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Transcript of Q & A Live Event with Richard Armitage from the State Alumni website.

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State administers a number of exchange and training programs that help promote knowledge about the United States and mutual international understanding. As part of it activities, ECA maintains connections with its exchange participants, or "alumni," after they complete their programs. As part of a broad range of incentives that help keep alumni in touch with ECA, the Bureau administers the State Alumni website, an online community by and for alumni of U.S. Government exchange programs.

Conversation with Deputy Secretary of State Richard L. ArmitageRichard L. Armitage, Deputy Secretary of State, answered questions from alumni live online on the State Alumni website on December 9, 2004. Mr. Armitage is closely involved in policymaking for all regions. Thanks to all the alumni who submitted questions.Read Deputy Secretary Armitage's biography.Please note: Because of time constraints we had to shorten many questions and Mr. Armitage could not answer all of the over 75 questions we received. Thank you for your understanding.

Name: Zara Sargsyan
Country/Territory: Armenia
Whatare the things that you have enjoyed and/or found challenging in your job so far as a public servant?
Name: Richard Armitage
The biggest enjoyment is the ability yet again to serve the American public. There is something very energizing about that. The biggest challenge has been to try to translate US hopes and aspirations into something that can be recognized and appreciated around the world.

Name: Paulo Variz
Country/Territory: Portugal
In your Mission Statement, and as far as EU-US relations are concerned, the commitment to co-operate towards advancing global trade while resolving trade disputes on a mutually advantageous basis sticks out. So does your urge (stated in the FY 2004-2009 Department of State and USAID Strategic Plan) for Europe to remove its structural impediments to growth. I would highly appreciate having your appraisal of recent developments in both areas. Thank you.
Name: Richard Armitage
Trade disputes are something we deal with in this modern world, particularly as we become evermore interconnected. We're please with the ability to dialogue which we have between US Trade Representative Zoellick and previously Mr. Lamy of France and now Mr. Mandelson who is the new European Union Trade Commissioner. Those dialogues help us work through these disputes. I might note that the WTO -- World Trade Organization -- is another forum which helps us in this regard.

Name: Elmir Allahverdiyev
Country/Territory: Azerbaijan
Is it possible in the future for Azerbaijan to become a member of NATO and is the U.S. government willing to see Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries in the NATO membership?
Name: Richard Armitage
First of all, the entire current membership of NATO, not just the United States, would have to agree. Having said that, there is nothing which would exclude NATO from reviewing applications for membership from among countries that belong to the OSCE, the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council -- the EAPC -- or the Partnership for Peace. NATO has left the door open for further enlargement.

Name: Valeriya Zasyedatyelyeva
Country/Territory: Ukraine
What is your personal opinion on the Presidential Elections in Ukraine? Do you believe that the second runoff on December 26 will be held in an honest way?
Name: Richard Armitage
First of all, I think the Supreme Court decision and the recent Rada decisions are a great victory for the people of Ukraine. The United States was often accused by some of having a favorite candidate -- our favorite candidate was the Ukrainian people. I think given the fact that the entire world, not just Europe, the entire world, will be focused on the election on 26 December in Ukraine that we have a very real possibility of a fair and free election.

Name: Serajul Quadir
Country/Territory: Bangladesh
There is a common belief that after the election victory of Bush the Muslim world will have to face a tough situation with the USA. Do you believe so? Why?
Name: Richard Armitage
No, I don't believe so. There's a great respect and understanding that Islam is one of the great religions of the world. The United States is going to concentrate through our Broader Middle East and North Africa Initiative on being more helpful along with our G8 partners to the extent comfortable to our Islamic partners to be more a part of the life of Islam.

Name: Myint Oo
Country/Territory: Burma
I really admire your positions with the US government as Presidential Mediator, Negotiator and in developing politico-military relationships and initiatives throughout the world.If you were the Presidential Mediator for Burma, how would you negotiate and persuade the Burmese military regime to bring democracy faster in Burma? Do you have a more workable plan other than sanctions?
Name: Richard Armitage
Well, sanctions are certainly one tool, but first of all, it's not a matter to be resolved just by the United States, this is something the United Nations has great concerns about. We have been working through the good efforts of UN Special Envoy Razali, whose efforts we have supported. Ultimately, the Burmese people are going to have to show to their government that it is not appropriate that Aung Suu Kyi be kept under house arrest and other representatives of the NLD imprisoned. Ultimately, just like in Ukraine, the will of the people will be shown.

