The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
May 19, 2012
Camp David, Maryland

THE PRESIDENT:  All right, everybody, listen up.  First of all, I want to welcome all the leaders here.  The press, you’re welcome as long as you don’t break anything.  (Laughter.) 

This is, by the way, the largest gathering ever of international leaders at Camp David, and I’m glad that we could arrange for good weather.  Last night, we had a chance to discuss some core issues that affect our common security.  And I want to say that we are unified when it comes to our approach with Iran.  I think all of us agree that Iran has the right to peaceful nuclear power, but that its continuing violations of international rules and norms and its inability thus far to convince the world community that it is not pursuing the weaponization of nuclear power is something of grave concern to all of us. 

We are hopeful about the discussions that will be taking [place] in Baghdad, but all of us are firmly committed to continuing with the approach of sanctions and pressure, in combination with diplomatic discussions.  And our hope is, is that we can resolve this issue in a peaceful fashion that respects Iran’s sovereignty and its rights in the international community, but also recognizes its responsibilities. MORE