The only thing i would add for questioning is that we also have to look at the ideology that exists within the groups. They share ideology. I add that to the definition of core. Its not the Senior Leadership in al qaeda. Its in pakistan. Its also this shared ideology that many of these extremist groups have. Its something we we have to consider. Would you consider the branch sharing that ideology . I would. One final topic i wanted to address, which is iran and some discussion recently by relaxes the sanction against north korea we allow the funds to fly to north korea in turn allowed them to develop Nuclear Weapons. Is there any reason we should expect different results in iran than the same policy achieved in north korea . Well, i want to critique u. S. Policy and i will just say that i dont know how come out in iran we monitor the compliance. I would note you said you didnt want to critique u. S. Policy. Is there any reason to be believed that the outcome in iran would be any different from north korea . St a completely different country than north korea. Yes, the outcome could be different. But the differences make it more or less likely than they would comply phrase differently. Im at the end of my time. This will be my last question. Phrase differently in your view if iran were to succeed in acquiring a Nuclear Weapon . What do you have a as likelihood they would use that Nuclear Weapon to murder innocent people . That is first of all, theyre not near acquiring a Nuclear Weapon and even farther from it assuming these negotiations pan out. I cant answer your question. I will say i think the odds are unacceptably high and this current path is exceedingly dangerous. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you both for your service. And director clapper, i want to followup on some of the same issues regarding iran and specifically our capability of knowing for sure if theyre cheating. If theyre not living by any obligations. You testified here today on the negative impacts of sequester on the Intelligence Community. And in addition we have a lot of examples before those budget circumstances, before sequester of not knowing what was going on in other countries real time. Of not fully appreciating what north korea was doing in the past. Of not knowing that gadhafi had chemical weapons before his downfall and we got in there. I think you testified specifically about that. Not knowing today. Russian violating some of the agreement with them. In a closed session. If if they are not knowing precisely what is going on in those places until well after the fact how can you state were certain dededucting if iran doesnt meet the agreement and start moving forward on a Nuclear Weapon . Well, under the provision they have intrusive insight in to iran. That would be have that. I would make a major difference. But for that to be full proof you have know exactly where to look and exactly what questions to ask. Is that correct . I prefer to let me underscore my concern given history in north korea, syria, russia right now, libya, plenty of other places. Final question on iran. I think you have testified today that cyber is your single biggest concern. Is that equation changed if iran gets a Nuclear Weapon . I said cyber. Oh cyber. And the question is . Does that statement, does that rank as your most serious concern. Does that change if iran gets a Nuclear Weapon . Have to rethink that, i guess. If that were to happen. Thank you. Thank you. Lets have three question. Second round for starters. If we need more than that well have a third round. Just first on iran, what is the Intelligence Communitys assessment of the nature and extend of iranian influence within the mall lackey government in iraq . Well, there is some influence. Theres also some standoffishness, i guess i call it. But clearly it is in irans best interest to have friendly cooperative shiitelead government in iran. The iranians will exert the influence in any number of ways. Has it been growing, would you say . I think it is a level to what it has been for a couple of years. Now, theres been a number of articles written about Business People from various countries knocking on the door in iran. And the Administration Made it pretty clear the other day were going to enforce our current sanctions. We said they would during the negotiation period. Providing that theyre knocking on the door but the door is locked tight so there is no leakage during this negotiation period, would the fact theres a lot of interest in the outside Business Community to come in to iran put additional pressure on iran and negotiate a settlement which we find acceptable . Absolutely. I think it would be an attraction and i think probably supports the are han ron han any camp, if you will. Those interested in trying to change the economy and improve it and iran. That would i think be an argument debate point for them again the hard liners. I want to switch you to the pakistan. This has to do with the Financial Network that is supports the network. I assume that the Intelligence Community tracks the Financial Network and the other the banks and the businesses which support that network. Why havent we been able to shut down Financial Support . Ill does it in closed session. Thank you. You served a tour of duty; correct . Three. Three. Okay. Im sorry. Absolutely. Thank you. Mr. Clapper, i appreciate your candor and service to our country. The president tweeted out 117 delegations visited iran seeking to do business in the future. Do you know if that is accurate or not . I do not. Could do you as to whether or not european allies and other countries throughout the world where engaging more aggressively in term of Business Opportunity . Yes, we will. Okay. I take a different view than my good friend senator levin. I believe it is over and everybody is trying to get in line to do business in iran. And were losing our leverage. But thats just my opinion. I would ask you this question. If the iranians are allowed to enrich uranium as a final deal, could you please let us know in whatever appropriate form the effect it might have on the mideast in term of spreading proliferation of Nuclear Weapons capability and whether or not the arab countries will follow suit. Could you get that pretty quickly . Well try to provide written assessment of that. I think would be classified. In one minute. If in fact enrichment of uranium spread throughout the northeast would you agree it would be a very bad scenario for the National Security of the United States and israel if