xp_communication | Bhagavad Gita: White House Press Briefing

GFX: Press Secretary Dana Perino

"Ladies and gentlemen, please. I have a statement to make and then I will take your questions. Obviously, this is a very busy time, so let's keep it to the point. The President has been meeting with numerous ambassadors and diplomats from India, Pakistan, and the United Nations, as well as the Secretary of State and the Directors of the CIA, and the FBI, in order to develop a clear understanding of exactly what the situation in India is at this moment.

I would like to remind the press that there is no indication that the 'Sons of Bakr' have the capabilities to strike any of the targets named in their video, or if the group is responsible for the attack on Srinager in the first place. Top analysts are working to confirm whether or not their claims are true. In the meantime, the Secretary of Transportation has ordered all airports to their highest level of security until the crisis is resolved. The US Navy has moved the Fifth Fleet into the Indian Ocean to support the containment of further escalation.

President McKenna has been in touch with leaders in both Pakistan and India, and expresses hope that no further escalation will be taken before more information develops. He has also instructed our representative at the UN Security Council, with the unanimous support of China, France, Great Britain and Russia to issue emergency Resolution 1823, which calls for an international investigation of the incident by UN Inspectors in order to confirm the construction and origin of the weapon, whether conventional or organic. Prime Minister Singh of India has expressed willingness to allow the inspectors access to the site and the material.

Alright, questions. Bill?"

"Will the US be involved with the UN inspectors?"

"The FBI and Interpol will help support the UN and Indian investigations into the attack. We've asked Pakistan to provide access for the investigators if necessary, and we're hopeful that they will do so. Gary?"

"If it turns out to be a mutant responsible, will this change President McKenna's policies on mutant rights or military research into mutants?"

"President McKenna's position remains committed to ensure that mutants in the United States retain the same rights as any other citizen, and that the weaponization of mutant abilities by other nations is an action strongly condemned by this country. Gale?"

"Pakistan is in political transition right now. Could this be the actions of the government stepping down?"

"I'm not going to speculate on who might be responsible. The investigation will be rigorously conducted, and those who are responsible for this great tragedy will have the entire weight of the United States supporting their discovery and capture. I would also like to note that the Red Cross and other humanitarian aid organizations are in contact with the Indian government in order to try and secure access to the area around Srinager to provide aid to those displaced by the attack, and we support their efforts. Thank you. That's all for now."