israel is capable of defending itself by itself against any threat. i am filled with hope, because the valor of our fighting men and women is second to none. i am filled with hope, because i know the forces of civilization will ultimately triumph over the forces of terror. i am filled with hope, because in the age of innovation, israel -- the innovation nation -- is thriving as never before. i am filled with hope, because israel works tirelessly to advance equality and opportunity for all its citizens: jews, muslims, christians, druze, everyone. and i am filled with hope, because despite all the naysayers, i believe that in the years ahead, israel will forge a lasting peace with all our neighbors.

ladies and gentlemen: i am hopeful about what israel can accomplish because i've seen what israel has accomplished. in 1948, the year of israel's independence, our population was 800,000. our main export was oranges. people said then we were too small, too weak, too isolated, too demographically outnumbered to survive, let alone thrive. the skeptics were wrong about israel then; the skeptics are wrong about israel now. israel's population has grown tenfold, our economy fortyfold. today our biggest export is technology -- israeli

technology, which powers the world's computers, cellphones, cars and so much more. ladies and gentlemen: the future belongs to those who innovate, and this is why the future belongs to countries like israel. israel wants to be your partner in seizing that future, so i call on all of you: cooperate with israel, embrace israel, dream with israel. dream of the future that we can build together, a future of breathtaking progress, a future of security, prosperity and peace, a future of hope for all humanity, a future where even at the un, even in this hall, israel will finally, inevitably, take its rightful place among the nations. thank you.

[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] >> syria's deputy prime minister blames the u.s. and its allies for the prolonged conflict in syria while addressing the u.n. general assembly in new york city. he also called on the u.n. to pursue action against countries that are sponsors of global terrorism. this is 20 minutes. >> i now give the floor to ,is excellency, walid muallem deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs of the syrian arab republic.

i have the great pleasure in welcoming the deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs and expatriates of the syrian arab republic, and i invite him to address the general assembly. minister muallem: [speaking through translator] president of the 71st assembly of the united nations, i would like to congratulate you and your friendly country fiji on your election as president of the present session of the united nations general assembly. i wish you all success during

your presidency, which you have promised would be one for the whole house. such a promise, if kept, would strengthen the neutral rule of the president of the general assembly and shed a bright light on the fact that some are trying to conceal. mr. president, ladies and gentlemen, as we meet once again, our world is going through a grave and dangerous period. terrorism, which we have cautioned against repeatedly , hasthis very rostrum continued to grow and gain ground, claiming the lives of more innocent people and causing death and destruction as it

rages unabated across the world. the blood of syrians was not enough to quench its thirst. it had to go after the citizens of many other countries, including those that have supported and sponsored it. these innocent people are now paying for the mistakes of their government, which have ignored the interests of their people and adopted shortsighted policies. for more than five years, the syrian people, no matter their affiliations, have paid dearly for the crimes of terrorists, who have shed the blood of syrians and undermined their security, stability, and livelihoods.

terrorism has spared no one, targeting even schools, universities, hospitals, places of worship, and infrastructure. everyone knows full well that terrorism would not have spread through my country if it had not been for the external support of well-known countries. it is no longer a secret that qatar and saudi arabia have played a part in this, promoting their wahhabist ideology and their fatwas that have nothing to do with islam. they have bragged about supporting terrorism in every way possible. -- possible, sending into syria thousands of mercenaries

equipped with the most sophisticated weapons. meanwhile, turkey has opened its border to let in tens of thousands of terrorists from all around the world and has provided them with logistical support and training camps under the supervision of turkish and western intelligence. it has even supplied these terrorist with direct military support, as was the case and aleppo and other cities. i would like to refer you to a study published seven months ago by a german institute. according to the study, more than 360,000 foreign terrorists from 83 countries have entered syria since april 2011.

by the end of 2015, the syrian army was able to kill 95,000 of those, while 120,000 returned home or traveled to other countries. we in syria are combating terrorism on behalf of the whole world. every time a syrian kills another foreign terrorist, it spares the life of many innocent people, who could have died in a terrorist act carried out by the same terrorist upon returning to his country. anyone who seeks to distort this fact must be held responsible for the spread of terrorism and the increasing numbers of

victims. our valiant army deserves to be commended and supported. it must never be the target of schemes and lies. mr. president, ladies and gentlemen, the terrorist campaign against my country is taking place in full view of a polarized world. there are those who have chosen to support international law and the principles of the charter, while others have decided to turn a blind eye to the truth and to support, finance, and arm pretextss under false that depart from logic and reason. they choose to refer to these terrorists as moderate armed opposition, though there is irrefutable evidence they have committed against syrians crimes and massacres that are no less barbaric than those of isil or al qaeda.