nations throughout the mideast turned to enriching uranium . Yes. Particularly for other peaceful purposes, obviously. Well, the disappoint do you think the iranians are trying to build bomb before we got involved . They approached from a threshold capability. The delivery capability but for them the uranium is they certainly have the expertise down. They so chose. They have the expertise if they so chose. How long would it take . It depends on a lot of factors best discussed in closed session. Thank you, senator graham. We appreciate your testimony, your service and join in a number of for their service and the families of the support all of you. We will stand adjourned. Someone will be in touch about a closed meeting. Yes, sir. [inaudible conversations] wednesday morning. Youre watching cspan2 with politics and Public Affairs weekdays. French president visited the white house today the first visit from the french head of state since 1996. President obama greeted the president in a formal ceremony on the white house south lawn. [inaudible conversations] ladies and gentlemen, the president of the United States of america and mrs. Michelle obama. [cheering and applause] [inaudible conversations] ladies and gentlemen, the National Anthem [inaudible] present arms. [cheering and applause] order. Mr. President , the honor guard prepared for succession. [cheering and applause] [inaudible conversations] great honor. Thank you. Thank you. [inaudible conversations] mr. President , the thank you. Good morning, everybody. Bonjour. Thats the extent of my french. [laughter] few places in the world warm the heart like paris in the spring. This morning, were going to do our best with washington in the winter. [laughter] [speaking in french] [speaking in french] france is americas oldest ally. In recent years we are deepnt our alliance. Today, on behalf of the American People, and Michelle Obama and myself, it is a great honor to welcome my friend, president , and his delegation for the first state visit to the united. In first the state visit bay french president in nearly 20 years. [speaking in french] yesterday at month cello we reflect obd the values we share. The redeal at the heard heart of our alliance. Here, under the red, white, and blue, and the blue, white, and red, we declare our devotion once more to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. [speaking in french] [cheering and applause] [speaking in french] for more than two centuries, we have not only proclaimed our ideals, our citizens have blood to preserve them. From a field in worktown, to the beaches of normandy, to the mountains of afghanistan. Today we are mononorred to be joined by two extraordinary men who there those historic days 70 years ago. I asked them to stand proud veterans of dday who are here in attendance today. [cheering and applause] [speaking in french] its no exaggeration that we stand here because of each other. We owe our freedom to each other. Of course, we americans thank our french friends for so much else. The capitol city. Our statute of liberty, a gift from france. And something Many Americans are officially grateful for new orleans and the french quarter. [laughter] [speaking french] mr. President , like generations before us, we now have the task not simply to preserve our Enduring Alliance but make it new for our time. No one nation did meet todays challenges along. More must step up and meet the responsibility of the leadership. Thats what the United States and france are doing together. [speaking french] to our french friends, i say lets do even more together. For the security that our citizens deserve for the prosperity they seek, and for the dignity of people around the world who seek what we declare two centuries ago. Those unalienable rights. Those sacred right of man. [speaking french] the president , member of the french delegation, we are mononorred to have you here as one of our strongest allies and closest friends. Welcome to the United States [speaking french] [cheering and applause] [speaking french] mr. President , dear barack, dear Michelle Obama. Ladies and gentlemen, its cold in washington. Youre right. But it is a beautiful day. Its a great day. To america and france. I wont speak in french because im obliged do to that for my country. [speaking in french] you have received my delegation of myself as friends, and i am particularly touched by this reception by the president of the United States. [speaking french] we are always united by common history from worktown to the beach was normandy, as you said, so rightly. Each of our countries knows what it owes to the other. Its freedom. [speaking french] yesterday we were at Thomas Jeffersons residence. Once ambassador of france. Who remains one of the most beautiful ties that unite us. [speaking french] this afternoon at the arlington cemetery, the high french distinction to the american unknown soldier. I shall present American Veterans who fought in the Second World War and like to pay tribute to these men. [speaking french] [cheering and applause] [speaking french] [speaking french] i wish to demonstrate the fact that france will never forget the spirit of sacrifice shown by these american soldiers nameless heroes who left their home to liberate my country. We shall pay tribute to them during the celebration that will take place in france to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the normandy landing. I hope barack, you will join me on the sixth of june, 2014, 70 years after f day landing. [speaking french] translator our two countries hold universal values. Values that inspire them. Right together the universal declaration of human rights. [speaking french] translator we stand together to fight terrorism. Today still france and the United States stand side by side to make these values prevail. We stand together with the United States to address threat of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and chemical weapons. Together to solve the crises faced by the middle east. Together to support africas development, and together to fight Global Warming and climate change. [cheering and applause] [speaking french] translator today we stand united and we have built a model friendship. A friendship that is the best recipe for a better world. A world such as the one that was dreamt by Thomas Jefferson in lafayette. Its not just about friendship, it is about an alliance that will enable us to make this world a better place, a safer place, a more humane place. [speaking french] [cheering and applause] thank you [cheering and applause] mr. President , im proud to stand here. You are a great man of the United States of america and you represent the United States of america. The country where everything is possible for who wants it. A country devoted to freedom and equality. Long live the United States. Long live france, long live the american friendship. [cheering and applause] mr. President , this concludes the ceremony. [cheering and applause] [inaudible conversations] later the french president joined president obama for a News Conference in the east room of the white house. They answered questions about syria, Irans Nuclear program, and relations with the European Union. This is an hour. Ladies and gentlemen, the president of the united and the president of the french republic. Please have a seat. Good afternoon. [speaking french] t a great honor to welcome my friend and partner back to the white house. Its always a pleasure to host you. At camp david two years ago, i was trying to make this summit casual, and he in true french style showed up in a necktie. We tried to get him take it off. When i hosted him in chicago i thought he would try some of the local cuisine, a chicagostyle hot dog. Im not sure he had one, but we do know that hes sampled american fast food in the past because it happened to be the 40th anniversary of his first trip to america as a student, and sinned he traveled across our country studying the fast food industry. So back in 1974, you noticed a french guy poking around your local mcdonalds, that was him. Now hes back at the 24th president of france. We look forward to hosting tonight at the state dinner with different kind of american cuisine. The great son of france who chronicled our american democracy wrote even as we marvel the our freedom. Theres nothing harder than learning how to use our freedom. Our two countries have learned over more than 200 years. Standing together and using our freedom to improve the lights of not only our citizens but people around the world is what makes france not only americas oldest allies but one of the closest allies. Our military and intelligence personnel cooperate every day. Keeping our nation secure and dealing with crises and challenges from africa to the persian gulf. Our diplomats work side by side to help resolve conflict and promote peace from syrian to iran. Our Development Experts help imor vish villagers who lift themselves out of poverty. This level of partnership across so many areas would have been unimaginable even a decade ago. But its a testament to how our two nations have worked to transform our alliance and i want to thank them for carrying this work forward. You havent just spoken eloquently about frances determination to meet the responsibility as a global leader. You have also acted from mali and the Central Africa republic to sir yean and iran. You have shown courage and result. Thank you for being a Strong Partner to the United States. In that spirit, im grateful for the progress we have made today in four key area. First, were Standing Shoulder to shoulder on the key challenges the global security. Our unity with our p5 1 partners backed with strong sanctions exceeded in holding back the Nuclear Program. We agree next weeks talks will be ab opportunity for iran to show it is serious about a comprehensive solution that assures the world that the Nuclear Program is for peaceful purpose only. The president and i agree on the needs to continue enforcing existing sanctions. Even as we believe that new sanctions during these negotiations would endanger a we remain absolutely united on our ultimate goal which is preventing iran from obtaining a Nuclear Weapon. Just as our unity on syria and the credible threat of force lead to the plan for destroying syrias chemical weapons, were united on what needs to happen there. Syria must meet the commitment and russia has a responsibility to ensure that syria complies. As talks continue in georgia geneva we continue to strengthen the moderate opposition. We call on the International Commune ticks to stem the flow of foreign fighters to syria. This week were working with security counsel partners to call for an end to indiscriminate attacks on civilian and ensure humanitarian aid works have unimpeded access to syrians in need and we continue to work with france and others to bolster our partner in the region including lebanon. More broadly, as israelis and palestinians move forward with talks, we agree that france and the European Union will have an Important Role in supporting the final agreement. We also agree to continue our cooperation on mali and the Central African republic where leaders and communities need show the courage to resist further violence and pursue reconciliation. Second key area, as Major Trading partners were working to boost export and create jobs. Im pleased announce were launching a new economic dial to expand trade, increase the competitiveness of business, inspire innovation and encourage new entrepreneurs. A visit to Silicon Valley this week underscores our commitment to new collaborations to science and technology. The latest of this week continues to pursuing an ambition and trade and investment partnership. I want to thank the president for his commitment to the negotiations. We need to get it done because an agreement could increase exports by tens of billions of dollars. Spornd hundred of thousand of jobs in the united and the European Union and both sides of the atlantic. Number three, we agree to keep expanding the cooperation and clean Energy Nancy Pelosi partnership. Even as we take steps at home to reduce Carbon Emissions work to help developing countries move. And next years carbon Climate Conference in france will be an opportunity to forge a strong global agreement that reduces Greenhouse Gas emissions. The Food Security and nutrition that lift 50 million africans out of pouf tip. Our found fight aids. Tb and malaria. Im pleased were joining joining with partners around the world to combat Infectious Diseases and save lives. This is just some of the problem were making together using our freedom to advance security, prosperity of Human Dignity around the world. I cannot be more grateful for your partnership and friendship. I want to thank you for hon honoring our d day veterans today. I am pleased to say i will travel to france in june to market ownershipth anniversary of d day. I was there for the 58th anniversary, and it was extraordinary experience. Im looking forward to returning to honor our remarkable veteran and reaffirm this