A series. In my speech, i quoted several times from the famous address to the u. S. Congress of 1990. In february, 1990. That you willve not mind if i use the same address of the czechoslovakian president as my inspiration today, as well. He spoke about his vision of built onhich should be the foundations of general respect for human rights, pluralism, and freedom of choice. During and which orders will play a lesser and lesser role. Until they become needed no more. His vision saw this comment at the end of his life already. Onlye gains stability, not in the central and eastern countries, but also in the west balkans, which saw a lot of bloodshed in the 90s. The area which makes it possible to travel freely throughout the eu finally spread the total of 26 member states. Unfortunately, as i said once before, none of these achievements is a matter of course. This fact has been revealed quite clearly. Europe today struggles with problems on many fronts. The greek debt crisis, the illegal annexation of crimea, and military destabilization in Eastern Ukraine by russia. Civil war in syria, the socalled islamic state, terrorism inspired by islamic migration refugee crisis. All of these impacts in a major way as well as on the political impact, but our biggest problem is having some kind of permanent crisis management. The feeling that we do not have events fully under control, that ofope is not capable following its own rules far too often. A great number of europeans are disappointed today and fear future developments. There are growing nationalistic tendencies, as well as demand for radical solutions. Situation is this not only the presence of dangers and radicals in many parliaments, but also increasing discussions of disintegration. Nd dilution of the eu u. K. Is the possible and the internal cohesion of europe is truly at stake here. This cohesion has been painstakingly built and negotiated since the 1950s of the last century and, native with the European Union enlargement by the states of the former soviet bloc, including the Czech Republic. European country is today able to successfully face the challenges and tasks ahead of us alone, on its own, and in isolation from the others. We live in an interconnected world, and unless we want to see youre marginalized, we must face the challenges together. Me and my government, we fully embrace the integration and cooperation in the eu, facetoface with the challenges , with european cooperation the only choice conducive to prosperity, preservation of the role of europe playing in the world and values on which it has been built. Gentlemen, Brookings Institute celebrates its 100 year anniversary. Years of its0 existence, you became one of the most significant think tanks in the u. S. And even beyond. You have experts in all different areas of todays changed over have time and will continue changing. Some of you specialize in international relations, and therefore, you know much more than me about the reasons moving the world around us. I think it would be better rather than giving you numbers and statistics for individual events to focus on the Prime Minister of a 10 million country in the heart of europe considered as key areas on which we must concentrate and devote our attention to. To stop the migration chaos, we must remember, and we must renew an efficient protection of the outer eu borders as well as stabilize the regions in its vicinity. Concurrently, we never forget the monetary and the humanitarian effort and that many of those who flee to europe tried to escape conflict and terror, and it is our duty to help them. Decisive ande more more action like. We must realize that we do not take the problems tackle the problems ourselves, there is no one to do it for us or in our stead. We also need sincerity when identifying the problems brought about by oftentimes poorly handled integration of the previous immigrants from muslim countries to the majority this is society, and what is required at the beginning of each solution. Is the decision christ and destabilized countries, and citizens lost their life prospect or hope. If we intend to resolve this is to, our primary task help bring about peace in such countries such as syria, libya, and iraq and their socioeconomic rejuvenation. What is also key is a cooperation in the regions. The Czech Republic is the presiding country of the group formed by poland, slovakia, hungary, and the Czech Republic itself. Inhave been very proactive pushing for help and assistance to countries impacted by the migration crisis itself, but only in europe. On macedonia and greece, but in the middle east, our aid is provided to libya, turkey, and lebanon. I work with syria is not negligible. The Czech Republic is the only eu member state with a still functioning embassy in damascus and contacts there that we maintain and that have prices value for our allies and help organize he military and eight in the war stricken regions. The Czech Republic with a historic experience as a central geographic position in Europe Clearly shows that it intends to play a constructive role in the process of integration and security. I suppose that you will agree times, it isin difficult, as we have experienced, to maintain our relationship with allies. We share common goals and values, and therefore, i believe one of our major priorities is for the transatlantic cooperation within the nato. The architecture cannot be imagined without this cooperation. The Strategic Partnership with evennited states should be an impact on areas of politics, as well, not only security and defense. Negotiations with the moreatlantic agreement is proof of it, and i hope to see a which willnced be beneficial to both parties. Nevertheless, even here, it is to say that we consider and regard the Transatlantic