barack Obama, the Kremlin press service reported on Friday.

“In the outgoing year we managed to achieve tangible results in joint efforts in order to provide the positive dynamics of Russian-U.S. cooperation,” Medvedev said in the congratulatory message. “Our sincere and constructive dialogue contributed to the solution of the most important bilateral and international issues. The new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, which builds up the foundations of global security, was signed. Large-scale cooperation in high technologies and innovations was established. The bilateral Presidential Commission launched promising projects in various fields,” Medvedev noted.

“I hope that in the next year we will continue the intensive dialogue, consistent development on the path of pragmatic and long-term partnership between our countries,” the Russian president underlined.   (*)

Bombing of Anti-Taliban Tribe Kills 45 in Pakistan

U.S. President Barack Obama

Photostream : Dozens killed in Pakistan bombing

December 26, 2010 (KATAKAMI / VOA) --- U.S. President Barack Obama has condemned a suicide attack against members of an anti-Taliban tribe in northwestern Pakistan.

The Saturday attack in Pakistan's Bajur district killed at least 45 people and wounded more than 100 others. Children were among the victims.

A woman dressed in a burqa lobbed a grenade at a World Food Program distribution center, charged into the crowd and blew herself up.

Mr. Obama said the deadly attack at the food distribution center is an affront to the people of Pakistan, and to all humanity. Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, as well as Afghan President Hamid Karzai and U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon have also condemned the attack.

Officials said most of the victims at the center in the town of Khar were members of the Salarzai tribe. The tribe has backed military action against the Taliban and even formed its own militia to help force them from the area.

Officials say many of the victims had been displaced by the second of two military campaigns against the Taliban.

There had been conflicting reports about the sex of the bomber. Male suicide bombers have used burqas in the past to hide their explosives, but local officials said they had confirmed this attacker was a woman.

A spokesman for the Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for the bombing.

The World Food Program said none of its staff was wounded.

Bajur district is close to the Afghan border in a region U.S. officials say is a haven for Taliban and al-Qaida militants.


Meanwhile, government officials said Saturday 40 militants were killed during a Pakistani military air raid in the Mohmand tribal region. (*)

Senate approves nuclear arms treaty with Russia

Senator John Kerry (L) and Senator Richard Lugar (R) hold a news conference to discuss their support of ratifying the new START treaty, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, December 21, 2010 ( Photo : Reuters / Jonathan Ernst)

Dec 22, 2010 (KATAKAMI / Reuters) - The Senate approved a landmark nuclear arms control treaty with Russia on Wednesday, giving President Barack Obama a major foreign policy victory in his drive to improve ties with Moscow and curb the spread of atomic weapons to other nations.

The Senate voted 71-26 in favor of the New START treaty between the former Cold War foes after a contentious debate with Republican leaders that threatened traditional bipartisanship on security affairs.

"This treaty will enhance our leadership to stop the spread of nuclear weapons and seek the peace of a world without them," Obama told a news conference after the vote, praising the bipartisan nature of the final result.
The vote was an endorsement of Obama's efforts to improve relations with Russia and curb the pursuit of nuclear weapons by countries like North Korea and Iran.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the process was "a new gold standard for concluding agreements of this kind."

"Not only does the treaty facilitate a strengthening of the security of Russia and the USA but it will also have a positive effect on international stability and security in general," Lavrov told the Interfax news agency.
The Russian parliament has yet to approve the treaty -- signed by Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in April -- but the Kremlin-backed United Russia party is dominant, so ratification there is all but assured.

Still, Russian lawmakers will review the terms in the U.S. Senate's resolution of ratification.

"Taking into account the amendments added by senators, we are forced to undertake a deep and thorough analysis of the text ... since we are speaking about the national security of our country," Leonid Slutsky, deputy chair of parliament's international affairs committee, told Interfax.

Senator John Kerry, who led the debate as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, said the treaty was a message to Iran and North Korea "that the international community remains united to restrain the nuclear ambitions of countries that operate outside the law."

"We send a message that the two countries that possess 90 percent of the world's nuclear weapons are fulfilling their obligations to reduce their arsenals in a responsible manner," Kerry said.

The treaty will cut long-range, strategic nuclear weapons deployed by Russia and the United States to no more than 1,550 on each side within seven years. Deployed missile launchers will be cut to no more than 700 on each side.

The agreement also creates an inspection and verification process to replace the one that expired nearly a year ago with the end of the original START accord.

The new treaty has wide support in military and diplomatic circles. NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said it would make a "significant contribution" to regional security and U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said it was a "clear message" supporting nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation.

U.S. CREDIBILITY AT STAKE

Passage of the treaty with support from 13 Republicans was a big victory for Obama just weeks after his Democrats lost control of the House of Representatives and narrowly retained control of the Senate in the November 2 congressional elections.

Republican senators had sought to amend the treaty this week to allow for more inspections, more deployed missiles and to force talks on tactical nuclear weapons. But Democrats, who still control the chamber 58-42 until the new Congress sits in January, easily defeated the amendments.

Kerry said Senate approval was critical for sustaining Obama's credibility with fellow world leaders and supporting his ability to advance the U.S. agenda.