Name: Salome Tsereteli
Country/Territory: Georgia
In President Bush's new term, how will the security cooperation policy in regard to the Caucuses, and Georgia in particular, change or remain the same?
Name: Richard Armitage
Well, I don't expect it to change certainly-- if anything we might become more engaged with each other, not just with Georgia, but with Azerbaijan for instance. We've worked with Georgia and Azerbaijan quite well on border issues, border security and I would note that Azerbaijan and Georgia are both very helpful in Iraq and I think you can expect even greater interaction if it's desired by peoples of both those countries.

Name: Antonia Dimou
Country/Territory: Greece
How do you see the European Military Force and the enhancement of the European Defense Agency, and what should be their relation to NATO?
Name: Richard Armitage
I'm very pro the development of a European force. I think there's more than enough work in the world to go around for security forces. And if the development of a European force leads to the nations of Europe putting at least 2% of their gross domestic product into defense I think that would be a good thing. Many of the nations of Europe do not make that investment now.

Name: Uttam Sen
Country/Territory: India
Do you think that economic and other considerations will require greater US reliance on multilateral decision-making on international issues in future?
Name: Richard Armitage
I have always felt that multilateralism was quite important already. I can't quantify whether it will be more or less in the future, but I know most of the great issues of the day on which we're working are ones we approach multilaterally. Whether it's Iran or the North Korean issue, most of these are already multilateral. And certainly in the economic sphere because we're so interconnected and so intertwined that it's almost impossible to believe we can work unilaterally.

Name: Haruhisa Hatori
Country/Territory: Japan
According to a draft outline of the Japanese midterm defense buildup plan for fiscal 2005-2009, the Japanese government wants to research long-range precision missile technology. This missle can be used to attack overseas targets and that may increase tension in East Asia. Previously, the government has been reluctant to have such weapons.What do you think about this switch of Japanese defense policy? Please give your reasons for supporting or not supporting the policy.
Name: Richard Armitage
I have looked very carefully at the five-year defense plan of Japan and am very much supportive of it. Japan is a country that is taking part in all the great issues of the world, it truly has a global outlook. Japan is also an island nation and to have precision missile technology seems to me to be quite defensive in nature and something that is quite appropriate for an island nation.

Name: Nabiha Mahmood
Country/Territory: Pakistan
How do you think America can play an effective role towards discouraging the dangerous trend of an arms and missile race in South Asia, particularly between Pakistan and India?
Name: Richard Armitage
I think we already have had a role to play and have played it quite well -- certainly in the summer of 2002 when India and Pakistan were in a precarious state of readiness. In June of this year we've had India and Pakistan having their first ever talks aimed at building mutual trust to reduce the risk of nuclear conflict. So, I think we're in a much better place now regarding India and Pakistan. We'll stay engaged from the outside with both. Ultimately, though, to reduce tensions, India and Pakistan are going to have to resolve the neuralgic issue of Kashmir.

Name: Astrid Leigh
Country/Territory: Peru
I would like to know, in your opinion, if a country like Peru, which has gone through a long terrorism period, previously having lived through a 20 year military dictatorship and recently having faced one of the biggest corruption scandals with our 10 year corrupt government has something to teach other countries?
Name: Richard Armitage
Well, I think that a nation like Peru which defeated Sendero and Minoso and finally listened to the will of the people and found a way to democratically change government is a lesson to most countries that a regular renewal through a democratic process is the best way to assure that government doesn't become sclerotic and not heedful of the wishes of the population.

Name: Maxim Soyref
Country/Territory: Russia
What should be done to establish peace between Israelis and Palestinians?
Name: Richard Armitage
Certainly though the United States has long been involved in the search for peace, the situation now is new and does present new opportunities. On January 9, the Palestinian people will elect a new leader, hopefully one who will lead them out of the wilderness of despair in which they've been mired certainly since 1967. A new partner on the Palestinian side who can be a partner searching for peace with the Israelis will be something that will engender quite a bit of international cooperation and I think that combined with the disengagement plan that Prime Minister Sharon has put forward regarding Gaza and for the settlements on the West Bank, we could be in a position where we can get back on the Road Map and see it through to President Bush's vision of two states living side by side in peace and prosperity and security -- the state of Israel and the state of Palestine.