Partnership as a matter of course and as something that is going to stay here for the future automatically. Might be rather shortsighted, and even for the future might even be dangerous on both sides of the atlantic. Voiceshear influential underlining undermining the Transatlantic Partnership. I believe this is very much needed, not only through clinical capital but also through strengthening contact between europeans and americans. Interest one the what is happening on each side of the atlantic, listening to each other, and realizing the significance of this partnership. Came on myo why i official visit to the United States of america. In the close of my speech, let me say it has been my great honor to speak in the premises of such a prestigious institutions such as the Brookings Institute, and i want to sincerely congratulate you on your anniversary and wish you under the 100 years under the ollanta,ogan of independence, and impact. Thank you very much for your attention. [applause] thank you, mr. Prime minister, for your kind words about brookings and for your incisive analysis of the challenges facing europe and really facing the world. Of thethe great lessons ist 100 years of our history that europe, and in particular Central Europe, do not exist in isolation, and the events that have taken place and started in ii, theion, world war have hadommunism global impacts, and we are seeing a series of global issues now that implicate the region. I would like to start, if i may, with your strong board strong words about the Czech Republic assistance in pushing back against the chaos in the middle east, and i would like to focus daesh, onmay, on isis. Yesterdays news included the information that the Czech Republic is going to be on the support theing to with its flight capacities, including with the getting them to iraq was one of the issues that we worked on together when i was serving in products. Can you tell us a bit more about that mission and about how the Czech Republic will push back on dfaesh . A coalition of more than 60 countries tried to fight daesh. The Czech Republic as provided repeatedly in the last years a supply of ammunition as well as weapons for the iraqi army, and the weapons distributed through the central iraqi government. Also provided directly to the kurdish fighters, who actually have gained significant victories in the north against daesh. I am very happy that the Czech Republic made it possible for the iraqi army to have the 159 playing that had the increased capacity and also trained the pilots of the iraqi army, so a few days ago, my government ouroved the presence of military advisory team, that will be directly employed in army,helping the iraqi offering direct support through weapons, ammunition, trading, and also ready to cooperate in a number of other projects that will increase the capacity of the iraqi state to fight against daesh. Has spreadat daesh so significantly and so far and so fast actually demonstrate the fact that there are weaknesses that need to be fixed on the side of the legitimate regime in iraq, in order to be able to defeat daesh. Provide military support, training military, as well as to rejuvenate the economy in the region, because what we see is we really need to rebuild the countries that have disintegrated into nothing in a matter of a few months or years, and timesk that daesh doubled the missing government structure, so by doing that, we will also be fighting them efficiently. Republic, as you mentioned, has continued to play a Critical Role in syria, keeping your embassy open in syria. The ambassador is one of the great heroes of the global ambassadorial corps for hanging in there. How do you see the situation in syria as unfolding . Are you personally optimistic that the ceasefire, with all of its flaws, is going to lead to more stability . The Czech Republic has unique all on the situation. Has unique eyes on the situation. The ambassador, we have continued to speak with her. We are curious to hear from you the check of view on the for improvement. I think that the serious question or the serious issue is not easy at all. Problem that we partly caused ourselves is that this war has been going on for far tea all long, and it is clear that halloween the five years of there is a great number of individuals who are losing patience, losing hope, fleeing the country. We in the Czech Republic, we have always been very active. We have a network of embassies, including the in damascus,assy and the ambassador has really done great work, aerobic work, and she does not only serve the interests of the Czech Republic but the European Union, as well. Almostch republic lost half of its inhabitants, because half of the inhabitants are on the run. They left syria. Jordan, lebanon, and even directly in europe. Helpe trying to provide and assistance in refugee camps, as well. Importants as a very way to show solidarity and to provide a partial solution to the refugee crisis by providing aid in refugee camps, and i personally have visited some of those spots, and what is happening in europe, and in a great number of places, a great number of Syrian Refugees do not want to stay in europe. They want to come back. They want their children to get , a freeucation education, to live in a free country. They do not want to join the army on either side. Aey just want to have peaceful, prosperous life. Of course, the situation in syria is not going to be easy. To respect the reality that exists, and i think in terms of longterm stability, it will be required to see the president it should involve a dialogue of all parties involved in the process. Optimist, am not a big as far as the speed of the process is concerned. However, what we have seen in the past few months, such as achieving the ceasefire, and, in fact, to