Officials in the Obama administration have said passage of the New START treaty was a prerequisite for turning to other arms control issues such as reducing tactical nuclear weapons.

But Jon Kyl, the second-ranking Republican in the Senate and an opponent of New START, said he would fight any effort to revive the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.

"This may be the last arms control agreement for a while," Kyl said. "I think we can get back to focusing on the real issues -- issues of proliferation, terrorism and dealing with threats from countries like North Korea and Iran."

Arms control experts disagreed, hailing the treaty as a step in the right direction.

Steven Pifer, director of the Arms Control Initiative at the Brookings think tank, said failure of the treaty would have undercut Obama on the world stage.

"Virtually all the NATO allies came out and endorsed this treaty," he said. "And had the Obama administration not been able to deliver its ratification, I think that it would have really been a blow to the credibility and authority of the president when he was engaging overseas."

While the treaty will not cause Iran or North Korea to alter their behavior, Pifer said, "it does give the administration a greater authority with other countries to up the pressure on North Korea and Iran."

Daryl Kimball, director of the nonpartisan Arms Control Association, said the treaty "does augur well for the Senate's pursuing further fact-based, adult conversations about nuclear security issues and I'm optimistic about the prospects for building upon this bipartisan consensus."  (*)
 

President Obama’s statement on the Afghanistan-Pakistan Annual Review

U.S. President Barack Obama delivers a statement on the Afghanistan-Pakistan Annual Review from the White House Briefing Room with Vice President Joe Biden (L) and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton looking on in Washington December 16, 2010. The review said "notable operational gains" had been made and Taliban momentum had been "arrested" in much of the country and reversed in some areas, but any gains were fragile and reversible. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

December 16, 2010 (KATAKAMI / WHITEHOUSE.GOV) ---- THE PRESIDENT: Good morning, everybody. When I announced our new strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan last December, I directed my national security team to regularly assess our efforts and to review our progress after one year. That’s what we’ve done consistently over the course of the past 12 months —- in weekly updates from the field, in monthly meetings with my national security team, and in my frequent consultations with our Afghan, Pakistani and coalition partners. And that’s what we’ve done as part of our annual review, which is now complete.

I want to thank Secretary Clinton and Secretary Gates for their leadership. Since Joint Chief of Staff Chairman, Admiral Mullen, is in Afghanistan, I’m pleased that we’re joined by Vice Chairman, General Cartwright.

Our efforts also reflect the dedication of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, whose memory we honor and whose work we’ll continue. Indeed, the tributes to Richard that have poured in from around the globe speak to both the enormous impact of his life and to the broad international commitment to our shared efforts in this critical region.

I have spoken with President Karzai of Afghanistan as well as President Zardari of Pakistan and discussed our findings and the way forward together. Today, I want to update the American people on our review —- our assessment of where we stand and areas where we need to do better. I want to be clear. This continues to be a very difficult endeavor. But I can report that thanks to the extraordinary service of our troops and civilians on the ground, we are on track to achieve our goals.

It’s important to remember why we remain in Afghanistan. It was Afghanistan where al Qaeda plotted the 9/11 attacks that murdered 3,000 innocent people. It is the tribal regions along the Afghan-Pakistan border from which terrorists have launched more attacks against our homeland and our allies. And if an even wider insurgency were to engulf Afghanistan, that would give al Qaeda even more space to plan these attacks.

And that’s why, from the start, I’ve been very clear about our core goal. It’s not to defeat every last threat to the security of Afghanistan, because, ultimately, it is Afghans who must secure their country. And it’s not nation-building, because it is Afghans who must build their nation. Rather, we are focused on disrupting, dismantling and defeating al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and preventing its capacity to threaten America and our allies in the future.

In pursuit of our core goal we are seeing significant progress. Today, al Qaeda’s senior leadership in the border region of Afghanistan and Pakistan is under more pressure than at any point since they fled Afghanistan nine years ago. Senior leaders have been killed. It’s harder for them to recruit; it’s harder for them to travel; it’s harder for them to train; it’s harder for them to plot and launch attacks. In short, al Qaeda is hunkered down. It will take time to ultimately defeat al Qaeda, and it remains a ruthless and resilient enemy bent on attacking our country. But make no mistake -- we are going to remain relentless in disrupting and dismantling that terrorist organization.

In Afghanistan, we remain focused on the three areas of our strategy: our military effort to break the Taliban’s momentum and train Afghan forces so they can take the lead; our civilian effort to promote effective governance and development; and regional cooperation, especially with Pakistan, because our strategy has to succeed on both sides of the border.

Indeed, for the first time in years, we’ve put in place the strategy and the resources that our efforts in Afghanistan demand. And because we’ve ended our combat mission in Iraq, and brought home nearly 100,000 of our troops from Iraq, we’re in a better position to give our forces in Afghanistan the support and equipment they need to achieve their missions. And our drawdown in Iraq also means that today there are tens of thousands fewer Americans deployed in harm’s way than when I took office.