some consider people who take up arms against the state and its citizens legitimate opposition, as long as they are inferior. -- inferior, while the exact same people on any other day and in any other country would be considered terrorists or at least outlaws. despite all of this, all syrians, the people, the army, and the government, will not relent in their fight against terrorism. they are determined more than ever before to eliminate terrorism wherever it exists in their country. -- country, and to rebuild a better syria, because they are well aware that their homeland will cease to exist if the terrorists and their backers emerge victorious. our belief in victory is even

greater now that the syrian-arab army is making great strides in its war against terrorism, with the support of the true friends of the syrian people. notably, the russian federation, iran, and the lebanese national resistance. such a support has helped strengthen the resilience of syrians and alleviate their suffering. we truly hope other countries will soon wake up and realize, before it is too late, the danger that threatens us all. we have always welcomed all international efforts to counter terrorism in syria, but we stress once again the need to coordinate such efforts with the government of the syrian-arab republic and the syrian-arab army that has been combating terrorism on the ground for more than five years.

without such coordination, any action would be considered a breach of sovereignty, a flagrant interference, and a violation of the principles and purposes of the charter. without such coordination, any action will fall short of achieving real results, and will even make matters worse. in this regard, the syrian condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the attack launched by american warplanes on the syrian army site in the vicinity of the airport on september 17. this attack allowed isil to gain control of the site. the syrian government holds the united states fully responsible for this aggression.

the facts show it was an intentional attack and not an error, even if the united states claims otherwise. this cowardly aggression clearly proves that the u.s. and its allies are complicit with isil and other terrorist organizations. we also reiterate our condemnation of turkish incursion into syrian territories, under the pretext of countering terrorism. this is a flagrant aggression and must be stopped immediately. terrorism cannot be fought by replacing one terrorist organization with another. one cannot but wonder, how can a state that has been the main point of entry for terrorists

and weapons into syria claim to be fighting terrorism? how can there be genuine and effective international counterterrorism cooperation when a relevant security council curatoron remains dead -- a dead. mr. president, ladies and gentlemen, since the onset of the crisis in 2011, the syrian government has declared that any solution must follow two parallel tracks. counterterrorism and a political track to an intra-syrian dialogue that allows syrians to determine the future of their country without foreign interference.

all solutions dictated from the outside are categorically rejected by the syrian people. likewise, any political solution will not succeed in the absence of the necessary foundation and condition for its implementation, including intensified counterterrorism efforts and progress and the national reconciliation process, which has proven successful and a number of areas around the syria. despite all of these hurdles created by regional and western states, those estates that decide on behalf of the self-proclaimed syrian opposition, despite all of these hurdles, we have always been open to a political track that would stem the bloodshed and end the prolonged suffering of syrians. we reiterate our commitment to

move forward with the geneva track under the auspices of the united nation. we recall our constructive position regarding the political solution. such a solution must be based on respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of syria and the unity of its people. it should begin by establishing a government of national unity, comprising representatives from the government and the opposition in all its factions, and task with creating a constitution drafting committee. once the new constitution is approved by the syrians, through a referendum, parliamentary elections would follow, and a new government would be formed under the new constitution. mr. president, ladies and

gentlemen, it is truly regrettable that some are exploiting the humanitarian tragedy and suffering of syrians, especially in terrorist-held areas. it is regrettable that some are politicizing such suffering to achieve certain goals that have nothing to do with humanitarian principles or the interests of syrians themselves. some countries continue to shed crocodile tears over the situation of syrians in some areas, accusing the syrian government of employing a policy of sieges and starvation. all the while, these same countries continue to support and arm the terrorists that the siege of civilians in these areas from the inside and use them as human shields and prevent the delivery of humanitarian aid or confiscate it.

ladies and gentlemen, make no mistake. no one is more committed than the syrian government to ending the suffering of syrians and providing them with a life of dignity, wherever they may be and without exception. this is a duty and not a favor. we will spare no effort to that end, including in cooperation with the united nations. despite all the difficulties we are facing as a result of the systematic destruction by externally supported terrorist organizations, and despite the unilateral coercive economic and financial measures imposed on the syrian people by the same parties that falsely claim to have the interests of syrians in

mind -- such unilateral measures have adversely affected many vital sectors in the country, including health, education, and energy. mr. president, ladies and gentlemen, syria is confronting mercenary terrorists on its territory today, but it has long confronted a different kind of terrorism. the terrorism of israel, that has occupied a precious part of our land and the syrian golan since june 4, 1967. our people continue to suffer as a result of israel's oppressive and aggressive practices. these practices are no longer confined to the occupied golan and are currently affecting the security and life of syrians in