a great extent a kind of willingness to maintain a ceasefire, it gives us there it willhope, and now require all to look for a pragmatic solution and really organize or put in place a government that will be really able to gain the trust and confidence and also provide stability for the people of syria. Can we characterize that as cautiously and patiently optimistic . Well, i do not think there is no no other way other than stopping the war in syria and ,inding a largescale agreement and this consensus really has to have the elements of the political camp war on the front has,the syrian population as general as possible, and as wide as possible, because otherwise, we will not really be able to stop the refugee crisis. In fact, the Syrian People have to trust in the process, or they will be afraid to come back to syria. Poignant anecdote about talking to the syrian true, of course, that many of them would like to return to their homeland, but to peace, and,f however we characterize your description of what is needed in syria, i think that that isbility everyone agrees not close at hand. In light of that, can you share with us a little bit the attitudes of the people of the Czech Republic . There has been some strong resistance to welcoming refugees. Can you reflect on that a little bit, explain where that is coming from, and share your perspective . If youre in a situation in which the borders of europe, you have a very active terrorist , and you cannot do enough cautious about your security and defense, even if we deal with the refugees in practice, so we are basically fighting on both fronts. We have to provide humanitarian aid and help the refugees but at the same time make sure that we provide security and defend our but i think the biggest option would be if we are not diligent in providing protection , and we cannot be naive. We cannot ignore the fact that there is a terrorist infrastructure, and organization, which is able to send their terrorists to europe and spohn terrorism all over theyre able to sponsor various organizations. We saw it in paris. We saw it in elgin, and people of europe are afraid. They are afraid for three reasons. Are afraid ofthey not being able to manage migration, so it is a management mistrust. Not ready for this strong type of refugees, so first of all, europeans are afraid of europe not being in to handle the refugee crisis. Then, number two is a fear of death, basically, or a fear of being threatened by serious attacks, and then third is our inability to integrate immigrants from muslim countries in certain european locations. It shows that although the first generation of the muslim refugees are immigrants or muslims who came to europe, they were integrated successfully into the labor market, into society, but the problem generally starts with the second and third generations. There is a big danger of radicalization in the second and third generations in europe, and europe has to be ready to respond to it. Of course, we have to refute the principal collective, guilt. There should be no tendency to put all muslims into one group or label them all terrorists. That would be a wrong approach. So in order to be able to to one ascribing blame group of individuals, we really have to do our work, and we really have to be able to prosecute individuals for and fightlaws terrorism. There are some countries, for , andle, slovakia or hungry we were putting more emphasis on the security and defense aspects. The Czech Republic excepts refugees. We are ready to help. But at the same time, we try to adhere to high screening principles in order not to give cheap ammunition to populists and nationalists who actually further hamper a successful solution of the problems that we are facing. Therefore, i believe that democratic politicians have to because ifthe fear, they are not able to answer it, then they will create space for populists and other extremists. The political situation is one that has been doubled europe for the past 100 years. Has bedeviled europe. Wouldhad more time, i talk about with the president would counsel in striking the balance, especially since she president. H that i want to ask you a different question, and then im going to turn to the audience for questions, so the audience should be ready with your questions, and speaking about theborders of europe, russia of Vladimir Putin has been responsible in crimea and ukraine, for the most intrusions, violations, of the principle of borders and sovereignty, in many, many decades, and the Czech Republic tested together with the united dates and with vladimir sanctioning putin, and russia. You alluded to this, of course, in your remarks, but can you tell us a little bit more about how these ancient our work . The european consensus holt, and do you have a view on whether the sanctions will be successful . And what with the definition of success be . The ukraine . Well, i think this is one of the major questions, because we talk about what has worsened in the past years. Situation, and ukraine is one of those. Tocourse, we will come back ukraine in detail in a short while, and i should not, and i do not want to forget one important note. You mentioned some important dates and events that are related to the history of theyal Eastern Europe, and are very much intertwined. The Czech Republic and czechoslovakia, in the past, and i believe it is of importance, and i also mentioned it in my speech, and that is the transatlantic cooperation and partnership between the two and the United States of america. I think it is important in the United States of america, and spite of their own legal challenges, priorities, and issues, they should not forget what is happening in europe, because what in the 20th century to place in Central Europe always had an impact on the