Briefing Skipper: New Zealand, Ahmadinejad, Russia, Burma, Zelaya

Posted By Josh Rogin Thursday, September 24, 2009 - 11:30 PM Share

In which we scour the transcript of the State Department's daily presser so you don't have to. Here are the highlights of today's briefing by spokesman Ian Kelly:

The Royal New Zealand Air Force, came to the aid of an ill American in Antarctica, sending a C-130 Hercules aircraft from Christchurch to make the rescue at the McMurdo research station there. Thanks!
The State Department "worked closely with the producers" of the ABC news report about the sex tape involving Kyle Hatcher, an aide to U.S. Ambassador John Beyrle in Russia. "We believe, as Amb. Beyrle said in the interview, that he has been the subject of a smear campaign using -- using the Russian press. And of course, this kind of campaign is disgusting and deplorable," said Kelly, adding "it's an example of the continuation of a Cold War mentality." Doesn't look that cold in the video to me! (rim shot)
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad apparently didn't tell the State Department directly what he said publicly yesterday about allowing his nuclear scientists to meet with inspectors. "We do want to sit down with them and have a serious exchange and find out if, indeed, they -- they're ready to open up their nuclear program," said Kelly. Do I detect a note of skepticism?
The Burma policy review could be out as early as tomorrow, Kelly said, previewing the administration's new policy of "pressure and engagement." Kelly explained, "we believe that sanctions have a place in our policy, but sanctions or isolation has not, in and of themselves, produced the kind of results that we've been looking for. Senator Jim Webb, get ready to be happy.
No real movement to report on the stalemate at the Brazilian embassy in Tegucigalpa, where ousted president Manuel Zelaya is hiding out. "The situation, I hate to use a cliché, is calm but tense," Kelly said. Since when does Ian hate to use clichés!