centuries the record their alliance. Mr. President , dear barack, [speaking french] translator receive me today as you have the day after my elections. [speaking french] translator for the same sin sirty and respect and the same friendship. You didnt know me back then. I knew you. There was a major difference there between us. Because your election had been welcome in france beyond any political views for was approved that america was moving forward once more. America was able to make something possible, to make progress. When you received me here to present camp david lets forget about the tie, as you can see. Im wearing a tie today. But you welcome me at the time that was challenging for europe because what was at stake the very existence of the eurozone of the eurozone going to be able to come out the doubt that prevailed on the eurozone and on financial market. Your call for solidarity and growth was heard and extremely useful back then. Since then, since this meeting in camp david, you have come out the financial crisis. It now has the relevant instrument of stability and it has introduce bankers union. I remember our meeting in chicago. I remember in chicago i announced that france would withdrawal the combating troops from afghanistan. But wasnt an easy decision to make. Wasnt an easy decision to understand. Yet you accepted. And we remained in afghanistan inspite of this. T a lowlevel to the level we had anticipated in earlier times. But you accepted this movement all the more so because this of the commitment had made the fall of the french people similar to the one you made before the American People when you came to iraq. For you recall our historic relations and shall not mention again foreign reception of yesterday month i would like to pay tribute to the american unknown soldier fallen during world war ii. To veterans, American Veterans of the Second World War enabled france to be liberated and indeed europe. I have invited you to join me. You have accepted the invitation, which i welcome. It will be a strong message we will commemorate the sacrifice made by those soldiers, but we will also celebrate reconciliation and peace. This brings us back to our responsibilities in terms of security. It was only successful because a decision was made by the International Community because americans took part and europeans helped as well as americans. And the president has been elected and now we also intervened in the Central African republic in a different context to be but the idea was to prevent what could have been a humanitarian disaster. There had been no ready brutal actions that affected its population that was already suffering a great deal. But france does what it can with other nations in the help with americans. This bears witness to exceptional situation because we have always been allies in and friends but now we trust each other in a unprecedented manner. This is characteristic of our personal relationship and barack obama reminded us of the position that we were prepared but there was another option. We made it possible for mechanical weapons stockpile with geneva, and then to cooperate more. We need to make sure that the choice is not between dictatorship on one hand and chaos of the other with the fundamentalist and extremists. Identically it is a challenging issue to be challenging but the Nuclear Program has been suspended and this is precisely the outcome of our collaboration between france to the United States of america. And i welcome the American Initiative to resume negotiations this agreement needs to be signed now to give support to the two state solution. Were also extremely attentive to what happens in lebanon on. A country that france has historic ties. There again, france and the United States stand sidebyside to help the massive inflow of refugees with the clashes the ubiquitous matt return to civil war is a reality so we need to support of non love of god with its integrity. Also jordan to receive refugees. We have convergent views not that weve never debate or partly disagree we may be allies and friends but we always respect each others sovereignty. That is a fundamental principle. Also with the economic fronts, the on americas recovery with its growth tutus the policy political choices made insteps by the United States of america iteration innovation and lowcost of energy, this economic recovery also is an example to be followed. That should encourage us to promote competitive also through innovation which is the meeting of my visit to Silicon Valley tomorrow. Finally we agree with american trends to sign a Partnership Agreement between europe in the United States with the best of intentions to remove the nontariff barriers that opportunities are offered to all companies so they can make proposals. Of course, each country has its own position we know the European Commission and how concerned we were when it came to farming, agriculture or cultural products. But we really want to reach this agreement because it will contribute to growth thinking world trade in a balanced manner is a precious contributing factor now climate change. Not just about hosting a conference or having a hotel is about reaching a global going on to serious and comprehensive agreement to Work Together to host a number of common goals. For security and development the struggle against aids and three other issues we work to culverhouse but there are so many subjects and i would have to bear witness to say the quality including trust i was referring to a history always reference in france how far a kid you go with the quality how far can you go with freedom . In the revolutionary is with the independence of america, those who want a republican friends have this thing in common to be as bold as possible and want to be as respectful with the quality. This is precisely what the American Dream is made of even though many have their own dream but it remains exactly the same to be together again. Thank you. We have a couple of questions. New york times. Good afternoon. Both the you talked about syria a great deal and i would to ask about that. The latest round have proven to be as unproductive as a firstround. The chemical weapons agreement that you both so they did to have removed somebody is a small fraction of the overall stock pile of the Syrian Regime has missed a couple of deadlines. It is essentials the starving thousands of syrians. Everybody agrees more pressure needs to be brought to bear beyond the general statements what tangible steps did you discuss today to help the