US Ambassador Lauds Banjul's Progress to Democracy, Rule of Law

The Daily Observer (Banjul)
NEWS
July 5, 2002
Posted to the web July 5, 2002


The United States ambassador to The Gambia, Jackson Mcdonald, has said The
Gambia has made significant progress towards democracy and the rule of law.

Speaking on the occasion of the commemoration of his country's National Day
at his Fajara residence yesterday, Mr Mcdonald said: "The United States
recognises that The Gambia has made significant progress towards democracy,
the rule of law and respect for basic human rights".

He noted that the stability and development of the West African sub-region
remains his government's main goal, acknowledging that The Gambia was
contributing to this regional stability and development.

He said it was very unique in the world for the military to overthrow an
elected president and allow him to return peacefully. President Jammeh, he
said, deserved commendation for his noble gesture.

Referring to activities marking the US national Day celebration, Ambassador
Mcdonald said the September 11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre
and the Pentagon were historic incidents that were vividly reflected on by
all Americans around the world. He added that the attacks would be
remembered forever.

US-Gambia relations On the lifting of US sanctions onThe Gambia and the
normalisation of relations, he said, the United States Government had been
working closely with the Gambia Government and civil society to strengthen
the relationship between both countries.

"what we are doing specifically is in support of the fight against Hiv/Aids,
promoting girls education and the University of The Gambia. We have also
re-established the normal relationship with the Gambian military," he said.

The war against terror Mr Mcdonald added that since September 11, the world
had changed and "the United States, its allies, its friends including The
Gambia as well as some countries which are not traditionally friends of the
US, have joined together in a common struggle against terrorism in all its
forms and from all regions of the globe".

Ambassador Mcdonald added that only through such global cooperation would
mankind be able to defeat the terrorists of this world.

The reception was attended by SoS Ousman Badjie, NAMs, diplomats, security
heads, and other dignitaries.




There is a time in the life of every problem when it is big enough to see,
yet small enough to solve.    -Mike- Levitt-


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