Mr. Jassey-Conteh, I have responded to this question privately on several occasions to members and non-members alike. I guess I must go public now that you have expressed your concern about my "silence" on issues specific to political developments in the Gambia. The Articles Establishing the ADB and other Bank regulations do not allow me to publicly comment on matters deemed to be of internal political nature by Members States. However, avenues and channels have been provided in the regulations for staff to express views/concerns on issues of governance. Infact, I am expected to register both my personal views and the Bank's position to Member States, The Gambia included. I believe, I have been doing w hat is expected of me in my current function. Refraining from making public comments on Gambian politics does not mean that I am apolitical. I have views on politics, as I have on economic/financial and social issues. For the time I have left at the ADB, I can only publicly express those views that are not considered to be of an internal political nature by shareholders. Participating, as I do, on this and similar fora, has associated risks but it is a risk worth taking because of the value I derive out it; of getting to exchange ideas/views. I hope that you appreciate my position. sidi sanneh ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html ----------------------------------------------------------------------------