With those additional forces in Afghanistan, we are making considerable gains toward our military objectives. The additional military and civilian personnel that I ordered in Afghanistan are now in place, along with additional forces from our coalition, which has grown to 49 nations. Along with our Afghan partners, we’ve gone on the offensive, targeting the Taliban and its leaders and pushing them out of their strongholds.

As I said when I visited our troops in Afghanistan earlier this month, progress comes slowly and at a very high price in the lives of our men and women in uniform. In many places, the gains we’ve made are still fragile and reversible. But there is no question we are clearing more areas from Taliban control and more Afghans are reclaiming their communities.

To ensure Afghans can take responsibility, we continue to focus on training. Targets for the growth of Afghan security forces are being met. And because of the contributions of additional trainers from our coalition partners, I’m confident we will continue to meet our goals.

I would add that much of this progress —- the speed with which our troops deployed this year, the increase in recruits -- in recruiting and training of Afghan forces, and the additional troops and trainers from other nations —- much of this is the result of us having sent a clear signal that we will begin the transition of responsibility to Afghans and start reducing American forces next July.

This sense of urgency also helped galvanize the coalition around the goals that we agreed to at the recent NATO summit in Lisbon —- that we are moving toward a new phase in Afghanistan, a transition to full Afghan lead for security that will begin early next year and will conclude in 2014, even as NATO maintains a long-term commitment to training and advising Afghan forces. Now, our review confirms, however, that for these security gains to be sustained over time, there is an urgent need for political and economic progress in Afghanistan.

Over the past year, we’ve dramatically increased our civilian presence, with more diplomats and development experts working alongside our troops, risking their lives and partnering with Afghans. Going forward, there must be a continued focus on the delivery of basic services, as well as transparency and accountability. We will also fully support an Afghan political process that includes reconciliation with those Taliban who break ties with al Qaeda, renounce violence and accept the Afghan constitution. And we will forge a new strategic partnership with Afghanistan next year, so that we make it clear that the United States is committed to the long-term security and development of the Afghan people.

Finally, we will continue to focus on our relationship with Pakistan. Increasingly, the Pakistani government recognizes that terrorist networks in its border regions are a threat to all our countries, especially Pakistan. We’ve welcomed major Pakistani offensives in the tribal regions. We will continue to help strengthen Pakistanis’ capacity to root out terrorists. Nevertheless, progress has not come fast enough. So we will continue to insist to Pakistani leaders that terrorist safe havens within their borders must be dealt with.

At the same time, we need to support the economic and political development that is critical to Pakistan’s future. As part of our strategic dialogue with Pakistan, we will work to deepen trust and cooperation. We’ll speed up our investment in civilian institutions and projects that improve the lives of Pakistanis. We’ll intensify our efforts to encourage closer cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

And, next year, I look forward to an exchange of visits, including my visit to Pakistan, because the United States is committed to an enduring partnership that helps deliver improved security, development, and justice for the Pakistani people.

Again, none of these challenges that I’ve outlined will be easy. There are more difficult days ahead. But as a nation, we can draw strength from the service of our fellow Americans.

On my recent visit to Afghanistan, I visited a medical unit and pinned Purple Hearts on some of our wounded warriors. I met with a platoon that had just lost six of their teammates. Despite the tough fight, despite all their sacrifice, they continue to stand up for our security and for our values that we hold so dear.

We’re going to have to continue to stand up. We’ll continue to give our brave troops and civilians the strategy and resources they need to succeed. We will never waver from our goal of disrupting, dismantling, and ultimately defeating al Qaeda. We will forge enduring partnerships with people who are committed to progress and to peace. And we will continue to do everything in our power to ensure the security and the safety of the American people.

So, with that, Vice President Biden and myself will depart, and I’m going to turn it over to Secretaries Clinton, Gates, as well as Vice Chairman Cartwright, and they will be able to answer your questions and give you a more detailed briefing.

Thank you very much.


(*)

Obama administration sues BP, others over Gulf spill

Fire boat response crews battle the blazing remnants of the off shore oil rig Deepwater Horizon, off Louisiana, in this April 21, 2010 handout, file photograph. REUTERS/U.S. Coast Guard/Handout/Files

December 15, 2010 (KATAKAMI / Reuters) - The Obama administration on Wednesday launched a legal battle against BP Plc and its partners by suing them for the worst offshore oil spill in U.S. history, which could cost the companies billions of dollars.

The lawsuit seeks damages from the well owners BP, Anadarko Petroleum Corp and Mitsui & Co Ltd unit MOEX, and well driller Transocean Ltd and its insurer QBE Underwriting/Lloyd's Syndicate 1036, part of Lloyds of London, for their roles in the Gulf of Mexico disaster.

"While today's civil action marks a critical step forward, it is not a final step," U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder told reporters at a news conference.

"Both our criminal and civil investigations are continuing, and our work to ensure that the American taxpayers are not forced to bear the costs of restoring the Gulf area -- and its economy -- goes on," he said.

The suit, the first by the U.S. government after the April 20 explosion aboard the drilling rig in which 11 workers died, was filed in a New Orleans federal court which is considering private lawsuits against BP and the others for the spill.