Name: Mahamarakkala Patabendige Dias
Country/Territory: Sri Lanka
You are an active participant to the peace process in Sri Lanka. How do you evaluate the present situation in Sri Lankan Peace Process?
Name: Richard Armitage
Twenty years of war is quite enough. Too many people have suffered. But the direct answer to your question is that unfortunately the negotiations are stalled. The US does appreciate the efforts of President Kumaratunga to restart the negotiations. We urge the LTTE to resume negotiations as soon as possible. And we continue to condemn and won't accept the terrorist actions of the LTTE. They've got to abandon terrorism in word and deed and rejoin the negotiating table.

Name: Manuchehr Kholov
Country/Territory: Tajikistan
Could you please comment on the recent shut down of National Democratic Institute (NDI) office in Dushanbe, Tajikistan by the Tajik authorities? Do you think this action is the consequence of NDI's alleged participation in events taking place in Ukraine now?
Name: Richard Armitage
Well, I don't know if that has any relation to Ukraine. But I would note that I visited Tajikistan, I've seen the development of civil society and NGOs and I think they're a very positive thing in the society and I would hope that the government of Tajikistan would soon register the NDI and let international staff function in Tajikistan and in Dushanbe.

Name: Gulbahar Bazarova
Country/Territory: Turkmenistan
I wanted to know your view about dividing the Caspian Sea among 5 countries. Is it possible to share the Sea without any confusion or misunderstanding among those countries?
Name: Richard Armitage
I think from the United States' point of view, if the division of the Caspian were agreed to by all five parties then we would certainly be for it. The problem right now is that two of the parties seem to agree on a very large division of the Caspian and three others do not. So as we say in our slang, we don't have a horse in the race, but if it's agreeable to all five countries who border the Caspian then we would be in favor.

Name: Ershan Wang
Country/Territory: China
Chinas power seems likely to continue to rise. What adjustments do you think that US and Europe will have to make?
Name: Richard Armitage
I think clearly a peacefully rising China is in the interest of the whole world, just as a rising tide lifts all boats. China is ready to take her rightful place on the world stage and the US and our European friends will simply have to make the room for that. If China is successful in her rise and continues opening not only her economy but her political society then it will be a very congenial thing to the world.

Name: William Graham
Country/Territory: United Kingdom
The Irish peace process has this week reached a defining moment. US governments have under President Clinton and now President Bush taken a close interest in our situation. There have of course been many difficulties in implementing the Good Friday agreement since it was signed six years ago, but the politicians and British and Irish governments have been trying to find a way forward. What is your analysis of the outcome and the United States administration continued assistance in cementing the peace in this part of the world? Do you think, if an accommodation is reached, that it will encourage further investment by US companies in Northern Ireland? Are there lessons to be taken from the conflict in the north of Ireland which would be worthwhile examining in understanding an approach to conflict situations in other parts of the world ... for example in the Middle East?
Name: Richard Armitage
Unfortunately, we did not reach an agreement, though the United States has commended the efforts of the British Prime Minister and the Irish Prime Minister Mr. Ahern to negotiate a settlement. Had there been a settlement of course there would have been an increase in investment. And certainly the people of Northern Ireland deserve to have that investment just as they deserve to have political leadership and institutions that build an inclusive society respectful of human rights and free from sectarian hatred and committed to the rule of law.

Name: Saiful Mahdi
Country/Territory: Indonesia
As a graduate student and teacher from Aceh at the northern tip of Sumatra, Indonesia, I am especially concerned with the three enemies of humanity: violence (including terrorism), poverty, and environmental degradation. My question is: what would you do to make sure that US aid, including military aid will be channeled to the right country, right people and armed forces around the world, especially in the case of Indonesia? How do you know that US aid to fight terrorism around the world is not used by undemocratic dictatorships (like those in the Middle East and Latin America) or by unreformed, unprofessional armed forces (like in those of Indonesia) to oppress its own people?
Name: Richard Armitage
Unfortunately, the people of Aceh have good knowledge of the three enemies of humanity which you mentioned: violence, poverty and environmental degradation and my heart bleeds for that. With the United States because of our system where the US government finds it necessary, thankfully, to approach the US Congress and have a debate about the wisdom of providing assistance to various governments, we have a very transparent process. Regarding Indonesia, that process, because of the historical excesses of the TNI, we have not been providing assistance to the military in Indonesia. We'd like to get in a position where we can use certain funds to bring military officers from various countries to the United States to learn about the appropriate role of a military in a modern society and that is: supportive of civilian authority, respectful of the rights of all citizens and professional in the approach to their military duties.

