Essa,

I thank you for the advice. I thought that the question I raised was
designed to draw lessons from your own observations of my political conduct.

You indicated that "Therefore, though I may qualify you as a revolutionary,
I have sound resentments about your political diplomacy. "

I was not sure what you meant. This is why I asked what you meant by
political diplomacy. I agree with you that you have every right to an
opinion and to differ with anyone. I respect your desire not to deliberate
on the issue.

As to the question of not running for presidency, I do not see any
contradiction. Our position is that to serve a country is a life long duty.
To hold political office is not a career. I am simply saying that I am
willing to serve my country and humanity in whatever capacity time and
circumstances dictate until I visit the grave, but I am not hungry to hold
political office. I hope my position is clear. In short, whether I am
elected to political office or not does not bar me from doing what I am
doing now. During these past months, we have held meetings in over 200
villages all over the country to discuss the vital concerns of the people.
We have been sleeping in huts; eating what the people are eating; thus
having a thorough understanding of their realities and concerns. This work
of learning from the people and sharing our views with them regarding the
nature of the country and what could be done to address their needs and
aspirations is something that I will always be ready to do as long as I have
the energy to do so. If we are given the mandate to manage the affairs of
the country, I will also be ready to contribute my quota to the best of my
ability. This is how matters stand.

Greetings.

Halifa.


-----Original Message-----
From: tester testers <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Monday, February 21, 2000 08:13
Subject: Re: TO HALIFA


>HALIFA!
>
>Canis timidus vehementius latrat quam mordet.
>A timid dog barks more violently than it bites.

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