United States Embassy, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
4th of July 2007

Remarks by Ambassador Jackson

Thank you for joining me to celebrate the 231st anniversary of the independence of the United States of America.

First, I would like to congratulate Prime Minister Tertius Zongo and members of the new government.  I wish all of you great success as you embark upon your new responsibilities.  We look forward to continuing our very fruitful and expanding cooperation.

In 1776 the American Declaration of Independence created an independent, democratic United States of America.  It established noble principles and values for enlightened governance and aimed to advance the rights of all human beings.

231 years ago we fought to defend those values at home.  Since then, we periodically have been called upon to help defend them elsewhere around the world. As we celebrate here today in peaceful Burkina Faso, we must also acknowledge our compatriots, and our many allies, in Iraq and Afghanistan, and in Africa where we have been called upon to advance and defend freedom, democracy, and human rights.

I am pleased that we and the people of Burkina Faso share the same aspirations and values. Burkina Faso, with the assistance of donors who share the same ideals, is moving in the right direction toward greater peace and stability, democracy and good governance, and prosperity for its people.

The key to progress is a stable and peaceful African continent. A stable Africa must  include African solutions. I congratulate the President of Burkina Faso, Blaise Compaore, for his successes as the Chairman of ECOWAS and regional mediator. The United States recently trained a Burkina Faso Army battalion for peace keeping operations. The country is now poised to send trained peacekeepers to Darfur or elsewhere. I congratulate the Government for this important commitment to regional stability.     

In Burkina Faso, democracy has manifested itself in recent elections. The process of democratization is hard work for all citizens. To be successful, the government and civil society must improve the electoral code and election planning. Most importantly, democracy requires healthy debate, a strong opposition and an informed public.

The Government of Burkina Faso has made positive steps regarding human rights by adopting the Anti-Trafficking in Persons National Plan of Action. I am confident that the Government of Burkina Faso and Civil Society will also attack corruption, a scourge which can undermine all progress. The US Government also believes that an independent judiciary is an essential element to ensure civil liberties, political rights, and accountability.

Burkina Faso is looking toward the future by investing in its people. I am proud that the United States has contributed to girls’ primary education, nutrition and food security programs for vulnerable populations, and to fighting diseases that plague this and other African countries.  I would like to make particular mention of the over 100 Peace Corps Volunteers who live and work in remote villages improving the lives of thousands of people by working in health, education and small enterprise.

Economic freedom goes hand in hand with a successful democracy. While Burkina Faso has made progress in economic freedom, we hope that there will be a major effort to improve the business climate in order to capitalize on the economic potential of this country.
The United States supports efforts to improve cotton production and marketing, to develop telecommunications and market infrastructure, and to export Burkina Faso’s products to the U.S.

The Millennium Challenge Coorporation, will assist Burkina Faso with large investments in infrastructure to improve economic growth and fight poverty.  I would like to emphasize that MCC and the American people expect in return, visible progress in three areas:  ruling justly, investing in people, and economic freedom.

The Embassy is working hard to build bridges between our two peoples. Our libraries, American Language Center, and American Corners in Bobo, Fada, & Zorgho are full to overflowing with eager Burkinabe wanting to learn more about the United States and its values.  Our Embassy web site and exchange visitors program improve knowledge and understanding of the world.

Consistent with these efforts I am particularly pleased that the U.S. and Burkina Faso have implemented a reciprocal arrangement by which we both now issue 5-year multiple entry visas to qualified Burkinabe and American citizens.

Ladies and gentlemen, I have reviewed American priorities in Burkina Faso.  Now I would like to recognize a person who has contributed a great deal toward the success of our efforts: Cynthia Akuetteh, Deputy Chief of Mission will depart this month to undertake a very important job and difficult job as DCM at the US Embassy in Abidjan.  We will miss her greatly!

In closing, let me say that today Americans believe in democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights as strongly as they did in 1776.  Here in Burkina Faso, the United States will remain engaged to ensure that these universal rights are respected.