global. Whatever happened in 1914 and Central Europe and the balkans, it started a first world war. What happened in germany and theral europe in 1939, in 1930s, it started the second world war. The 1960s,d in including the spring of 1968 in Central Europe, it actually enabled a form of the communist regime, because this is the first time the communist regime lost its credibility by invading prop with soviet tanks. In 1989, again, another andrtant indication, realizing if it is important to Pay Attention to what is happening in europe, so coming back to ukraine, im very happy that the eu so far has been united on this issue. I think it is important that there is enough cooperation between the United States of america and the eu, and apart from sanctions, we need functional government in place in ukraine. A number of countries provide support to the ukrainian government. Half of the political situation in ukraine is very, very unstable. There are many personnel changes, the replacements of ministers, and theres a lot of tension in the ukraine in parliament. So what we need in ukraine is a stable government that will be a viable partner towards russia when talking about the implementation of the minsk agreements. Also, internally theyll be able to execute reforms that will improve economic and social situations of people in ukraine. When political changes happen in ukraine, the people that demonstrated in maidan square. They waived the european flags. However, for many ukrainians europe is a symbol of a place with a higher standard of living, lower corruption than what they experience in the ukraine, and a better life. Thats why we saw those european flags there. However, the question is whether the democratic government or the democratically elected government in ukraine is going to be able to provide positive changes economic, social, and other to the citizens of ukraine. If theyre not able to do that, then russia will gain from it because theyve been trying to destabilize the region for a long time. So as far as the outcome of the sanctions or the success of the sanctions, what is important is that the sanctions are combined with the fulfillment of the minsk agreements. Im very glad to see that the minsk agreement has been started. This is the only alternative to discontinuation of the war in Eastern Ukraine because it was very important to stop people from dying in Eastern Ukraine, and we just need to see this crisis through. Unless the minsk agreements are fulfilled and the European Union cannot unilaterally cancel the sanctions. However, the sanctions and their fine tuning should always correspond to the level of fulfillment of the minsk agreements. I believe that europe has to stay unified, should not allow its division. And its not easy for some of the European Countries, including the Czech Republic, because a great number of Czech Companies have economic interest in russia and we export a lot of products and services to russia. In fact, those companies complain, businessman complain, the Business Community complains. However, europe needs to maintain a unified approach on this matter. Mr. Eisen not unlike the United States expanding its attention to asia, you, yourself, have just welcomed a state visit from china, and i think the Economic Opportunities in asia offer somewhat of a safety valve for you and europe as you continue to hold strong against the russian aggression. With that, im welcoming questions. You can ask questions here live in the audience at brookings, and you also can send me questions on twitter normeisen, and i will attempt to take a mix of the two. We should have yes, we have grace with a microphone, and we will start here on the aisle. This gentleman. Another microphone coming from the back, very good. Mr. Prime minister, with the recent e. U. Deal with turkey, do you find it likely we will see besides and free travel from turkey into the e. U. By the june 2016 deadline . Mr. Sobotka well, the negotiations that were conducting with turkey are naturally related to trying to find a solution to the migration solution. But not only to it, theyre not only limited to it. In the past few years, as a result of some of the events in turkey, turkey has been getting further and further apart from europe. We are convinced turkey really plays an Important Role for the stabilization of the region, and therefore, there is a need to reinforce our communication with turkey. Turkey, by the way, is a member of nato, and we actually need to see a close coordination of our approach to the tasks ahead such as the migration crisis. Were not taking here about a total visa deliberalization. It involves the possibility to cancel a short term schengen visa which actually is valid for a period up to three months. So, in fact, for those who are intending to travel to europe for more than three months would not be then required to ask for a visa. But, of course, it all depends on the fulfillment of those conditions by the turks. Turks have, so far, not fulfilled all the conditions. However, they sent the signals that they would like to have those conditions approved, so that the three months shortterm visa could be cancelled for citizens of turkey. But one of the primary conditions is that for those ones asking for asylum hold biometric passports that live up to the european standards. That, of course, all relates to what i said at the beginning. Rules have to be adhered. Standards have to be adhered, and we also have to make sure that we also provide maximum possible security. Mr. Eisen im going to take the first question now from twitter, and then well have a question over here from this side of the room. Mikal shok asks, could the p. M. Please elaborate on the czech position towards ttip . Thats the transatlantic trade and investment