There is not an inherent contradiction between a Ukraine that has longstanding historic and cultural ties to Russia, and a modern Ukraine that wants to integrate more closely with Europe.

The notion that I had become a political lightning rod was painful for me to experience.

If you're trying to get something done, there will always be people who don't want to see you get something done, or who have a stake in the status quo. And if they approach that through ad hominem criticism of you, you've got to have enough confidence and thickness of skin to be able to endure.

Iran's economy is now shrinking by 1 percent a year. Its oil production is down 40 percent.

We have to know who we are and know what we believe.

I've taken my knocks here and there, but I believe my intentions are good. Doesn't mean everything I do is perfectly executed or I don't make mistakes. Of course I do.

I don't worry about how folks want to characterize me.