moderate opposition to change that equation on the ground . And also for president hollande. How was it that the ceos can travel plans though they have committed to read you the strength and integrity of the sanctions regime . Thank you. I will take a stab at the syria question. We still have a horrendous situation on the ground in syria. I dont think anybody disputes that. What is absolutely clear is with each passing day more people inside as syria is suffering and the state itself is crumbling. It is bad for syria and bad for the region and bad for global National Security because we know of the extremist have moved into the vacuum that could threaten us over the long term. And i know that france what feels the same way said geneva process recognizes if we solve this problem then we have to find a political solution. The first geneva conference transition to that would preserve and protect the states of syria to accommodate the various sectarian interest inside a serious so no one party was dominant and would allow us to return to some normalcy to start moving back. We are far from achieving fat. I would not completely discount the fact that with the latest round of negotiations what you saw was a coherent, cohesive reasonable opposition in this same room of negotiating directly it was not particularly responsive and i think even the patrons were disturbed to buy their belligerence. That we will continue to commit not just pressure to the assad regime that countrys like russia and iran to recognize it is in nobodys interest to see the continuing bloodshed and collapsed taking place inside that country. You ask tangible steps. We both ends of for a moderate opposition. We continue to provide enormous amounts of humanitarian aid. One of the problems right now is a humanitarian access to deliver that and as we speak today the u. N. Security council be will be debating a resolution to permit much greater access for humanitarian aid workers to get food, water, shelter food, water, shelter, clothi ng, fuel to people who need it. There is great unanimity among most of the Security Council on this resolution. Russia is a holdout is secretary kerry and others have delivered a message to the russians they cannot say theyre concerned about the wellbeing of the assyrian people of the star of civilians and it is not just the syrians if they block the resolution is an example of the diplomatic work we are engaging in right now. But nobody will deny there is enormous frustration. The underlying premise is there additional direct action that could be taken that would resolve the problem in syria . I have said throughout my presidency i reserve the right to exercise military action on behalf of americas National Security interest. But what we saw with respect to chemical weapons situation is an example of a judicious use of possible military action we said we would be prepared to active syria did not. Syria and russia came to the conclusion for the first time to mcnall is a presence of chemical weapons then agree to a very extensive deal to get those chemical weapons out. You are right they have missed the deadlines but we have completely chronicled all weapons inside of syria. A portion of those have been removed. There has been a reaffirmation that all of it has to be removed and concrete steps are being taken to remove it we will continue to use the pressure on but we now have a u. S. Mandate to with consequences if there is a failure. Whether we can duplicate that kind of process with the larger resolution right now we dont think there is day military solution but the situation is fluid we continue to support every possible avenue because it is not just heartbreaking but dangerous for the region as a whole with friends and allies and partners like mother on that is adversely impacted. With one last comment with respect to the iran sanctions we have been extraordinarily firm we will fully in force all sanctions. We have taken various steps over the last six to seven weeks to identify companies that were violating those sanctions and have been very clear there will not be any burn up in discussions with president hollande feels the same way as to all members. Businesses may be exploring possibilities to get sooner rather them later if and when there is a agreement to be had by can tell you that they do so at their own peril because we will come down on them like a ton of bricks with the sanctions we control and we expect full compliance during this interim. We dont want new sanctions is already squeezes them but we want to send a message if they dont resolve this broader issue of the Nuclear Program then there will be consequences in the rashid will not only stayed in place but likely be tightened in the event these talks fail. [speaking french] translator i iraq has a comprehensive the french approach that was mentioned only in a few words with geneva. Feel the purpose of this conference is to make political transition possible bad about discussing humanitarian measures so may it is all about making sure a political change is possible which eventually will have to take place in syria. We encourage to go to geneva to demonstrate they are prepared to commit themselves to this approach. Is some of them are blocking no price of guessing who is. It is the Syrian Regime. One other observation we should help all of the humanitarian situation in began who speaks clearly on the issue of the syrian question, how can you object to receive humanitarian corridors . Why would you prevent the vote of a resolution if in good faith it is all about saving human life . We decided to go all the way to get this clarification. The third question with the chemical weapons stockpile barack obama and myself when presented with the proof of what had been made by the assad regime is precisely be made this decision was also kept from the agenda precisely why president putin made this offer that were all familiar with. This led to the destruction of some of the chemical weapons but i agree it is only partial destruction and does not go far each half. So rules were adopted in the framework of the Security Council resolution and we shall resort to these measures chemical weapons have to be destroyed fully and pressure will be exerted foley. And then there are choices. We chose to support the democratic opposition. We chose to make sure the democratic opposition is the alternative even though they take place at the geneva conference. You ask me a question about french businessmen in iran. If you are unfamiliar the president of