BP, which returned to profitability in the third quarter of 2010, has begun selling assets and amassing a massive warchest to pay for damages caused by the oil spill, which the oil concern has estimated could reach as much as $40 billion.

The oil company said on Wednesday it was weighing the sale of its Canadian natural-gas liquids business.
In response to the lawsuit, BP said it is "solely a statement of the government's allegations and does not in any manner constitute any finding of liability or any judicial finding that the allegations have merit."

"BP will answer the government's allegations in a timely manner and will continue to cooperate with all government investigations and inquiries," the company said.

US President Barack Obama (Getty Images)

SETTLEMENT IS A POSSIBILITY

Legal experts have said they expect the two sides to settle eventually but it could take years. In comparison, Exxon XOM.N> settled government claims over the spill by its Valdez tanker in Alaska in 1991, two years after the oil hit the coast.

The lawsuit against BP and others warned that "the full extent of potential injuries, destruction, loss and loss of services is not yet fully known and may not be fully known for many years."

Shares in the companies targeted in the lawsuit fell in the wake of the lawsuit.

The stocks trimmed early losses to close off their lows, with BP down 1.3 percent at $43.86 and Anadarko Petroleum down 2.3 percent at $67.41. Halliburton, which wasn't named in the suit, closed near session lows, down 3.1 percent at $39.79.

The Deepwater Horizon drilling rig blowout spilled about 4.9 million barrels of oil over several months. It fouled resort beaches and fishing grounds and led to hundreds of lawsuits over lost revenues and wages.
"This is about getting a fair deal for the region that suffered enormous consequences from this disaster," said Lisa Jackson, head of the Environmental Protection Agency.

The lawsuit accused the companies of violating safety and operating regulations in the period leading up to the disaster, including keeping the well under control, failing to use the best available and safest drilling technology and failing to maintain continuous surveillance of the well.

The government claimed the companies violated the U.S. Clean Water Act and the Oil Pollution Act, but the lawsuit does not request a specific dollar amount for damages.

For every barrel of oil spilled into the Gulf of Mexico, there could be a fine of up to $4,300 if gross negligence is found. That would equal a fine of at least $21 billion. If no gross negligence is found, the fine could be up to $1,100 per barrel or almost $5.4 billion.

It will be up to the judge to weigh the evidence presented in court to determine if the defendants were grossly negligent in their conduct, a Justice Department official said.

The Justice Department could also seek additional fines for harm to any animals protected by the Endangered Species Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, among other environmental laws.

The lawsuit did not name Halliburton, which did the cementing for the well, or Cameron International which provided well equipment, but Justice Department officials made it clear more defendants and charges could be added later.

BP HAS TAKEN RESPONSIBILITY

BP has taken responsibility for the cleanup but has questioned government estimates of how much oil came out of the well. BP co-owned the Macondo well with Anadarko and MOEX.

After the lawsuit was filed, its partners said the blame and liability laid squarely on BP.

Anadarko said it was not responsible for the decisions and operation for the well and therefore BP should be held responsible. Transocean, which drilled the well, also tried to pin the blame on BP.

"The responsibility for hydrocarbons discharged from a well lies solely with its owner and operator," Transocean said in a statement, adding it was "indemnified in this matter."

BP has estimated it may cost as much as $40 billion to pay for the spill, including the cleanup and penalties. The London-based oil firm has been selling numerous assets to raise as much as $30 billion to cover those costs.

The Justice Department asked a federal judge in New Orleans overseeing the litigation to hold the companies liable, except for Lloyds, for unlimited damages, beyond the $75 million cap under the Oil Pollution Act.

The judge in Louisiana, Carl Barbier, has been overseeing the hundreds of private lawsuits involving thousands of plaintiffs against BP and its partners. He has a status hearing set for Friday.

A lawyer for private individuals suing BP over the spill said the new lawsuit by the Obama administration would not hurt their efforts.

"We look forward to continued cooperation with the U.S. government in pursuit of justice for all victims of the Deepwater Horizon tragedy," said the lawyer Steve Herman. "(I) think it demonstrates confidence and momentum in the Court proceedings as we approach the February 2012 trial."   (*)

MS

Ironi Wikileaks, Obama Pantas Dikecam Terkait Bom Kuningan 2009

FILE : President Barack Obama

Densus Bukan Likuidasi Tapi Ganti Nama, Akal-Akalan Merengek Ke Amerika?


Jurus Mubazir Polri Soal Terorisme Lewat 3 Elemen Anti Teror Yakni BNPT, Densus & CRT


Mengecam Penyerbuan Densus Ke Bandara Polonia & Balada Post Power Syndrome Gories Mere


Diduga Noordin M. Top Atau Gories Mere Yang Kebelet Ingin Ngetop ?

Jakarta, 15/12/ 2010 (KATAKAMI) --- Berdasarkan bocoran data dari Situs WIKILEAKS, 4 hari sebelum terjadinya aksi terorisme yang meledakkan 2 hotel bintang lima di Jakarta yaitu Hotel JW Mariott dan Hotel Ritz Carlton tahun 2009 lalu, Kedutaan Besar Amerika Serikat di Jakarta (Indonesia) telah mengirimkan kawat diplomatik ke PEMERINTAH AMERIKA SERIKAT bahwa akan terjadi "SERANGAN TERORISME" pada tanggal 17 Juli 2009.