partnership, the Free Trade Agreement that the e. U. And the United States are now attempting to negotiate. Mr. Sobotka the [indiscernible] is convinced based on our analysis that weve done that conclusion of the ttip could be conducive to increasing economic growth, both for the e. U. And for the u. S. , and can be beneficial for the growth of our economy in the Czech Republic. We are convinced that the Czech Republic is competitive enough that it will be able to play its role as well as use the potential provided by the ttip. It is not going to be an easy process because, obviously, there are some obstacles, concerns both on the european side as well as on the american side, talking about public. We should not really allow ourselves to play it down, and we should discuss it. We should put a lot of focus on it. In fact, this morning i had a meeting with the american investors in the Czech Republic. They actually mention as one of the most important things security of the [indiscernible] that flows between the u. S. And europe and back and forth, making sure that also Protection Health of the consumer, protection of the rights of the consumer are very important for the europeans. So all of those things should be accorded attention. However, there is a solution to them. So the czech government tries to play an active role. We would like to see not only progress, but finally conclusion of the ttip between the u. S. And the e. U. After all of the major issues have been resolved. Mr. Eisen we have a question over here from bob dubek, and then well take another one from twitter. The questions are flowing in on twitter normeisen. Keep them coming. Mr. Prime minister, im robert dubek, as you know, i and others, 21 years ago, founded american friends of the Czech Republic to advocate for the Czech Republic admission to nato, so we believe in the alliance. But right now i would like to channel donald trump. And the question is, we, and here in america, a lucky american gets three weeks of vacation, and maybe 11 holidays. Germans get how many . 24 holidays, six weeks of vacation. Yet, we bear a disproportionate burden for defending europe. So you mentioned strengthening the alliance. Now, is this going to include the European Countries stepping up their Defense Budgets and playing larger roles in the defense of the western alliance . Mr. Sobotka it is quite strange, but until the year 2013 weve been experiencing in europe some kind of optimistic period. Weve been actually witnessing loosening of tensions. We were trying to start a Strategic Partnership with russia. We looked for ways of cooperation through Eastern Europe partnership and various initiatives. But then we saw the events in crimea and we realized that europe is not sufficiently prepared for risks of similar type and similar kind. I think this was the first impulse. Then the second impulse is the daesh. Because the creation or emergence of such a vast terrorist organization has been something unparalleled. Of course, [indiscernible] had some experience of fighting alqaeda in afghanistan. But now we started facing a completely different animal. A political system, but also an organization that gained territorial kind of presence. Therefore, i believe that nato should stay. It is a very important security infrastructure. It has its place in todays world and the defense of it. We are also sharing common values within nato which are related the impetus on freedom and human rights. But nato, primarily, is a defense organization, so it should guarantee all our members a collective defensive from the side of other members. I think theres no other way than increase the Defense Budgets in the respective member countries. The Czech Republic is probably the last note i would like to make on this matter. It is very paradoxical because many times it is believed that when there is a right wing government in place then theyre increasing Defense Budget, and when the left wing government comes in they will start decreasing the budget. But i would like to tell you that the Czech Republic saw a completely different story. All the conservative, right wing countries always significantly reduced the Defense Budget for the past 10 years. But, of course, it also related to the overall optimistic atmosphere in europe. But we are the first government. Were a leftwing, central government, and we decided to increase the Defense Budget in the Czech Republic. The process will continue even in the next years, and we want to really assume a larger piece of responsibility for our own defense as well. I think it is absolutely important in order to keep some kind of balance within nato. I understand that there are discussions in the United States, how to share the costs on defense, which are very high. If europe wants to be consistent within nato it definitely has to assume a larger share. But all of those costs have to be really efficient, transparent. I would like to use transparency in this regard. This is, of course, very important, and the idea that we could dramatically increase costs within two to three years on a year on year basis, and also keep the process transparent. It is an illusion. We, of course, have to increase the budget, but we have to go step by step to make sure that the expenses or the costs are efficient, but also transparent. This is also very important. Mr. Eisen a followup question to that from the Fountain View kid on twitter. You reference the behavior of the right wing governments in europe over the past decade. What do you think of the gains of the far right, the National Front in france, but not just in europe, globally, and our twitter correspondent asks if you have an opinion on trump in the United States. Mr. Sobotka ok. These are two questions in one. So let me address both questions. Mr. Eisen