Biden To Deliver Remarks On Afghan Evacuation 1300ET

US President Joe Biden is scheduled to deliver a second set of remarks in a week on the situation in Afghanistan.

• Biden due to speak at around 1300ET (1800BST, 1900CET).
• Comes a day after the State Dep't was forced into a U-turn after Politico reported that those seeking passage out of Afghanistan from Kabul airport could be charged USD2,000 for the trip. On Thursday evening, State Dep't spokesman Ned Price confirmed that 'In these unique circumstances, we have no intention of seeking any reimbursement from those fleeing Afghanistan.'
• Over the past week there has been increasing concern from US allies both in Europe and Asia that the United States may not prove a committed partner any more in overseas military activities. A comment from an administration official did little to quell this fear on Thursday, stating that "There's a difference between ensuring open sea lanes in Asia, which is a priority for the United States, and the continued involvement in another country's civil war" , thereby offering a clear signal that the administration is more closely focused on geopolitical events that have a direct influence on the US, rather than taking the role of 'the world's policeman'.