Wikileaks sendiri bukan membocorkan data-data fantasi tetapi MURNI membocorkan rahasia kawat-kawat diplomatik dari jaringan DEPARTEMEN LUAR NEGERI AMERIKA SERIKAT.

Artinya, Kedutaan Besar Amerika Serikat telah melaporkan kepada Presiden Barack Obama tentang "akan terjadinya aksi terorisme di Indonesia" pada tanggal 13 Juli 2009.

Ledakan bom itu sendiri terjadi pada jam 07.47 WIB dan 07.57 WIB pada hari Jumat, 17 Juli 2009.

Pidato Presiden SBY mengenai aksi ledakan bom di JW MARRIOTT DAN RITZ CARLTON. Disiarkan oleh TV One (17 Juli 2009)

(YOUTUBE) --- Ledakan Bom di Ritz Carlton and Marriott Hotels in Mega Kuningan Jakarta (17 Juli 2009)


(YOUTUBE) The time of explosion ( Detik-detik waktu ledakan bom ) JW Marriott by.CCTV Eksklusif RCTI (17 Juli 2009)


Khusus di video ini yaitu sebelum penyiar RCTI berbicara, pada 3 detik pertama terdengar nama "PETRUS" disebut yaitu :  " .... pemilihan, Petrus ?"
Dijawab oleh lawan bicaranya : "Hmmmm"


(YOUTUBE) Terror Bom di JW marriott dan Ritz Carlton, Mega Kuningan Jakarta. Siaran dari SCTV (17 Juli 2009)

FILE : President Barack Obama

WIKIPEDIA : INFORMASI LENGKAP TENTANG BOM KUNINGAN 2009

(WIKIPEDIA IN ENGLISH) : 2009 Jakarta bombings

Kemudian Yang Mulia Presiden Barack Obama --- yang nota bene mewakili Pemerintah Amerika Serikat yang secara "teori" sudah lebih dulu mengetahui aksi terorisme itu 4 hari sebelumnya --- menelepon dengan sangat dramatis kepada Presiden Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono pada tanggal 18 Juli 2009.

Menurut pemberitaan DETIK.COM tertanggal 18 Juli 2009, Presiden Amerika Serikat (AS) Barack Obama menelepon Presiden SBY. Obama membicarakan pengeboman di Hotel JW Marriott dan Ritz Carlton. Obama menyampaikan bela sungkawa sekaligus dukungannya bagi Indonesia dalam perang melawan terorisme.

"Presiden Obama berbicara dengan Presiden Indonesia Yudhoyono hari ini untuk memberi selamat atas keterpilihannya kembali sebagai presiden dan menyampaikan dukungan dan solidaritas AS kepada pemerintah dan rakyat Indonesia menyusul serangan teroris di Jakarta," demikian pernyataan Gedung Putih seperti dikutip dari AFP, Sabtu (18/7/2009).

Obama juga memuji Indonesia yang telah menggelar pemilu dengan sukses dan bisa menjadi teladan bagi negara-negara Islam. Ini membuktikan bahwa Islam, demokrasi, dan keragaman bisa hidup berdampingan dan tumbuh bersama.

"Presiden juga meneguhkan kembali kerja sama antara AS dengan Indonesia dalam melawan ekstremisme di Asia Tenggara dan seluruh dunia," lanjut pernyataan Gedung Putih. Demikian diberitakan DETIK.COM yang mengutip Kantor Berita AFP.

FOTO : Ponimin, Ponimin dikenal warga lereng Merapi sebagai orang pintar kedua setelah Mbah Maridjan. Dia biasa dimintai tolong warga untuk menentukan hari baik, mengusir setan, dan juga menjadi pawang hujan. Empat hari sebelum turunnya awan panas yang menewaskan Mbah Maridjan dan puluhan korban lainnya, Ponimin sudah mendapat "informasi".

Ilustrasi yang paling dicocok untuk digambarkan mengenai posisi Presiden Barack Obama yang sudah diberitahu 4 hari sebelum aksi peledakan bom itu adalah kejadian gaib yang terjadi seputar letusan Gunung Merapi pada bulan Oktober 2010 lalu.

Ini hanya sebatas ILUSTRASI tetapi pantas dikemukakan sebagai "gambaran" yang bertujuan untuk menyindir tentang "luasnya pengetahuan" Pemerintah Amerika Serikat mengenai urusan domestik negara lain, termasuk rencana aksi terorisme yang belum terjadi.

Empat hari sebelum turunnya WEDHUS GEMBEL atau awan panas yang menewaskan kuncen Gunung Merapi Mbah Maridjan dan puluhan korban lainnya, Ponimin sudah mendapatkan informasi informal mengenai BENCANA MEMATIKAN itu.

Seperti yang diberitakan DETIK.COM tanggal 29 Oktober 2010, Ponimin mengaku ditemui 'penguasa' Merapi atau makhluk gaib penunggu Merapi beberapa hari sebelum musibah awan panas terjadi. Sosok lelaki tua berbaju lurik dan berblangkon khas Jawa itu meminta Ponimin membuat bubur merah dan putih.