Name: Yasmin Farooqi
Country/Territory: Pakistan
With due respect, I ask why the USA seems to support the Army rulers in developing countries and seriously ignores violations of democracy and basic human rights in war-inflicted countries like Iraq and Afghanistan and supports this never-ending war against terrorism in which we are bombing men, women, children and elderly. Are USA leaders concerned about how they are damaging the wonderful "Great America" image for centuries to come?
Name: Richard Armitage
Well, the United States is of course, leaders of the United States, very concerned with our image in the world and we do realize that sometimes with leadership comes great responsibilities and sometime a lot of troubles. I would note regarding Pakistan that the people of Pakistan under both democratic rule and marshall law have not received the benefits to which they are entitled.

Name: Roman Bryulgart
Country/Territory: Russia
In November we all witnessed how dramatic and tense was the situation in the United States during the presidential electoral campaign. The American society was split into almost even halves. Now Ukraine is facing political crisis after the presidential elections and the society is split in the same way. In fact, the instability is already transferring to Romania, where the opposition tries to follow Ukrainian way. In your opinion, why has United States managed to avoid such tensions and how could its experience be used to solve the political crisis in Eastern Europe?
Name: Richard Armitage
First of all the United States has been experimenting with democracy for almost 230 years, so that helps. Second, you would note that those foreign observers who viewed our election found them to be free and transparent and open, and that I think very much helps the people to accept whatever outcome. And as it turned out our elections weren't as close as people had predicted. Both the electoral college and the popular vote were considered quite large for President Bush. In fact he received the most votes that any democratically elected leader has received anywhere in the world. So I think the one thing that does resolve tensions is if people realize that things were done in an open, democratic, transparent way.

Name: Alexandr Baikalov
Country/Territory: Moldova
Do you think recognition in the Constitution of Moldova of four languages (Romanian, Russian, Ukrainian, Gaguz) could help in maintaining the country unified?
Name: Richard ArmitageWell, look, tolerance of a multicultural society is a good thing and I think tolerance of a multicultural society can help any country to have unity and we support that.

Name: Anca Paduraru
Country/Territory: Romania
Does the Department of State have any information regarding Romanian children adopted abroad who were lost into the system, that is no one knows their whereabouts in their adoptive countries and what they became?I ask this since scary reports surfaced in Romanian media, regarding alleged abuse against these kids - going as far as killing them for body parts - which in their turn fueled the media campaign supporting the Romanian Government position to stop all international adoptions.
Name: Richard Armitage
I have no knowledge of the particular case. I have seen media comments and I think some of those are spurious allegations and we're dismayed by those reports. The United States does support inter-country adoption as an option for children in need of a loving, permanent family placement who cannot find one in their home country. Obviously, if there were these loving, permanent family placements in the home countries, that would be best, but lacking those we're very supportive of inter-country adoptions.

Name: Arminka Helic
Country/Territory: United Kingdom
Is the US policy to stay engaged in the Balkans or hand over the peacekeeping operations there to the EU?
Name: Richard Armitage
We've always said, "in together, out together" in the Balkans and we're moving to an EU force in some areas, which we support. But the United States is going to remain economically and politically even if we're not there militarily.

Name: Lourenildo Leite
Country/Territory: Brazil
I was granted a Fulbright Scholarship (through IIE) to St. Louis University where I did my Masters and Doctorate programs in Geophysics, from July 1969 to December 1976. Today I am a teacher at the Federal University of Para in Brazil in the Department of Geophysics, and fully involved with the Undergraduate and Graduate Courses, lecturing, research, and orientation of undergraduate and graduate students (for Masters and Doctorate). Considering my accumulated experience and live interest in the USA-Brazil, and USA-International Fulbright Program, I would like to know how to effectively make a return contribution to this Program?
Name: Richard Armitage
Well, I hesitate to try to answer a question for someone who has a doctorate in geophysics. However, I would hope that if you found your time here congenial that you would try to spread the good lessons of the US society to friends in Brazil and let them understand that we are not a closed country, that we are very much internationalist, we might be reluctant internationalists and hesitant sometimes, but we are internationalist and we value the interaction and the relationships with other countries.

Name: Richard Armitage
I've got to run now, but I thank you very much for this opportunity.