Comrades:
We must also understand that the United States knows the kind
of terrorist acts the government of the Gambia is doing to its
people. Is the resent torching of the Independent Newspaper not
a terrorist act?
Gambians and the entire world understand that the dictatorship in the
Gambia is perpetrating the worst kind of terrorism on its citizens.
Naphiyo,
Comrade ML Jassey-Conteh
-----Original Message-----
From: Abdoul Njie <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Apr 15, 2004 12:32 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Bush Hails Gambia's Support In War On Terrorism- Culled From Gambianet.com
Interesting Article!!!!
By PK Jarju – Daily Observer
Welcoming Gambian Ambassador Dodou Bammy Jagne as he presented his
credentials at the White House recently, President George Bush expressed his
appreciation for The Gambia's 'steadfast support' for the ongoing war
against terrorism and also commended the country's human rights record
"which has significantly improved"
President Bush said, "I had the honour to represent the United States at The
Gambia's Silver Jubilee in 1990 and I am pleased to once again renew our
ties. Let me also take this opportunity to express my appreciation for The
Gambia's steadfast support for the ongoing war against terrorism. President
Jammeh has sent a powerful message that the fight against terrorism is a
cause embraced by all freedom-loving people around the world. Let me also
take this occasion to recognise The Gambia's contribution to West African
efforts to restore peace and security in Liberia."
According to President Bush, The Gambia during the past two years has taken
important steps to build a vibrant democracy and combat poverty and economic
stagnation which has made it eligible for African Growth and Opportunity Act
(AGOA) benefits. "The Gambia has taken vital steps to create a hospitable
environment for increased trade and investment. We note The Gambia's
improved human rights record, and hope that it continues on the path of
protecting the rights of its citizens. The Gambia has also focussed during
the past year on fighting corruption and improving governance," he added.
President Bush further said the US recognises the enormous challenges facing
The Gambia and urged the authorities to make every effort to restore public
faith in the country's key economic institutions. "We look forward to
working closely with you and your Embassy on expanded trade, regional
stability, democracy and human rights, and other aspects of US-Gambian
relations," he said.
On his part, Ambassador Jagne said the people of The Gambia hold President
Bush and the US in the highest esteem. "Mr President, your 1990 visit to The
Gambia during our Silver Jubilee independence celebrations, is still fresh
in our memories and makes us feel proud and privileged to have had such an
important association with you, Mr President. And I must say, the Gambian
people are eagerly looking forward to welcoming you back to our beautiful
country. A little more than a year ago, you made the observation to my
predecessor that a lot of good had taken place in The Gambia but important
work remains to be done."
Ambassador Jagne further said the Jammeh regime is on course to build a
better Gambia - a Gambia whose people can stand tall and show the rest of
the world what it means to be a small country with a vision, and one that
puts her people first. He added that The Gambia's relationship with the US
continues to be strengthened, and as a country, it underlines
"enthusiastically its appreciation of the current US Ambassador in The
Gambia, Jackson Macdonald, for his positive role and support over the
years".
On the bilateral front, Ambassador Jagne said, "The Gambia continues to be a
beneficiary of US' assistance in various forms. The recent renewal of our
eligibility for AGOA, the provision of financial assistance for the Fajara
Barracks Clinic, the restoration of training assistance to the Gambian
military, financial assistance to the National Assembly, and the pledge of
US$2 million for research into malaria, are all laudable examples of your
keen and sincere interest in our growth and development."
He said the country continues to consolidate its gains made over the past
few years on the economic front which was made possible by President Bush's
generous assistance in paying for the country's first-ever sovereign credit
rating, which gave it an encouraging rating of B-.
"We have started seeing the benefits of being rated as private financial
institutions, such as Exim Bank, have started making investments in The
Gambia. I hope that over time, we will be able to broaden and deepen
American investments in The Gambia, given also our strategic location and
the efficiency of our banking sector. We believe strongly that our efforts
to sustain good governance, backed by your support, will indeed ensure that
we not only can win the fight against poverty, but in the process, also
build a strong and lasting foundation for economic development and growth,"
he said.
Ambassador Jagne said "no one these days shies away from the reality of the
catastrophic events of September 11, 2001. In line with the whole world, we
condemn these acts of barbarism in the strongest language and stand
alongside America in the fight against terror and against those who promote
and harbour terrorists. The Gambia has passed new laws on anti-terrorism and
money laundering. We continue to be vigilant to prevent such activities. Our
security and intelligence agencies continue to have good relationships with
their American counterparts and other agencies around the world in the
global quest to eradicate all forms of terrorism," he said.
Ambassador Jagne requested for further US assistance in the areas of
education, health care, agriculture, and the promotion of a sustainable
practice in the fisheries sector to enhance the elimination of illegal and
unregulated fishing in Gambian Waters. According to him, assistance in these
areas will enhance and solidify the country's endeavour to meet the
Millennium Goals. He appealed to the Bush Administration to stay engaged
with The Gambia to further enhance growth, economic stability and it's
comprehensive socio-economic plan - Vision 2020.
_________________________________________________________________
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