Pres. Obama, BP Exec Address Media After “Very Constructive” Meeting

After Pres. Barack Obama‘s much talked about, and significantly delayed, meeting with BP execs, both he and Chairman Carl Henric Svanberg addressed the media.

CEO Tony Hayward was there too – but he didn’t say anything this time.

The big takeaway was the payout – $20 billion (at least). And Pres. Obama expressed confidence BP understands the role they will have to pay:

BP’s liabilities for this spill are significant. They acknowledge that fact. And we will continue to hold BP and all other responsible parties accountable. I’m absolutely confident BP will be able to meet its obligations to the Gulf Coast and to the American people.

Here’s text of his full speech (video below).

Svanberg talked next. “We have had a very constructive meeting with the President,” he said, as reporters asked him to speak up. “We appreciate the deep concern that he feels for the people in the region.”

Hayward, standing behind Svanberg, head down throughout, was silent.

Here’s Pres. Obama, with Svanberg’s words below:

Svanberg:

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