the republic is not the president of the Employers Union in france and he certainly does not wish to be a no think anyone wishes for him to be. So they make those decisions with traveling but i certainly but then know that sanctions were forced and would remain in force to and if it was to be made with the new situation where iran would have renounced Nuclear Weapon fully and comprehensively but unless a new situation and would prevail no agreements could be signed. That is what i told the french businessman and theyre very much aware and sanctions we only be lifted if the and when there is agreement. During this period of the interim agreement they remain in force. You have actually a freeze in france bakery is the president s visit to from the second term is this the best european allies and has replaced Great Britain . [laughter] if so why not defend with implant with the nsa program and mr. President. [speaking french] translator you phrase the cooperation with franco american are there differences in terms of analysis and america on the necessity of the agreement chiusi it they are prepared to make too many concessions . Thank you. First of all, i have two daughters. [laughter] they are both gorgeous and wonderful i would never choose between them. That is how i feel about my ousted the european partners. All of them are wonderful in their own way. Wheel to the serious part of the question i do believe that alliance has never been stronger and the level of cooperation we are seeing across a whole range of issues is much cheaper than it was five or 10 or 20 years ago. It is good for the world because we share certain values and commitments and willing to work on their behalf. With respect to the nsa i expressed my strong commitment to make sure our rules and how we approach intelligence is surveillance not just with respect to any country but worldwide, we do it in a way that takes into account the changes of technology and new capacity that has evolved over the last several years. The first place we look to it in terms how do we make sure the roles are compatible with partnerships in friendships and alliances are countries like france that has been longtime allies and closest partners. It is not correct to say we have a quote unquote those by agreement with Great Britain. There is no country we have the nose by agreement. Like every other country country, and intelligence capability then arrange up partnerships with countries we have been in the consultations with and the french government to deepen those commitments at the same time what i have also said publicly and privately to reiterate today that we are committed to make sure that we are protecting and concerned about the privacy rights not just of americans , our citizens, people around the world as well. That is a commitment nearly unprecedented within the countrys intelligence operations. We have said we will put rules in place so were not engaging wit some speculation has been with ordinary citizens we are respectful of their privacy rights in their rules abide by those rights. We do remain concerned as is france and the e with very specific potential terrorist networks that could attack us and kill innocent people. We have to be robust in pursuit of those leads and concerns but in a way that is compatible with the privacy rights of the people in france rightly expect just like in the United States and the last point to the last of president hollande i will comment. The reason iran is at the table we have a very high threshold what we expect to prove to us and we could stitch together the International Coalition to make sure that is the case. I dont think the concern is whether or not we will be making too many concessions but whether or not iran can recognize the opportunity to prove in a verifiable fashion to the world in ways that a scientist and technical experts can and confirmed it is for peaceful purposes it will guide these negotiations. If they beat what gives us those assurances that there are deals to be made not subject to a lot of interpretation there are some judgment issues involve the power of the reason is because i read iran cannot give those assurances to anybody. That is why there was such unanimity to apply those sanctions and keep them in place. In response to the first question, i have four children so that makes it even more difficult to make a choice at all. But were not trying to be anyones favorite is theyre all our links we share common values in dicey who converse of the many issues in it is not about hierarchy but being useful to the world because the friendship between the United States and france is not just about strengthening the cultural ties already that would be a great deal to bring society is closer not just about sharing technology what makes this friendship between United States of america and france is the fact we can all values at a specific point in time with the french presidency if i may say so with regard to ivory and are rand to work on the basis of the p5 scenario nothing prevented us to have bilateral contacts in new york and i received the president during the General Assembly it is perfectly legitimate for discussion to take place however we have to be together to be strung together to make sure we bring about this mid Term Agreement which it did. But there is still work to be done just because we sign the interim agreement does not mean there is no longer the iranian problem. There is that we need to make sure that iran denounces the Nuclear Weapon in a comprehensive manner. With nsa program was going to say it was asked to be but he answered the questions i will answer. If you choose to ask a more specific question i can be more of a precise fit with the revelation to mr. Edward snowden we clarified to mr. President and myself this was in the past then we endeavored to fight against terrorism but also meet with principles and we are making headway. Mutual trust has been restored and that a Mutual Trust Must be based on respect for each others country but also based on protection of personal data. The fact that any individual to be sure they are not spied on our principles that unite us. National public radio. Yesterday your administration delayed the mandate for Midsize Companies last week york adviser talked about the new choices people have outside the workplace. Could do first explain the delay then talk about over the long term if you see a future where Health Insurance is less tied to the workplace . In do talk about that transatlantic agreement but have you