Mr. Conteh: Thank you for your continued leadership and unflinching commitment to restoring democracy in The Gambia. My late response was not for lack of interest but because I was away for a week. I join others on the forum in commending you and endorsing the idea for a conference, and like Joe Sambou, feel that the logistics ought to be started by our friends in Atlanta. I am willing, however, to play what little part I can. The other thought I have about the "Unity Conference" is that it ought to be coupled with fundraising for the anticipated United Opposition Party. I believe, based on the proceedings in London, that the respective political parties and their leaders, except for those of PDOIS, have begun initial consultations. It seems to me, again, based on PDOIS' current and past response(s) to the issue at hand, and the reaction(s) it generated, that they Do Not wish to be part of a United Opposition. I could be wrong and stand to be corrected. If this is the case, the immediate issue is whether we need another conference to be informed about issues that the London Conference so eloquently highlighted and addressed. Thus, the need for fundraising, if the "unity Conference" were to be held in Atlanta. Mr. Jeggan J. Bahoum: Thank you for the official report and your response to PDOIS' reasons for not attending. Your response to PDOIS was clear and well argued, a benchmark to be emulated. For KB, Hams, Saul, Musa & Co: You also play an important role in the debate and I have similarly enjoyed and learnt from your responses to Halifa's postings. There is enough room for all views in this debate about National Reconstruction. I also believe we must continue to debate the "Gender Issue" as an important plank in the quest for National Reconstruction as Ms. Sisoho has so often and ably reminded us. In conclusion, Gambians abroad not only have a right but a duty to bring pressure to bear, (in collaboration with opposition parties at home and abroad, other governmental and non-governmental organizations), on the regime at home in order to see its speedy demise. I also respect the stance of those organizations that are non-partisan. Allow me to share this quote once more: " Who saves his/ her country, saves him/ herself, saves all things, and all things saved do bless him/ her! Who lets his/ her country die, lets all things die, dies him/ herself ignobly, and all things dying curse him/ her." Senator Benjamin H. Hill Jr., 1893 ( Emphasis added to reflect gender). Cheers! Abdoulaye ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html You may also send subscription requests to [log in to unmask] if you have problems accessing the web interface and remember to write your full name and e-mail address. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------