LOC22:13
19:13 GMT
WASHINGTON, May 26 (KUNA) -- President Barack Obama on Tuesday announced
that he would fully integrate White House staff supporting national security
and homeland security into a new "National Security Staff" that will support
all White House policymaking activities related to international,
transnational and homeland security matters.
Establishment of the new National Security Staff, under the direction of
the National Security Adviser, "will end the artificial divide between White
House staff who have been dealing with national security and homeland security
issues," Obama said in a White House announcement.
The President also announced that he would maintain the Homeland Security
Council as the principle venue for interagency deliberations on issues that
affect the security of the homeland such as terrorism, weapons of mass
destruction (WMD), natural disasters and pandemic flu.
"The Homeland Security Council, like its National Security Council
counterpart, will be supported by the National Security Staff," he said.
In addition, Obama said he would establish new directorates and positions
within the National Security Staff to deal with new and emerging challenges
associated with cybersecurity, WMD terrorism, transborder security,
information sharing and resilience policy, including preparedness and response.
Obama said he would retain the position of Assistant to the President for
Homeland Security and Counterterrorism as principal White House adviser on
these issues, "with direct and immediate access to me."
"The security of our homeland is of paramount importance to me, and I will
not allow organizational impediments to stand in the way of timely action that
ensures the safety of our citizens," he said.
The President also announced creation of a new Global Engagement
Directorate "to drive comprehensive engagement policies that leverage
diplomacy, communications, international development and assistance, and
domestic engagement and outreach in pursuit of a host of national security
objectives, including those related to homeland security."
The actions were based on a review of findings and recommendations in a
Presidential Study Directive that Obama ordered last February to determine how
the White House should be organized to deal with homeland security and
counterterrorism issues, he noted. (end)
rm.bs
KUNA 262213 May 09NNNN