followed the domestic battle hill over the fasttrack authority of the raises questions in such a deal could be ratified . The announcement yesterday was fairly straight forward the overwhelming majority of firms in this country already provide Health Insurance are doing the right thing. Says small percentage that do not committee are very small and exempted by loss of there is a small category of those who dont provide Health Insurance not exempt by law, they are supposed to make sure they meet their responsibilities so their employees are not going to the emergency room jacking up everybody elses costs and the employers have no responsibility. Yesterday we simply made it an adjustment with compliance because for many of these Companies Just the process of complying it may take them time even operating get good faith we want to make sure that purpose is not to punish them but they provide Health Insurance to employees or they help to bear the cost. Says consistent with the individual mandate. The vast majority could not afford it we give tax credits but even then they still cannot afford it we have hard chips exemptions and a phased into major nobody is not unnecessarily burdened to make sure theyre healthy and have Decent Health care. This is an example to make sure we smooth the transition to give the opportunity to get right with the law but there brodie circumstances people try to do the right thing and it might take time. We dont want to punish folks but make sure weve got people who can count on the Financial Security that Health Insurance provides with companies trying to work with us we want to make sure we work with them as well. That is our attitude about the law generally. Had to make it work for the American People and their employers with the optimal way . Was the second part of the question . Longterm. We have a unique system compared to many parts of the world where partly because of decisions fdr made in world war to our health care has been tied to employers. That is not the case in most developed countries. It has worked for all longtime mitt for companies a greater burden for cost relative to international competitors. Also folks who were selfemployed or independent contractors are not getting the same deal as someone who had a job goes to work for Small Businesses had trouble getting decent premiums. There was much unevenness idled thinking player base should be replaced soon but it does give flexibility of by work at a big company like i am or googles kid want to start by own company i will not be inhibited because i am worried about Health Insurance i can make that move. If a woman and i would really like to work on the farm i have been working at the county Clerks Office now have the opportunity to no longer work in a different job but work on the farm it gives people more flexibility and more opportunity to do what makes sense for them in that will be good for the economy but we understood from the start there would be challenges with the transition with one system thank people had no insurance whatsoever to henry finally pass a lot to fix that we know there will be some bumps that is what we are working with all stakeholders and fall to address speeeight speaking french [speaking french] translator the question of the trade partnership you want to know if that would be signed we discussed it with president obama and we are aware of the debate currently under way but as long as the principals have then set up in the with the interest of everyone speeding is not of the essence we need to find a solution. A speedy agreement would be a big other bias there is perhaps. If we act in good faith or respect each other in want to promote growth we can go faster and now i think we will hear a question. Since last year for investments have been crumbling and we are benefiting from the overall recovery president obama did you think mr. Hollande doesnt do not much to encourage American Investment and mr. Hollande you are a socialist you think finances and the undue tax wealth as 75 to how we convince businessmen here and what will you tell them ahead of the Employers Union that he wanted no compensation for the labor cost cuts. It is good to know the reporters have something in common in france and the United States. [laughter] i think all of us was traumatized by the crisis 2007, 2008 and the United States has to take responsibility for its role in that crisis. We made some quick decisions that allow us to stabilize the Financial Markets to begin the process of recovery but it was painful and slow in only because of the incredible resilience of the American People with policies we could begin a growth process that we have now sustained for some time to bring the Unemployment Rate down. But europe has a different set of challenges with the euros own, the nature of the shared currency but not completely shared governments is supervisory authority. That has created some particular difficulties that we did not have to deal with as the country with a reserve currency to make independent traces. Despite that europe has made enormous strides in france in particular has taken tough Structural Reforms that will help them to be more competitive in the future. I think all of us in the developed world have to balance the need for growth and competitiveness to believe a and to read to make sure we are maximizing efficiency but also in the way that allows for the benefits so the Workers Benefit from some sense of security in decent wages and the ability to retire security. Each country has different circumstances so investing in infrastructure where we have not made the strides to boost growth even faster to invested in skills trading that every country will have to do because businesses will locate where they think they have the most ivy skilled workers. We still have to do more on the innovation front were still under investing so america has a parent streaks and areas to make progress i think teeeighteen to save france is in the first position i would encourage companies to look at opportunities with investment and france. I encourage even more to look at the opportunities to invest money back into the United States and buy a book about the many French Companies that want to come here to do business but with our commercial relationship with that Transatlantic Trade Partnership is stifled growth isnt a the mediumsize businesses they could stand to benefit greatly from export penalty ability to decide there in the whole country. If they dont have lawyers or accountants if we experienced