US shutdown a momentary episode-Kerry

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Saturday the government shutdown happening in the U.S. is only temporary.

(SOUNDBITE)(English) U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE JOHN KERRY SAYING:

"This is a momentary impact, obviously if it were prolonged or repeated people would begin, I think to question the willingness of the United States to stay the course or its ability to, but that's not the case and that will not be the case."

Kerry made the comments during his trip to Bali for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.

He's filling in for President Obama who canceled his trip at the last minute due to the shutdown.

Monday, leaders will begin discussions on the Trans-Pacific Partnership pact - a free trade deal that Obama was supposed to chair.

U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman.

(SOUNDBITE)(English) U.S. TRADE REPRESENTATIVE MICHAEL FROMAN SAYING:

"Of course we wish the President were here to lead the meeting of TPP leaders later in the week but