"Sabtu 23 Oktober pagi, saya didatangi si Mbah. Dia bilang mau menghancurkan lereng Merapi di empat penjuru, menggunakan kekuatan api, air, tanah, dan angin," cerita Ponimin saat ditemui wartawan di rumah dr Ana Ratih Wardani, di Kaliadem, Umbulharjo, Cangkringan, Sleman, Jumat (29/10/2010).

Namun si Mbah berjanji tidak akan menghancurkan tanah di sekitar Merapi asalkan Ponimin maum membuat bubur merah dan putih. Namun bubur itu bukanlah bubur biasa. Air pembuat bubur harus diambil dari 7 mata air yang berbeda.

"Kata si Mbah kalau mau selamat mesti membuat sesajen bubur merah dan putih yang airnya harus dari 7 mata air. Kemudian bubur harus didoakan doa nurbuat dan selamat," kata pria 50 tahun ini.

Ponimin mengaku, ini bukan kali pertamanya si Mbah menemuinya. Sosok gaib itu sudah mulai 'dikenalnya' sejak 1994. Demikian diberitakan DETIK.COM.

FILE : Hotel Ritz Carlton yang ikut diledakkan oleh serangan aksi TERORISME pada tanggal 17 Juli 2009. Berdasarkan bocoran kawat diplomatik yang disebarkan WIKILEAKS, KEDUTAAN BESAR AMERIKA SERIKAT di INDONESIA sudah melaporkan tentangan rencana serangan aksi terorisme ini melalui kawat diplomatiknya 4 hari sebelum ledakan itu terjadi.

Mengapa judul tulisan ini memakai kata MENGECAM ?

Tentu saja harus dikecam.

Bayangkan, ada sebuah negara SUPER POWER yang sudah tahu tentang rencana aksi terorisme di Indonesia tetapi mendiamkan saja.

Bayangkan, ada dokumen rahasia tentang aksi serangan terorisme yang akan menghantam, mengguncang dan menghancurkan Indonesia dilaporkan oleh KEDUTAAN AMERIKA kepada Pemerintah AMERIKA SERIKAT ( cq Presiden Barack Obama dan Menteri Luar Negeri Hillary Clinton) sebelum aksi itu terjadi ( dan hebatnya didiamkan saja oleh negara yang sudah mengetahui aksi serangan terorisme itu ).

Bayangkan, betapa hebatnya POLISI ( cq TIM ANTI TEROR INDONESIA ) yang patut dapat diduga sudah bisa mendapat rinciran serangan aksi terorisme terkait Bom Kuningan 2009.

Sebab pertanyaannya, darimana KEDUTAAN BESAR AMERIKA SERIKAT di Jakarta ini bisa mendapat dokumen dan informasi akurat tentangan serangan aksi terorisme itu secara detail ? Dari TIM ANTI TEROR POLRI-kah atau dari Jaringan Teroris itu senditi ?

Yang lebih pantas lagi dkutuk, setelah BOM meledak tanggal 17 Juli 2009 lalu, Barack Obama dengan “manisnya” bisa menelpon Presiden SBY untuk menyatakan belasungkawa.

Manisnya mulutmu dan kata-katamu, Obama.

Tidak malukah engkau hei Obama, kepada rakyat Indonesia, kepada Pemerintah Selandia Baru, Australia dan Belanda, yang warga negaranya ikut TEWAS dalam serangan aksi terorisme ini ?

Korban tewas dalam BOM KUNINGAN 2009 itu adalah :

INDONESIA 3 orang yaitu : Evert Mokodompis - Chef Banquet JW Marriot, plus 2 orang pelaku bom sendiri atas nama Dani Dwi Permana dan Nana Ikhwan Maulana.

SELANDIA BARU 1 orang atas nama Timothy MacKay selaku Presiden Direktur Holcim Indonesia.

AUSTRALIA 3 orang yaitu atas nama Nathan Verithy, Craig Sanger dan John Gear Rufer McEvoy.

BELANDA 2 orang yaitu atas nama EJC Keaning dan Pieter Burer.

FILE : President Barack Obama

Indonesia tidak membutuhkan “SENYUM MANIS” Barack Obama.

Indonesia membutuhkan Amerika sebagai mitra strategis yang konsisten membuktikan kata-katanya bahwa mereka siap menjalin dan membantu Indonesia dalam penanganan terorisme.

Berdasarkan pembocoran kawat diplomatik Kedutaan Amerika Serikat tentang BOM KUNINGAN 2009 yang dimuat oleh WIKILEAKS ini, Amerika sudah tahu 4 hari sebelum aksi serangan terorisme itu terjadi.

Mengapa didiamkan ?

Untuk apa Amerika membuang uang membentuk dan membidani lahirnya Detasemen Khusus 88 Anti Teror kalau dalam waktu 4 hari sebelum aksi serangan terorisme itu terjadi, Densus 88 tidak bisa mencegah dan mengagalkannya ?