trade opportunities for them that could mean jobs and growth in france or the United States so i am hopeful we can get this deal it is that tough negotiations by a confident we can get it done [speaking french] speeeighteen for aids is one of the worlds countries that receives the largest amount of foreign investment. One of the countrys that is most open to foreign capitals. I want to strengthen and inhalants this if you look at physical investment not just financial or trees first between companies would get january when investments in job creation and factories period in spite of a crisis in 2013 we maintain the level of investment and france which bears witness to the confidence in france id its talents with its companies companies, this is nothing new. There are more than 2,000 American Companies that work in france employing 500,000 people in my country. United states of america one of the major investors in france a and i hope this trend will be strengthened in the future amber rockets is right to have nothing to fear from french investments in the United States there are many French Companies here in the United States. And they create thousands of jobs every where. To invest in the u. S. It is good for the United States and for france. I did have a vision to focus on protection is blaming anyone who invest abroad because it will not bring about new technologies but it will be useful especially if they come back. We need to make efforts in soon i shall invite many Foreign Companies to take part on the council that recall the invest in France Council to improve this situation when it comes to attacks stability. This is referred to use the rules this ability but American Companies have operations in france ask why they stay and invest but precisely they find French Society welcoming also asking a question a statement made by the Employers Union with the responsibility pact to the american journalists are familiar it is about will blazing to reach one goal ebro kebab inventions with the crisis but there comes a point you have to be stronger there you were before the crisis to mobilize more strength a and more energy. To focus on what has before but to be at the root of this recovery, companies mobilize their workers to go ahead we have modernized the label rock labor markets and updated vocational trading with whole list of things we have done with streamlined regulation to create more visibility but everyone will make an effort to with the tax breaks that have been granted a also looking at fiscal policy is to have sufficient room to maneuver put these commitments need to be shared by companies and businesses to create jobs with the outsourcing of activities to promote investment. I hope that discussions will move along quickly between the Employers Unions because this is a prerequisite for confidence it is true of International Relations but also of the economy. [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] so the guest of honor has a rival french president hollande greeted by the president in the first lady at the white house this is the seventh state dinner for the Obama Administration the first of the second term in the derby will take you to the south lawn pavilion tents that has turned into a springlike display of french culture and art by first take a look inside this date tenders as part of our coverage will tell you what it is like to be invited to one of these exclusive affairs also the role of first ladies of the years it had a conversation with former white house social secretary who served in the Obama Administration of. Looking at the scene from the north portico be will begin with the perspective from atlantic magazine. James is a National Correspondent for the atlantics magazine you have attended three state dinners what are they like it . Guest interesting and fun as you would imagine. Theres usually a sprinkling of journalistic it they have some connection so i have been to once for korea korea, china and canada because i guess i am from north america. Nobody can not like these. Host start at the beginning. You get the invitation. What is that like . Guest it is big and heavy you feel like you are back in the days of protocol it is in grave damage you check with the social secretary of the by house to find out what you can and cannot bring with you your identification and show up in plenty of time usually take a taxi and proceed from there which shall i think it is more intense after the Renegade Group tried to get into the indian state dinner host after the clarence then what . Guest there is a receiving line there is a corridor with pictures of the current president and you make your way up to the preceding line and announced by military caste each person has an announcement. Mr. President we announced this person. If youre in the less famous bottom group as we were, everybody is listening for the announcement will it be yoyo ma or somebody famous . The category that you beat the president of United States and the first lady than the visiting president panhandle the spouse then mix and mingle so that fresh with a celebrity is at the beginning with the receiving line. Host does the evening have added stress . Guest im sure there are people there but for me it was enjoyable. The most recent that my wife and i went was for then president of china one year into the Obama Administration we were living in china the previous three years of rethought it would be interesting and fun to see the president of china who has never actually met the people himself or to see other people who are involved with u. S. China affairs. I found it fun the be my wife was spending more time thinking order clothes and hair. Host the reception concluded you go into the state dining room. How would you know, where to set . Guest depending on the size they have larger and smaller groups. The of larger ones you check your table and you cannot help doing the assessment how does this stand . How famous are the people we are with . Say are careful to sprinkle out the famous people so nobody feels they have a bad seat. Usually american at least the ones i have seen. For the french president i dont know whether its a gesture of francoamerican amity but they will sprinkle in french wines are champagnes but then you spend quite a while just talking with the people at your table and other places and finally they have somebody who tells everyone to sit down to maximize their schmoozing time. What is the obvious like in the white house and the state dining room . Long ago i worked for jimmy