the southern part of the country. israel is intervening militarily and directly to assist in every way possible of the terrorist organizations operating in that area. syria calls on the international community to put an effective end to all these practices and to compel israel to implement relevant united nations resolutions, particularly resolution 497 on the occupied syrian golan. the united nations should also compel israel to allow the palestinian people to enjoy their inalienable rights, including the establishment of their independent state with jerusalem as its capital, and the return of palestine refugees to their land in accordance with internationally recognized

resolutions. syria reaffirms that israel's aggressive policies do not only threaten syria, but the whole region, especially given israel's nuclear arsenal. we have stressed time and again the need to compel israel to join the treaty on the nonproliferation of nuclear weapons and other treaties on weapons of mass destruction and to subject its nuclear installations to the oversight of the international atomic energy agency. syria stresses the right of state to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. we have always called for creating a wmd-free zone in the middle east. in fact, we have efficiently and responsibly eliminated all chemical weapons in syria in cooperation with the joint

mission of the organizations for the prohibition of chemical weapons and the united nations. in this regard, syria reiterates its readiness to continue cooperation with the joint investigation mechanism, as well as to continue the syrian-relevant investigations in this regard. mr. president, we congratulate cuba and iran on reaching agreements to lift the embargo imposed on them, and we look forward to their implementation. we renew our call for removing the illegal economic measures imposed on the syrian people and on other independent people in the world. notably, the people of the dprk, venezuela, and belarus. in closing, we wish you and your people's lasting security and

prosperity. we hope our organization will be able to regain the trust of the people by holding or upholding the provisions of the charter, which calls for respecting the sovereignty and independence of member states and ensuring noninterference in their internal affairs. this principle, if implemented, would lay the foundation for genuine and fair relations among nations after the greed and arrogance of some have shaken them to their core. thank you. [applause] >> i think the deputy prime minister and minister for foreign affairs and expatriates of the syrian arab republic for his statement. c-span's washington journal, live every day with news and policy issues that impact you. sunday morning, board member of the commission for presidential

the 2016talks about presidential campaign, the federal budget, and upcoming presidential debates. of a book on the recent police shootings and protests, the opening of the national museum of african american history and culture, and how the issue of race will affect this election cycle. and the editor in chief of the onion and his head gardener -- head editor talk about their website and the use of satire in the presidential campaign. watch "washington journal" live beginning at 7:00 eastern sunday morning. his weekly address, the president celebrates the opening of the national museum of african american history and culture. senator marco rubio delivers the republican address. ofdiscusses the threat terrorism on american soil and is critical to the obama administration's handling of recent attacks.

pres. obama: hi, everybody. this weekend, we will dedicate the newest american icon on the national mall -- the national museum of african american history and culture. it is a beautiful building, five stories high and 70 feet below the ground, situated just across the street from the washington monument. this museum tells the story of america that has not always taken a front seat international narrative. as a people, we have passed on details of the giants who built this country, but too often, we have chosen to gloss over or ignore entirely the experience of millions upon millions of others. but this museum chooses to tell a fuller story. it does not avoid uncomfortable

truths. rather, it embraces the patriotic recognition that america is a constant work in progress, that each successive generation can look upon our imperfections and decide that it is within our collective power to align this nation with the high ideals of our founding. that is what you will see inside. shacklessee it in the of an enslaved child and in the hope of harriet tubman's gospel hymnal. you will see it in the tragedy of emmett till's coffin and in the resilience of a lunch counter stool and the triumph of a tuskegee airplane. you will see it in the shadow of a prison guard tower and the defiance of jesse owenss cleats. and the american pride of colin powell's uniform. it is not simply the african american story, it is part of the american story, and so it is entirely fitting that we tell

this story on our national mall, the same place we tell the stories of washington and jefferson. the story of lincoln, who saved our union, and the gis who defended it. the story of king, who summoned us all toward the mountaintop. that is what we will celebrate, not just this weekend but in the years and generations ahead, a fuller account of our glorious american story. it is a chance to reflect on our past and set a course for the future, because here in this country, all of us, no matter what our station in life, have the chance to pick up the pen and write our own chapter for our time. thanks, everybody, and have a great weekend. sen. rubio: it is my honor to represent florida. in the recent days, the radical -- of the evil face of radical islamic terrorism has appeared on the american soil.