Apakah Amerika mempunyai Undang Undang yang bisa menghukum para diplomat (bahkan presidennya) jika mereka membiarkan dan mendiamkan sebuah kejahatan terorisme terjadi ?

Ada unsur PEMBIARAN telah terjadi secara menyakitkan dalam kasus Bom Kuningan 2009 ini.

Ada unsur PEMBIARAN yang telah merenggut nyawa 9 0rang (ditambah 2 pelaku peledakan bom itu).

Satu nyawapun sangat berharga didalam kehidupan ini.

Hak hidup manusia seakan telah dirampas oleh arogansi kedigdayaan Amerika.

Untuk apa membocorkan sebuah serangan aksi terorisme yang akan terjadi di sebuah negara, kalau Amerika tidak berperan serta dalam mencegah dan menggagalkan aksi kemanusiaan itu ?

Untuk apa Presiden Barack Obama menelepon Presiden SBY beberapa jam setelah aksi peledakan bom itu terjadi guna menawarkan bantuan dan kerjasama dalam memerangi terorisme ?

Hei Barack Obama, jawab dulu pertanyaan ini ?

Presiden Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono menggelar jumpa pers beberapa jam setelah terjadinya peledakan bom Kuningan 2009 didampingi Kepala Badan Intelijen Negara Sjamsir Siregar (paling kiri) dan Menkopolhukkam Widodo AS (berbusana batik) dan Kapolri Jenderal Bambang Hendarso Danuri ( tidak tampak di gambar). Dalam jumla pers ini, SBY menuding ada unsur politis di balik peledakan bom itu. Sementara berdasarkan kawat diplomatik Kedutaan Besar Amerika yang dibocorkan WIKILEAKS, Pemerintah Amerika sudah mengetahui aksi serangan terorisme itu 4 hari sebelum bom itu terjadi.

Sulit bagi siapapun menuding muka TIM ANTI TEROR INDONESIA sebagai dalang pembocoran dokumen dan informasi tentang rencana serangan teroris tanggal 17 Juli 2009 sehingga Kedutaan Besar Amerika di Jakarta bisa mengetahuinya 4 hari sebelumnya.

Sulit membuat asumsi atau analisa yang akurat karena segala sesuatu harus berdasarkan nalar, akal sehat dan informasi hitam diatas putih.

Tetapi betapa memalukannya diri kalian, hei DENSUS 88 ANTI TEROR, lagak kalian sangat memuakkan dan pantas dihujat oleh rakyat Indonesia.

Sebuah aksi serangan terorisme sudah bisa dilaporkan oleh Kedutaan Asing kepada Pemerintahnya dengan sangat akurat, tetapi malangnya TIM ANTI TEROR di Indonesia seakan “sedang tidur” sebelum serangan itu terjadi.

Setelah BOM MELEDAK, barulah kalian keluar kandang dengan garang dan sok gagah berani menggasak pihak-pihak yang kalian tuding sebagai TERORIS.

Dimana letak rasionalitas dari semua benang merah ini ?

Hei Bung, begitu banyak keluarga yang masih merasakan pedihnya kehilangan orang-orang yang mereka cintai yang tewas akibat kebiadaban aksi terorisme pada BOM KUNINGAN 2009 itu.

Yang pantas dipertanyakan, itu aksi terorisme atau aksi-aksian terorisme ?

Itu memang perbuatan teroris atau teroris-terorisan ?

Tidak letak kewibawaan Pemerintah Indonesia terkait bocornya kawat diplomatik Kedutaan Besar Amerika terkait BOM KUNINGAN ini ?

Anda, Presiden SBY, lebih hebring lagi.

Bisa-bisanya juga anda ngoceh beberapa jam setelah BOM KUNINGAN 2009 itu bahwa patut dapat diduga ada unsur politis dibalik BOM itu.

Aduh SBY, coba lihat video rekaman anda berpidato soal BOM KUNINGAN 2009 yang berisi tudingan anda kepada pihak tertentu di dalam negeri.

Anda tidak tahu malu menuding orang sembarangan.

Empat hari sebelum aksi peledakan bom itu terjadi, PRESIDEN NEGARA SUPER POWER di dunia ini sudah mendapatkan laporan lengkap tentang aksi serangan terorisme alias BOM KUNINGAN 2009 itu.

Jadi apa fungsi Presiden di negara ini kalau tidak bisa melindungi rakyatnya sendiri dan warga negara asing yang sedang berada di Indonesia ?

FILE : President Barack Obama

Sehingga yang perlu disampaikan disini adalah kesungguhan Pemerintah Amerika Serikat dalam menjalin hubungan kerjasama dengan negara lain dimanapun juga, termasuk Indonesia.

Terutama Presiden Barack Obama, janganlah memamerkan senyum manis dan kata-kata yang membuai tentang tawaran kerjasama dalam memerangi terorisme tetapi dalam kehidupan nyata, yang terjadi justru sebaliknya.

Informasi WIKILEAKS tentang Bom Kuningan ini sangat menyakitkan hati.

Terorisme seakan menjadi panggung sandiwara yang pantas untuk dibiarkan memberangus nyawa sebanyak-banyaknya.