dont blame me. Blame twitter. Mr. Sobotka a few days ago, as a matter of coincidence, i was in paris, and i had a chance to meet the Prime Minister valls and president hollande. There is a rise of nationalism in france. And it is a certain phenomenon, mainly in municipal elections, and its related to the migration crisis, and its also related to the social problems that are related to immigration in france. Obviously, we cant ignore this. In france, we saw some kind of cooperation of democratic parties in the elections that part of majority system the socialists kind of withdrew some of their candidates and supported candidates of democratic right which is a kind of procedure, a certain kind of partnership. I think this kind of model will be seen more and more often in europe. We will be actually encountering more and more bigger or great coalitions or larger coalitions in europe. In germany, for instance, you can actually see that both big countries of left and right center have enough majority together for governing. In slovakia, for instance, after the elections the left wing and the right wing parties joined together to eliminate extremists who actually penetrated to the slovak parliament, so we can actually see we will see more right and left wing coalitions that will be able to maintain the democratic principles. But from longer term perspective, this is not good. In trying to fight the extremists, there will be more left and right coalitions. This actually kind of denies the basic principle of a pendulum which should always go from right to left, to right to left, which actually makes sure that democracy always finds some kind of middle way. And so that democracy represents the opinions and ideas of all the citizens. So, obviously, as a part of a fight against extremism it might actually be conducive to reducing the political plurality, and this might actually give rise to other populists. So, obviously, they will be promoting certain interests. And this is the problem of establishment, and also responsibility of the establishment at the time when we combat the rise of extremism. Thats the first point. What we in europe are following with a great interest, the american primaries, and the American Democratic system. I think the system, in the past years, showed a lot of resistance and we suppose that it will show a lot of resistance in the future as well. But americans are the ones to choose their own president and we will respect that, as we should respect results of democratic elections in any other european country, for instance. Mr. Eisen ok. Well come back to the questions that have piled up on twitter, but were going to come back to the audience now. The young lady all the way in the back row, please. Thank you for coming here and speaking, mr. Prime minister. You spoke a lot about your value for european integration and cooperation and unification. And i was wondering if you could speak more about european expansion, specifically as it relates to the states coming out of the wars in the former yugoslavia, and a potential independence for catalonia. Mr. Eisen when my wife asks me tonight about the meeting with the Prime Minister, i will say, well, we discussed donald trump and catalonia. [laughter] mr. Sobotka i would like to thank you reciprocity for the introducing debate and question because, for me, it is a great opportunity to formulate some of my ideas. Well, the e. U. Enlargement is a very ambitious task, and i dont think that the European Union resigned on that, especially in view of the western balkans. Theres a great number of countries that were negotiating with about their potential joining of the European Union. In my introductory speech, i spoke about the fact that in the 90s, still in the 90s, we saw a lot of bloodshed in the area of the western balkan, and we actually experienced the first migration crisis in relation to the refugees from the balkan countries. It is very important to realize that western balkan continues being stabilized, and the stabilization will be achieved only if and when countries such as albania, serbia, sanmagora, montenegro, macedonia become members of the European Union. So we should not resign on this ambition to integrate the countries of western balkan into the European Union, ultimately. As far as catalonia is concerned, well, look, if it is demonstrated in reference to the brexit referendum, we actually saw already a similar referendum on scotland deciding yes or not to stay within the u. K. , and the scottish decided to stay. I am firmly convinced that the u. K. Will stay in the e. U. I think were doing all our best bet the u. K. Stays in there. But if they decide to leave the European Union, as there is in referendum, then we will actually see a sudden tidal wave that will give a lot of hope to nationalists and separatists. So certain regions, such as catalonia and other regions that are thinking about their independence or some kind of form of sovereignty, obviously, fragmentation of the European Union will be, very much, playing into the hands of the separatists. So we will actually see, depending on the brexit. Mr. Eisen very quickly, why do you think that the brexit will fail and the u. K. Will stay in the e. U. . Why are you optimistic . Mr. Sobotka well, i spoke about what i wish for. But, of course, sometimes your wishes are not granted. You know that, right . I would wish to see the u. K. As a member of the European Union. I dont know whether brits will grant me this wish, of course its their sovereign decision. When we spoke about that and the European Council actually spoke with dave cameron actually told him, look, you couldnt have chosen a worse period for a referendum because all of us are dealing with problems, namely in relation to the refugee crisis. All of that, you