attacks in minnesota, new jersey, and new york. many's the innocent -- many innocent people were injured, and we continue to pray for their recovery. unfortunately, this time, -- fortunately, the only loss of life was a knife wielding terrorist who was taken down by an off-duty police officer. these attacks remind us that evil is real and we remain a nation at war against radical islamic terrorism. this is a war against a country that has evolved from terrorists with box cutters hijacking airplanes 15 years ago, to the threat of bombs targeting the boston marathon and charity 5k runs, speeding trucks being rammed into large crowds, makeshift bombs built with instructions obtained online, knives and guns being used to massacre people in places like orlando, fort hood, chattanooga, and san bernardino. americans should not accept this as the new normal.

we should not have to constantly look over our shoulder every time we visit a public face with our children, or take a walk down the street. but we must also understand that this war will not end soon, and we cannot become fatigued or complacent about that reality. this is a war we must win, and winning requires american resolve -- the kind shown by so many of our men and women in uniform over the past 15 years. it requires the best intelligence community, equipped with the best intelligence gathering tools so we can hunt down terrorists before they attack and bring swift justice to those who are not stopped in time. it requires american ingenuity, to keep up with the modes of communication and coordination being used by these terrorists. patriotism,american like the kind shown by countless muslims who have reviewed -- refused to let their faith be tarnished by extremists and have

informed law enforcement about plots or suspicious individuals. it requires an immigration system based on common sense, which is says, if we cannot fully event to someone and verify they do not have terrorist ties, then we simply cannot allow them inside our country or make them citizens. ourequires working with partners to target this hateful ideology at its roots, dismantle its organizations, and deprive them of safe havens anywhere in the world. all these things needs to happen to stop the worst threats from striking us at home. president obama has proven himself unable to meet these challenges for the past eight years. the world is now a more dangerous place than when he came into office, because instead of seeing the chaos and threats that all of us see, he dismisses the enemy and underestimate the challenges they pose to our very way of life. the worst of this presidency may still be yet to come.

with just four months left in office, president obama and his allies in congress want to release every single terrorist from the military's custody at once on a moped -- at once at guantanamo bay. to other been released countries, to immediately go missing. others have returned to the battlefield. terrorists still behind bars are the worst of the worst, but president obama and his misguided allies still wants to send them to other countries or even bring these terrorists here to u.s. soil. if congress and the american people do not stop this terrible plan, these terrorists could join the ranks of al qaeda or isis at the same time our troops are trying to defeat them. congress,a republican we have successfully blocked president obama from bringing terrorist detainees to u.s. soil, and i have introduced legislation to prevent the white house from invading restrictions in current law allowing them to release all the terrorists anyway.

the president and his allies remain committed to getting this done, even though it helps these groups grow even stronger, and even though it increases the risks to americans at home and abroad. policies, liker the disastrous deal with iran, are providing the world's foremost sponsor of terrorism with billions of dollars in sanction relief and ransom payments, money they will use to fulfill their dreams of death to america and wiping israel off the planet -- most of the democrats in congress supported this deal, too. they continue doing everything they can to salvage it. all these challenges underscore the need to rebuild our military, to reassure our allies and reassert american leadership on the world stage. weess we take these actions, will be unable to leave the world more secure for future generations of americans. the next four months could be president obama's most damaging, as he works to the these last-ditch legacy projects.

it is up to the american people and those of us in congress to stop them. thank you for listening. and may gods you, always bless the united states of america. announcer: sunday at 9:00 p.m. eastern -- a the budget process is such mess, five or six people are going to determine the budget in the next month. announcer: virginia republican congressman talks about his career in academics, as well as his political philosophy, in his book "american underdog." he is interviewed by ed gillespie. vote, the keyle is, we are supposed to be a democratic republic. that does not mean you get to win every debate, it just means you have a fair process. if the folks vote for more flowers and you are a fiscal hawk, you lose. go to book tv.org for

the complete schedule. announcer: here on c-span, the communicators is next with james cicconi of at&t. then the candidates running in the montana governor's race face each other in a televised debate that took lace earlier this week at montana state university. later, we will show you past presidential debates, beginning with the debate between gerald ford and jimmy carter. peter: jim cicconi, what do you do for a living. james: vice president for external and legislative affairs, at least for the next two weeks. i'm in charge of at&t's regulatory and legislative public policy. and youare -- peter: are based here in washington. what is at&t, what does it do? james: most people would class

us as a communications company, but in many ways, it is become an internet services company. on like industries, over the last 10 years, we have changed the core product we sold for 100 now we are selling bits in most of our services. i do not know many companies in any industry that have changed their core products that they have sold for 100 years in the course of about 10 years. peter: you sell telephones, you still bits, as you say. a traditional cable provider, in a sense, aren't you? james: we has a tv service called u-verse, but most of our page tv today is delivered through directv satellites. peter: where is at&t based? james: dallas, texas. peter: what did he directv purchase due to yo