Terorisme seakan menjadi drama kemanusiaan yang tidak perlu dicegah dan digagalkan demi AKSI HEROISME dari Tim Anti Teror Indonesia yang selama ini sangat suka jual omongan tentang keberhasilan memerangi terorisme.

Tutup mulut kalian, DENSUS !

Data WIKILEAKS itu sangat memalukan dan mujarab untuk menghancurkan kesombongan kalian yang selama ini tidak pernah mau bekerjasama dengan instansi lain dalam memerangi terorisme.

Kecil kemungkinan TNI akan mau melakukan PEMBIARAN jika mereka tahu bahwa empat hari kemudian akan ada sebuah aksi serangan terorisme di Indonesia.

Satu hal yang paling penting untuk digaris-bawahi mengenai KEAMANAN NASIONAL atau NATIONAL SECURITY bahwa dibutuhkan koordinasi yang sangat kuat antar aparat keamanan dalam memerangi terorisme.

Terorisme bukan komoditi dagang atau skenario indah yang bisa dilahap negara manapun untuk menyetir unsur-unsur keamanan di Indonesia.

Terorisme bukan "mainan" yang asyik dan sangat enak diutak-atik oleh negara manapun yang seakan bisa melakukan apa saja, termasuk menyaksikan kehancuran Indonesia yang sengaja dibiarkan digempur oleh kejahatan terorisme itu sendiri.

Siapa sebenarnya "THE REAL TERRORIST" yang menjadi biang kerok dari semua aksi terorisme di negara ini ?

Memalukan sekali, ada aksi terorisme yang sengaja dibiarkan dan tidak digagalkan oleh TIM ANTI TEROR INDONESIA.

Kalian ibarat duri yang menusuk sendi-sendi kehidupan berbangsa dan bernegara di Indonesia.

Sedihnya hati rakyat Indonesia menyaksikan kejahatan kemanusiaan yang bernama terorisme itu.

Dan bocornya data serangan terorisme terkait BOM KUNINGAN 2009 ini 4 hari sebelumnya, mengingatkan kejadian yang "SERUPA TAPI TAK SAMA" pada aksi serangan terorisme di Hotel yang sama yaitu JW MARIOTT pada bulan Agustus 2003.

Sumber KATAKAMI.COM dari kalangan perwira tinggi Polri menceritakan bahwa Komisaris Jenderal Gories Mere sudah mengetahui rencana aksi serangan terorisme di  Hotel JW Mariott itu beberapa hari sebelumnya.

Rencana aksi itu dilaporkan kepada Kapolri Jenderal Dai Bachtiar tetapi Sang Kapolri tidak percaya.

Detik-detik menjelang bom itu meledak, Gories Mere dan seorang perwira  tinggi dari Tim Anti Teror Polri makan di sebuah Kafe untuk menantikan saat-saat peledakan bom itu terjadi.

Duarrrrrrrrr !

Saat bom itu meledak, Gories Mere sedang asyik menikmati menu makanan yang lezat di Kafe itu tanpa ekspresi.

Inilah gambaran manusia yang biadab dan tidak tahu malu.

Dia sudah tahu akan ada serangan aksi terorisme tetapi melakukam pembiaran ( dan malah sengaja mencari restoran yang nyaman untuk menikmati santapan lezat saat bom meledak ).

Penyanyi KAKA dari Grup Band SLANK mengekspresikan keprihatinannya atas terjadinya Bom Kuningan 2009 dengan menunjukkan celana yang dipakai bertuliskan : "BOMBERS KISS MY .... ASS !" yang berarti : Hei, Pelaku Bom, Cium Nih PANTAT Gue !

Wikileaks adalah sebuah ironi yang hadir di permukaan dunia ini untuk mengusik bahkan mencabik-cabik perasaan bagi negara atau pemimpin dunia mana saja yang tersenggol dalam kawat-kawat diplomatik jaringan Kedutaan Amerika di dunia.

Wikileaks adalah sebuah ironi yang menggambarkan betapa arogannya Amerika terhadap negara manapun didunia ini.

Siapa saja bisa diejek.

Siapa saja bisa dihina.

Siapa saja bisa dikatai.

Dan siapa saja bisa dibuai dengan kata-kata indah tentang kebaikan Amerika bekerjasama dalam memerangi aksi terorisme (terutama dalam masa pemerintahan Presiden Barack Obama).

Padahal faktanya : OMONG KOSONG LU, "BARRY" (OBAMA)  !


Anda tidak lebih istimewa dari omong kosong apapun juga didunia ini sebab melakukan pembiaran terhadap kejahatan kemanusiaan yang bernama TERORISME adalah wujud dari AROGANSI yang paling arogan.


Mengerti, Mr Arrogant ?


Payah Lu !


Jangan banyak obral senyum lagi kepada dunia internasional sebab hidup ini harus dihargai secara tulus, jujur dan penuh moralitas bagi setiap insannya yang taat beragama.


Darimana ceritanya anda hei AMERIKA, mau bekerjasama dengan dunia Islam (termasuk Indonesia) kalau kejahatan TERORISME saja kalian biarkan terjadi.


Aduh. Gila betul ....

(*)