know, might very much influence the opinion of the people. Of course, theres going to be other subjects as well. But there are the issues of security. The brits, im sure, and im convinced that if they stay a part of the European Union, this will really give them more security, and it will also increase the strategic opinion and role of the European Union. So, of course, theres a great number of arguments that should be, very much, strongly reminded to the british citizens. However, it is, of course, up to them to weigh cons and pros, and they will make their own decision whether they stay or they leave. I think i am speaking on behalf of the majority of the czech citizens. We actually, most of us, wish for the u. K. To stay in the e. U. Mr. Eisen on that optimistic note, i want to thank the Prime Minister for joining us at brookings, celebrating our 100th birthday together. The past 100 years since the founding of the Brookings Institution have seen a lot of ups and downs in your region, and if i may say so, as a child of a czech american, in our region of Central Europe. The leadership that your remarks have exemplified are critical to steering europe and the transatlantic relationship through these choppy waters. Times when that relationship have succeeded, its been because of strong leadership on both sides of the atlantic. Times when its failed, over the past 100 years, because of a failure of leadership, a failure of communication, a failure to have the candid exchange that you have facilitated by being here today. Thank you very much. Thank everyone for joining us. [applause] mr. Eisen i will ask that everyone stay in their place as the Prime Minister exits and the press exits. The Prime Minister will be exiting to speak with the press. So if everyone would stay for a moment to allow that to happen, i appreciate it. Thank you all for being here with us. [captions Copyright National cable satellite corp. 2016] [captioning performed by the national captioning institute, which is responsible for its caption content and accuracy. Visit ncicap. Org] the center for strategic and International Studies hosts a discussion tomorrow on cooperation in the asiapacific between the u. S. , australia, and japan. That is live at 10 of 5 a. M. Eastern here on cspan. Later in the day, authors john mealer and mark stuart discuss their book, which looks at the counterterrorism strategies used by the fbi, the nsa, and the Homeland SecurityDepartment Since 9 11. That is from the cato institute. We will have that at 9 00 eastern here on cspan. Monday night on cspan, the Supreme Court cases that shaped our history come to life with the cspan series landmark cases. Explores realies stories and constitutional drama behind some of the most significant decisions in american history. It is a case about and it puts power before the Court Central themes that might not be presley stated in the constitution. Rehnquist saide the case has come to be accepted by the culture. How many cases can we say about that . U. S. As oneed the of only four nations of 195 across the globe that allow abortion for any reason. Yet it has not settled the issue at all. Continuesrk cases monday night at 10 00 p. M. Eastern on cspan and cspan. Org. Next, a discussion on politics and domestic policy in russia with journalists and activists from the country. They talk about opposition to president Vladimir Putin, the state of the media, and upcoming parliamentary elections. This is 1. 5 hours. Hello. Lets start. My name is nikolai zlobin. I am welcoming you here. Todaye outstanding panel of i hope this kind reminds me of the 1990s, when you have just russians, what russia is about. Back aind of went quarter century. Actually, half of the people 1990s,here were in the so they are still here. They did not do a good job then. We will try again. I am welcoming you 14th. Il we will have a discussion of u. S. Russian relations and american policy towards russia. There, please. We do not know the place for the event, but april 14, please mark your calendar. One american here just to be polite. Purcell will introduce our speakers and moderate this event. He will try to keep it as informal as possible at our speakers will have 1215 minutes to talk. Then we will have a question and answer session. Feel free to be as informal as you wish. Thank you. Mr. Purcell i know you all have programs in front of you. The folks who could not be here today, my name is mike purcell. Russiasl is on domestic outlook. We are lucky to be able to offer you increasingly difficult access for and in spiders for an insiders perspective. A crisis at home and tensions with the west abroad has raised the stakes for the election, which the kremlin appears to want to make up here legitimate. We are pleased to welcome you to a discussion with journalists and political activists who will share the state of the media, the future of the opposition. Ryzhov,r left, anton kennanly a fellow at the institute. 2007, he served as a lawyer for the committee against torture of russian nonprofit organizations. He provides medical who haveation to those been tortured. He has been more than 1. 5 years in one of the most troubled regions of russia, the chechen republic. He has been a member of a to heody created published more than 2000 works in various legal journals. To his left is natella boltyanskaya, a journalist and columnist featured in various magazines from 1991 until present. She has hosted numerous radio and television programs. She is the author of parallels, peoples, and events. She was awarded the laureate prize of moscow for contributions to the human rights deal of 2014. She is currently hosted by moscow radio and a columnist from the newspapers. She is currently working on a project with international support. , we have stanislav